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Activist Rates Wike High On Governance
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
An activist and social crusader, Dr Sofiri Joab-Peterside, has scored the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, 70 per cent in the delivery of good governance to the people of the state.
Joab-Peterside, who gave the assessment at a special forum organised by The Tide Editorial Board as part of activities to mark the Golden Jubilee of Rivers State, yesterday, also scored the eight-year government of Chibuike Amaechi second best, with 60 per cent.
He further rated the eight-year government of Dr Peter Odili, third best with 50 per cent, and the five-month government of Sir Celestine Omehia, fourth best, scoring it 40 per cent.
Joab-Peterside, who is also a senior lecturer with the University of Port Harcourt, Choba, and Director, Prof Claude Ake School of Government Studies, said his assessment was based on the respective government’s performance in various sectors.
He scored Wike high for the government’s commitment to the completion of strategic development projects initiated by his predecessor, as well as his ability to deliver on other mandates, such as payment of salaries of civil servants and allowances of pensioners, and execution of pro-people projects in spite of the lean internally-generated revenue-base and allocations from the federation accounts.
The scholar, who was also a foundation member of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), said that Wike has, over the last two years, shown the political will to promote continuity in government and consolidate on the gains of the positive policies and programmes of the previous administrations in the state, even when it was possible to break away from the past and launch a fresh start for his administration.
While assessing the performance of the governors of the state since the rebirth of democracy in 1999, Joab-Peterside, rated Amaechi’s administration above average, putting him at 60 per cent.
He based his assessment on Amaechi’s performance in the first tenure, arguing that the 15th governor made significant impact in massive infrastructure development of the state in virtually all sectors, from education to health, roads to power, agriculture to urban renewal and physical development.
The social development scholar scored the performance of Dr Peter Odili’s government 50 per cent, explaining that although the 13th governor of the state did well in delivering some strategic development projects to the people, especially the new Government House, state House of Assembly Complex, and Omoku Gas Turbine Station; but noted that his “flamboyant” government empowered inexperienced young politicians and witnessed high degree of violence and militarization of the political structures in the state.
On the 14th governor of the state, Joab-Peterside rated Omehia’s performance in delivering democracy dividends 40 per cent, adding that although the administration lasted five months; it had enduring impact on the lives of the people.
While expressing support for activities marking the Golden Jubilee celebration of the state, the university don emphasized that the people had reason to celebrate 50 years of the creation of the state, but quickly added that none of the past governments had formulated and implemented policies that promoted the dreams of the founding fathers of the state.
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.
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.
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.