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We’ve Almost Decided On Presidential Candidate To Support, Wike Hints …I’ll Invest In Education, Healthcare, Infrastructure, Others, Fubara Assures
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has hinted that talks with his political allies on the presidential candidate to support in the February 25 election would soon be finalised.
The governor maintained that the people of the state know their political bearings and would not play second fiddle concerning the general election slated for February 25 and March 11, 2023.
Wike spoke at St. Martin’s Anglican Church, Omagwa Town, venue of the Campaign Flag-off Rally of the Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ikwerre Local Government Area, yesterday.
The governor explained that Rivers people have been duly sensitised and told to vote the candidates of PDP for governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and state House of Assembly.
He explained that the beauty of the forthcoming election was that it would leave no room for any form of electoral manipulation and intimidation from security personnel.
Wike, allegorically, told the crowd to be sure that all votes must be put in one basket in favour of candidates of the PDP in the state.
“This time, no Army will do anything. No Akin Fakorode will do anything. No police will do anything. Now, it is one man, one vote. All the votes must be in one basket from governorship to House of Assembly. The other one we are concluding. When we conclude, you will be told.
“Nobody should intimidate you. Nobody should tell you any story. We are free born of this country. We are not second class citizens. Nobody can tell us anything. I dare them. Let anybody do any funny thing: We’ll tell them we are from Rivers State.”
He emphasised that it would be a case of one man, one vote, adding that no blackmail can dissuade or thwart the collective resolve of the people on who to support with their votes.
The governor, who urged the people to be calm, maintained that when the final decision of the presidential candidate the state would support would be taken, Rivers electorate would be notified.
“As we finish from here now, you’ll go home and start working before the appropriate time when we will ring the bell. When you hear the bell being rang, know that the decision has been taken.”
Wike explained that governance was not about story telling but in performance that translates into making living easier for the people and seeing them happy.
He said the successes of his administration were what the consolidation team, to be headed by the PDP governorship candidate, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, would consolidate, and therefore, should be elected to continue from where he would stop.
That is why, Wike insisted, that the forthcoming election would be a fight to finish so that those who have now placed themselves as enemies of the state, to sell it for pottage, would be taught a lesson.
Wike told the people of Ikwerre Local Government that in 2015 and 2019, he came to seek their support, made promises and had fulfilled all of them with development projects evenly distributed in all the 13 political wards.
The governor said the members of the consolidation team he was asking the people to vote into power were men and women with capacity to continue the tenets of good governance, and would certainly not disappoint them.
Wike disclosed that the Rivers State Government had awarded contract for the construction of Ubima-Ozuoha Road.
In his speech, Rivers State PDP governorship candidate, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, vowed to invest massively in road construction, schools, hospitals, and security in Ikwerre Local Government Area, when elected governor of Rivers State on March 11.
Fubara also pledged to continue and consolidate on the widely commendable impactful development programmes of the administration of Governor Nyesom Wike in the area.
He said he was part of the administration of Wike that had provided good governance and driven unparalleled infrastructure development agenda.
Fubara pointed out that a vote for him would be an expression of confidence in what Wike had done, which he would consolidate, when elected.
He assured of committing to good governance, providing services to make life better for the citizenry, including delivering more roads, making health facilities offer quality healthcare services, and improving security in Ikwerre Local Government Area.
“We are in a LGA that is very significant to our cause. We came here to ask for your support in 2015, you told us the things you want us to do for you, Governor NyesomWike promised to do them for you, almost eight years later, and you can all attest that we have fulfilled those promises made to you.
“We are here again to seek your support, we are here to tell you that, that faith you had in us in 2015 and 2019 because of our performance, you should also have the same faith in us in 2023, because we will not fail you, we will even do more this time.
“The administration of our Principal and Leader built a model secondary school in the community of the former governor of this state; constructed internal roads in virtually all the communities in this LGA. I will continue from wherever he stops.
“Our mission here is to tell you to continue to support us for continuity and consolidation. We will provide good governance because that is what we stand for and that is what our Principal has provided for you since 2015.
“The few roads that are remaining in Ikwerre Local Government Area will be constructed by us. We will improve on your health services. Governor Wike has been able to tackle insecurity in this LGA; we will improve on that to maintain the peace you are currently enjoying. We will reconstruct and equip more schools in this LGA,” the guber candidate added.
