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Forget My Support If You Think Other Tribes Can’t Be President -Wike
My Guber Bid For All Rivers People, Fubara Clarifies Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has declared that he would not support anybody who believes that only the presidency of the country was their birth right, and that no other ethnic group can produce the president of Nigeria.
Wike made the declaration at the Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2023 election campaign flag-off rally held at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Omagwa, Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state, last Saturday.
This is even as the Gubernatorial Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2023 election in Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, has said that the governorship election in the state was not about him but every Rivers indigene and those who live and do business in the state.
The governor wondered why anybody could go on national television to deride any tribe, insinuating that they are less Nigerians and therefore, do not qualify, on ethnic basis, to ascend the presidency.
‘My dear brothers of the Integrity Group, you’ve done well. They have tried to break us, they couldn’t break us, and they will never break us.
“But here in Rivers State, I will say it, and let the heavens hear me. Let the earth hear me today. I will not support anybody who says that no other person from other ethnic groups can be president. I will not do it.
“I mean, Nigeria belongs to all of us whether you’re from Hausa, Fulani; whether you’re from Yoruba, whether you’re from Igbo, or you’re from Ikwerre, whether you’re from Urhobo, whether you’re from Itsekiri, you’re from Ijaw, or from anywhere, you are entitled to be president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“So, when you go on national television and tell people, don’t vote for the Yorubas, don’t vote for the Igbos, you didn’t even mention where I come from, which means, nobody identifies with me; which means, I come from nowhere. But God knows that I come from somewhere.”
Wike explained that his stance has nothing to do with the party because he believes in the PDP.
But, he insisted that it was about the identity of a people who were Nigerians, and therefore, should have equal status, no matter their ethnic origin.
The governor said when people do not acknowledge that you exist, there was need to tell such persons that you do exist.
According to him, the people of Rivers State do exist, and as Nigerians, they can also determine issues about the presidency, and become the president of Nigeria too.
“You are saying it, don’t vote for Igbos, and don’t vote for Yorubas. You don’t mention where I come from, which means I don’t exist.
“God, are you alive and they say I don’t exist? I exist. God has never made a mistake in life. He is the one who said where we should come from? It has nothing to do with party. It has to do with my identity.”
Wike challenged the National Chairman of PDP,Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, to sue him, if he was not corrupt as accused, over the diversion of N1billion, N100million, and money realised from the party primaries.
The Rivers State governor explained that Ayu was already building a private university from the proceeds of corruption, and insisted that such person cannot lead Rivers State to any campaign.
“I have challenged Ayu, you are corrupt and cannot lead me to campaign. I will not, Rivers State will not, whether they like it or not; Ayu cannot lead us to campaign. Ayu is corrupt.”
He further added, “You (Ayu) are building a university in Benue State, but you have not stayed one year in office. How do you fight corruption? I said you took N1billion. I told you, you took N100million. I told you, you took the money that we realised from the primary, Ayu sue me, if I lied.”
Wike thanked Governors Samuel Ortom, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Okezie Ikpeazu, and Seyi Makinde of Benue, Enugu, Abia, and Oyo, respectively, for honouring Rivers people with their presence at the epoch event.
“I sincerely thank my brothers, the Integrity Governors for being here with us. Let me assure you, no state of the PDP Integrity Group will lose their governorship election. No amount of gang up will make PDP in Rivers, Abia, Oyo, Benue, and Enugu lose governorship election in 2023.
“Here in Rivers State, they cannot defeat us because we have done very well. Even President Muhammadu Buhari, who is a member of APC, acknowledged that we have worked for Rivers people. If the president could score us very high, who are they to challenge us at the polls?
“APC in Rivers State sold all our assets before we came on board, they sold our plane, we got it back, they sold our gas turbines that Dr. Peter Odili built, they sold it to themselves, now they want to come back, Rivers people will not let that happen,” the governor added.
Wike stated that he will not support any presidential candidate who says or believes that people from a certain section of the country cannot be president because he believes in the unity of Nigeria, and he wants a country where every Nigerian will be given equal rights and opportunities.
