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‘Rivers’ll No Longer Play Second Fiddle’

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The Eze Epara Ola IV, Eze Engr. Henry Wonodi of Rumuola Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State has declared that the state would no longer play second fiddle in the country owing to the brand of leadership, politics and infrastructural development left as legacies by the immediate past governor of the state, Chief Nyesom Wike. Speaking to newsmen at his palace, while assessing the impact of the former governor as he handed over the baton of leadership to his successor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara on Monday, Eze Wonodi said that Chief Wike, through his unique leadership style had put the state on the map politically, infrastructure-wise and economically, making the state one of the stand out states in the country.
According to him, “nobody would toy with or take the state for granted again on national or regional issues. Wike’s boldness and people oriented approach to issues that concerned the interest of the state and its people spoke volumes of the capacity and relevance of Rivers in the comity of states in the country”.
Eze Wonodi also expressed happiness on the calibre of his choice of successor, stating his belief that Sir Siminialayi Fubara would emulate his predecessor by continuing from where he stopped in delivering the dividends of democracy to Rivers people and protecting their interest at all times.
He further commended Wike on the successful and seamless handover to Fubara. “I am delighted that his successor is tested and trusted, with the capacity to continue with the transformation of the state. I cannot thank the former governor enough for the palpable transformation of the landscape and skyline of the state, which has seen the Port Harcourt becoming a renewed city with pleasant landmarks.
‘In fact, Rivers people, both indigenes and non-indigenes are very happy and grateful for the tremendous work done by the immediate past administration. Of utmost importance is the level of security and development that the people have been enjoying. My prayer is that the impressive legacies and good omen continue to be the lot of the state, for Wike to reap the fruits of his hard work, ascend to greater leadership position and for our new governor to be blessed with wisdom and courage to deliver”.
He used the opportunity to call on the people of his clan to remain law abiding as well as give maximum support to the government of Sir Fubara, who he is confident that he will do very well for the state.
He also warned bad elements within the clan, whose trade was to foment trouble by instigating crises with the intention of bringing the ancient stool of Epara ola to disrepute, to desist from their actions. According to him, the Epara Ola is an ancient stool that was gazetted since 1930 during the colonial administration of the then first Governor of Eastern Region of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He narrated that the stool moved from Eze Wonodi Odota, Who was the first paramount ruler of Rumuola through other successors to late Eze Roland Amadi and to himself according to Ikwerre processes, custom and tradition.

By: Gabriel Nwanetanya

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May Day: Labour Seeks Inclusiveness In Policy-making 

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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.

 

 

 

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2025 UTME: JAMB Disowns Site Requesting Payment From Candidates

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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.

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NDDC Seeks UN’s Support To Accelerate Niger Delta Development

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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.

 

 

 

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