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Integrity Group: We’re Not Greedy In Politics, Wike Declares
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has accused those who demanded from former president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, to relinquish his presidential ticket when he won to run for a second term in 2015 for the protracted crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Wike made the explanation at the inauguration of Akpabu-Itu-Omudiogha-Egbeda Road in Ishimbam land of Emohua Local Government Area in Rivers State.
Ebonyi State Governor, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), performed the inauguration, yesterday.
The governor said Jonathan went to those chieftains of the PDP, and pleaded with them to return, and work to ensure that the party won the 2015 election, but they refused unless he relinquishes the ticket to them.
According to him, Jonathan specifically met with the current PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in Dorchester Hotel in London, and appealed to him to return to the party.
“In Dorchester Hotel (London), he (Jonathan) went to plead with this our presidential candidate today, Atiku Abubakar, to say please my brother, come back to the party and support me. You know the condition they gave to Jonathan: ‘he should relinquish his ticket not to run as president of Nigeria’. That was a sitting president and presidential candidate of a ruling party.”
Wike wondered why people were now calling for his head because he and other governors that made up the Integrity Group were demanding that PDP National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, relinquish his position.
“We are not saying the presidential candidate (Atiku Abubakar) should relinquish the ticket, we are not being selfish. We are saying since you’re now the presidential candidate let our people take chairmanship, they said they will kill me.”
Wike explained that his previous face-off with Umahi was not personal, but to protect the PDP whose mandate he took away to another party.
The Rivers State governor said he pulled out of that legal battle against Umahi because despite the fact that he hired the PDP lawyers, the national leadership of the party in Abuja did not consult with him when they decided those likely to replace the Ebonyi State governor.
“Let me publicly say, most people thought that you and I are quarrelling, we are not in speaking terms. My dear people, I want to say this, David Umahi has no problem with me personally. If there is one governor that David Nwaeze Umahi is very close to, it’s me. I was defending our party when he took our mandate and ran away. And I said my brother, bring back our mandate.”
He explained that he could not have continued to fight for a party that does not appreciate what he was doing for it.
“But you see, in fighting for the party, there was nothing personal, even though the party you are fighting for turned around not to appreciate what you are doing. When you see Wike is fighting, there is nothing personal about it, but it is for the interest of the party. And I have said all those fights are no longer necessary. I won’t continue to fight and people will not appreciate.”
Wike explained that when politics was seen to be about the people, political leaders would protect the interest of their people and improve their lot.
The governor maintained that those who see politics as avenue to make enemies are on a wrong path because it would prevent them from attracting democratic dividend to their people.
Wike said though it was a matter of choice to chose which party to belong, the decision to pitch tent where the interest of the people you represent can be protected was paramount to consider.
Commenting on the road project, Wike noted that the road had connected three communities of one political ward, and would ease movement directly, which was not possible before now.
Performing the inauguration, Ebonyi State Governor, Engr David Nweze Umahi, described Wike as a true nationalist who has ceaselessly built bridges across the country to foster unity.
Umahi also noted that his Rivers State counterpart fights for others delightfully and unreservedly supports others to succeed.
According to Umahi, he left the PDP because he foresaw betrayal in the party, which has manifested and sued that no matter, the unity of the country should be pursued.
The Ebonyi State described as treacherous the decision of some governors of southern Nigeria extraction to jettison the resolution they made that the next Nigerian president after President Muhammadu Buhari should be from the South.
The Ebonyi State governor commended Wike for working for his people, delivering infrastructure that is second to none and securing Rivers State for the PDP
In his presentation, Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Dr Dakorinima Alabo George-Kelly, said the road that was initially designed to connect three communities was extended to connect four communities, which has stretched it to the Elele-Omoku Road.
The road, which he said is the first phase, measures 8.03km in length, 8 meters wide, and has 9.67km length of drains.
The Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr Chidi Lloyd , who said he fiercely opposed Wike’s ambition in 2015, commended him for his magnanimity in constructing the road for his people.
“I was in the Rivers State House of Assembly for 12 years, I could not do it. I will try to redeem all I have done to you.”
The Hausa Community in Rivers State has dissociated itself from media reports credited to one MaiwadaAdamu that the Arewa Community in Rivers State has appointed Alhaji Musa Saidu as the acting SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt, following the inability of the former SarkinHausawa, Alhaji Isa Madaki to carry out his functions.
MaidawaAdamu, who is also the spokesman of the Arewa Initiative for Peaceful Co-existence, had briefed journalists on the change, but in a swift reaction, the Office of Alhaji Isa Madaki, has come out to say that the only recognised body which has the powers to appoint the SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt is the Council of SarkinHausawa in PortHarcourt headed by Alhaji Isa Madaki.
The statement also said Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki is the only recognisedSarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, adding that his appointment follows the proclamation and endorsement by the council members of SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The statement further called on the general public and all authorities concerned to give Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki maximum co-operation and support,as he discharges his duties as SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt.
