News

‘Obi Wali’s Contributions Left Indelible Mark On Nigeria’s Political Landscape’

Published

1 year ago

October 21, 2024

The people of Ikwerre ethnic nationality have maintained that Obi Wali’s contributions to democracy, justice, and the defence of the rights of the people have left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political landscape.
They spoke under the auspices of Ikwerre Development Association (IDA) during the 2024 Chief Senator Dr. Obi Wali Memorial Lecture which was held last weekend.
The Guest Speaker, Professor O.V.C. Okene, a professor of Law and former dean, Faculty of Law, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, spoke on the topic: “The State and Democracy Today: Remembering Dr. Obi Wali and the Rights of the People.”
He described Obi Wali as a towering figure in Nigerian politics, academia, and human rights advocacy.
He said: “He is remembered today as a patriot, a defender of minority rights, and a steadfast advocate for equity whose life and legacy remain relevant to the ongoing struggles for justice and development in Nigeria.”
“Chief Senator Dr. Obi Wali is a man whose contributions to democracy, justice, and the defence of the rights of the people have left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political landscape.
“As an advocate for minority rights, a committed public servant, an intellectual, and a politician, his impact resonates deeply within our society today.
“Dr. Obi Wali fought tirelessly for the rights of marginalised groups, particularly in the Niger Delta, and was a voice of reason during turbulent political times. His assassination in 1993 was a profound loss but his legacy lives on, inspiring new generations to continue the fight for justice and equality.”
Prof. Okenne stated that Late Dr. Obi Wali grew into one of the foremost voices for justice and equity for Nigeria, particularly for the Niger Delta region, adding that Wali’s life was centered on advancing education, defending cultural identity, and fighting for the rights of marginalised communities.
“His academic work became influential in African political thought, particularly through his critique of the dominance of foreign languages in African literature, advocating for the preservation and development of indigenous languages.
“His impassioned defence of the rights of the Niger Delta people, coupled with his broader fight for equitable development across Nigeria, earned him a reputation as a fearless and principled politician.
“A strong supporter of democratic principles, Wali used his position to amplify the voices of the marginalised and to push for policies that promoted fairness and inclusivity. His dedication to justice extended beyond politics into community development, where he worked tirelessly to uplift the underrepresented.
“Remembering Senator Obi Wali’s legacy is crucial in today’s Nigeria, where democracy and human rights are still being contested. His contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting and expanding democratic spaces, promoting social justice and equality, upholding human rights and the rule of law, and empowering marginalised communities.
“By reflecting on his life and work, we can draw inspiration and lessons for our own efforts to build a more just and equitable society.
“The task before us is to build a state that truly represents the people, a democracy that lives up to its promises, and a society where the rights of every individual are respected. This is the Nigeria that Chief Senator Dr. Obi Wali envisioned, and it is up to us to make it a reality.
“Let us not forget that democracy is not a destination, but a journey – one that requires constant vigilance, participation, and the will to make difficult choices for the common good. As we leave here today, let us be inspired by Chief Obi Wali’s life and legacy to continue the fight for a Nigeria where democracy thrives and the rights of the people are truly respected”, he said.
Highlights of the event was the installation of Omekwa eli Ikwerre XVI and XVII respectively on Hon. Oliver Wolugbom and Eze Dr Esezi Obillor.
Former Protem Senate President Senator, Chief John Azuta Mbata, Hon. Mrs Blessing Chigeru Amadi, representing Port Harcourt Federal Constituency 2 and Chief Charles Wami of Charkins Maritime were given awards for their outstanding roles in Iwhuruohna (Ikwerre) land.
In their separate speeches, the President of Ikwerre Development Association (IDA) Dr Chinogonum Chuku; the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Prof. C. K. Wachukwu; and the Public Relations Officer, Dr Ovuchi J Agwnu extolled the virtues of Dr Obi Wali as a man at home with his people, with Impactful leadership to the youth and entire Iwhuruohna (Ikwerre) ethnic nationality which he also served as President-General and Ochi Ohna Ikwerres III.
The event which held in the Faculty of Law auditorium of the Rivers State University was attended by the President-General of Ogbakor Ikwerre Worldwide, Eze G. W. Onuekwa, Senator Andrew Uchendu, the Chairman of Ikwerre Supreme Council of Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, King Leslie Eke, Henry Chukwu, among others.

News

HoS Hails Fubara Over Provision of Accommodation for Permanent Secretaries

Published

3 days ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

The Head of Service (HoS) of Rivers State, Dr. Mrs. Inyingi S. I. Brown, has commended Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, for approving befitting accommodation for Permanent Secretaries in the state.

