News

2023: Don’t Vote For Killers, Jonathan Warns Nigerians

Published

3 years ago

September 26, 2022

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, has warned Nigerians not to vote for those he described as “killers” during the 2023 election.
Jonathan stated this, yesterday in Uyo during a special interdenominational service to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State.
“In 2023, you must not make the mistake to vote killers.
“Those who will carry knives, guns, and all kinds of gadgets to go and kill people because of politics, are the enemies of society.
“If you kill to become a leader, you will continue to kill to remain a leader.
“The people will continue to suffer. Make sure that from the House of Assembly to the House of Representatives to Senate to governor, you vote for the right people in Akwa Ibom State,” Jonathan said.
Jonathan also praised Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, and other leaders for their contributions to the milestone achievements recorded by successive administrations since the state was created 35 years ago.
Speaking as the special guest of honour at the state banquet, organised by the Akwa Ibom State government, last Saturday, at the Ibom Icon Hotels and Golf Resorts, Uyo, as part of activities marking the 35th anniversary celebration of the state, Jonathan acknowledged that there were visible improvements in the areas of physical infrastructure and other basic amenities across the LGAs within the period of 35 years.
“I will say that Akwa Ibom State, which was carved out of the old Cross River State, is one of the states that have met the expectations of her people in fulfilling the reasons for her creation. If you have been coming to AkwaIbom within these periods of 35 years, you would agree that people from the state would always thank God for the creation of this state”.
While commending the efforts of the incumbent Governor, Mr.Udom Emmanuel, in laying a solid foundation for future development of the state, Jonathan called on politicians to shun politics of violence and division, and team up with the governor to ensure that the state continues to remain a centre of positive reference.
“Governor Emmanuel has done very well, therefore, the youths can no longer afford to be laid back, and in this election season, I charge the young ones to be vigilant to ensure that their choices are not thwarted”, Jonathan added.
Emmanuel had in his remarks said that his administration has connected with the people at the grassroots level through the provision of healthcare facilities and other live touching projects.
He used the occasion to appreciate former military president of Nigeria, Gen Ibrahim Babaginda (rtd), whom he said, yielded to the aspirations of the founding fathers of the state by creating AkwaIbom State in September 23, 1987.
“I want to thank all our past leaders for the great works that they have done in shaping us into where we are today”, he said.
While reeling out his scorecard, Emmanuel said his administration would continue to work for the benefit of the people despite the global economic and financial challenges, as he was not given to accepting excuses but results.
The event which featured the cutting of 35th anniversary cake and the presentation of Ibom Productivity Order of Merit Award to fourteen persons, who were adjudged distinguished and trailblazers in their various fields of endeavours, including journalism, entrepreneurship, ICT, and in public service.
Other dignitaries who attended the event include: Former First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan; Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator DouyeDiri; former Governor of Gombe State, Dr. Ibrahim Dankwambo; former Governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam; former military governors of AkwaIbom State, as well as the Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo, who proposed the anniversary toast.

News

HoS Hails Fubara Over Provision of Accommodation for Permanent Secretaries

Published

12 hours ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

The Head of Service (HoS) of Rivers State, Dr. Mrs. Inyingi S. I. Brown, has commended Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, for approving befitting accommodation for Permanent Secretaries in the state.

This commendation was contained in a press release made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt.

According to the Head of Service, Governor Fubara has continued to demonstrate uncommon commitment to the welfare of civil servants in Rivers State, stressing that such gestures underscore his people-oriented leadership style. She urged civil servants across the state to remain supportive of the governor’s administration in order to sustain good governance and effective public service delivery.

Speaking on behalf of the Body of Permanent Secretaries, Dr. Brown congratulated Governor Fubara on the occasion of his 51st birthday, describing him as “a Governor who leads by serving.”

