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Wike Justifies S’South’s Primacy To PDP …Says Party Must Treat Zone With Fairness, Justice

Published

4 years ago

March 23, 2022

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.

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PANDEF Hails Tinubu For Lifting Emergency Rule In Rivers

Published

4 days ago

September 19, 2025

The Tide

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has hailed the lifting of the State of Emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

In a statement signed by Board members and National Executive Committee members, yesterday, PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu for rectifying what they described as an anomaly.

The statement was co-signed by Co-Chairmen, PANDEF Board of Trustees, Alfred Diette-Spiff and Obong Victor Attah, National Chairman Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, and National Secretary, Beks Dagogo-Jack.

Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State on the 18th of March, 2025, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, and members of the state House of Assembly for six months in the first instance.

In place of the governor, the President appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) as Sole Administrator.

However, Tinubu announced the suspension of the Emergency Rule on Wednesday, stating, “It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State shall end with effect from midnight today (Wednesday).”

The Forum commended Fubara’s unwavering perseverance and “faith in the divine will of Almighty God,” while also commending the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension.

“The Board and National Executive Committee of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, the apex socio-political organisation representing the South-South geopolitical zone, joins millions of Nigerians in welcoming the lifting of the state of emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

“While PANDEF had expressed strong reservations regarding the erstwhile emergency rule, we commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for taking this bold step to rectify the anomaly.

“We welcome Governor Siminalayi Fubara back to his elected office and salute his unwavering perseverance and faith in the divine will of Almighty God. We extend similar commendations to the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Oduah, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension,” the statement read.

Addressing Rivers people, the forum declared, “Light has returned to the state and a new glorious dawn has come. A moment in which the bitter pains of the past months will inspire all to rededicate themselves to true mutual forbearance, new alignments and forward movement.”

They urged political leaders and citizens to put the past behind them and work towards the collective good of the State, while pledging to support Rivers’ developmental trajectory under Fubara.

“All hearts and hands must therefore be joined together to put the past behind us and work towards the collective good of the state.

“We look forward to the State’s return to normalcy and the resumption of its developmental trajectory under the leadership of Governor Fubara and his team. PANDEF reiterates its commitment to supporting the government and people of Rivers State in their pursuit of progress and development,” the statement added.

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RSG Approves Full Rehabilitation of State Secretariat …Unveils Housing Scheme for Civil Servants, Honours Veterans

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Eteh Ibas (Rtd), has approved the complete rehabilitation and modernization of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex to enhance efficiency and productivity in the civil service.

Ibas made the announcement at the 2025 Civil Service Week Gala and Awards Ceremony held at Banquet Hall, Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday,.

He disclosed that “initiative is designed to transform the secretariat into a modern, efficient and conducive work environment, directly supporting the civil servants who form the backbone of the state’s governance.”

The Administrator also approved the provision of 106 housing units for civil servants in the State.

Ibas paid glowing tribute to retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, describing them as the bedrock of the state’s administration.

He stated that the awards ceremony was a symbol of deep appreciation for decades of sacrifice, resilience, and commitment.

“These interventions are designed to not only recognize your service, but also to improve your welfare in tangible and lasting ways,” the Administrator stated.

“We must build an administration that is efficient, effective, and truly citizen-centric,” he added.

The Administrator urged serving officers to draw inspiration from their predecessors and strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of citizens.

He emphasized the importance of embracing innovation, technology, and continuous training to build a civil service equipped for the future.

The Acting Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyingi Brown, in her welcome address, described the civil service as the “engine room of government” and expressed profound gratitude to the Administrator for his unwavering support and commitment to its modernization.“

“A society that does not honour its heroes is not worthy of emulation,” Dr. Brown remarked, lauding the retirees as torchbearers of discipline and loyalty.

She pledged to build on their legacy through reforms and innovation, projecting that the Rivers State Civil Service would become a model of efficiency and transparency by 2030.

Speaking on behalf of the retirees, President of the Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries, Sir Promise Njowhor,

expressed heartfelt appreciation for the historic recognition.