The Suspended Rivers State Commissioner for health, Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, has described as baseless allegations in some quarters that she was responsible for the purported disruption of the Nigerian First Lady’s empowerment program in Port Harcourt.
Dr Oreh, who said this in a statement personally signed by her and a copy made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt also described the allegation as a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers
According to Dr Oreh, “they are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord”
In her words,”the allegations levelled against me, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, regarding the supposed disruption of the First Lady’s empowerment programme on Friday 2nd May, 2025, are entirely unfounded, completely false, and a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers and conflict entrepreneurs.
“They are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord.”
The suspended commissioner challenged those behind the allegation, especially the Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation to show proof of its assertion adding “It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I challenge the “Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation” (assuming such a body really exists) to provide tangible proof to support their assertions.
“It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I have neither sponsored nor will sponsor any activities aimed at embarrassing or disrupting the activities of the administration appointed by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to oversee the affairs of Rivers State following his declaration of a state of emergency on Tuesday, 18th March, 2025, and have rather spent the time of my suspension from office focused on other endeavours and my doctoral studies.
“I reaffirm my commitment to working tirelessly for the progress and development of Rivers State.
“Furthermore, I believe that it is crucial for all stakeholders to promote a culture of truth, integrity, and respect in public discourse.
“Unsubstantiated wild claims undermine trust and hinder constructive engagement, and this is not what the state needs at this difficult and delicate time.
“I urge everyone to focus on issues that unite us and foster a positive, solution-driven dialogue for the betterment of our State, and urge everyone to work together to build a brighter future for Rivers State, grounded in truth, transparency, and collective effort,”she said.
By: John Bibor
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has called on key regulators, asset owners and other stakeholders to continue to support the agency toward the goal of remediating the Ogoni environment and restoring the livelihoods of the people and building structures for peace.
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who made the call during the Project’s first quarter meeting with regulators, asset owners and stakeholders in Port Harcourt, urged the stakeholders to remain resolute in supporting HYPREP’s work.
“We particularly expect each regulatory agency and asset owner to deepen their involvement and continue to provide strategic support to the project”, he said, stressing that the quarterly meeting platform remains instrumental in providing a structural avenue for regulators, asset owners, and implementation partners to offer feedback to HYPREP on project performance and deliberate on ideas that move the project forward, as well as strengthen collaboration, deepen synergy and reinforce collective responsibility.
Zabbey disclosed that the socio-economic study of Ogoni has started, as HYPREP has contacted the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organisation(WHO) to commence in the next quarter a three-year human health biomonitoring in Ogoniland.
He noted that work on several fronts of the cleanup project is progressing steadily, adding that as key project partners, the insights and shared experience of the regulators and asset owners have always enriched HYPREP’s operations.
He said the policy thrust of HYPREP for 2025 is clear, as the Project is intensifying efforts to complete within stated timelines, the various ongoing projects, including remediation works and mangrove restoration, potable water facilities, the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, the Ogoni Power Project, Ogoni Specialist Hospital, and Buan Cottage Hospital, among others.
Zabbey, however, announced that HYPREP would commence new set of shoreline cleanup, mangrove restoration and livelihood projects, to sustain the momentum of implementing the Ogoni cleanup, adding that the agency would also conduct detailed site characterisation of the high-risk complex sites, leading to remediation works at the sites.
He noted that HYPREP’s collaboration with Rivers State Ministries of Health, Power and Environment, and civil society organisations remains vital, stressing that the technical and administrative support of all relevant government agencies and funding partners is indispensable in helping HYPREP overcome operational bottlenecks, especially those encountered in interfacing with host communities.
He further indicated that “the people of Ogoni and the nation are looking to us with hope and expectation, and expect tangible results from the remediation initiative”, assuring the participants that the Project Coordination Office is committed to delivering positive results.
“We must, therefore, continue to work with diligence, transparency, and a renewed sense of purpose”, he declared, saying, “ the completion and commissioning of projects this year must reflect not only our technical ability but also our collective commitment to environmental sustainability and sustainable development in Ogoni.”
During the interactive session, the Project Coordinator briefed the participants on the progress made so far by HYPREP to conclude the distribution of starter packs to the 5,000 Ogoni trainees, and called on contractors who had already collected huge chunk of money for the project, to deliver without further delay.
In all, the regulators, asset owners and stakeholders commended HYPREP for the good works it is doing, and urged it to do more.
The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency(NOSDRA) was represented at the event by Deputy Director, Oil Field Assessment, Dr Abam Komommo Omini, while Dr Vincent Nwachukwu, Director of Medical Services, represented the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
The Rivers State Ministries of Water Resources, Power and Environment were represented by Dr Bealo Brownson; Engr K. J. Osele; and Mr James Ordu respectively, while the Society for Women and Youth Affairs (SWAYA); and the Stakeholder Democracy Network(SDN); among other civil society organisations were also at the event.
By: Donatus Ebi