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Wike Justifies S’South’s Primacy To PDP …Says Party Must Treat Zone With Fairness, Justice
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has tasked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to treat the South-South geopolitical zone with fairness, justice and equity.
The governor noted that having consistently voted for the PDP since 1999, the party cannot at this crucial moment ignore the South-South’s contributions to its success.
Wike gave the admonition during the zonal meeting of PDP stakeholders in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, last Monday.
“The South-South is the pillar of the PDP. If the South-South is the pillar of the PDP, they must be treated with fairness, justice and equity. It is not only when it comes to work, it is not only when it comes to giving votes, that we will all remember that the South-South is the pillar. When it also comes to sharing dividends of democracy, they should remember that this is the pillar of the party.”
Ahead of the 2023 general election, Wike charged his colleagues, National Assembly members and other stakeholders from the South-South zone to set aside their differences in the overall interest of the PDP.
“We have all said that Nigerians are waiting for PDP to takeover in 2023. That is true. But we cannot takeover if we are not united. We cannot takeover if we don’t work together.”
The Rivers State governor stressed that the only way PDP could wrest political power from the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government in 2023 was for it to remain united.
He said Nigerians were already disenchanted with the APC-led Federal Government that has through its anti-people economic policies, inflicted hardship on the masses.
According to the governor, APC’s poor governance was clearly manifest in the widespread poverty in Nigeria, insecurity, poor electricity supply, and scarcity of petroleum products.
“It is for us to put our house together and make Nigerians proud; because if we don’t takeover in 2023, Nigerians will never forgive PDP. All the opportunity abounds, and so, we must take this opportunity and make Nigerians happy.”
The governor said PDP has realised its past mistakes, and when given another opportunity will not take Nigerians for granted as the ruling APC was doing today.
“Now that Nigerians have opened the door for us, we must make Nigerians happy. This (APC) government is a government of excuses. Every morning, one excuse;every afternoon, one excuse; and in the night, one excuse. I’ve never seen a party that makes promise without fulfilling the promise.”
Wike said the Federal Government’s declaration that it has deleted Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act smacks of corruption.
In his remarks, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri called for the urgent constitution of the NDDC Board, saying that what was going on in the commission was an aberration.
Diri said, “I want to join my colleagues to welcome all of us to this maiden meeting of our South-South zone stakeholders’ summit.
“Our zone needs this very regularly.We need to come together like this, unite as a people and take our destiny in our hands. I am sure that this summit will not end today.We will continue to meet to look at the issues challenging and confronting this zone.
“I like to join again the Chairman of South-South Governors’ Forum on the issues of the Niger Delta Development Commission, while we are still calling for the real constitution of the NDDC Board. It has never happened in the history of that commission that the board will be taken over by a single administrator.
“The NDDC today is more like a private property to some persons in government, and as governors, we have made this call over and over, and we will not stop. I am sure that in our meeting today, we will look at that because it affects us.
“Beyond that, we were told about the forensic audit of NDDC. Where is the report of the forensic audit? Today is another good opportunity for us to call for the report of the forensic audit of the NDDC.
“A lot of billions have been involved in that, and even as we speak, we still hear a lot of stories about the corruption that is on wholesome scale in NDDC.
“We are the ones directly affected, and we cannot continue to keep quiet.Beyond that, I like to draw our attention to the issue of NNPC.
“Recently, the NNPC was privatised, and NNPC is advertising for construction of roads in Nigeria. But it failed to include any South-South state. This is unacceptable”, Diri added.
Present at the meeting were Governors, Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom; Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta; and Douye Diri of Bayelsa.
Other dignitaries in attendance included PDP national vice chairman (South-South), Chief Dan Orbih; Senator George Sekibo; House of Reps Minority Leader, Hon Ndudi Elumelu; former Deputy Speaker House of Reps, Hon Austin Opara; former governors of Cross River and Rivers states, Senator Liyel Imoke and Sir Celestine Omehia.
Members of the State Working Committee of Peoples Democratic Party, Rivers State Chapter led by the Chairman, Amb. Desmond Akawor and other delegates from Rivers State, including Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo; Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani; Secretary to Rivers State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo; Sen. Olaka Nwogu; Bro. Felix Obuah; and Deputy Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ehie Edison, among others, attended the summit.
A communique issue at the end of the South-South Stakeholders’ Meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party, held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Monday, March 21, 2022, read in full: “On this 21st day of March, 2022, stakeholders of the South-South zone of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) met in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and resolved as follows:That the zone is committed to the enthronement of true federalism in all ramifications, both in principle and practice.
“That the zone is worried over the prevailing state of insecurity across the country and calls for more concerted effort to enhance the operational efficiency of the security architecture. It therefore resolved that the zone reiterates its demand for creation of state police.
“The zone frowns at the continuous and unlawful violation of the Niger Delta Development Commission Act by the use of Sole Administrator in the management and running of the agency and calls on federal government asa matter of urgency to immediately constitute a Governing Board.
“The zone also demands that the forensic audit of the NDDC be made public and implemented without further delay.
“The zone is also fully in support of the provision of the Southern Governors Forum that the next President of Nigeria comes from the Southern part of Nigeria.
“That the zone commends the PDP governors of the South-South for putting the region on the world map through the development projects being initiated and commissioned regularly.
“The zone also resolved that NNPC should recognize the region in siting infrastructural projects as being implemented in other regions.