She further praised the governor’s service-driven and people-centred leadership approach, noting that it has significantly contributed to institutional stability and improved efficiency within the state’s public service. Special appreciation was expressed for the approval of a befitting accommodation complex for Permanent Secretaries, which she said reflects the governor’s commitment to staff welfare and enhanced productivity.

As part of activities to mark the governor’s birthday, the Body of Permanent Secretaries announced the sponsorship of 329 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms for indigent students across the state.

A breakdown of the initiative shows that 319 forms will be distributed across the 319 political wards in Rivers State, while five forms are allocated to non-indigenes and five forms to persons living with disabilities.

Interested applicants are advised to contact the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, for further details.

The Body of Permanent Secretaries wished Governor Fubara continued good health, divine wisdom, and greater accomplishments in his service to the people of Rivers State.

By John Bibor

News

Allegation of Disrespect to President Tinubu Unfounded — Rivers Government

Published

13 hours ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

The attention of the Rivers State Government has been drawn to a statement credited to an acclaimed Rivers State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), purportedly authored by one Bestman Innocent Amadi, alleging that the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, removed the official portrait of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, from the Government House, Port Harcourt.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Rivers State Government wishes to categorically state that there is no policy, directive, or intention on the part of the government or the Governor that disrespects the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or undermines the authority of the Federal Government.

On the contrary, the Rivers State Government, under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, currently enjoys a robust, cordial, and collaborative relationship with the Federal Government, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Renewed Hope Agenda—a partnership that is already yielding positive and tangible benefits for the people of Rivers State.

Consequently, the insinuation that the Governor acted out of “ingratitude” or “disrespect” is misleading, irresponsible, inflammatory, and entirely unsupported by verifiable facts, and should therefore be disregarded by the public.

It is regrettable that a body expected to promote youth unity, peace, and responsible engagement would resort to incendiary language, personal attacks, and unsubstantiated claims capable of overheating the polity at a time when Rivers State requires calm, dialogue, and mature leadership.

The Rivers State Government therefore calls on well-meaning members of the public, particularly its esteemed and hardworking youths, to disregard and dissociate themselves from individuals or groups bent on advancing divisive rhetoric and falsehoods for political purposes.

Rivers State belongs to all of us. Political differences must never be allowed to override truth, civility, peace, and the collective pursuit of progress.

Members of the public are further urged to remain vigilant and avoid lending credence to inflammatory statements or the activities of fifth columnists pursuing dubious agendas aimed at sowing discord.

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News

Rivers Government Dismisses Allegations of Disrespect to President Tinubu

Published

13 hours ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Government has dismissed as unfounded and misleading allegations that Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara removed the official portrait of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu from the Government House in Port Harcourt.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the state government reacted to claims credited to an acclaimed Rivers State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), describing the allegation as false, irresponsible, and unsupported by any verifiable facts.

The government clarified that it has no policy, directive, or intention that disrespects the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or undermines the authority of the Federal Government. It emphasized that Governor Fubara maintains a cordial, respectful, and collaborative relationship with President Tinubu and the Federal Government.

According to the statement, the relationship between Rivers State and the Federal Government has grown stronger under the Renewed Hope Agenda, with tangible benefits and positive impacts already being felt by residents of the state.

The Rivers State Government described insinuations that the governor acted out of “ingratitude” or “disrespect” as deliberately provocative, noting that such claims are capable of misleading the public and unnecessarily heating up the polity.

It further expressed concern that an organization expected to promote youth unity and peace would engage in what it termed incendiary language, personal attacks, and unsubstantiated accusations at a time when the state requires calm, dialogue, and responsible leadership.

The government called on well-meaning members of the public, especially the youths of Rivers State, to disregard the claims and dissociate themselves from individuals or groups spreading divisive rhetoric and falsehoods for political purposes.

Reaffirming its commitment to peace, unity, and progress, the state government stressed that political differences must never be allowed to override truth, civility, and the collective interest of the people.

Members of the public were also urged to remain vigilant and not give attention to inflammatory statements or individuals described as fifth columnists bent on causing division within the state.