News
Integrity’ll Define Our Preferred Presidential Candidate, Wike Declares …Fubara Pledges To Industrialise Emohua
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that the presidential candidate he and his political allies would support was someone adjudged to have integrity, who keeps his word and would not renege on any agreement brokered.
He stated this at Rumuji-Odegwe town where the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held a rally to flag-off its campaign in Emohua Local Government Area,last Wednesday.
Wike enjoined some leaders like Ohna Sergeant Awuse and party stalwarts in the state anxiously waiting for directive on the presidential election, to continue to exercise patience while the decision on preferred presidential candidate was concluded soon.
“Chief Awuse has said, ‘we are tired of waiting.’ Indeed, we are tired of waiting. But don’t worry. You’ve been patient. Your being patient will not be taken for granted. The bell will soon ring. When you hear the bell, listen to where the bell is coming from, and go and do what you have been told to do.
“I can assure you all these buccaneers, all these vampires; we will teach them a lesson. All those who said Rivers State is not important: we’ll tell them that Rivers State is important. If you play with us, we’ll play with you. If they play with us, we’ll play with them. Enough is enough.
“So, let me apologise and plead with Ohna, Nne-New-Eli Emohua Local Government, it is almost time, endure. Very soon, you’ll hear and I can assure you, no going back.”
The governor said he has been waiting patiently for those who threatened to expel him from the PDP to act out their threat.
He noted that those issuing such threat were not oblivious that PDP was already polarised, and taking such action against him and his allies would lead to the extinction of the party.
The Rivers State governor explained that the state has what it takes to withstand those he described as buccaneers and vampires already in the stock-in-trade of selling their conscience for pot of pottage.
Speaking on the gubernatorial candidate of the PDP in Rivers State, Sir SiminialayiFubara, the governor asserted that he has been part of his administration, well knowledgeable of the workings of government, and poised to consolidate on the gains recorded.
Wike said, together with Fubara, he has scheduled a meeting with Julius Berger Nigeria PLC to finalise the award of contract to dualise the Emohua by East-West Road to Tema in Asari-Toru LGA.
This, according to him, would be in addition to other projects his administration has delivered in Emohua Local Government Area.
The governor pointed out that the Emohua Secondary School demolished by the administration of his predecessor was being reconstructed.
He said some other projects delivered in the area by his administration include the Isiodu road, Rumuodogo1 and 2 roads, Elele-Alimini internal roads, Campus of Rivers State University sited in the area, Iba-Isiokpo road, and the Akpabu-Odido road.
In his address, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers State for the 2023 general election, Sir SiminialayiFubara, said he would ensure that the vast arable land in Emohuawas used for mechanised agriculture and agro-allied industries to create jobs, and boost the economy of the state and that of the area.
He also pledged to maintain the peace in Emohua by investing in the security architecture of the area, construct more roads, schools, hospitals, and electricity, when elected governor of Rivers State.
Fubarasaid, “A tiger cannot give birth to a sheep; Governor NyesomWike is a tiger, whoever he supports must also be a tiger. Emohua people, you call Governor Wike a tiger because he has given you good roads, you call him a tiger because he has given you security, you call him a tiger because he has built schools for you, including the one your sister’s son brought down and refused to rebuild. Fubara is a tiger too, and I will continue from where Governor Wike will stop.
“What are the things I will do when I take over? That security that Governor Wike has given to you, we will sustain it. The challenges along the road that you share with the Kalabari people will be put to an end.
“You have the land, the natural vegetation for agriculture, luckily for us, Governor Wike has constructed roads for accessibility, we will give you mechanised agriculture and create jobs for the youths.
“We will make sure that the few communities that do not have electricity in the local government area are reconnected to the national grid.
“We are not going to be a government that will come and talk and dance in your face without attending to your needs, we will sit down with you, look at your challenges, and address them.
“Yes, you asked us not to campaign because Emohua is already secured for us, but you should not rest on your oars, you still need to do more until the victory is official. Go back to your various wards and units to sensitise more people on the need to vote PDP in the governorship, National Assembly, and state House of Assembly elections,” the guber candidate added.
Fubara thanked Emohua people for their show of solidary, and solicited support that would translate into wining votes for his governorship bid.
He assured that the next administration under him would sustain the security already experienced in Emohua, and would ensure issue of kidnappings was a thing of the past.