“I will not support any presidential candidate who says people from other parts of the country cannot be president. Nigeria belongs to all of us, nobody can say we do not exist, Rivers State exists.
“If you believe in restructuring like you claim in your town hall meetings, then show it in your party, all the senior positions of the party cannot be in the hands of people from one section of the country. What the G-5 Governors are saying is this, we need equity, fairness and justice in PDP,” he added.
The Chairman of PDP Integrity Governors, Mr Samuel Ortom, said Wike was a pan-Nigerian leader who believes in equity, fairness and justice, and earned their respect for showing exemplary leadership.
“Governor Wike is our leader, a pan Nigerian who believes in equity, fairness and justice. He has shown an exemplary leadership and we are happy to follow his leadership.
“With what I have seen here today, I want to congratulate the incoming governor of Rivers State, Sim Fubara, your victory is sure because Governor Wike has done well and PDP is fully on ground here. I also want to appreciate the good people of Rivers State for your hospitality,” he said.
According to him, all G-5 Governors have chosen to work with him since they believe in equity, fairness and justice.
On his part, Enugu State Governor, Hon Ífeanyi Ugwuanyi, stated his support to the Sim Project which, would consolidate the New Rivers Vision and guarantee continual delivery of democratic dividends to Rivers people.
Also speaking, the Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, urged all Rivers people to support the PDP to deliver Fubara, who would continue in Wike’s trajectory of growth, development and progress for Rivers State.
In his remarks, Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, expressed the hope that Rivers State would continue in the tradition of delivering all PDP candidates as known since 1999.
PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Amb Taofeek Arapaja, expressed optimism that the party would win all elective positions in the 2023 general election.
Arapaja commended the G-5 Governors for their unwavering commitment to the party.
On his part, former governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose, urged the national leadership of PDP to use available time to ensure that true reconciliation was achieved, before it was too late.
In his speech, the Gubernatorial Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2023 election in Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, said the governorship election in the state was not about him but every Rivers indigene and those who live and do business in the state.
The Rivers PDP standard-bearer said his ambition was selfless, and his vision was to continue to consolidate the milestones of Governor Nyesom Wike in infrastructure, education, health, among others.
Fubara said, “While I was coming here, someone said to me that today is my day, let me set the record straight, what we are doing is not about me but every Rivers citizen, it is not Fubara’s day. Today is the day that we have all come together to support and consolidate on the NEW Rivers Vision.
“Your support for the consolidation of NEW Rivers Vision is Sim. It is not my day but it is a day for continuity. A day we have all agreed that where our present governor will stop, Fubara will continue.
“In the area of education, wherever he stops, Fubara will continue. In the area of infrastructure, which is his special area, wherever he stops, Fubara will continue. Wherever he stops in health care, Fubara will continue from there.
“Like I stated earlier, it is a day for every one of us. A special day will come where we will unveil what we will do for Rivers people, to consolidate on the already established blueprint of the NEW Rivers Vision,” the guber candidate added.
Fubara seized the opportunity to thank Rivers people for their overwhelming and unflinching support for Governor Nyesom Wike and his administration.
“I want to specially thank Rivers people for your continuous support for our visionary and indefatigable Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike,” he said.
Rivers State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Amb. Desmond Akawor, who gave the welcome address, said the campaign flag-off was the unveiling of the next governor of Rivers State.
“I welcome you all for the unveiling of the next governor of Rivers State, that man is Sir Sim Fubara. History is being made today. The crowd you see here are Rivers people with PVC, not rented crowd.
“Sim is the man Rivers people have willingly chosen to govern them in 2023. It is Sim Fubara because his candidacy stands for equity and fairness; it is Sim Fubara because he is young, educated, sound, and energetic. He is the right man to take us to the next level, he added.
The Director-General of Rivers PDP Campaign Council, Bro. Felix Obuah, said Wike has made his job as campaign DG easier because he has done tremendously well for Rivers people.
