Politics
Contest For Second Term, Youths Urge Amaechi
Rivers State youths have appealed to Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to consider contesting the 2011 governorship election for the interest of the people of the state.
The youths under the umbrella of Rivers Youths for Continuity and Consolidation (RYCC), stated this at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) last friday, reviewed the performance of the present administration and various security agencies in restoring peace as indices for him to contest for second tenure.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting in Port Harcourt and jointly signed by Comrade Elechi Ikenda, National Coordinator, Com. Clifford Bariton, National Secretary and Carlos Kakue Director, Media and Publicity, expressed satisfaction at the level of human infrastructural development recorded by the administration since assumption of office.
The statement explained that, the youths as major stakeholders, have the responsibility to tackle inefficiency and maladministration in governance, as well as identify and support a focused and visionary leadership as it is in the state at the moment.
They noted that the total overhauling of the educational system through massive construction of state-of-the art primary and secondary schools in almost all the wards and communities in the state is a commended effort.
According to the youths, “the endless number of scholarships to the people of Rivers State within Nigerian and abroad; the construction of modern health centres in nearly all the local government areas in the state.
“The revamping of the Braithwaite Memorial Hospital (BMH) from death house to world class hospital”, the missive construction of modern roads, across the state; the restoration of orderliness and transportation of the city of Port Harcourt from an unorganised town to a world class city with recreational parks amongst others, the successful completion of the Eleme Junction inter-change bus service”.
The youths further said they are calling on the governor to consider contesting the 2011 governorship election because, the governor has been able to improve the power supply in the state through the innovation of the Trans-Amadi gas turbine and the Afam plant, the repositioning of the transport sector through the provision of Port Harcourt City are testimonies of his achievements. As well as the Taxis to empower Rivers youths amongst other projects.
The Rivers Youths for Continuity and consolidation (RYCC) called on all Rivers people to give total support to this administration in order to achieve the aspiration of the people reminding that the youths are major stakeholders in the “Rivers projects”.
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has appointed Nigerian music legend, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as TuFace, as his Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach.
In a viral video on Wednesday, Governor Alia praised TuFace for all the support towards his administration.
The Governor stated that TuFace can do more.
He stated, “On behalf of the Benue State Government and our very good people, we want to give you some more responsibility plus the ones you have been doing because you have the capacity to do some more and help us chart a way forward to improve other people’s lives and to gain more from your wisdom and advice as well.
“So, I’m pleased to announce that we will make you a Technical Adviser to the Governor on Entertainment and Community Outreach.”
Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement was made following a closed-door meeting at the Government House in Asaba on Wednesday.
The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, confirmed the development in a telephone conversation with The Tide’s source.
Similarly, the defection of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was announced on Wednesday in Asaba by Senator James Manager, following a meeting that lasted over six hours at the Government House.
Senator Manager said all PDP members in the State, including the Governor, former Governor Okowa, the Speaker, the state party chairman, and all local government chairmen, had agreed to join the APC.
“We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat,” he said.
The decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders and was made in the interest of Delta State’s long-term development.
Governor Oborevwori, who won the 2023 gubernatorial election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was received by senior APC officials in what political analysts are already describing as a strategic realignment with far-reaching implications ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria has condemned the recent wave of killings in Plateau, Borno, Benue, Niger State and most recently, Kwara State, calling on the federal and state governments to take urgent steps to stem the tide.
Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Adebo Ogundoyin, stated this in a statement issued in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Rt Hon. Ogundoyin, who is the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, said the gruesome killings had led to tragic loss of lives, widespread displacement, and unimaginable trauma for thousands of Nigerians.
“We are alarmed by the escalating insecurity in the land and the seeming helplessness with which these attacks are met. The time for mere condemnation and rhetoric has passed; urgent and coordinated action is now required at all levels of government to end these bloodbaths and restore peace and order.
“While we acknowledge that defence and national security fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Government, we must stress that every level of government bears responsibility for the security and welfare of the people. State governors, in particular, must rise to the occasion and fully understand that governance is not limited to road construction and ceremonial functions. True governance is rooted in the protection of lives, the preservation of order, and the alleviation of suffering,” he said.
He called on state governments to complement the efforts of the Federal Government by making and enforcing enabling laws for community policing and other grassroots-driven security models.
According to him, States must develop proactive frameworks that integrate local intelligence, social support systems, and youth engagement in the fight against insecurity.
The conference also urged the Federal Government to meaningfully engage the citizenry and introduce bold, practical measures to cushion the hardship caused by its current economic policies.
“Millions of Nigerians are groaning under the weight of inflation, unemployment, and a cost-of-living crisis. It is imperative that relief initiatives—targeted, transparent, and impactful—are rolled out without delay. Dialogue, not distance, must define the relationship between the government and its people at this critical time.
“The Conference of Speakers affirms its commitment to supporting all legislative actions necessary to restore security, promote justice, and foster inclusive governance across the country. The killings in Benue, Niger, Plateau, Borno, Kwara, and any part of Nigeria must not be allowed to continue unchecked. Justice must prevail, and peace must be restored.
“Let it be known: the safety, dignity, and well-being of every Nigerian must remain the top priority of all arms and levels of government,” Rt Hon. Ogundoyin said.