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Rid Your Domains Of Cultism, Crime, Wike Tells Rivers Monarchs

Published

3 years ago

May 3, 2023

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has warned that the Rivers State government will not hesitate to dethrone any traditional ruler that allows, tolerates or enables cult and criminal activities to take root in his domain.
This is even as the governor charged traditional rulers in the State to ensure that no child is out of school in their respective communities.
Wike made these remarks at the presentation of instruments of office to 33 government-recognised traditional rulers in the State at the Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday.
The governor explained that the presentation of instruments of office to 33 monarchs comprising four third class, 27 second class, and two first class stools, also demands profound responsibilities on their part as the natural rulers of their respective kingdoms.
He said, “The first responsibility is the maintenance of peace and security. Peace is priceless; safety is paramount. Investors or tourists will only come to places considered safe and secure. Progress can only take place in a stable environment. I advise, therefore, that you work with the local government chairmen and the security agencies to maintain peace and security in your communities.
“Let me warn you that the government will not hesitate to dethrone any traditional ruler that allows, tolerates or enables cult and criminal activities to take root in his domain”.
Wike, who charged the traditional rulers to be concerned about the progress of their communities, further insisted that it is the responsibility of the monarchs to work with their people, the local government councils and the State Government to attract development and improve the people’s living conditions.
He said, “You should ensure no child is out of school in your communities, as education is vital to our children’s progress. Work with government health officers to ensure your community’s health centres are functional.
“We expect you to use your influence to advance and attract development to your communities. We have more than enough lands to cultivate and feed our people. Encourage your subjects and the youths to be economically productive. Let your reign be remembered for the significant socio-economic improvements recorded in your communities”.
Wike urged traditional rulers to always be honest, fair and accountable to their people, cautioning them to shun partisan politics because of its tendency to bring them into disrepute.
“I urge that you continue to uphold and promote these values in your communities because their erosion is the root cause of moral decadence and social crisis in our societies.
“Furthermore, I urge you to stay away from partisan politics and be the father of all your subjects, irrespective of the political parties they belong to. Otherwise, you will attract disrespect to your throne and lose your people’s universal respect”, Wike stated.
The governor said yesterday’s presentation of instruments of office was the second the State Government has organised in the eight years of his administration.
He added that it may not be the last because of unending agitations from communities for the government’s recognition and elevation from community clusters.
“As with today’s exercise, I assure you that government will continue to recognise and elevate deserving ones justified by the law and historical circumstances without encouraging the unnecessary division of peoples of common origin and affinity into separate kingdoms”, he said.
Wike stated that apart from the lawful consent of the people, aspiring traditional rulers must also satisfy the conditions set out by the enabling State Law and be seen to be patriotic, forthright and exemplary in character to secure the government’s consent and recognition.
“Today, I confirm that you have all met and satisfied all the conditions precedent to be recognised or elevated by the Rivers State Government as traditional rulers with the residuary authority of the government to superintend over your respective domains.
“I have also exercised my power and duty under the law to perform this event to let the entire world know about your new status as the Rivers State Government-recognised traditional rulers today”, he added.
Wike commended the Rivers State Council for Traditional Rulers for their cooperation and support throughout the last eight years of his administration.
He enjoined them to join hands with the incoming government to consolidate the gains already achieved and take the State to the next level of development.
The Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, said by presenting the instruments of office to the traditional rulers, Governor Wike has once again demonstrated his commitment to match his words with action.
“This again is another auspicious moment when his Excellency is set to match his words with action. Just recently, he approved the recognition of traditional rulers in their various classes to ensure sanity in the fold of traditional rulers in the state and to ensure peace in our communities”, he said.

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Tinubu Hails NGX N100trn Milestones, Urges Nigerians To Invest Locally

Published

4 days ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

President Bola Tinubu yesterday celebrated the Nigerian Exchange Group’s breakthrough into the N100tn market capitalisation threshold, saying Nigeria has moved from an ignored frontier market to a compelling investment destination.

Tinubu, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, urged Nigerians to increase their investments in the domestic economy, expressing confidence that 2026 would deliver stronger returns as ongoing reforms take firmer root.

He noted that the NGX closed 2025 with a 51.19 per cent return, outperforming global indices such as the S&P 500 and FTSE 100, as well as several BRICS+ emerging markets, after recording 37.65 per cent in 2024.

