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Wike, Ortom, Ikpeazu, Ugwuanyi Storm Ibadan For Makinde

Published

3 years ago

January 6, 2023

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, yesterday, led the G5 Governors to storm Ibadan, Oyo State capital for the flag-off of re-election campaign of Governor Seyi Makinde.
Other G5 governors at the event held at the Mapo Hall, Ibadan, were: Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu; Benue State, Samuel Ortom and Enugu State, Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
The G5 governors came to the venue around 1.00am to show solidarity for Makinde’s re-election.
Also at the event were former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose; and former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko.
Also present were party faithful from 33 local governments of the state.
As the governors arrived, party loyalists from all the 33 local government areas of the state, thronged the major roads leading to Mapo Hall.
The major roads leading to Mapo Hall were jam-packed with party loyalists from all the 33 local government areas of state, while the security operatives made serious efforts to control the crowd.
Speaking against the expectation that the G5 governors under the aegis of the Integrity Group, are likely to announce their choice of presidential candidate in Ibadan in the forthcoming general election, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, disclosed that members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State will be told who to vote for in the presidential election soon.
Wike urged people of the state to cast their votes for all contestants vying for various seats in the 2023 general election on the platform of the party.
He described Makinde as a person who believes in fairness, equity and justice and has done well to deserve a second term in office.
Wike said: “Governor ‘Seyi Makinde has done well, the only way is for him to go back to complete the good work he has started.”
“Vote for Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, vote for all the candidates on the platform of the party, but the other one, Seyi Makinde will tell you.”
“We believe in justice, fairness, honesty and equity, hence our reason for urging you to support the just governor God has given you in Oyo State. Makinde has done well since 2019 and the only way we appreciate him is to return him to government to enable him complete the good works he had started.”
In a similar vein, other members of the G5, in their separate remarks at the programme, thanked members of the party for their unflinching support for Makinde, describing him as a vibrant leader who has what it takes to move the state to enviable heights.
In his remark, Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, described Makinde as the youth leader of the G5, saying what the people of the state will see in the next four years will be greater than what the governor has done in his first four years.
Speaking at the flag – off of the PDP Gubernatorial campaign in Ibadan on Thursday, the Oyo State capital, leader of the G-5 , Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State said the group is more than ever united and would deliver all PDP candidates for governor, Senate, House of Representatives and Assembly in their various states.
He reiterated the genesis of their course which is premised on breach of the party constitution after the party National convention in May 2022.
“We want to assure you that the integrity group and the G-5 governors are committed members of PDP in our various states.
“We have a challenge with the national leadership of our party because they have failed to deploy its internal conflict resolution mechanism to resolve the problem that arose after the convention. At the appropriate time, we are going to let you know where and what to do. We are united, we are together, don’t listen to gossip and social media hypes. We are committed to PDP and we are working for all our candidates in our states.
“All our candidates in our states by the grace of God, they are going to win the governorship, the Senate, House of Reps, the House of Assembly. We are going to deliver to PDP”.
Making his remarks at the presentation of flags to candidates of the party, the Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Mr Taofeek Arapaja said Makinde’s performance was the reason behind the solidarity, and clarion call for his re- election by the people of Oyo State.
While speaking, Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, urged people of the state to vote him for a second term to enable him complete the good projects he had started since 2019.
According to him, since his assumption of office in 2019, his administration has continued to deliver dividends of democracy to the people both in health, education, agriculture, security and in infrastructural development.
He said: “Under Omotitun 1.0, we promised Emmanuel Alayande University and we delivered, we secured full ownership of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, (LAUTECH) Ogbomoso, we carried out rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads across the state, we have delivered but we are not stopping.
“Under Omotitun 1.0, we improved the standard of education, health, security through the introduction of Amotekun, as well as agricultural development and many others. Workers salaries and pension arrears are being paid as and when due, and many others.”
“Now, it is time for Omotitun 2.0 to upgrade. I am, therefore, seeking your support for my re-election to enable me complete the good projects I started in 2019,” Makinde pleaded with people of the state.
He then expressed appreciation to the people and party faithful for entrusting the destiny of the state under his care, assuring that more developmental projects and programmes will be witnessed in the state.
Makinde, who boasted of jerking up the state’s Internally Generated Revenue of the state from about N1.7billion to N3.8billion as of November ending, 2022, among other achievements, promised to do more for the people of the state.
The venue of the event was filled with a lot of dignitaries which include, wife of the governor, Mrs Tamunomnini Makinde; the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; PDP South-West Deputy National Chairman, Amb. Taofeek Arapaja; former Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose; former Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko; the party’s senatorial candidate for Oyo South, Mogaji Joseph Tegbe; Sen. Stanley Odidiomo, Abass Agboworin, Chief Jumoke-Akinjide, Sen. Monsurat Sunmonu, PDP state executives, other PDP candidates and members of the party from within and outside the state.
The flag-off witnessed the heavy presence of personnel of the Nigeria Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp, NSCDC, Department of Security Service, DSS, Amotekun Corps and Operation Burst.

Featured

PANDEF Hails Tinubu For Lifting Emergency Rule In Rivers

Published

1 week ago

September 19, 2025

The Tide

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.

Featured

RSG Approves Full Rehabilitation of State Secretariat …Unveils Housing Scheme for Civil Servants, Honours Veterans

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

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

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Rivers LG Poll: APC Wins 20 chairmanship seats, PDP Clears Three

Published

4 weeks ago

September 1, 2025

The Tide

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.

John Bibor & King Onunwor