“As the Director-General of PDP Campaign Council, I am supposed to be running around campaigning for our governorship candidate, but Governor Wike has done virtually 75percent of my work with his projects in Rivers State. My job is a lot easier. The entire state is SIMplified,” he stated.
The highpoint of the event was the presentation of flags to the governorship candidate and National Assembly candidates by the PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Amb. Taofeek Arapaja.
While performing the task, Arapaja said they will continue to be loyal to the G-5 Governors because they mean well for Nigeria, and those fighting them are elements of disunity in the country.
Eleven outstanding poetry collections are now in the race for the $100,000 Nigeria Prize for Literature, arguably Africa’s biggest and most prestigious literary prize.
The 11 collections were selected from a total of 223 entries received for this year’s competition.
Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Prize, Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, who announced the longlist, said the emergence of the 11 collections marks a significant milestone in this year’s competition and reflects the exceptional quality, creativity and diversity of contemporary Nigerian poetry.
According to her, the longlisted titles, arranged in alphabetical order, are: Adult Love by Tanure Ojaide; Bakandimiya by Saddiq Dzukogi; Black Passport by Paul Akpomuje; 2000 Blacks by Ajibola Tolase; Ceremony For The Nameless by Theresa Lola; Corpus: Animistic Verses by Ayo Oyeku; and Floral’s Love Colony by Tares Oburumu.
Other successful entries are, The Origin of Wounds by Malik Gbolahan; The Years of Blood by Adebayo Agarau; Unbind Me Now by James Ugwu Eze; and Why Does God Need a Gun by Ogaga Ifowodo.
Prof. Adimora-Ezeigbo described the announcement as an important stage in the 2026 edition of the prize.
She noted that the collections demonstrate the remarkable capacity of poetry to illuminate human experience through thoughtful reflection, cultural memory and artistic expression.
According to her, the works revisit history while interrogating dominant historical narratives and exposing the forces that shape collective identities and social relations.
She stated that despite their varied emphases, the books share a commitment to exploring the endurance of individuals and communities in the face of violence, oppression and social fragmentation.
On style and language, Prof. Adimora-Ezeigbo said the books display an impressive diversity of poetic techniques marked by lyrical intensity, symbolic depth and artistic innovation.
“Many employ densely poetic, allegorical, and elegiac modes that invite multiple layers of interpretation, while others draw extensively on folklore, oral traditions, and contemporary realities to create a compelling fusion of past and present. Their language is generally fluid, evocative, and aesthetically refined, relying on vivid imagery, emotional resonance, and intellectual sophistication to communicate complex ideas. These works demonstrate how poetic language can illuminate social realities; challenge established perspectives and give voice to both individual and collective experiences.
“The next stage will demand a closer reading of each work, with attention to language, form, originality and lasting literary value,” she stated.
The Board chairman commended the judges for their painstaking work and reaffirmed the Advisory Board’s commitment to a credible process, literary excellence and the promotion of a strong reading culture.
With the announcement of the 11-title longlist, the competition now moves to the next phase, with a shortlist of three expected in August and the winner to be announced in October.
Sponsored by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), The Nigeria Prize for Literature carries a cash award of $100,000 for the author of the winning book.
Now in its 22nd year, the prize rotates annually across four genres – prose fiction, poetry, drama and children’s literature – with the 2026 edition devoted to poetry.
The Rivers State Government has applauded the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Rivers State Branch, for its steadfast dedication to advancing medical excellence and contributing significantly to healthcare development in the state and the country at large.
Speaking at the 2026 Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the NMA held in Port Harcourt last Wednesday, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, described the association as a vital partner in the quest to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes.
Wokoma, according to a statement by the Head of Information and Public Relations Unit in his office, Julian Masi, noted that the NMA’s sustained advocacy for professional standards and quality medical practice has continued to impact positively on the healthcare sector and national development.
He said the conference theme, “Medical Practice in Nigeria: The Past, the Present and Quo Vadis,” offers a valuable platform for stakeholders to evaluate the progress made in the health sector, examine present realities, and develop practical solutions for future challenges.
