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Wike Justifies Inclusive Agenda For Rivers Dev …You Can’t Wish Wike Away In PDP, Fayose Insists
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has explained the rationale behind the implementation of an inclusive development agenda for the state.
He said that while most people hardly see beyond the delivery of road projects executed by his administration, it was because the roads were more visible and would lure investors to the state.
“Why we are trying to do more of the roads is because it attracts development. If there are no roads, people will not go and build houses. If there are no roads, people will not invest.
“But when you have good network of roads, such will encourage people who want to invest in the state to do so.”
Wike gave the explanation at the inauguration of the Community Secondary School, Obuama (Harry’s Town) in Degema Local Government Area, which was performed by the former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, last Friday.
He stressed that his administration has also given sufficient development attention to improving structures, teaching and learning facilities in the education sector.
“All through this week, we have been busy trying to, and letting the people understand what we are doing in the education sector.
“Before, people were saying is it only roads we are doing. Since Monday, we have been talking about tertiary education. Now, we are talking about basic education.
“By the time we finish, we will also go to the health sector, and let the state see what we have done in that sector.
“So, for me, it is touching all-round the sectors because no one sector can be said to be more important than the other.”
Wike explained that it was his Deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, who called his attention to the poor state of the community school in Obuama, and he immediately directed for a total upgrade of the structures and learning facility.
“To God be glory, we have been able to put in our best to make it a proper secondary school that our children will not only have access to education, but also have quality education.
“I’m sure by the time you take your time after this event, to go round the premises and see some of the structures, you will be quite convinced of the quality that we have been able to put in place.
“And so, we are happy that we are here. This terrain is waterlogged; actually, it will be difficult if you don’t do concrete pavement like this. If you want to asphalt it, I don’t think it will last long. But with this concrete they’ve done, I’m sure it’s going to last long.”
Speaking further, Wike directed the Ministry of Special Projects to, within the next two weeks, provide him with an architectural design for the building of two hostels, one for boys and the other for female students at the school.
“Since it is mixed school, do design, one for boys and one for the girls. Then, there will be a dining hall for them. Since you have provided accommodation for the teachers, then, there should be hostels for the students.”
Inaugurating the project, former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, commended Wike for doing so much in providing quality infrastructure that has raised the quality of living of Rivers people.
Fayose also spoke on the current crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and stated that most people think that they must destroy leaders before they can rise, which is hardly possible.
He noted that the PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, does not hate Wike, but a lot of people around him were the enemies creating tension.
“For me, I want to believe that Atiku Abubakar is not against you. But let me say this quickly, a lot of people surrounding the throne are enemies of the throne.
“A lot of people surrounding the throne have one axe to grind with somebody, or some issues with somebody, and they take it to where they’re not supposed to take it.”
Fayose reiterated the need for Atiku to work to unify the party so that everybody can focus on how to win the 2023 presidential election.
He noted that it was impossible to wish Wike away, adding that anybody doing so, was the real enemy of the party.
“There is no living person in the party and outside this party that will not acknowledge your contribution to this party. You are the soul of this party.
“Rivers State has been here for long, but today, we can see the difference. The average Rivers man is proud to be from Rivers. They’re proud to say you’re their governor.
“Forget whatever anybody says about you. I’ve said it before, Wike, the man with a fierce look but a good heart, the heart of love, to accomplish and give support.
“The majority of our enemies today are not against you because of anything but against you because you have capacity; they’re against you because they know that when you take over, they will fall apart”.
He further urged those close to the presidential candidate to desist from creating disaffection, and allow him to unify the party as the 2023 general election draws near.
“Wike has not come out to say that Atiku Abubakar is not the presidential candidate. He is! I was there the second day after the election when our candidate, the former vice president visited the residence of Wike.
“We had mutual conversation. We were all happy. Everything was in place to move forward. I spoke at that meeting. But I don’t want to aggravate this situation. I’m only appealing to people that matter.
“In every political party, there will be grouping: The same family, but different interests. We can do better than we are doing. People around the corridor of power, please, allow this candidate to win election. We don’t celebrate victory until it is ours.”
In his description of the project, Rivers State Commissioner for Special Projects, Deinma Iyalla, said there are two blocks of two-storey of 12 classrooms, one model storey building of 12 classrooms, a storey building as administrative block, library, ICT and science laboratories, quarters for senior and junior principals and staff.
In his address, Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Chinedu Mmom, said no industrial action has been witnessed under Wike.
So far, Mmom noted, the state government has improved over 125 educational facilities in the primary, secondary and tertiary learning cadre; sustained the free basic education policy; sponsored about 29,250 students to write Basic Certificate Examination; and 39,750 students for NECO and WAEC.
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.