In his speech, National Vice Chairman of PDP, South-South Zone, Chief Dan Orbih, announced that Rivers PDP under Wike scoring 99.9percent in performance arising from the assessment carried out by a team in the PDP zonal office.
“I want to sincerely thank the people of Emohua for the massive support shown to the Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers State. With what I am seeing here today, Emohua is PDP and PDP is Emohua. I am very proud to be part of today’s event.
“Few weeks ago, I put together a team to give me an on-the-spot assessment of PDP in the South-South, the interim report gave Governor NyesomWike 99.9percent in terms of performance. Let me use this opportunity to congratulate NyesomWike for his outstanding performance as governor of Rivers State,” he said.
He charged members of the party to ensure continuity of the party in office in Rivers State to enable consolidation.
Orbih commended the people of Emohua Local Government Area for turning up in large numbers for the rally.
Rivers State Chairman of PDP, Amb Desmond Akawor, presented flags to the candidates contesting for the various elective positions in the area.
In his speech, the Chairman, Rivers State PDP Campaign Council, Bror Felix Obuah, noted that Emohua people were already “Sim-plified”, and were willing to reciprocate with 100percent votes in appreciation of the numerous development projects delivered in the area by Wike.
On his part, Chairman, Emohua Local Government Council, Dr.Chidi Lloyd, described the event as a victory rally because the people were resolved to resoundingly demonstrate their support by delivering massive votes on the election days.
The King of Emohua Kingdom, Ohna Sergeant Awuse, noted that the administration of Wike has given to his kingdom more projects than they deserved, adding that the people were of one accord to go wherever he goes concerning the forthcoming elections.
A Coalition of civil society organisations has urged the Federal Government to take proactive steps towards addressing the persistent gas eruptions in Bille, Rivers.
The coalition, made up of the People’s Assembly and Bille Working Group, made the call in an open letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu, and read to journalists in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Reading the letter, the coalition’s convener, Dr Isaac Osuoka, said that the persistent gas eruption in Bille had led to serious environmental and public health challenges.
Osuoka, also the Executive Director, Social Action, urged Tinubu to establish a presidential task force to investigate and contain the gas leak in Bille.
He also called for the immediate relocation of residents to safe shelters, provision of clean water, food and healthcare services.
Dr Emem Okon, the Executive Director, Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre, stated that gas had been bubbling from the ground, creeks, boreholes and hand-dug wells in the community since October 2025.
Okon said that the gas had triggered several fires and explosions, and that residents of the community had reported respiratory problems, vomiting and other illnesses associated with exposure to the emissions.
According to her, preliminary investigations by the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) have yet to identify the source of the gas.
Mr Kentebe Ebiaridor, the Coordinator, Oilwatch International, called for the publication of results from preliminary soil and water tests conducted in Bille for the residents to know the nature and extent of the contamination.
Ebiaridor urged the Federal Government to deploy medical teams to screen and treat affected residents, and immediately commence an independent study on the health impacts of the leak.
He further called for the suspension of oil and gas operations around OML 18 and 24 until the source of the gas leak was identified and the affected areas declared safe.
Ebiaridor urged the government to hold current and former operators of the oil leases accountable for environmental damage on the community.
Another speaker, Dr Bieye Briggs, urged the National Assembly to fast-track the NOSDRA Amendment Bill, 2025 to provide the agency with statutory funding and stronger enforcement powers.
Briggs urged the Federal Government to activate the regional Spill Command Centre, and make the Upstream Remediation Fund accessible for the Bille crisis and other affected communities in the Niger Delta.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has banned drone operations and fireworks in Uyo and announced temporary traffic restrictions ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the State today.
The state Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, announced the measures yesterday while briefing journalists at the Police Headquarters in Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo.
He said the restrictions were part of security arrangements to maintain public order, protect strategic locations and ensure the smooth movement of the President’s convoy during his engagements.
“There will be total restriction on the operation and flying of drones within Uyo metropolis throughout the period of the visit. Members of the public, drone operators and service providers are advised to strictly comply with the directive,” he said.
The police commissioner also announced a ban on fireworks, knockouts and other explosive sound-producing devices within the state capital during the visit.
He said the measure would prevent panic and allow security personnel to respond effectively to genuine security threats.
The command also announced temporary restrictions on public access to designated routes and locations in Uyo to facilitate the movement of the presidential convoy.
