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Secondus Remains Expelled, Can’t Speak For PDP, Wike Insists
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has insisted that the former national chairman of and therefore, cannot speak either for or interfere in the affairs of the PDP.
Secondus, who was the immediate past national chairman of PDP, while alluding to the Wike, was reported in the media to have said that no one person has powers to impose a presidential candidate on Rivers electorate.
But reacting to the outburst, Wike said Secondus was a meddlesome interloper because he had been expelled as a member of PDP by his ward in Andoni, an action that was affirmed by a court of competent jurisdiction.
The governor spoke at the inauguration of Aluu-Omagwa Link Road at Omuagubia playground by Cross Junction, Omagwa in Ikwerre Local Government Area, last Saturday.
“I read a newspaper this morning where a former member of our party, one Uche Secondus, said that no one man can impose a presidential candidate on Rivers people.
“He is not a member of our party. His ward expelled him from the party. The court confirmed it. He went to Court of Appeal, he lost. He went to Supreme Court; the matter is coming up on October 23, 2023.”
Wikeadded, “I told him, you will not be national chairman to conduct the convention. Did he conduct it? Was he at the national convention? Up until now, you are not a member of our party.
“And in any case, I never said I was going to impose my candidate on Rivers people. I said, I was going to tell Rivers people who I am going to support; who I am going to campaign for.
“But don’t blame them, when you didn’t finish secondary school, you will not understand the grammar.”
Wike emphasised that, in any case, Rivers people would listen to him more than Secondus because they can trust him as a leader who would continue to defend the interest of the state.
“So, Mr.Secondus, I have no problem with you being technical adviser to Atiku. But don’t speak on behalf of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Rivers State, because you are not a member of our party.”
Wike asserted that it was not surprising that Secondus, beclouded by his half education, preferred poorly educated candidate, Senator Lee Maeba, to have emerged as senator over Senator Magnus Abe, a more educated Rivers son.
The governor recalled how Secondus and his cohorts, now christened,‘Abuja Rivers politicians’, had always tried to circumvent his political intentions, but failed.
The governor said he had no apology for unsettling the so-called Abuja politicians when the party structure was taken over by him in 2013, while beating them into joining with him because there was no other choice left for them.
“What most of you didn’t know is that all these people who run away to Abuja, they’ve never worked with us. I led the team; they kicked them out of office in 2007. Yes, I have no apology to that.
“In 2014, in spite the fact that I was the one who fought for the structure of the party, most of them sabotaged me at the back to run for governor against me. When they saw there was no hope, there was nothing else for them to do, they had no choice but to come and join us.”
Wike observed that in their usual manner, they regrouped against him, and clandestinely supported one of them to become the governorship flag bearer of PDP in the state for the 2023 general election but were frustrated.
The Rivers State governor explained that he embarked on legal battle to reclaim Rivers State ceded oil wells to Imo and Bayelsastates, and today, proceeds from them were received by Rivers State.
Wike also mentioned the ongoing legal battle over the illegality of Value Added Tax (VAT) collection by the Federal Government when it should be collected by the states.
The legal battle over deduction of Rivers State fund for the Police Trust Fund was won in favour of the state, including the foiling of the attempt made to illegally abduct former acting Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), JoiNunieh, who though, was not one of his political supporters, but was protected because she was a Rivers daughter.
Wike said one of the reasons Rivers people cannot trust Seconduswas because of the ugly role he played in 2019.
It was about election time, he said, when AlhajiAtikuAbubakar and former Senate president, Dr BukolaSaraki, visited him to ask what he was expecting for Rivers State, and the demand was clear: the office of the attorney general of the federation and minister of petroleum.
But Wike stated that what Secondus did was to go behind to demand for oil block for himself and not for the state.
Wike also recalled how Secondus had always frustrated the completion of projects that were under his purview, including the Andoni axis of the Ogoni-Opobo-Andoni Unity Road.
“Ask him, what happened when the military took over, when the National Republican Convention (NRC) was in power; Ada George was the governor of the state? Ask him, what happened at Ohamini Road. Why was he told to frog jump?
“Who flogged him? Colonel Akubundu(rtd) who, of course, was the organising secretary, flogged him, why? He couldn’t do the project of the Ohamini Road.”
Wike further alleged, “Ask him, from 1999, when Dr Peter Odili became governor?Every project Odili gave to Andoni through him, ask him, which one was commissioned?
“Every company that the state government paid money to, instead of allowing the company to do the job, you’ll collect the money. That is why it’s difficult and we have not been able to commission the Andoni aspect of the road.”
Providing the description of the project, Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Dr DakorinimaAlaboGeorge-Kelly said the Aluu-Omagwa Link Road was 9.8km long and 9.5metre wide.
He explained that the road would serve as an alternative route for motorists going to the Port Harcourt International Airport, Imo State, and other neighbouring communities.
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo