News

…Hails Opobo Monarch, OCJ Okocha, Burna Boy, Others On National Honours …Says They’re Leading Lights Of Rivers

Published

3 years ago

October 12, 2022

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate in Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, has congratulated distinguished Rivers men and women who have made the list of those to be conferred with national honours by President Muhammadu Buhari.
A statement signed by the Deputy Media Assistant, Bon Onyedi, yesterday, in Port Harcourt, said, “He specially congratulated the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, on his well-deserved choice for the conferment of the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) award, adding that the honour has once again projected him as a leading nationalist.
“Fubara, while eulogising the sterling qualities of those who made the list, described them as the leading lights of the state and that the honour couldn’t have come at a better time to reward their immeasurable contributions to Rivers State in particular and the nation in general which places them as national figures.
“Excited by the honour to be bestowed on the Rivers indigenes, the governorship candidate noted that they are all distinguished and respected individuals conferred with such a rare national honour in recognition of their contributions to the peace, progress, cohesion and the socioeconomic development of the nation.
“Fubara, further enjoined the honourees to see the honour as motivation that will spur them to greater heights as they continue to contribute to the growth and advancement of our dear state in particular, Nigeria in general and the betterment of humanity”.
Recall that on Thursday, September 22, 2022, President Muhammadu Buhari released a list of eminent Nigerians found worthy conferred with national honours, yesterday, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, as part of activities to commemorate Nigeria’s 62nd Independence anniversary.
Other honourees from Rivers State for the various categories of the national award are King Apollos Chu (OFR); Mr. Herbert Wigwe (CON); Tein T. S. Jack-Rich (CON); Onueze C. Joe Okocha (OFR); Rear Admiral B. J. Gbassa (OFR); and Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji (OON).
Others include Comfort Chukwumuebobo Ekaro (nee Ebenezer) (OON); Chief Ferdinand Ngogo Alabraba (OON); Rear Admiral Tamunoibikari Genius Samuel Epelle (rtd) (OON); Amb. Kim Solomon Amieyeofori (MFR); Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu (Burna Boy) (MFR); Dr. Ferdinand Giadom (MFR); and Kenneth F. Yellowe (MON).
In another development, Sir SimFubara has also felicitated with three Rivers born lawyers who were elevated to the exalted rank of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN).
While congratulating them, Fubara noted that the trio of Dagogo Iboroma, Lawrence Oko-Jaja and Tonye Kurukurubo, are distinguished legal luminaries who have done the state proud in their legal profession, stressing that their diligence in the profession has singled them out for the rare elevation.
He further enjoined them to keep the Rivers flag flying high in all their endeavours as they have done in their noble profession.

By: Nelson Chukwudi

News

HoS Hails Fubara Over Provision of Accommodation for Permanent Secretaries

Published

5 days 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

5 days 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

5 days 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.