Politics
There Are Consequences For Disloyalty, Fubara Warns LG Chairmen
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Thursday sent a startling reminder to local government chairmen in the State and other detractors working against his administration to consider their disloyalty as digging their own pits.
The Governor, however, assured that such acts of sabotage would not in anyway deter his administration from staying focused on delivering people-oriented projects in the State.
Gov Fubara spoke at Ndoni Town in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area while commissioning a brand new health centre built and donated by former Governor of Rivers State, Dr Peter Odili.
“Everyone of you who thinks you’re disrespecting me, you’ve already dug your pit. For those of you who have chosen a contrary path of political salvation, safe journey, we’ll flow in a direction that we’ll get to our destination, we’ve made our people proud.
“They say we’re clueless; if providing quality education, health services is being clueless, then we agree. We’ll not do road to our farms, we’ll not do road because we want to please some body.
It’s not about the roads and the flyovers but the people.
“We made promise to Mr President to support him and we are doing that by ensuring we implement projects that will be beneficial to the people. We’re doing it in housing, healthcare…, we’ll not record anything that will cut short the life of any one in the society. My administration is open to constructive criticism and we are determined to build an egalitarian society”, he said.
Governor Fubara who emphasised the importance of effective healthcare delivery system to his administration, commended the efforts of Dr Odili in building the health facility with his personal resources, describing the effort as a show of love for his people and giving back to society.
The Governor who decried the non-functionality of primary healthcare facilities in Rivers State, urged the people of Ndoni to own, protect and maintain the newly commissioned health centre for optimal benefits, assuring that the needed manpower will be provided to run the facility.
Governor Fubara reiterated the commitment of his administration to ensure that zonal hospitals in the State, currently in a state of abandonment, are put to use, and urged contractors handling the projects across the 23 local government areas to return to site immediately.
Earlier in his remark, former Governor of Rivers State, Dr Peter Odili, thanked the Governor for honouring the invitation to commission the health centre and congratulated Governor Fubara on his election victory and it’s affirmation by the Supreme Court.
Dr Odili, who is the Proprietor of PAMO University, said the building of the health facility was his humble response to the damage done by flooding to the old health centre.
Dr Odili affirmed Governor Fubara as the political leader of Rivers State, and urged the governor to remain firm and stand up to his oath of office to defend the interest of Rivers people according to the provisions of the Constitution and with the courage of a lion.
“You’ve hit the ground running in governance by touching all critical sectors. Continue to work for the good of the people. Human being is the soul of the society.
“You’re the political leader of Rivers State, Rivers people say where ever you go, we’ll go with you, where you stand, we’ll stand with you”, he said.
In his address, the Executive Secretary of the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board, Prof Kinikanwo Green, thanked Dr Odili for building and donating the health facility to Rivers State Government.
He pointed out that the gesture was in line with Governor Fubara’s policy on effective healthcare delivery in Rivers State, particularly at the grassroots .
The Commissioner Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, said the facility was equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to address health challenges in the community and other catchment areas.
She explained that the facility will render essential services in antenatal, labour/ delivery, immunization, HIV, non communicable diseases, family planning and free medicare for vulnerable persons.
Governor Fubara, on Friday received a delegation of the leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) led by its National President, Dr Uche Ojinmah, on a courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt.
The Governor who restated the commitment of his administration to reviving the health sector in the state, confirmed the appointment of Prof. Chizindu Dike Alikor as the substantive Chief Medical Director of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).
“The Governor and his team cannot succeed without your support. That is the truth, and any government that has the interest of its people at heart must pay adequate attention to the provision of quality healthcare services.
He explained that health facilities, particularly those that provide intermediary services were being rebuilt and strengthened, while zonal hospitals would be revived and personnel adequately motivated to scale up their productive capacities.
“I will put it this way: I want to appreciate the NMA – both national and state chapter – for your support, your patience. I know it wasn’t easy, it has never been easy for them even with what we have done, it’s still not sufficient. We need to do more.
“I want to thank you for your support, and we, on our part, will continue to do our best to ensure that, at least, the relationship between us does not go bad,” the governor said.
In his speech, the National President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr Uche Ojinmah, said he led the delegation to thank Governor Fubara for what he has done to better the lot of medical personnel in Rivers State.
Also speaking, State Chairman of NMA, Dr Ebi Robinson, said they wrote their national body to inform them what they have started enjoying under the leadership of Governor Fubara.
In similar vein, Governor Fubara on Wednesday, received the management team of the Federal Housing Authority of Nigeria (FHAN) led by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, who paid him a courtesy visit at Government House.
“We are thinking in the same line with Mr President. In our dear State, some months back, we did flag off a 20,000 housing units project, specifically for low income earners. What is the purpose: how many persons can afford housing in the GRAs? Just a few of us. We need to make provision for our civil servants. We need to make provision for our traders and taxi drivers. We need to make provision for our teachers and other classes of workers. That is what gave birth to that programme. And I am happy to say it today, that the project is ongoing, and there is evidence of seriousness to that”, the governor said.