“For once, since the creation of the State, we are being honoured,” Njowhor said, adding, “Our morale has been lifted.”

He pledged the association’s continuous support for government programmes, describing the body of experienced retirees as a resource available to contribute to state development.

The rehabilitation of the State Secretariat and the new housing scheme represent a major investment in the infrastructure and dignity of public service in Rivers State, signaling a new era of support for the civil servants who drive the government’s policies and programmes.

The Tide reports that the Administrator also conferred awards of meritorious service on retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries in the State

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Rivers LG Poll: APC Wins 20 chairmanship seats, PDP Clears Three

Published

3 weeks ago

September 1, 2025

The Tide

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has won 20 out of the 23 local government areas in the just concluded local government election in the State, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clinched three local governments.

According to the results released by the Rivers State independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), yesterday, the APC won the chairmanship seats in Abua/Odual, Andoni, Opobo Nkoro, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Khana local government areas.

APC also won in Gokana, Tai, Oyigbo, Bonny, Eleme, Etche, Omuna, Akuku Toru, Asari Toru, Degema, Ikwerre and Emohua local government areas.

The Commission, however, said the PDP won in Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor, and Ogba Egbema Ndoni local government areas.

Chairman of the Commission, Dr Michael Odey, who announced the results at the Commission headquarters in Port Harcourt, said Ofori Owolabi of the APC scored 28,755 votes to emerge winner of the election for Abua Odual while Solomon Ochomma, also of the APC, emerged chairman elect for Ahoada East after scoring 54,509 votes.

Odey said Eugene Epelle also of the APC scored 84,125 votes to emerge winner in Ahoada West, while Bob Fubara was elected the chairman-elect for Akuku Toru after scoring 63,593 votes.

Similarly APC chairmanship candidate Lucky Otuo Promise emerged chairman-elect for Andoni after scoring a total of 126,181 votes, APC’s George Onengiyeofori emerged winner in Asari Toru after scoring 56,383 votes, while Pepple Blessing Abinye garnered 13,543 votes to emerge winner in Bonny Local Government Area.

Other APC candidates elected include Michael John Williams who scored 16,536 votes to emerge chairman-elect for Degema Local Government; Obarlllormate Ollor (77,452) for Eleme; Dr Chidi Julius Lloyd (114,380) for Emohua; Njoku Boniface (100,649) for Etche; Confidence Deekor (96,478) for Gokana, while Wobodo Charles got 62,746 votes to emerge winner in Ikwerre Local Government Area.

Other APC winners from the APC include Akuro Tobins (32,285 votes) for Okrika; Hon Obasi Uchechukwu (38,530) for Omuma; James A James (38,822) for Opobo Nkoro; Vincent Nemieboka (36,374) for Ogu/Bolo; Hon Mbakpone Okpe (70,080) for Tai LGA, while in Oyigbo, Okechukwu Akara scored 101,495 votes to emerge winner.

Meanwhile, the RSIEC chairman announced Dr Gift Worlu of the PDP with 328,823 votes to emerge winner in Obio Akpor; Shedrack Ogbogu, also of the PDP, scored 51,051 votes for Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area, while in Port Harcourt City, Sir Alwell Ihunda garnered 235,054 votes for PDP to emerge winner.

The APC also cleared the councillorship seats in Abua/Odual, Andoni, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Khana, Oyigbo, Bonny, Eleme, Etche,Tai, Khana Opobo/Nkoro and Degema local government areas.

Similarly APC councillorship candidates also emerged winners in Asari Toru, Degema, Akuku Toru, Gokana and Khana while PDP cleared the councillorship seats in Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt city, and Ogba Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Areas

Meanwhile, the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions has passed a vote of confidence on the just concluded local government election in the State.

National Chairman of the forum, Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, said this in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt.

Eri said all the chairmen across the country were in Port Harcourt to monitor the election as well as gain experience in an election under emergency rule.

John Bibor & King Onunwor