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Your Boldness Sustained Agitation For True Federalism, Mimiko Reminds Wike
Former Governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, has noted that through bold legal challenges, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, deepened the national consciousness concerning the defective federal system, and advocated for true federalism.
Mimiko made the statement when he performed the flag-off of construction work for the dualisation of Azikiwe-Iloabuchi Road in Mile 2, Diobu, Port Harcourt, last Wednesday.
He said Wike combined such national advocacy with effective political leadership with which he doubtlessly changed the physical landscape of Rivers State.
“Beyond the self-evident physical transformation, you (Wike) have stood as a bulwark against those sworn to emasculating the main opposition party, all in their bid to force a one party state down the throats of Nigerians.
“I am sure your successor will surely be proud to announce loud and clear, a continuity campaign slogan, continuity of impactful projects, continuity of passionate and courageous leadership.
“You were at one point virtually a one man countervailing force, defending and protecting our dear PDP. You have also, through bold legal challenges, deepened the national consciousness on the defects in the running of our defective federal system.”
The former Ondo State governor said he was sure that Wike would remain committed to the struggle to entrench a true federal system that would engender real development across all ethnic nationalities, and religious persuasions in Nigeria.
He pointed to the urgent need by all well-meaning Nigerians for national unity, which is the required impetus to effectively confront the intractable security and economic challenges.
“Your Excellency, our party, the PDP, a party for which you have laboured so much, seems saddled with the historical duty of forging this unity, a unity premised on truth, equity and justice, a unity upon which rescuing Nigeria from the far from satisfactory performance of the past seven years will be built.
“It is a mission that must be accomplished; a mission for which you are specially positioned and favoured to play a major role; a mission that must be subscribed to by all lovers of our country.”
In his speech, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, noted that elders of the state like Chief Azubuike Nmerukini and Rt. Hon. Austin Opara, mounted pressure on him to intervene on the road being flagged-off.
He said it would be the last of such projects to be executed within the Port Harcourt metropolis because, in keeping with his promises of restoring the Garden City status, every road has been reconstructed.
“As a man who respects leaders, I have to honour them by making sure this road is awarded, and by making sure that this road will be completed within six months.
“This is the last project here in Port Harcourt I think I’m going to embark upon before I leave office. All the promises I have made in Port Harcourt, I have fulfilled them.
“Let somebody come and tell me which one I have not fulfilled. Old Government Reserved Area, I have finished. New Government Reserved Area, I have finished. Ogbum-Nu-Abali, I have finished. Diobu here, I have finished?”
Wike explained that already, 80percent of the contract sum has been paid to the contracting firm, Julius Berger, because the project was billed for completion in six months.
The governor also assured that issues about compensation of property marked for demolition would be paid in good time so that nothing would interfere with the stipulated completion time.
“Let me tell the people here, we have paid Julius Berger Nigeria Plc 80percent of the contract money. Julius Berger is owing us now. So, it is not a question of coming here to tell you that we will do this road, and at the end of the day, we don’t do it.
“I want to say the money for the compensation is ready. As I go back now, I will treat the file, and those whose houses are affected must be paid before Monday, August 15, 2022.”
Wike emphasised that politics for him was about accountability to the people, which was why his administration was using Julius Berger Nigeria Plc noted for quality and long lasting work.
He said that when completed, the road and the street lights that would be installed would enhance economic activities and improve value of property in the area.
“Because you voted for us, we too will work for you by providing basic infrastructure. That is what politics is all about. It is about talking and doing, not giving of excuses.
“No right thinking person in this state would want to mingle or identify with such people that would make promises without fulfilling them.
“All we are saying, our own campaign has always been ‘operation show your report card’. We are showing our report card. Tell anybody who comes to you to show their report card.”
On his part, Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Dr. Dakorinama George-Kelly, said the road, connecting Iloabuchi Road from Azikiwe Street would take off traffic from the Nkpolu-Oroworukwo flyover onto Eagle Island and other part of the state capital.
“This road has existed over time as a single lane with 7.3m width but it is now going to be dualised. It starts directly from the termination point of the Nkpolu-Oroworukwo Flyover which is near completion, and will take traffic to Iloabuchi and to Eagle Island.
“The road is 29,200sqm in area, the median strip will be 1.5m width. It is going to have two sides drains with cross sectional width of 1m each.
“The road will have 600mm thickness of sand because there is going to be a lot of soil replacement, and we are going to have 150mm thickness of stone base,” he said.
Also speaking, South-South Regional Manager of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Juergen Fischer, said his company was delighted to have been chosen and trusted to do the job.
He pledged that as customary with the company, they would deliver quality project as part of their commitment towards the transformation agenda of the Wike-led administration.
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.