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Wike Reappoints Woke As Chief Of Staff …Swears-In Three Commissioners-Designate, Today
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has approved the reappointment of Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke as the Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt.
Similarly, the Governor Nyesom Wike will, today, swear-in three commissioners-designate at the Executive Council Chamber of Government House, Port Harcourt by 12noon.
Both revelations were made in separate statements signed by the Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Rivers State, Kelvin Ebiri, in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
One of the statements indicated that thecommissioners-designate include Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor, SAN; Hon Isaac Kamalu; and Dr. Dakorinama Alabo George-Kelly.
The Rivers State House of Assembly had, last Friday, screened and confirmed three nominees as commissioners-designate and members of the State Executive Council.
Those screened and confirmed were Hon Isaac Kamalu, Prof Zacchaeus Adangor and Dr Dakorinama George-Kelly.
This is sequel to a letter from the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, requesting the Assembly to screen and confirm the nominees.
During the screening at the floor of the House, Kamalu, who was the immediate past commissioner for finance and a former lawmaker in the Sixth Assembly, was asked to take a bow and leave the hallowed chambers.
However, the other two nominees, Adangor and George-Kelly, through a motion by lawmaker representing ONELGA 1 State Constituency, Hon Nathaniel Owaji, and seconded by the House Leader, Hon Martin Amaewhule, were also asked to take a bow based on the fact that they have thoroughly distinguished themselves in the service of the state.
During the debate, Uwaji, had maintained that Governor Nyesom Wike, did a good job with the quality of individuals he sent to the House for screening and confirmation into the State Executive Council.
He expressed confidence that following his interactions with the nominees during the screening, there was no doubt about the capacity of the nominees to deliver on their mandates, if given the opportunity to serve as commissioners in the State Executive Council.
According to the lawmakers, their nomination shows they had performed spectacularly well, and do not need screening.
The lawmakers added that the nominees had showed their professionalism and expertise on both issues of the disputed oil wells settled recently by the Supreme Court and the Nabo Graham-Douglas Law School, which construction was still ongoing.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ikuinyi-OwajiIbani, at the end of the screening exercise, divided the house for a vote, which was overwhelmingly in favour of their confirmation.
Hon Isaac Kamalu and Dr. Dakorinama George-Kelly were aspirants in the just concluded Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship primaries, and they came out as the first and second runner-up, respectively.
Kamalu was the immediate past commissioner for finance and was also overseeing the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
In 2015, Wike also appointed him the commissioner for budget and economic planning.
He served in that position till the end of the tenure in 2019.
Meanwhile, the PDP EMOLGA New Media Team has congratulated Engr Chukwuemeka Woke on his reappointment as the Chiefof Staff, Rivers State Government House.
A statement signed by the Coordinator, PDP EMOLGA New Media Team,Hon. Steve Ogbuewu, yesterday, said, “It is with great pride that we, the executives and the entire family of the aforementioned group congratulate one of our leaders in Emohua LGA, Engr Chukwuemeka Woke, on his reappointment as the Chief of Staff, Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt by the performing Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike.
“The truth is, we are not surprised at your reappointment. You have demonstrated over time your dedication, steadfastness, loyalty and commitment to your duties and to the NEW Rivers vision of Chief Nyesom Wike.
“To us, this is a call to do more, and we are with no doubt you will always deliver. We pray God grants you the requisite strength, wisdom and Grace to pull through the responsibilities there in.
“Once again, congratulations!”, the group said.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the State Executive Council.
Under the new disposition, Barrister Christopher Green, who until now served as Commissioner for Sports, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Justice as the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
This is contained in an official statement signed by Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications.
According to the statement, Barrister Green will also continue to coordinate the activities of the Ministry of Sports pending the appointment of a substantive Commissioner to oversee the ministry.
The redeployment, which takes immediate effect, was approved at the last State Executive Council meeting for the year 2025, underscoring the Governor’s commitment to strengthening governance, ensuring continuity in service delivery, and optimising the performance of key ministries within the state.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration will ensure the delivery of developmental projects and the prevalence of peace in all parts of Rivers State.
The Governor emphasized that the achievement of these lofty ideals can only occur through the unwavering contributions of all Rivers stakeholders.
Speaking during the commissioning of the 10.7-kilometre Egbeda–Omerelu Road constructed by his administration, the governor said Rivers State can only move forward when its people choose unity over division.
He assured Rivers people that development projects would reach every part of the State but cautioned that progress cannot thrive where conflict persists.
Reflecting on the project, Governor Fubara recalled that the road was a promise he made during the inauguration of the first phase about a year ago.
“We made a promise that we were going to do this project, and today I am happy that the government has fulfilled that promise made to Emohua people, Egbeda community and Omerelu people,” he said.
He noted that the essence of governance is service to the people, adding that responding to their needs is a core responsibility of any administration.
“We decided to do this because you know where we are coming from, and if we don’t tell our story, many won’t know what we are doing. Even in the face of tribulations, we have remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We will continue to serve our people with respect and honour,” he affirmed.
Governor Fubara also reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to back all groups working towards securing the President’s victory in 2027.
Giving technical details of the project, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, explained that the contract was awarded on October 27, 2024, to Messrs Johnson Roadworks Limited.
He said the road links communities in Emohua and Ikwerre LGAs and shortens travel time for motorists commuting from Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Omoku through Egbeda to Owerri in Imo State.
He added that the infrastructure features a 12-metre clearing width and an 8-metre asphalt surface, comprising a 50mm binder course and a 40mm wearing course. It is complemented by 24 kilometres of drainage channels with a 1.05m² cross-sectional capacity to ensure durability and efficient water flow.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, described the road as a crucial link for surrounding communities, significantly easing movement for residents.
He praised the governor for demonstrating continuity and consolidation and prayed for God’s strength to enable him to achieve even more for the people.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers State remains the best investment destination for investors in the oil and gas sector.
Governor Fubara stated that since the economic development of Rivers State is closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry, his administration has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government and host communities to protect natural assets in the sector.
The Governor stated this during the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he pointed out that since the economy of Nigeria relies substantially on the oil and gas sector, his administration will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ramp up production.
“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90% of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State, home to numerous national and multinational oil and gas companies, is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40% of the country’s revenue.
“?Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry. That is why, since the beginning of this administration, we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets in collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders, and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.
“Furthermore, we have established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State as part of a strategic plan to stimulate our economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of our citizens.
“We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he stressed.?
Governor Fubara affirmed that Nigerian-funded companies can only succeed and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic prosperity when challenges that limit the nation are effectively tackled, and expressed his administration’s stand to support indigenous organisations such as the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation.
Declaring the roundtable open, the Governor assured the Nigerian-Owned companies in the oil and gas sector, that “we are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State.”
The Founder of the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation, Mr Emeka ugwu-Ozu, disclosed that the summit, held only in an oil and gas producing place, is a forum for all in the industry to brainstorm and suggest best practices for local players.
“This roundtable discussion takes place in only oil and gas producing states, and it is intentional. And that is to make sure that sooner, it becomes like what we say is the equivalent of Houston in the United States of America.
“I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he said.