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RSG Uncovers Plot To Blackmail Wike Over G-5 Demands …Seals Off EUI Event Centre
The Rivers State Government has issued stern warning to a faceless group orchestrating a campaign of calumny against Governor Nyesom Wike.
Members of the faceless group, described as political detractors, seemed vexed over the role of Wike in the collective demand by the five governors (G-5) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for fairness, equity and justice in the party.
Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Chris Finebone, who briefed journalists in Port Harcourt, yesterday, also displayed a well-worded document bearing the sinister plot of the group, which was, however, not signed.
“This is the evidence of the plot to blackmail Governor Wike. This is the document, and it is titled, ‘Proposal with hashtag, to end Wike rascality programme.’”
Finebone declared that the development was not totally unexpected by the government and the governor.
What is sad about it, he noted, is that those behind it have decided to remain faceless.
“We encourage them to remove their mask and show themselves as the governor and the government are equal to the task of responding to them adequately.”
Thecommissioner noted the fact that the state government already has an idea of the likely identity of the political detractors who were orchestrating the campaign of calumny against Wike.
He stated that they were individuals within the party, and challenged them to reveal themselves, if they were convinced of what they were doing and bold enough for the fight they seek.
“They can’t even sign it (the document) to push for this. It is important we warn them. It is important we also warn Nigerians about this scheme.
“We expect more of them to come. But I can assure you that the governor and the G-5 would rise to the occasion as they continue with this type of campaign of calumny.”
Finebone also spoke on another decision of the state government to seal off the premises of the EUI Event Centre, located along SaniAbachaLink Road within the Government Reserved Area (GRA) Phase 3, Port Harcourt.
He said the EUI Event Centre had refused to heed several warnings from the Rivers State Government instructing them not to allow their activities block the road without the requisite approval.
“The management of EUI Events Centre had refused to refrain from blocking an entire stretch of part of SaniAbachaLink Road, GRA Phase 3 without government approval.
He declared that the Rivers State Government had, with effect from Wednesday, December 7, 2022, sealed the EUI Events Centre in GRA Phase 3, Port Harcourt.
Finebone said very often, owners of event centres in the state fail to plan for the vehicles of their guests; how the vehicles would be parked, and how other road users would use the same road.
Rather, he noted, they simply block the road and do not care about the consequences while also shunning candid advise given to them to curtail such public nuisance.
“Government cannot fold its hands and watch people exercise impunity to the highest level by appropriating property government built with tax payers’ money just to their own personal use and comfort. Government must protect all.”
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Austen Ben Chioma, explained the decision followed last Wednesday’s obstruction of free flow of traffic on the road by the management of the EUI Event Centre.
This, he noted, was at variance with promises they had made to government that they would always make sure that their traffic wardens control traffic properly so that other road users are not punished.
“But to the greatest surprise of the Rivers State Government, today’s event that is holding there, there was no road for road users to pass and road users were complaining bitterly.
“I got the information, and I went there myself, and I saw that the road was totally blocked. I told the owner of the place that this cannot be tolerated. And she said that she has done her best, and she cannot kill herself.”
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.