Rivers

Cleric Seeks Unity, Peace Ahead 2023 Polls …Hails Wike Over Fubara’s Guber Project

Published

2 years ago

January 30, 2023

A cleric in Rivers State, and Minister in charge of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Opobo, Pastor Ebenezer Pepple, has urged Nigerians to place the unity, peace and development of the country above all other interest throughout the new year and beyond.
Speaking with journalists recently in Port Harcourt on the 2023 elections, and fate of Nigeria, Pepple said it was only through concerted efforts by Nigerians, all tiers of government, public and private institutions, including non- governmental organizations could Nigerians build a peaceful and prosperous nation.
He noted that for Nigeria to move forward as desired in 2023 and beyond, Nigerians across all parts of the country must “purge themselves of self-centeredness, ethnicity, religious bigotry, political differences and avaricious lifestyles”.
He lamented that such negative tendencies in Nigeria are the major reasons at the state and federal levels, the country encounter several challenges that have marred its growth since independence in 1960.
“I urge all to place the unity, peace and development of the country above all other interest throughout the New Year and beyond.
“It can only be via concerted efforts by Nigerians, all tiers of government, public and private institutions, including NGOs that we can build a peaceful and prosperous country.
“I candidly believe that for our state and nation to move forward as required in 2023 and beyond, we must purge ourselves of religious bigotry, self-centredness, ethnicity, political differences and avaricious characters.
“Obviously, these negative tendencies are the major reasons why at the state and federal levels, we encounter several challenges that have marred our concomitant growth since after independence in 1960.
“As we have entered a new year, there are fresh hopes by all Nigerians for a peaceful and prosperous society. All the good things we yearn for will not happen on their own as it is left in our hands to make the nation to become what we want it to be”, Pepple said.
On 2023 general elections, he called on political leaders, candidates of various political parties and their supporters to pursue their aspirations in a friendly manner devoid of conflict, shedding of innocent blood and manipulations.
“The 2023 elections is an event that will come and go. So let politicians and their supporters not see the polls as a do-or-die affair.
“Power belongs to God and he will surely enthrone those who will be good to move the states and country forward”, he declared.
Meanwhile, Pastor Pepple commended Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, over the choice of the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Sir Siminialayi Fubara, ahead of the 2023 general polls in the state, as his successor.
He described his action as “divine will of God to salvage the state and humanity”, urging Rivers people to rally round Sim Fubara by voting for him and other PDP candidates massively in the polls.

By: Bethel Toby

Rivers

Expert Demands Full Implementation Of PIA In N’Delta Oil Communities

Published

3 hours ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

An expert in Natural Resource Governance, Dr. Mike Uzoigwe, has called for the full implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) for the development of oil communities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

Uzoigwe made the appeal during a training for community representatives under the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT), held in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

He noted that five years after the PIA was enacted, funding under the HCDT framework for member communities had yet to be fully implemented.

He attributed the slow pace of implementation to oil companies’ failure to remit funds, ongoing litigations, internal community disputes, and regulatory challenges, among other factors.

According to him, these challenges have made it difficult to properly assess the effectiveness of HCDT implementation in host communities.

Uzoigwe also expressed concern that several communities were yet to establish HCDTs, which are essential for accessing funds designated for local development.

“Fortunately, there are communities that have successfully leveraged the HCDT to advance development in their localities.

“However, we want every host community to access these funds to accelerate development in their respective areas and contribute to the broader transformation of the Niger Delta”, he stated.

Uzoigwe urged host communities to familiarise themselves with the provisions and regulations of the PIA to enable them to fully benefit from the Act.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of Kebetkache Development and Resource Centre, Dr. Emem Okon, explained that the training was organised for HCDT communities in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Imo, and Rivers States.

According to her, the objective of the training was to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the PIA’s provisions, conduct needs assessments and undertake community development planning.

“We examined how the HCDT can be made effective and efficient in utilising the three per cent operational cost allocation for community development projects, as stipulated in the PIA.

“This allocation is structured as follows: 75 per cent for project execution, 20 per cent for savings, and five per cent for administrative costs.

“HCDT members are responsible for identifying and prioritising community needs through a transparent, sincere, and people-centred decision-making process in managing these funds”, Okon explained.

She encouraged host communities to engage actively with various stakeholders, including women, youth, farmers, and community leaders, to identify development projects that reflect the genuine needs of their communities.

Rivers

Opobo/Nkoro SOLAD Pledges To Prioritise Workers’ Welfare

Published

3 hours ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

The Sole Administrator of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State, Mr. Frederick Apiafi, says he will run an all-inclusive government for the betterment of the local government.

He stated that his priority is workers’ welfare in all ramifications and the good people of the area.

Apiafi stated this recently while addressing workers at the council’s headquarters in Opobo, saying that his direct mandate is to ensure that the existing peace is sustained.

According to him, he is a technocrat, hence he will carry out his functions accordingly.

“Thank you all for welcoming me as your administrator. My mandate here is to ensure that you, workers, are well treated, with your salaries paid promptly, and give you what you deserve.

“You all are my brothers, sisters and friends. I know that together we can take this local government to an enviable height. What I need from you is cooperation.

“I solicit for your support to enable us all succeed because I alone cannot achieve the desired development”, he urged.

The administrator used the forum to thank the Sole Administrator of the State, Vice – Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.) for giving him the opportunity to serve his people and pledged that he will not disappoint him in any aspect, while promising to discharge his duties in strict compliance to the charge of the Sole Administrator.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in the LGA, Comrade Diri Dandison, commended the administrator for placing workers’ welfare top on his list.

According to him, what workers want in the LGA is someone who can give them listening ears, and also give them what they deserve.

“I am happy that Mr. Fredrick Apiafi has placed welfare of workers first, but we pray he fullfills his promises. What we want is for people at the grassroots to also enjoy dividends of governance”, he said.

By: Theresa Frederick, Charity Amiso

Rivers

Navy Saves 99 Persons From Drowning In Rivers

Published

3 hours ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

The Nigerian Navy Rescue Team from Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER have saved 99 persons from drowning in Rivers State during an operation.

A statement by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, in Port Harcourt, said the incident occurred when a barge, ADAM (Damen Buba) was involved in a head-on collision with a market boat en route Akuku Toru Local Government Area in Rivers State, resulting in significant structural damage to the market boat.

He said the Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER personnel deployed to Naval Security Station 035 in collaboration with four other Navy Gunboats launched a coordinated and effective search and rescue operation, saving all 99 passengers onboard.

According to him, most of the passengers’ goods were also salvaged successfully.

“The timely intervention and prompt response of Nigerian Navy personnel ensured that no lives were lost and most of the valuable properties were preserved.

“The Nigerian Navy hereby restates that under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the service will continue to ensure the security and safety of all legitimate sea farers within Nigeria’s maritime domain”, Adams Aliu said.

By: Theresa Frederick, Charity Amiso