He described the Government of President Bola Tinubu as people-oriented, given the seriousness the FHA attaches to ensuring the success of the project in collaboration with the State Government, and assured of his administration’s commitment to give the necessary support for the success of the project.
Earlier, the Managing Director/CEO, Federal Housing Authority of Nigeria, said they were at Government House to pay a courtesy visit on the Governor as well as intimate him on Mr President’s mandate to the authority to provide affordable housing to Nigerians as encapsulated in the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Governor Fubara on Monday also hosted the leadership of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Rivers State Chapter, led by its Chairman, Barrister Sensei Solsuema Osaro, at Government House in Port Harcourt.
Addressing the IPAC delegation, the Governor said with elections over, effective governance and dispensing of democratic dividends was the major task before his administration.
“So, we are happy to identify with you. We are assuring you, even when you leave here, criticise me, I don’t have problem with that, it is meant to spur me to do well. We will continue to give you the freedom. We will not cage anybody. We will not revoke your property”, he said.
In his remark, the chairman of IPAC in Rivers State Barr Sensei Solsuema Osaro said the body was impressed by the people oriented style of governance of Governor Fubara and passed a vote of confidence on him.
The Governor, also within the week under review, hosted a delegation of Rivers State Council for Islamic Affairs, led by the Vice President-General, Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor, in Government House Port Harcourt.
Governor Fubara while addressing the delegation explained the decisive actions of his administration to revive the ailing sectors of the Rivers economy, particularly the education sector which suffered palpable rot in the immediate past.
He congratulated the Muslim community for the successful completion of their Ramadan fasting, and thanked them for their prayers and support to his administration, especially in mediating and addressing the challenges of farmers/ herders clashes in the state, and assured them of providing the enabling environment for Muslims to practice their faith.
In his address, leader of the delegation and Vice President-General, Rivers State Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor, thanked Governor Fubara for his financial support that enabled them to participate in Hajj last year, and his inclusive policy that has given the community a sense of belonging.
By: Taneh Beemene
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has approved the release of N15.6 billion for the payment of outstanding severance gratuities, accommodation, and leave allowances owed to over N3,000 former councillors across the State’s 44 local government areas.
The approved payment covers councillors who served during the periods of 2014–2017, 2018–2020, and 2021–2024 under the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. The entitlements, which remained unpaid for years, will now be disbursed in three installments between April and June 2025.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Information to the Governor, Ibrahim Adam, the administration described the move as a corrective measure to address the neglect of past leadership and fulfil a promise to ensure fairness to public office holders.
“The approval of N15.6 billion is in fulfilment of Governor Abba K. Yusuf’s commitment to ensuring that all outstanding entitlements owed to our dedicated public servants are fully paid. It is a matter of principle and justice to uphold the dignity of those who have served in elected positions”, Mr Adam said.
He noted that the financial intervention reflects the governor’s broader vision of governance rooted in fairness, accountability, and public trust.
“His Excellency recognises the sacrifices and dedication of these former councillors. This action is part of a larger effort to right the wrongs of the past and restore faith in public administration,” he added.
Local government officials and affected former councillors have welcomed the decision, describing it as long overdue and a step toward healing the financial frustrations of many grassroots leaders.
Governor Yusuf’s administration, elected on a different political platform than his predecessor, continues to draw commendation for its proactive efforts to resolve inherited liabilities and improve the welfare of public servants.
As the payment schedule begins, it is expected that this intervention will offer financial relief to thousands and stimulate local economic activity across the state.
Politics
Gunmen Disrupt Political Rally In Bayelsa ….As Turnah, Others Emerge New Associates’Leaders
Scores of spectators and political faithful were hospitalised after a yet to be identified gunmen invaded a rally organised by a group loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike and President Bola Tinubu in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
Part of the activities scheduled to hold at the occasion was the inauguration ceremony of the Bayelsa State chapter of the ‘New Associates’, a pro-Wike political forum.
The Tide which monitored the event reports that trouble started just at the preparatory stages of the event, when the unidentified gunmen launched sporadic gunshots from a farm close to the venue of the event, injuring unsuspecting spectators and party faithful across party lines.
However, calm was restored after a swift intervention by men and officers of the Nigeria Police Force and other security formations which enabled the event to go on as planned.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after restoration of calm, factional South-South zonal Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Chairman, Caretaker Committee of the State’s chapter of the party, Barrister George Turnah, commended security operatives for their timely response.
He noted that the plan of detractors had been defeated as forces loyal to certain individuals in the State never wanted the rally to hold as scheduled.
Turnah, who doubles as Convener of the ‘New Associates’ in the State, commended President Tinubu and Chief Wike for the appointment and facilitating the same for Ijaws across the Niger Delta region.