“With the Nigerian Exchange crossing the historic N100tn market capitalisation mark, the country is witnessing the birth of a new economic reality and rejuvenation,” Tinubu said.

He attributed the stellar performance to Nigerian companies proving they can deliver strong investment returns across all sectors, from blue-chip industrials localising supply chains to banks demonstrating technological innovation.

The President added, “Year-to-date returns have significantly outpaced the S&P 500, the FTSE 100, and even many of our emerging-market peers in the BRICS+ group. Nigeria is no longer a frontier market to be ignored—it is now a compelling destination where value is being discovered.”

Tinubu disclosed that more indigenous energy firms, technology companies, telecoms operators and infrastructure firms are preparing to list on the exchange, a move he said would deepen market capitalisation and broaden economic participation.

He also cited what he described as a sustained decline in inflation over eight months—from 34.8 per cent in December 2024 to 14.45 per cent in November 2025—projecting that the rate would fall below 10 per cent before the end of 2026.

“Indeed, inflation is likely to fall below 10 per cent before the end of this year, leading to improved living standards and accelerated GDP growth. The year 2026 promises to be an epochal year for delivering prosperity to all Nigerians,” he said.

The President attributed the trend to monetary tightening, elimination of Ways and Means financing, and agricultural investments, which he said helped stabilise the naira and ease post-reform pressures.

Nigeria’s current account surplus reached $16bn in 2024, with the Central Bank projecting $18.81bn in 2026, reflecting a trade pattern shift toward exporting more and importing less locally-producible goods.

Non-oil exports jumped 48 per cent to N9.2tn by the third quarter of 2025, with African exports nearly doubling to N4.9tn. Manufacturing exports grew 67 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter.

Foreign reserves have crossed $45bn and are expected to breach $50 billion in the first quarter, giving the CBN ammunition to maintain currency stability and end the volatility that previously fuelled speculation, according to the President.

Tinubu also highlighted infrastructure expansion in rail networks, arterial roads, port revitalisation, and the Lagos-Calabar and Sokoto-Badagry superhighways, alongside improvements in healthcare facilities that are reducing medical tourism costs, and increased university research grants funded through the Nigeria Education Loan Fund.

“Our medicare facilities are improving, and medical tourism costs are declining. Our students benefit from the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, and universities are receiving increased research grants,” he said.

He described nation-building as a process requiring hard work, sacrifices, and citizen focus, pledging to continue working to build an egalitarian, transparent, and high-growth economy catalysed by historic tax and fiscal reforms that came into full implementation from January 1.

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RSG Kicks Off Armed Forces Remembrance Day ‘Morrow …Restates Commitment Towards Veterans’ Welfare

Published

4 days ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Government has reiterated its commitment towards the welfare of veterans, serving officers and widows of fallen officers in the State.

?The Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, in a statement by ?Head, Information and Public Relations Unit, SSG’s ?Office, ?Juliana Masi, stated this during the Central Planning meeting of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

?Anabraba thanked the Committee for their contributions to the success of the Emblem Appeal Fund Ceremony recently held in the State and called on them to double their efforts so that the State can record resounding success in the remaining activities.

?According to him, the remembrance day events will begin with Jumaàt Prayers on Friday, 9th January at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt Township, while a Humanitarian Outreach/Family and Community Day will be hosted on Saturday, 10th January, by the wife of the governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, for widows and veterans.

?”On Sunday, 11th January, an Interdenominational Church Thanksgiving Service will hold at St. Cyprian Anglican Church, Port Harcourt Township while the Grand-finale Wreath- Laying Ceremony will hold on Thursday, 15th January at the Isaac Boro Park Cenotaph, Port Harcourt”, he said.

?The SSG noted that one of the highlights of the events is the laying of wreaths by Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Heads of the Security Agencies.

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Fubara Redeploys Green As Commissioner For Justice

Published

2 weeks ago

December 30, 2025

The Tide

The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the State Executive Council.

Under the new disposition, Barrister Christopher Green, who until now served as Commissioner for Sports, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Justice as the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.

This is contained in an official statement signed by Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications.

According to the statement, Barrister Green will also continue to coordinate the activities of the Ministry of Sports pending the appointment of a substantive Commissioner to oversee the ministry.

The redeployment, which takes immediate effect, was approved at the last State Executive Council meeting for the year 2025, underscoring the Governor’s commitment to strengthening governance, ensuring continuity in service delivery, and optimising the performance of key ministries within the state.