Featured
Let’s Play Decent Politics, Wike Challenges Opponents
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has harped on the need for politicians to play decent politics.
He said, in all his political journey, the use of violence has never been part of measures adopted to achieve his political goals.
Wike spoke when he inaugurated the Okrika Founder’s Park, last Saturday, in Koniju-Ama in Okrika Local Government Area.
Wike said it was unfortunate that the likes of Senator Lee Maeba, who was still stuck in politics of violence, could be accusing him of violence.
He wondered why Senator Lee Maeba would allege that political thugs were sent by him to invade his house, an incidence police report had invalidated.
“Two days ago, I was watching TV, it’s unfortunate, I saw Lee Maeba, Austin Opara, Abiye Sekibo, saying that my humble self sent people to Lee Maeba’s house to attack him, to kill him. I couldn’t believe it.
“But you saw the commissioner of police’s report. He said, ‘listen, your house is surrounded by houses. You have two gates to your house, not one gate was damaged, not one.
“The cars you said were damaged are rickety cars; no brand-new cars were touched. Have you ever seen such?”
Wike said he thought that by now, people should have a limit to how far they can play politics.
He stated that by the allegations made by Senator Lee Maeba, the man was pushing issues too far, adding that instead of playing politics of violence, he would rather resort to using legal means.
“But you see, I laugh. I said God, well, you know the truth. But people are pushing politics too far. I am sleeping, you are waking me up. When I wake up, whatever you see, you take.
“Please, advise our people not to play the kind of politics they are playing. Let’s play decent politics. Anybody who knows me knows too well, my own is: if I want to fight you, I don’t need to send anybody, I will go to court.”
Wike eulogised Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka as an Okrikan who mean well for his people, and has invested personal resources to provide the Founder’s Park.
He noted that with such gesture, Amiesimaka had distinguished himself from those who were self-seeking, used their political positions to enrich themselves, instead of ensuring construction of the ring road in Okrika.
“Some of you don’t even know how to play politics. If Owolo comes now to his community and calls them, my people, see where I want us to go, why will you not follow him?
“Because, see what he has used his money to do. Again, see, by doing this; see what it has attracted to your kingdom. This is what we call people who have good heart. Stop listening to people who are liars.”
Wike spoke of the prevailing peace in Okrika, which he attributed to the contribution of the Amanyanabo of Okochiri-Ama, King Ateke Tom, in support of his administration.
The Rivers State governor also commended Amiesimaka for being a forthright man, who rejected all entreaties to join in implicating him.
Wike noted that some of them have advanced politically, and are where they are because people like Amiesimaka stood on the side of truth.
“I feel home being here. I want this relationship to continue. Don’t allow an individual to break the relationship. Don’t allow an individual’s selfish interest to break the relationship.
“Ordinarily, if things were to be done well, Okrika should have one of the finest jetties in the country. But everybody will give account of himself on the last day.
The governor used the occasion to recognise King Nelson Atubo Oputibeya as the Amanyanabo of Koniju.
In his speech, Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka, said he sought after a legacy to bequeath to Koniju people, and decided to embark on the project that took 15 months to deliver.
According to him, the Founder’s Park consists of the Amakoromabo Owu-Okolo, the entrance, pavilion, sports arena, the Amanyanabo sitting area for outdoor meetings, modern toilets and showers, and solar-wired lighting facilities.
Featured
Fubara Frowns At Slow Pace Of Ndele–Omofo–Egmini–Agba-Ndele Road Project ….Says Contract May Be Reviewed
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed dissatisfaction over the slow progress of work on the 14.5-kilometer Ndele/Omofo/Egamini/Agba-Ndele Road project located off the East–West Road in Emohua Local Government Area.
Addressing newsmen during an inspection tour of the project on Tuesday, the Governor noted that the pace and quality of work being delivered by the contracting firm, Messrs Stream Co. & Equipment Limited, fell below acceptable standards.
He was accompanied on the tour by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who briefed the Governor on the status of the project and adjoining infrastructure.
Governor Fubara, who appeared visibly unsatisfied with what he saw on the stretch of the road, said his administration would not condone mediocrity or allow public funds to be wasted on underperforming projects. He, therefore, hinted that a review of the contract may be imminent to ensure the delivery of quality infrastructure to the people.
“I can say here already that the contractor handling the road from the bridge to the East–West Road is not doing a good job. I’m not happy about it. When I get back, there will be a need to review that contract because I’m not impressed. They don’t have the capacity, and we need capacity because we must have value for whatever money we’re spending,” the Governor said.
The Governor, however, commended Setraco Nigeria Limited for the standard and pace of work on the 240-meter Agba-Ndele/Abua Bridge, which forms a major component of the project. He explained that the bridge, which his administration inherited, would significantly improve connectivity among communities in the area once completed.
Governor Fubara stated that the bridge will serve as a key link between communities in Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas, reducing travel time and providing an alternative route to the East–West Road.
