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Ariolu, NYCN, Others Hail Fubara’s Emergence As Rivers Gov-Elect
Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Barrister George Ariolu; the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and the leadership of PDP in Egbeda, Emohua Local Government Area, have congratulated the winner of the 2023 gubernatorial election and candidate of the Rivers Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, on his victory at the polls.
Also congratulating the governor-elect is the member-elect, Rivers State House of Assembly representing Emohua Constituency, Justina Emeji.
Reacting to the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday, Ariolu said, “I seize the opportunity to congratulate the Rivers Governor-Elect, Sim Fubara on his landslide victory at the 2023 gubernatorial polls.
“Elected by the people, I believe he is the best man for the job, and I and my team shall work closely with him to ensure a better Rivers is actualised.
“I am confident that your vote for Fubara will consolidate the continuous infrastructure development of our leader, Chief Nyesom Wike, who has performed beyond measures.”
Ariolu, in a statement in Rumuodomaya, the Local Government Headquarters, thanked voters for their patience and peaceful conduct during the exercise.
According to him, the March 18 Rivers gubernatorial election marked the beginning of a new journey towards a better Rivers State.
He said, “I sincerely appreciate everyone who turned up to perform their civil rights, especially for their peaceful conduct during the exercise.
“Yesterday marked the beginning of a new journey towards a greater Rivers State.”
He equally appreciated residents for their unwavering support towards the success of his administration, assuring that their support would not be undermined.
He maintained that his administration was committed to ensuring that Obio/Akpor remains a hub for innovation, opportunity, development and growth.
“Also as a council, we are sincerely grateful for all your support, and will not take it for granted. I promise to continue to work tirelessly to ensure that your voices are heard and that your needs are met.
“I am committed to ensuring that Obio/Akpor remains a hub for innovation, opportunity, development and growth”, he said.
Similarly, the leadership of Egbeda chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ward 11 has congratulated the newly elected governor on his victory.
A statement signed by the party read in part, “Your Excellency, on behalf of the leadership under Chief David Omereji and members of PDP Ward 11, Egbeda, Emohua LGA, Rivers State, we congratulate you on your emergence as the governor-elect of Rivers State in the just concluded governorship election held on Saturday, March 18, 2023 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“It is a victory for all Egbeda sons and daughters and Rivers State people at large, irrespective of political affiliation as it shows that the hand of the Almighty God is truly on our dear state. May your renowned brilliance and God’s wisdom direct your part. Your emergence is a major pointer that politics today is tilting towards meritocracy and goodwill of God Almighty.”
Omereji further thanked the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, for his tenacity in ensuring Fubara’s victory at the polls, in spite of several threats by the opposition.
“Once again, congratulations Your Excellency, and thanks for your tenacity, steadfastness and consistent courage”, the statement added.
Also, Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Rivers State Chapter and South-South zone, Chijioke Ihunwo, has congratulated Fubara on his election victory.
The chairman believed that under the leadership of Fubara, the relationship between the youths and government would be more cordial.
The youth leader expressed gratitude to Rivers State youths for coming out en masse to vote for Fubara, saying that “he believes in the capacity of Sir Sim Fubara to carry the youths along in his administration, and the state will continue to blossom in leaps and bounds in the areas of infrastructural development, human capital development, agriculture, security, health, education, etc.”
In the same vein, the House of Assembly member-elect representing Emohua State Constituency, Justina Emeji, also congratulated the governor-elect on his landmark victory at the polls.
In a statement, she said, “Your electoral victory came from God with evidence of the voice of the people of Rivers State that spoke with actions from the 23 local government areas of the state.
“As an accomplished accountant and administrator who rose through the ranks in the Rivers State Civil Service, you defied the odds as a presumed ‘nobody’ to make history as the first governor-elect of Rivers State of Opobo/Ibani descent of the riverine part of the state.
“Your emergence as governor means so much to us as EMOLGANs. It is a prayer answered to consolidate on the superlative performance of our leader, Chief Nyesom Wike, and continue to deliver qualitative, viable dividends of democracy under the NEW RIVERS VISION in the state, especially in Emohua Local Government Area.
“Let me again, specially thank our good people of Emohua Local Government Area for the show of massive support for the PDP-led Government of Rivers State and for voting massively for the Peoples Democratic Party.
“I also applaud INEC and the security agencies for the successful conduct of the 2023 General Elections considered as free, fair and credible in the whole of Emohua LGA and other parts of Rivers State”.
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.