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I’ve No Regrets Supporting Wike, Jonathan Insists …Rivers Won’t Abandon You, Gov Assures
Former President, Goodluck Jonathan, has explained that he has no regrets for supporting Chief Nyesom Wike as governor of Rivers State.
Speaking while unveiling the reconstructed Nkpogu Phase II Bridge, in Port Harcourt, yesterday, to mark Wike’s second year anniversary, Jonathan remarked that the Rivers State governor has surpassed his expectation.
According to him, “I am quite pleased with Wike. I have no regrets that Wike is the current governor of Rivers State. Today, the whole of Rivers State is a project site.”
Jonathan expressed happiness over the governor’s commitment to transform the state, saying, “I am happy that the governor has opened up the state so much. Successive governments have done their bit, but Wike has shown commitment in infrastructure and social mobilization of this state.”
The former president while congratulating the state on its Golden Jubilee anniversary, said he still remains a son of the state, recalling that he spent his adult life in the state, coupled with the fact that he married a Rivers daughter, and therefore, will always be involved in matters of the state.
The former president pointed out that the appreciation for the excellent performance of Governor Wike went beyond party lines, recalling that Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, after visiting the State, also stated that the governor had delivered on projects.
He expressed happiness for the invitation to commission the important Second Nkpogu Bridge , appreciating the people of the State for the support they gave him throughout his eight years involvement in national politics.
He thanked the people of Rivers State for the support they gave to his administration, and expressed his appreciation.
Earlier, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, had said that the state will never abandon the former president or castigate him in any way despite the current political developments.
Wike said the resolve to stand with Jonathan was borne out of the support he gave to the present administration.
He maintained, “We would not abandon you. We are not politicians that when something goes wrong, they begin to sing different song. Rivers State is a different place because when we believe in you, we believe in you. We are different from other Niger Delta states.”
Wike assured that Rivers State cannot openly castigate the former president, pointing out that, “those that do that should have a rethink. Rivers State will continue to back you.”
Governor Wike, in his address, said that Nigerians, after the two years of the All Progressives Congress – led Federal Government, have seen the difference between good governance and false promises.
He explained that the decision was taken for former President Jonathan to commission the second Nkpogu Bridge, as a clear message to the nation that he would not be abandoned.
Speaking further, Governor Wike said: “Those, who think that they have promises from those who think they own Nigeria, should be careful. They will use you and dump you at the appropriate time
The governor, while commenting on the project, stated that the bridge was one of the electioneering campaign promises he made, and which his administration was poised to fulfill.
He commended the contractor, Monier Construction Company (MCC) for the quality of job done, as he promised that the land reclamation by the bridge, when completed, will add more colour and beauty to the area.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Works, Bathuel Harrison Iheanyichukwu said the bridge was key to linking the Trans-Amadi Industrial area.
He also said traffic congestion experienced with the closing of the bridge will be reduced as commuters will now have easy access to the adjoining communities of Ogbunabali, Nkpogu and Amadi-Ama.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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