He emphasised that the project demonstrates his administration’s commitment to rural connectivity and inter-community access, which are central to his development vision for Rivers State.
“Where we are standing on is a bridge connecting Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas. The community that is connected to this bridge is Agba-Ndele.
“Instead of running through the East–West Road to Ahoada-East and heading into Port Harcourt or out of it, this bridge provides easy access for the Abua/Odual people to cross into Emohua, Agba-Ndele, and access the East–West Road in minutes,” he explained.
Governor Fubara also expressed optimism that the bridge would be ready for use in early 2026, noting that Setraco’s expertise and performance met his administration’s expectations for quality and delivery timelines.
He highlighted that projects of such importance should be handled by firms with the capacity to meet government standards.
The Governor further remarked that once completed, the bridge would serve as a crucial economic corridor for farmers and traders, especially those involved in agriculture and cultivation of local produce across the beneficiary local government areas.
He maintained that his administration is determined to deliver people-oriented projects that promote connectivity, strengthen commerce, and enhance livelihoods across the State.
“I’m really impressed with what I’ve seen on the bridge. I’m very sure that before the end of January, it might be completely ready for us to walk through and even drive across,” Governor Fubara said.
Reaffirming his vision for Rivers people, the Governor noted that his development plan seeks to integrate all parts of the State through strategic infrastructure investments that promote mobility, social cohesion, and economic growth.
He explained that his government is executing projects across multiple local government areas to ensure balanced development and inclusivity.
Governor Fubara stated that the administration will soon address the deplorable state of the Abua/Ahoada Road, which he said, will be included in the 2026 state budget.
“Our vision is to connect the entire Rivers State together, especially communities that have challenges of access. The bridge here connects Abua/Odual and Ahoada-East to Emohua and Port Harcourt. It will ease movement, promote trade, and boost our economy because agriculture is strong on this side. Moving goods to the city won’t be a problem anymore,” he said.
Governor Fubara reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure that provides value for public funds and meets the aspirations of Rivers people.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has unveiled plans to permanently relocate the dumpsite along the busy Port Harcourt Airport–Obiri-Ikwerre Road, describing the current location as both a public health threat and a damaging first impression for visitors arriving in Port Harcourt, the State capital.
The Governor made this known on Tuesday during an inspection of a proposed replacement site, which is a disused burrow pit near Bambo Estate, off Eneka Road in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area.
The location is being assessed as a potential permanent dumpsite for the State.
Governor Fubara, who was conducted by the Board Chairman, Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), Dr Samuel Nwanosike, and its Managing Director, Dr Ibimina Wokoma, expressed concern about the environmental and health challenges posed by the existing site, which sits along a major entry point into the State.
“The kind of environmental hazards that we are facing there along the Airport–Obiri- Ikwerre Road; the smell on that road being the entrance into the State, we felt it’s not proper,” he said. “So, we are making alternative arrangements so we can have a permanent refuse dumpsite that meets acceptable standards.
“He added that the government would move swiftly to formalise ownership of the land and complete construction work on the access road to make the new site functional.“We have not concluded the issue of the burrow pit, but the access road, I think the government is doing something about it.
So, I will make sure that everything that needs to be done to ensure government owns this burrow pit is done,” he stated.
Governor Fubara also commended the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) for what he described as a more assertive and improved approach to managing refuse across the State.In addition to the dumpsite inspection, the Governor also visited the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters located in Elimgbu Town, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, to assess the extent of ongoing construction work on the facility.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Benibo Anabraba, to uphold the dignity of his office, protect the interest of the State, and discharge his duties with honour, respect, and responsibility.
Governor Fubara gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony of the new SSG, held on Monday at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
Describing Anabraba’s appointment as an act of divine favour, the Governor said positions of leadership are not attained by our own human effort but by God’s grace in our lives.
“Let me first congratulate you. I’m using the word ‘congratulations’ because a few of us, not by our power but by the special favour of God, find ourselves in exalted positions. It’s not because we are the best, but only by His grace.”
Governor Fubara noted that the Office of the Secretary to the State Government is one of great honour, occupied by only a few since the creation of Rivers State, and urged the new appointee to serve with humility and dedication.
He, however, expressed confidence in Anabraba’s capacity to deliver, citing his past record as a principal officer of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“This position is a rare privilege. Guard that office with honour. Discharge your duties with respect. Protect the interest of Rivers State. When you leave office, let it be with honour, and that only comes through responsible service.
“I know you’re a dedicated person. This opportunity is not for show or display of power. It’s a call to duty,” he cautioned.
The Governor emphasised that the current administration is focused on restoring confidence of the people because peace has been achieved in the State.
He enjoined the new SSG to align with the vision of the administration and contribute meaningfully to the collective progress of Rivers people.
“We are emerging from a very difficult period and must reassure our people that we mean well for them, especially now that peace has returned to Rivers State. By the grace of God, do your work well. Help us succeed in this assignment that God has given to us,” the Governor added.