This commendation was contained in a press release made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt.

According to the Head of Service, Governor Fubara has continued to demonstrate uncommon commitment to the welfare of civil servants in Rivers State, stressing that such gestures underscore his people-oriented leadership style. She urged civil servants across the state to remain supportive of the governor’s administration in order to sustain good governance and effective public service delivery.

Speaking on behalf of the Body of Permanent Secretaries, Dr. Brown congratulated Governor Fubara on the occasion of his 51st birthday, describing him as “a Governor who leads by serving.”

She further praised the governor’s service-driven and people-centred leadership approach, noting that it has significantly contributed to institutional stability and improved efficiency within the state’s public service. Special appreciation was expressed for the approval of a befitting accommodation complex for Permanent Secretaries, which she said reflects the governor’s commitment to staff welfare and enhanced productivity.

As part of activities to mark the governor’s birthday, the Body of Permanent Secretaries announced the sponsorship of 329 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms for indigent students across the state.

A breakdown of the initiative shows that 319 forms will be distributed across the 319 political wards in Rivers State, while five forms are allocated to non-indigenes and five forms to persons living with disabilities.

Interested applicants are advised to contact the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, for further details.

The Body of Permanent Secretaries wished Governor Fubara continued good health, divine wisdom, and greater accomplishments in his service to the people of Rivers State.

By John Bibor

News

Allegation of Disrespect to President Tinubu Unfounded — Rivers Government

Published

3 days ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

The attention of the Rivers State Government has been drawn to a statement credited to an acclaimed Rivers State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), purportedly authored by one Bestman Innocent Amadi, alleging that the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, removed the official portrait of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, from the Government House, Port Harcourt.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Rivers State Government wishes to categorically state that there is no policy, directive, or intention on the part of the government or the Governor that disrespects the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or undermines the authority of the Federal Government.

On the contrary, the Rivers State Government, under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, currently enjoys a robust, cordial, and collaborative relationship with the Federal Government, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Renewed Hope Agenda—a partnership that is already yielding positive and tangible benefits for the people of Rivers State.

Consequently, the insinuation that the Governor acted out of “ingratitude” or “disrespect” is misleading, irresponsible, inflammatory, and entirely unsupported by verifiable facts, and should therefore be disregarded by the public.

It is regrettable that a body expected to promote youth unity, peace, and responsible engagement would resort to incendiary language, personal attacks, and unsubstantiated claims capable of overheating the polity at a time when Rivers State requires calm, dialogue, and mature leadership.

The Rivers State Government therefore calls on well-meaning members of the public, particularly its esteemed and hardworking youths, to disregard and dissociate themselves from individuals or groups bent on advancing divisive rhetoric and falsehoods for political purposes.

Rivers State belongs to all of us. Political differences must never be allowed to override truth, civility, peace, and the collective pursuit of progress.

Members of the public are further urged to remain vigilant and avoid lending credence to inflammatory statements or the activities of fifth columnists pursuing dubious agendas aimed at sowing discord.

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News

Rivers Government Dismisses Allegations of Disrespect to President Tinubu

Published

3 days ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Government has dismissed as unfounded and misleading allegations that Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara removed the official portrait of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu from the Government House in Port Harcourt.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the state government reacted to claims credited to an acclaimed Rivers State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), describing the allegation as false, irresponsible, and unsupported by any verifiable facts.

The government clarified that it has no policy, directive, or intention that disrespects the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or undermines the authority of the Federal Government. It emphasized that Governor Fubara maintains a cordial, respectful, and collaborative relationship with President Tinubu and the Federal Government.

According to the statement, the relationship between Rivers State and the Federal Government has grown stronger under the Renewed Hope Agenda, with tangible benefits and positive impacts already being felt by residents of the state.

The Rivers State Government described insinuations that the governor acted out of “ingratitude” or “disrespect” as deliberately provocative, noting that such claims are capable of misleading the public and unnecessarily heating up the polity.

It further expressed concern that an organization expected to promote youth unity and peace would engage in what it termed incendiary language, personal attacks, and unsubstantiated accusations at a time when the state requires calm, dialogue, and responsible leadership.

The government called on well-meaning members of the public, especially the youths of Rivers State, to disregard the claims and dissociate themselves from individuals or groups spreading divisive rhetoric and falsehoods for political purposes.

Reaffirming its commitment to peace, unity, and progress, the state government stressed that political differences must never be allowed to override truth, civility, and the collective interest of the people.

Members of the public were also urged to remain vigilant and not give attention to inflammatory statements or individuals described as fifth columnists bent on causing division within the state.