He said, but for the love of the duo for the Ijaw people of various extractions, the Presidency would not have given preferential political portfolios in the Federal Government’s Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to Ijaws even though the ethnic nationality produces bulk of the natural resources for the economic mainstay of the nation.
The PDP chieftain reiterated that the reason for the event which was attended across party lines was to say ‘thank you’ to the two political leaders, stressing that to ‘whom much is given, much was expected’.
“For me, I’m of the larger opposition party, PDP. But I’ve decided to support and work for President Tinubu for what he is doing for the Ijaw nation, Niger Delta region in particular and Nigeria in general.
“President Tinubu has given Bayelsans and other Ijaws across the Niger Delta region several juicy political appointments. He appointed our brother and son, Heineken Lokpobiri as Minister of Petroleum even though former President Muhammadu Buhari had previously appointed a Bayelsan as Petroleum Minister in his government.
“Apart from the Petroleum Minister, Tinubu has also appointed Ijaw sons, Chief Boma Iyaye as Executive- Director, Finance, and Dr Samuel Ogbuku as Managing-Director and CEO of the Niger Delta Development Commission.
“Though former President Buhari had appointed Ogbuku initially in Acting capacity, when President Tinubu came, even after sacking all board members of the Commission, he still kept our brother, the MD and upon the completion of his tenure in Acting capacity, the President again reappointed him as substantive MD/CEO.
“But there’s one man who has made all these appointments for Ijaws possible. He is the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. Ijaw people, Bayelsans are we not enjoying these appointments?
“Has the NDDC not lit up the entire Niger Delta region? Are you not feeling the impact of the Ogbuku-led NDDC? So for me and all the members of the New Associates we’ve decided to support President Tinubu for a second tenure so that our state and region can benefit more from his government”, he said.
“We want Governor Douye Diri to tell us his stand on the forthcoming 2027 general election. He should tell us whether he is supporting the President or not. If he’s supporting the President, we’ll work with him. After all, Diri was the first Governor from the South-South zone that benefitted from the President’s magnanimity during the 2023 elections and even in terms of infrastructure projects and appointments of Bayelsans at the Federal level”, Barr Turnah added.
In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion, and leader, Rivers Ijaw Peoples Congress (RIPCO), Senator George Sekibo, lauded President Tinubu and the FCT Minister for their love and friendship with the Ijaw people.
Represented by former Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, Dr Roland Sekibo, Senator Sekibo said the ‘New Associates’ political forum was to galvanize support for the President for his 2027 election.
He said while President Tinubu had performed well as Nigeria’s leader, the FCT Minister had continued to show leadership from the federal level after showing the same in Rivers State while serving as governor.
“I like to thank the convener of the ‘New Associates’ political forum in Bayelsa State, Barr. George Turnah (MON) and the Coordinators for standing firm in spite of threats from highly placed political leaders not to hold this event.
“Love is not theoretically, but must be expressed, which explains why they have gathered to celebrate their Excellencies, President Tinubu and Barr. Ezewon Nyesom Wike for the various roles they have played and have continued to play to ensure the appointment of Ijaw sons and daughters to positions of trust and authority at the federal level.
“The ‘New Associates’ is in synergy with President Tinubu and will continue to follow directives from the FCT Minister who has openly declared support for Mr. President”, he said.
Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
The Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party (LP) in Enugu State, Mr Titus Odo, has defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Mr Odo defected to the PDP on Wednesday alongside the former Commissioner for Chieftancy Affairs in the State, Emeka Mamah, who was the state Coordinator of the Peter Obi Presidential Campaign in the 2023 presidential election.
The duo dumped the PDP during the 2023 general elections for the Labour Party.
Receiving the defectors at the party’s state secretariat, the state PDP Chairman, Martin Chukwunwike, expressed happiness over their decision to return to their former party.
He explained that Governor Peter Mbah gave them the directive to do everything possible to bring back aggrieved party members who left the party.
“We are happy to have them in our midst, and God has set this party on a good footing, as 2027 is already assured,” he said.
The PDP chairman, however, called for unity within the party to package themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking during their presentation to the party state chairman, Mr Odo expressed joy for returning to his former party, revealing that Mr Mbah’s massive development in the State informed his decision.
“I am happy to tell you that I am back to my home. I came back because of the giant development strides of Governor Mbah and I say kudos to him.
“The second reason is the defection of my immediate boss, the LP governorship candidate for the 2023 election in Enugu State, Dr Chijioke Edeoga.
“Another reason is that the council chairman in Igboeze North, Mr Uchenna Ogara, is turning the council area into a township,” he said.
Mr Mamah also thanked the PDP leadership in Igboeze North, Enugu North Senatorial zone and the state chapter of the party for receiving him back to the party.
He extolled Mr Mbah for extending hands of fellowship to those who had left the party, saying, “Personally, I am pleased with the performances of our governor.”