“The few roads that are remaining in Ikwerre, we will do it. Your health services, we will improve on them and upgrade them. On security, you know those days when they kidnap in Elele, they will enter Ubima forest. Today, we have been able to smoke those criminals out and you have peace.”
The Director General of Rivers PDP Campaign Council, Bro Felix Obuah, noted the massive show of solidarity by the people at the rally.
He said Rivers people have witnessed the tremendous performance of Wike in office, adding that voting Sir SiminialayiFubara and other PDP candidates would ensure consolidation of the successes of the Wike-led administration.
Rivers State Chairman of PDP, Amb Desmond Akawor, who presented flags to the various candidates contesting various positions in the Rivers East Senatorial District, described Wike as the leader of the people and emancipator of the downtrodden.
The Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government, Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, warned that those who took Wike for granted would on February 25, realise their great mistake.
In his speech, Chief Mike Elechi said Wike had kept his 2015 and 2019 promises of delivery of development projects.
He vowed that the people had resolved to appreciate him as a father and brother by tripling the votes given to him in 2015 and 2019 to the consolidation team.
Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Education, Prof. ChineduMmom, said those gathered for the campaign rally were all registered voters who, as faithful PDP members, would vote all the candidates of the party.
On behalf of the women, Mrs.OwhuchukuObiandu, noted how Wike had in 2015, promised and ensured that women were brought into mainstream politics in the state.
As a show of gratitude, she said women were well mobilised to vote all PDP candidates in the state.
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has hailed the lifting of the State of Emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
In a statement signed by Board members and National Executive Committee members, yesterday, PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu for rectifying what they described as an anomaly.
The statement was co-signed by Co-Chairmen, PANDEF Board of Trustees, Alfred Diette-Spiff and Obong Victor Attah, National Chairman Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, and National Secretary, Beks Dagogo-Jack.
Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State on the 18th of March, 2025, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, and members of the state House of Assembly for six months in the first instance.
In place of the governor, the President appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) as Sole Administrator.
However, Tinubu announced the suspension of the Emergency Rule on Wednesday, stating, “It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State shall end with effect from midnight today (Wednesday).”
The Forum commended Fubara’s unwavering perseverance and “faith in the divine will of Almighty God,” while also commending the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension.
“The Board and National Executive Committee of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, the apex socio-political organisation representing the South-South geopolitical zone, joins millions of Nigerians in welcoming the lifting of the state of emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
“While PANDEF had expressed strong reservations regarding the erstwhile emergency rule, we commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for taking this bold step to rectify the anomaly.
“We welcome Governor Siminalayi Fubara back to his elected office and salute his unwavering perseverance and faith in the divine will of Almighty God. We extend similar commendations to the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Oduah, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension,” the statement read.
Addressing Rivers people, the forum declared, “Light has returned to the state and a new glorious dawn has come. A moment in which the bitter pains of the past months will inspire all to rededicate themselves to true mutual forbearance, new alignments and forward movement.”
They urged political leaders and citizens to put the past behind them and work towards the collective good of the State, while pledging to support Rivers’ developmental trajectory under Fubara.
“All hearts and hands must therefore be joined together to put the past behind us and work towards the collective good of the state.
“We look forward to the State’s return to normalcy and the resumption of its developmental trajectory under the leadership of Governor Fubara and his team. PANDEF reiterates its commitment to supporting the government and people of Rivers State in their pursuit of progress and development,” the statement added.
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RSG Approves Full Rehabilitation of State Secretariat …Unveils Housing Scheme for Civil Servants, Honours Veterans
Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Eteh Ibas (Rtd), has approved the complete rehabilitation and modernization of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex to enhance efficiency and productivity in the civil service.
Ibas made the announcement at the 2025 Civil Service Week Gala and Awards Ceremony held at Banquet Hall, Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday,.
He disclosed that “initiative is designed to transform the secretariat into a modern, efficient and conducive work environment, directly supporting the civil servants who form the backbone of the state’s governance.”
The Administrator also approved the provision of 106 housing units for civil servants in the State.
Ibas paid glowing tribute to retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, describing them as the bedrock of the state’s administration.
He stated that the awards ceremony was a symbol of deep appreciation for decades of sacrifice, resilience, and commitment.
“These interventions are designed to not only recognize your service, but also to improve your welfare in tangible and lasting ways,” the Administrator stated.
“We must build an administration that is efficient, effective, and truly citizen-centric,” he added.
The Administrator urged serving officers to draw inspiration from their predecessors and strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of citizens.
