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Prepare For Proper Handover, Wike Directs New Commissioners …Orders Compilation Of Success Stories ….As Nwanosike Hails Mmom’s Appointment
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has tasked commissioners, heads of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to begin compilation of relevant information required to document as successes, covering from 2015, when his administration started.
Wike stated that he was determined to do a proper handover to his successor despite the fact that his predecessor did not do a proper handover to him.
This is even as the Rivers State House Assembly has screened and confirmed five commissioner-nominees as part of efforts of the Legislative arm to consolidate the gains of the infrastructure development agenda of the NEW Rivers Vision in the state; just as both the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Engr. Samuel Nwanosike, and the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Barrister George Ariolu, congratulated Prof. Prince Chinedu Mmom, over his screening, confirmation and swearing-in as the new Rivers State commissioner for education by the Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.
The Rivers State governor gave the charge after he had sworn-in five new commissioners, last Saturday, at the Executive Chamber of Government House in Port Harcourt.
The commissioners are Hon. Deinma Iyalla, assigned to the Ministry of Special Projects; Prof. Prince Chinedu Mmom to the Ministry of Education; Hon. Boma Iyaye to the Ministry Local Government Affairs; Hon. Christopher Green as Commissioner for Sports; and Burabe Anea-Bari Donald posted to the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Community Affairs.
Wike explained that his administration was in its last lap and there was need for the different ministries to begin compiling records of their activities in lieu of handing over day.
“Everybody should, as a matter of fact, put the records of their various ministries together. You won’t wait till May 29, 2023. You have to start now since this administration started in 2015. State what we have done, and by the grace of God, when the new person (governor) comes, he will have a handover note, and it will not be like me who didn’t get a handover note.
“Everything we have done, all the records. What we have bought from ministry to ministry, you have to start compiling them. I don’t want to hear a situation where you will say there is no time, there is plenty of time. You don’t need to wait till the last day. That is why things are difficult for some people.”
Wike told the newly sworn-in commissioners that his administration was in its finishing stage and so much was required of them to ensure a good ending.
He urged them to serve the state with incontestable passion, demonstrate competence and leave an indelible imprint in their various ministries of posting.
The governor acknowledged that some of them had served the state in different capacity as former commissioners and special advisers.
He, however, urged them to utilise this present opportunity to further contribute to the development of the state.
“It is not how long that you stayed in office that can make the difference. It is the passion and commitment that you give to it. You can be in office for six months and people will see your impact, and your impact will be known. But if you cannot do it within that period, even if they allowed you to stay ten years, you may not also be able to carry it out.”
The Rivers State governor described as an aberration the appointment of someone without requisite intellectual acumen to represent the state as a minister in the Federal Executive Council.
“I have never seen an embarrassment like that in my life. Yes, you must appoint those who are loyal, but educated people are also loyal. It has never happened in our state. Everything cannot be politics. The image of the state is key.”
Wike also informed that his administration has completed more projects that are scheduled for inauguration.
He, therefore, stated that such projects’ inauguration ceremony would commence early August 2022 and would last for two weeks.
Earlier, the Rivers State House Assembly, had last Friday, screened and confirmed five commissioner-nominees on the floor of the house at the assembly complex.
The screening of the nominees was part of efforts of the Legislative arm to consolidate the infrastructure development agenda of the Executive.
The confirmation of the commissioner-nominees follows a letter from the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, to the state assembly for the screening.
The commissioner-nominees screened include, Deinma Iyalla, Prof Chinedu Wogu, Boma Iyaye, Christopher Green, and Burabe Anea-Bari Donald.
Speaking at the plenary, Speaker of the house, Rt. Hon. Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani, appealed to the lawmakers to allow one of the nominees, Boma Iyaye, who was a member of the house to take a bow and leave the chamber, which was granted.
However, others went through the proper screening process on the floor of the house.
In his submission, Ibani said the screened commissioner-designates were expected to effectively consolidate on the infrastructure gains already made by the Governor Nyesom Wike-led administration.
During the screening, some of the lawmakers poured encomiums on the commissioner-designate who had served the state before.
One of the screened and confirmed commissioner-designates, Christopher Green, who is the current chairman of Rivers State Football Federation (RSFF), said Rivers United, under his watch, has done well, and promised not to relent, but to keep the tempo higher.
In his remarks, Prof Chinedu Wogu, who is an educationist, after being screened and confirmed, said there was need for the Federal Government to find lasting solution to the government and Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU) impasse for the good of the nation’s education system.
Reacting, the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Engr. Samuel Nwanosike, congratulated Prof. Prince Chinedu Mmom, over his screening, confirmation and swearing-in as the Rivers State commissioner for education by the Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.
Nwanosike described Mmom, who is a Professor of Geography and Environmental Management at the University of Port Harcourt, as a round peg in a round hole.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Prince Chris Omodu, last Saturday, and made available to The Tide in Port Harcourt.
He noted that the Ikwerre-born academic colossus would bring his rich academic experience to bear in enhancing the NEW Rivers Vision of Governor Nyesom Wike, and reposition the educational system of the state..
He explained that Mmom belongs to several academic bodies, headed diverse committees and centres of the University of Port Harcourt, and rose from the Head of Department to Dean of Faculty of Management Sciences of the revered institution of higher learning.
Nwanosike added that Ikwerre people were extremely happy over Mmom’s appointment, and wished him well.
In his reaction, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Barrister George Ariolu, congratulated Prof Chinedu Mmom on his appointment and swearing in as commissioner for education in the state.
He stressed that the appointment was as a result of the confidence of Governor Nyesom Wike, and indeed, the entire state have in him.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ichenwo Goodluck, made available to The Tide in Port Harcourt, yesterday, Ariolu expressed optimism that the new commissioner would transform the state’s education sector, using his wealth of experience and knowledge.
He said, “Congratulations on Your Appointment as Commissioner for Education by the Rivers State Government. On behalf of my family and entire people of Obio/Akpor, we hereby congratulate you on your appointment as a commissioner, who has been trusted with the responsibilities of manning the education sector of our dear state.
“This unique assignment glaringly shows the confidence the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, and the people of the state have in your ability and capacity to perform, as exemplified by your excellent performance during your time as Head of Department and Dean of Faculty in the University of Port Harcourt.
“As a people, the entire Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality, which you are a part of in particular, is proud of your meritorious rise, which has distinguished you as a worthy ambassador of the peace-loving tribe and the state in general.”
Ariolu expressed optimism that the newly sworn-in commissioner would turn things around for the good of the people, adding that his appointment would meet the yearnings and desires of the people and further consolidate on the governor’s giant achievements in the education sector.
He, therefore, prayed God to grant the professor sound health and other fruits of grace to further serve Rivers State and the people as God may direct him.
By: Nelson Chukwudi & Ike Wigodo
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.