He paid tribute to Nigerian doctors and other healthcare professionals for their sacrifices and unwavering commitment to service despite the challenges confronting the sector.
“We deeply appreciate the immense sacrifices made daily by Nigerian doctors and other healthcare professionals. In the face of numerous challenges, they continue to demonstrate exceptional resilience, professionalism, dedication and commitment to saving lives. Their contributions remain critical to national development,” he said.
In her keynote address, the immediate past Commissioner for Health, Prof. Adaeze C. Oreh, called on participants to critically examine the current state of medical practice in Nigeria and explore innovative approaches that will address emerging healthcare challenges in line with the conference theme.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Rivers State Branch, Dr. (Prof.) Annabel Ureh Oparaodu, expressed gratitude to Governor Siminialayi Fubara for his continued support for the medical profession in Rivers State.
She urged delegates to maximize the opportunities provided by the conference through active engagement and knowledge sharing.
Highlights of the event included the commissioning of the Nigerian Medical Association Doctors’ Lodge and the NMA Water Factory, initiatives designed to improve members’ welfare and promote sustainability within the association.
The National Population Commission (NPC) has announced the commencement of a nationwide digital registration of births and deaths in Rivers State under the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics, E-CRVS, System, using the new VitalReg platform.
Federal Commissioner, NPC, Rivers State, Prof. Itotenaan Henry Ogiri, announced said this recently during a press briefing in his Port Harcourt office.
Ogiri said the full digital registration of births and deaths took effect nationwide on July 1, 2026, and is now being implemented across Rivers’ 23 Local Government Areas as part of the Commission’s rollout in the 36 States of the Federation and the FCT.
“Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards a modern, technology-driven civil registration system,
“It reflects the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that every birth and every death occurring in our country is accurately captured through a secure, efficient and digitally enabled platform,” he said.
The Federal Commissioner noted that while Nigeria records an estimated five million births annually, coverage remains low.
“Birth registration currently stands at about 57%, while death registration is below 20% nationwide.
“These gaps underscore the urgent need for a more efficient and accessible registration system,” he stated.
To address this, he said the commission has established 4,011 functional registration centres across the 774 LGAs, with plans to expand to about 8,000 centres nationwide.
According to him, in Rivers State, structures have been put in place and personnel are working with health facilities, LGAs and community stakeholders to ensure accessibility.
Ogiri explained that the VitalReg platform offers faster registration, 24-hour access, automated data validation for accuracy, reduced paperwork and waiting time, enhanced record security, and a stronger national database to support other government information systems.
He added that the platform would integrate seamlessly with Nigeria’s national digital identity framework, including the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to improve coordination and service delivery.
“The initiative builds on the launch of the E-CRVS System and the inauguration of the National Coordination Committee on CRVS by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on November 8, 2023.
“It also aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda on digital transformation and transparency,” he said.
The NPC Commissioner stressed that success depends on partnerships and public participation and listed key collaborators as ALGON, NIMC, UNICEF and Barnksforte Technologies Limited.
“In Rivers State, we will continue to work closely with the State Government, Local Government Councils, healthcare providers, traditional institutions, religious organisations, development partners, civil society organisations and the media to ensure that no child or family is left behind,” he said.
The commissioner called on parents, guardians, healthcare workers and community leaders to ensure prompt registration of every birth and death, noting that a complete civil registration system strengthens governance and supports sustainable development.
He reassured the public that birth registration and birth notification services remain highly subsidised, though specialised administrative services such as record modification, certificate reissuance, attestations and verification will attract approved charges to support system sustainability.
Ogiri appreciated the Rivers State Government for its support, and commended NPC staff in the State, as well as development partners, LGAs, healthcare institutions, traditional and religious leaders for advancing civil registration in the state.
He also urged the media to continue to amplify the message “that every birth counts, every death matters and every Nigerian deserves a legal identity.”
“As we commence this new chapter, let us all work together to build a civil registration system that is modern, inclusive and trusted by all,” Ogiri concluded.