He emphasized the importance of embracing innovation, technology, and continuous training to build a civil service equipped for the future.
The Acting Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyingi Brown, in her welcome address, described the civil service as the “engine room of government” and expressed profound gratitude to the Administrator for his unwavering support and commitment to its modernization.“
“A society that does not honour its heroes is not worthy of emulation,” Dr. Brown remarked, lauding the retirees as torchbearers of discipline and loyalty.
She pledged to build on their legacy through reforms and innovation, projecting that the Rivers State Civil Service would become a model of efficiency and transparency by 2030.
Speaking on behalf of the retirees, President of the Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries, Sir Promise Njowhor,
expressed heartfelt appreciation for the historic recognition.
“For once, since the creation of the State, we are being honoured,” Njowhor said, adding, “Our morale has been lifted.”
He pledged the association’s continuous support for government programmes, describing the body of experienced retirees as a resource available to contribute to state development.
The rehabilitation of the State Secretariat and the new housing scheme represent a major investment in the infrastructure and dignity of public service in Rivers State, signaling a new era of support for the civil servants who drive the government’s policies and programmes.
The Tide reports that the Administrator also conferred awards of meritorious service on retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries in the State
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has won 20 out of the 23 local government areas in the just concluded local government election in the State, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clinched three local governments.
According to the results released by the Rivers State independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), yesterday, the APC won the chairmanship seats in Abua/Odual, Andoni, Opobo Nkoro, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Khana local government areas.
APC also won in Gokana, Tai, Oyigbo, Bonny, Eleme, Etche, Omuna, Akuku Toru, Asari Toru, Degema, Ikwerre and Emohua local government areas.
The Commission, however, said the PDP won in Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor, and Ogba Egbema Ndoni local government areas.
Chairman of the Commission, Dr Michael Odey, who announced the results at the Commission headquarters in Port Harcourt, said Ofori Owolabi of the APC scored 28,755 votes to emerge winner of the election for Abua Odual while Solomon Ochomma, also of the APC, emerged chairman elect for Ahoada East after scoring 54,509 votes.
Odey said Eugene Epelle also of the APC scored 84,125 votes to emerge winner in Ahoada West, while Bob Fubara was elected the chairman-elect for Akuku Toru after scoring 63,593 votes.
Similarly APC chairmanship candidate Lucky Otuo Promise emerged chairman-elect for Andoni after scoring a total of 126,181 votes, APC’s George Onengiyeofori emerged winner in Asari Toru after scoring 56,383 votes, while Pepple Blessing Abinye garnered 13,543 votes to emerge winner in Bonny Local Government Area.
Other APC candidates elected include Michael John Williams who scored 16,536 votes to emerge chairman-elect for Degema Local Government; Obarlllormate Ollor (77,452) for Eleme; Dr Chidi Julius Lloyd (114,380) for Emohua; Njoku Boniface (100,649) for Etche; Confidence Deekor (96,478) for Gokana, while Wobodo Charles got 62,746 votes to emerge winner in Ikwerre Local Government Area.
Other APC winners from the APC include Akuro Tobins (32,285 votes) for Okrika; Hon Obasi Uchechukwu (38,530) for Omuma; James A James (38,822) for Opobo Nkoro; Vincent Nemieboka (36,374) for Ogu/Bolo; Hon Mbakpone Okpe (70,080) for Tai LGA, while in Oyigbo, Okechukwu Akara scored 101,495 votes to emerge winner.
Meanwhile, the RSIEC chairman announced Dr Gift Worlu of the PDP with 328,823 votes to emerge winner in Obio Akpor; Shedrack Ogbogu, also of the PDP, scored 51,051 votes for Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area, while in Port Harcourt City, Sir Alwell Ihunda garnered 235,054 votes for PDP to emerge winner.
The APC also cleared the councillorship seats in Abua/Odual, Andoni, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Khana, Oyigbo, Bonny, Eleme, Etche,Tai, Khana Opobo/Nkoro and Degema local government areas.
Similarly APC councillorship candidates also emerged winners in Asari Toru, Degema, Akuku Toru, Gokana and Khana while PDP cleared the councillorship seats in Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt city, and Ogba Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Areas
Meanwhile, the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions has passed a vote of confidence on the just concluded local government election in the State.
National Chairman of the forum, Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, said this in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt.
Eri said all the chairmen across the country were in Port Harcourt to monitor the election as well as gain experience in an election under emergency rule.
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