The affected areas are Airport Road, Shelter Afrique Junction, Oron Road, Nung Oku Junction, Mbierebe Junction and Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
“Motorists are urged to plan their journeys, exercise patience and cooperate with traffic and security personnel deployed along the corridors.
“Members of the public are advised to avoid the routes during the restriction and use alternative routes,” Azare said.
He also urged residents to plan their journeys, exercise patience and cooperate with traffic and security personnel deployed along the affected corridors.
The commissioner said the command, working with other security agencies, had put in place security arrangements to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free visit.
He appealed to residents to understand that the temporary restrictions were necessary security measures and not intended to cause hardship.
Azare urged members of the public to remain law-abiding, avoid restricted areas and report suspicious movements to the nearest police station or through police emergency channels.
Tinubu’s visit to Akwa Ibom is a working visit during which he is expected to inaugurate major infrastructure projects executed by Governor Umo Eno’s administration under its ARISE Agenda. The projects cut across aviation, road infrastructure, tourism, healthcare, land administration and security.
Among the projects scheduled for inauguration are the international terminal building and airport hospital at Victor Attah International Airport, Aviation Village, ARISE Palm Resort, the 14.5-kilometre Nsit Atai–Okobo Road, Ring Road 3, the Command and Control Centre and the AkwaGIS building.
The state government had earlier announced plans for the President to inaugurate projects as part of activities marking Akwa Ibom’s 39th anniversary in September.
The airport projects are particularly significant to the state’s ambition to expand aviation, tourism and investment.
The international terminal is expected to strengthen the airport’s capacity to handle international operations, while the Aviation Village is intended to provide accommodation for aviation workers. The airport hospital is also among the facilities lined up for inauguration.
The road projects are also expected to improve connectivity. The 14.5-kilometre Nsit Atai–Okobo Road links communities in the two local government areas, while Ring Road 3 is designed to improve movement within Uyo and ease pressure on existing roads. The Command and Control Centre, meanwhile, is intended to strengthen security surveillance and coordination in the State.
The Rivers State Ministry of Culture and Tourism has floated a culture content platform in collaboration with digital television group, Multichoice.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Freddy Ndigbara, disclosed this after a meeting with MultiChoice Head of Content Acquisition, Don Dotun Ojon, in Port Harcourt.
He assured that content entrepreneurs and film makers would enjoy the platform by promoting culture and other contents to sell the states tourism potentials.
He said MultiChoice M-net was now open to increase its patronage for content shots on locations in Rivers State, describing the State as one that has numerous potentials for film tourism.
“We were privileged to have Don Ojon with us at the Rivers International Film Festival (RIFF) at the weekend in Bonny and he saw, first hand, the numerous sites and opportunities that are open to creatives in the State. After that, we felt it was important to deepen the conversation and he obliged. This is a cheering news for the sector in the State,” he said.
Ndigbara stated that “Rivers State has many more untold stories to tell, many more contents to reel out and the assurances from the M-net Acquisition Manager is an indication that the industry in the state will soon enjoy a new lease of life”.
The Permanent Secretary thanked Ojon for the visit and assured that creatives in the State would grap this opportunity and show the world that Rivers State is a major hub for film tourism in Nigeria.
On his part, Ojon said the visit was to discuss on ways of promoting tourism in the State using creatives and film.
Ojon said although the company has recently been acquired by canal+ France and is undergoing restructuring, he would promote the chances of Rivers State to host the MultiChoice talent factory in the State.
With Asaba, capital of Delta State, being saturated, Ojon said the next port is Rivers State, which he said is capable of building fresh crop of creatives, new locations, new story lines and concepts.
He, therefore, called for collaboration from stakeholders in the State.
Kevin Nengia
-
Rivers2 days ago
NUJ Set To Attend UNIPORT’s 217th Inaugural Lecture
-
News2 days agoNJC Suspends Three Judges, Sanctions Eight Others
-
Politics2 days ago
Atiku Kicks-Off 2027 Campaign, Promises To Tackle Nigeria’s Challenges
-
Featured2 days agoAPC Presidential Campaign Storms PH, ‘Morrow
-
News2 days ago
FG Explains Supply Disruption As Power Generation Drops To 3,659MW
-
Metro2 days ago
Port Harcourt Prepares For 10,000 Runners As International Marathon Returns
-
News2 days agoBille Gas Leak: Coalition Tasks FG On Proactive Measures
-
News2 days agoIGP Orders Arrest, Prosecution Of Campaign Billboard Vandals