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‘Wike Has Raised Bar In Quality Infrastructure In Education Sector’
As the global community marks World Poetry Day, the Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo has said that Governor Nyesom Wike’s huge investment in infrastructure in the educational sector has engendered increase in human capital and sustainable development in the state.
Banigo made the remarks during the celebration of this year’s World Poetry Day, organised by the Seaview Poetry Club in Port Harcourt, last Sunday.
She advised youths to emulate great poets like J.P. Clerk, David Diop and others who made vital contributions to nation building with their intellectual materials and philosophical prowess.
The deputy governor, who was represented by Director of Documentation, Office of the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Mr Paul Damgbor, said poetry was a form of art and literature that amalgamates cultures and history which shape life and global understanding.
According to her, “World Poetry Day is to bring global attention on the importance of poetry in the conservation of our languages, and to stimulate interest in poetry among scholars”.
Banigo further urged the organisers of the event to continue to champion and promote the rich cultural heritage of our people through poetry by organising poetry competitions in primary and secondary schools, especially in the rural areas.
The deputy governor praised the Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, for taking Rivers State to a lofty height, stressing that the Wike-led administration has graciously being committed to providing free registration of WAEC, NECO and JAMB for students in public schools in the state, stressing that Rivers State is the only state that ASUU or lecturers are not on strike in country and described him as a “Talk and Do Governor”, the pride of Rivers State.
Earlier, the President of Seaview Poetry Club, Dr Ekechi Amadi had thanked the deputy governor for her great support for youth empowerment, stating that as part of its commitment to poetry advancement in rural area, the club visited Community Secondary School, Obuama in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Highlights of the World Poetry Day celebration were recognition of Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo as the POET OF THE YEAR and poetry rendition by participants.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo has joined other people of goodwill to felicitate with the Chairman of Degema Local Government Area, Hon. Michael Williams as he celebrated his birthday, yesterday.
In a statement in Government House, Port Harcourt, last Monday, Banigo said the chairman has demonstrated great leadership capacity and commitment to lead the Degema Local Government Area up to greater heights.
The deputy governor wished the chairman many happy returns, and prayed the Almighty God to protect and keep him in good health.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene