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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
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Fubara Frowns At Slow Pace Of Ndele–Omofo–Egmini–Agba-Ndele Road Project ….Says Contract May Be Reviewed
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed dissatisfaction over the slow progress of work on the 14.5-kilometer Ndele/Omofo/Egamini/Agba-Ndele Road project located off the East–West Road in Emohua Local Government Area.
Addressing newsmen during an inspection tour of the project on Tuesday, the Governor noted that the pace and quality of work being delivered by the contracting firm, Messrs Stream Co. & Equipment Limited, fell below acceptable standards.
He was accompanied on the tour by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who briefed the Governor on the status of the project and adjoining infrastructure.
Governor Fubara, who appeared visibly unsatisfied with what he saw on the stretch of the road, said his administration would not condone mediocrity or allow public funds to be wasted on underperforming projects. He, therefore, hinted that a review of the contract may be imminent to ensure the delivery of quality infrastructure to the people.
“I can say here already that the contractor handling the road from the bridge to the East–West Road is not doing a good job. I’m not happy about it. When I get back, there will be a need to review that contract because I’m not impressed. They don’t have the capacity, and we need capacity because we must have value for whatever money we’re spending,” the Governor said.
The Governor, however, commended Setraco Nigeria Limited for the standard and pace of work on the 240-meter Agba-Ndele/Abua Bridge, which forms a major component of the project. He explained that the bridge, which his administration inherited, would significantly improve connectivity among communities in the area once completed.
Governor Fubara stated that the bridge will serve as a key link between communities in Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas, reducing travel time and providing an alternative route to the East–West Road.
He emphasised that the project demonstrates his administration’s commitment to rural connectivity and inter-community access, which are central to his development vision for Rivers State.
“Where we are standing on is a bridge connecting Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas. The community that is connected to this bridge is Agba-Ndele.
“Instead of running through the East–West Road to Ahoada-East and heading into Port Harcourt or out of it, this bridge provides easy access for the Abua/Odual people to cross into Emohua, Agba-Ndele, and access the East–West Road in minutes,” he explained.
Governor Fubara also expressed optimism that the bridge would be ready for use in early 2026, noting that Setraco’s expertise and performance met his administration’s expectations for quality and delivery timelines.
He highlighted that projects of such importance should be handled by firms with the capacity to meet government standards.
The Governor further remarked that once completed, the bridge would serve as a crucial economic corridor for farmers and traders, especially those involved in agriculture and cultivation of local produce across the beneficiary local government areas.
He maintained that his administration is determined to deliver people-oriented projects that promote connectivity, strengthen commerce, and enhance livelihoods across the State.
“I’m really impressed with what I’ve seen on the bridge. I’m very sure that before the end of January, it might be completely ready for us to walk through and even drive across,” Governor Fubara said.
Reaffirming his vision for Rivers people, the Governor noted that his development plan seeks to integrate all parts of the State through strategic infrastructure investments that promote mobility, social cohesion, and economic growth.
He explained that his government is executing projects across multiple local government areas to ensure balanced development and inclusivity.
Governor Fubara stated that the administration will soon address the deplorable state of the Abua/Ahoada Road, which he said, will be included in the 2026 state budget.
“Our vision is to connect the entire Rivers State together, especially communities that have challenges of access. The bridge here connects Abua/Odual and Ahoada-East to Emohua and Port Harcourt. It will ease movement, promote trade, and boost our economy because agriculture is strong on this side. Moving goods to the city won’t be a problem anymore,” he said.
Governor Fubara reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure that provides value for public funds and meets the aspirations of Rivers people.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has unveiled plans to permanently relocate the dumpsite along the busy Port Harcourt Airport–Obiri-Ikwerre Road, describing the current location as both a public health threat and a damaging first impression for visitors arriving in Port Harcourt, the State capital.
The Governor made this known on Tuesday during an inspection of a proposed replacement site, which is a disused burrow pit near Bambo Estate, off Eneka Road in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area.
The location is being assessed as a potential permanent dumpsite for the State.
Governor Fubara, who was conducted by the Board Chairman, Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), Dr Samuel Nwanosike, and its Managing Director, Dr Ibimina Wokoma, expressed concern about the environmental and health challenges posed by the existing site, which sits along a major entry point into the State.
“The kind of environmental hazards that we are facing there along the Airport–Obiri- Ikwerre Road; the smell on that road being the entrance into the State, we felt it’s not proper,” he said. “So, we are making alternative arrangements so we can have a permanent refuse dumpsite that meets acceptable standards.
“He added that the government would move swiftly to formalise ownership of the land and complete construction work on the access road to make the new site functional.“We have not concluded the issue of the burrow pit, but the access road, I think the government is doing something about it.
So, I will make sure that everything that needs to be done to ensure government owns this burrow pit is done,” he stated.
Governor Fubara also commended the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) for what he described as a more assertive and improved approach to managing refuse across the State.In addition to the dumpsite inspection, the Governor also visited the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters located in Elimgbu Town, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, to assess the extent of ongoing construction work on the facility.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Benibo Anabraba, to uphold the dignity of his office, protect the interest of the State, and discharge his duties with honour, respect, and responsibility.
Governor Fubara gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony of the new SSG, held on Monday at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
Describing Anabraba’s appointment as an act of divine favour, the Governor said positions of leadership are not attained by our own human effort but by God’s grace in our lives.
“Let me first congratulate you. I’m using the word ‘congratulations’ because a few of us, not by our power but by the special favour of God, find ourselves in exalted positions. It’s not because we are the best, but only by His grace.”
Governor Fubara noted that the Office of the Secretary to the State Government is one of great honour, occupied by only a few since the creation of Rivers State, and urged the new appointee to serve with humility and dedication.
He, however, expressed confidence in Anabraba’s capacity to deliver, citing his past record as a principal officer of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“This position is a rare privilege. Guard that office with honour. Discharge your duties with respect. Protect the interest of Rivers State. When you leave office, let it be with honour, and that only comes through responsible service.
“I know you’re a dedicated person. This opportunity is not for show or display of power. It’s a call to duty,” he cautioned.
The Governor emphasised that the current administration is focused on restoring confidence of the people because peace has been achieved in the State.
He enjoined the new SSG to align with the vision of the administration and contribute meaningfully to the collective progress of Rivers people.
“We are emerging from a very difficult period and must reassure our people that we mean well for them, especially now that peace has returned to Rivers State. By the grace of God, do your work well. Help us succeed in this assignment that God has given to us,” the Governor added.