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PDP’ll Improve Quality Of Life, National Economy From 2023 -Wike
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was determined to end the economic hardship foisted on Nigerians by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government.
But Nigerians, Wike enjoined, should also demonstrate that they are truly tired of the bad leadership style of the APC, and were willing to use their Voter’s Card to vote them out of office in 2023.
Wike gave the assurance at the inauguration of the 3.5km long Mgbuoshimini-Nkpor Road at Rumuolumeni in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, last Wednesday.
The Rivers State governor said the APC gropes in failure because it does not have in its kitten the quality of productive good governance.
“If this crowd that have come out here will come out in 2023, the election will be free. If you don’t change the bad government, you too, you are part of the bad government.
“So, use your Voter’s Card to throw away this government at the federal level that has killed Nigeria. That has made hunger, and poverty to be everywhere.
“People don’t have jobs, hard economy policy that does not work. But by the grace of God, PDP will change all these.”
Wike noted that since the APC cannot give what it does not have, PDP was gearing up to steer a national revolution in infrastructure delivery and it would begin from 2023.
He assured that the leadership that would be seen then would not give excuses, but would be committed to growing the economy of the country while restoring hope and meaningful living.
“It is only in PDP states that you can see commissioning of projects. While the other (APC) governors are meeting their president on whether convention will hold or not, we are doing projects upon projects.
“So, that is what Nigeria will witness when PDP takes over in 2023. It will be revolution in infrastructure. There will be no excuses at all. APC government has nothing to offer. It is said that you cannot give what you don’t have.”
Speaking further, Wike said politics was meant to provide service and electorate were to always hold politicians accountable to their promise should they fail to use that opportunity given to them to render public service.
According to him, 2023 would be another opportunity for electorate to demand what they desire and pass verdict on those politicians who always reneged on their promises.
Wike directed the state Ministry of Works to return to site and lay asphalt on the concrete reinforced pavement, while also installing street lights on the road.
The Rivers State governor also lauded his Bayelsa State counterpart, Senator Douye Diri for his sterling performance and delivery of infrastructure to his people, even as a governor in his first tenure.
Wike expressed the hope that the current success record was capable of securing a second tenure ticket for Diri.
Performing the inauguration of the Mgbuoshimini-Nkpor Road project, Bayelsa StateGovernor, Senator Douye Diri expressed delight at the massive transformation of Rivers State under Wike.
Diri, who commended Wike for judicious implementation of his urban renewal programme, said a very high bar of governance has been set in Rivers State that cannot be compromised.
“Today, I can tell you that Governor Wike has simplified governance. Most of us who lived in Port Harcourt before now, if we come back, we will miss our way. This is because the governor has turned Port Harcourt with his urban renewal policies to something different.
“And as I was coming, I was a victim because I kept asking where are we? Which flyover is this one? And so, he is also Mr. Flyover.
“Governor Wike has set a very high bar for governance in Rivers State. Those who want to take over, please, go back end think because this bar that has been set, if you don’t meet it, the people will stone you”.
Giving the project description, Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Hon Elloka Tasie-Amadi said typically the Mgbuoshimini-Nkpor Road was unearthed and impassable, but added that it has been reconstructed within agreed timeline.
Tasie-Amadi described the road as 3.5km long, and 10metre wide with reinforced concrete pavement that has sidewalks and drains on both sides, plus road markings.
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.