“The zone also frowned that despite the contributions of the zone to the economy of the nation, stakeholders are worried and frowns at the fact that there is no existent of federal presence by way of projects in the region, including the non-completion of the East-West Road.
“The zone commends the government of Akwa Ibom State under the leadership of Governor Udom Emmanuel for making the hosting of the summit amemorable one.We so submit”, the communiqué added.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, yesterday extended interim relief measures to the people of Bille Kingdom as the government intensifies efforts to address the ongoing environmental degradation affecting the area.
This was contained in a statement by the Head of Information and Public Relations Unit, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Juliana Masi, yesterday.
The governor, during a working visit to Bille Kingdom in Degema Local Government Area, reassured residents of his deep concern for their health and well-being.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to finding a lasting solution to the persistent gas emissions observed in the community’s land and water sources since November 2025.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dagogo Wokoma, the governor announced immediate interventions to address urgent needs.
Some of the relief measures include the provision of potable water and essential medical services through the release of ?100 million as palliative support for the affected community.
According to the SSG, “Governor Fubara remains deeply committed to the welfare of the people of Bille Kingdom. Although unable to attend in person due to pressing state engagements, he is fully aware of the situation and determined to tackle the root cause of the environmental challenge”.
The governor assured residents that the state government would not relent in its efforts to provide a permanent solution to the gas emissions, emphasizing that the current intervention is only a temporary measure to ease the suffering of the people.
He further urged members of the community to remain law-abiding and continue supporting his administration, noting that he has consistently demonstrated a track record of fulfilling his promises.
Earlier, the Chairman, Council of Chief for Bille Kingdom, Chief Bennet Dokubo, expressed joy over the State visit, describing Fubara as a leader who listens to the plight of the people.
He urged the governor to critically look into the gas emission which he described as dangerous to human health.
“If we take you into the river, we notice that the entire environment is bubbling and smelling.
“We most humbly urge you to critically look into this situation. This is something strange we have never experienced before. It is not good for human health,” the monarch stressed.
The Federal Government has declared tomorrow (Friday) and Monday, April 6, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Easter celebration.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government through a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani.
The ministe congratulated all Christians in Nigeria and in the diaspora on the joyous occasion of Easter, and urged Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of selflessness, forgiveness, forbearance and love as exemplified by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
He reiterated that the goal of the government remains to make decisions that would bring about national rebirth, economic growth, and shared prosperity.
The Tide reports that good Friday will be marked tomorrow, while the Easter Sunday will be celebrated on Sunday across the world.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chief of Staff (CoS) to carry out their duties with discipline, loyalty and a firm commitment to the success of the administration and the wellbeing of the people of Rivers State.
The governor warned that any involvement in unauthorised nocturnal meetings or any conduct capable of embarrassing the government will attract immediate dismissal.
Fubara gave the warning yesterday shortly after the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Dagogo S.A. Wokoma and the new Chief of Staff (CoS), Barrister Sunny Ewule, were sworn in at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
As part of the ceremony, the Chief Registrar of the State High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi administered the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office on the duo before the governor gave his charge.
Addressing the appointees, Fubara reminded them that their elevation to the new positions was a call to service and not a platform for political grandstanding or the pursuit of personal ambition.
He stressed that their foremost responsibility should be to themselves and to the people of Rivers State, stressing that their conduct must always reflect integrity, restraint and dedication to public good.
Speaking directly to Dr. Wokoma, whom he described as an accomplished academic and mathematician, the governor expressed confidence in his intellectual depth and capacity to deliver on the new assignment.
The office of the Secretary to the State Government, Fubara stressed, demands thoroughness, discipline and a deep sense of responsibility. He charged the SSG to represent the State with honour at all times.
“Your duty includes representing the state government. You need to represent us in a way and manner that will bring honour to us.
“What is important to this administration is to see that the good works that we started and the ones that we met, are concluded in a way that will bring progress and development to our dear state,” he stated.
Turning to the new Chief of Staff, the governor explained that he is expected to ensure smooth administrative coordination, managing official engagements effectively and safeguarding the image of the Government House.
He underscored the sensitive and personal nature of the role and emphasised that the position operates strictly under the authority of the governor.
Fubara stressed that the role does not permit independent political engagements or private strategy meetings without his knowledge and consent.
“Let me sound it here very clearly. Your duty is to make sure that you handle the administrative duties and image making roles perfectly well, liaising with whoever is coming for any official assignment here.
“If you involve yourself in nocturnal meetings and all those things, I will sack you. I’m very serious. What is important to me today is peace, progress and prosperity of this state. I’m not going to compromise anything for it,” he said.
The governor cautioned that involvement of the new appointees in any action capable of bringing the government or his office to disrepute would attract appropriate sanctions.
While congratulating the new appointees, Fubara expressed optimism that they would justify the confidence reposed in them.
He called on all public officials to work together in unity, observing that collective success is stronger and more enduring than individual achievement.
The governor who also addressed the Permanent Secretaries present at the ceremony, directed those of them who have reached retirement age to start preparing their handover notes without delay.
The notice, he said, was not intended to scare anybody but to prepare their minds towards the inevitability of exiting the service one day and to pave way for an orderly transition.
He warned against any attempt to engage in financial misconduct or last-minute irregularities, stressing that he was closely monitoring the system to ensure strict enforcement of accountability rules.