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Defend Nigeria’s Democracy, Wike Charges Labour …Knocks FG For Collapse Of National Security …Donates N100M To Labour Unions In Rivers

Published

7 years ago

May 2, 2018

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has charged the labour union in Nigeria to defend the country’s democracy, saying that if there was any time Nigerian workers should have risen in defense of democracy, it was now.
The Governor gave the charge at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt, yesterday while addressing Rivers workers made up of the affiliate unions of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
Wike who expressed disappointment in labour for suddenly losing its voice in the midst of the many anti-democratic policies and actions of the APC-led Federal Government described the silence as a conspiracy, pointing out that it does not augur well for the growth of democracy in Nigeria.
“Labour is quiet in the face of deaths. Of what benefit will increment of salaries be when all your children, friends and relatives are killed in the course of this national insecurity? It is incumbent on labour to rise up in defence of Nigerians by demanding for the immediate cessation of killings”, the governor stated.
He said Labour has a duty to work towards the progress of Nigeria as they battle for their welfare urging that labour must rekindle their pre-2015 posture when they participated in “Occupy Nigeria” protest during the Jonathan era.
“Be vigilant and defend our democracy in 2019. That is what labour is known for. Labour thrives under democracy. Without democracy, labour will run into challenges “, he said.
He promised to resolve the many unsettled issues raised by the NLC and TUC, especially those bothering on the contributory pension scheme, the contributory health scheme and the issue of payment of gratuity to retired workers in the state, urging labour leaders and affected workers to be patient with the government.
“I have no joy that people are not receiving their gratuities”, the governor stated, saying he would work with the NLC and TUC in the state to ensure that the welfare of workers were not toyed with.
He pointed out that the government was concerned about the high level of unemployment in the state and has, therefore, pursued an agenda to consistently grow the state’s economy and improve the employment situation of the state.
He explained that that was why the state introduced the monthly revolving non-interest loan for Civil Servants of grade levels 1-13 saying that the scheme has an annual package of N1.2billion.
He added that there was a similar scheme for small businesses with the total annual package of N2.4billion with a monthly disbursement of N200million urging those qualified and need the loan to apply for it to boost their businesses, improve their income and also the economy of the state.
In her address, Rivers State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Mrs Beatrice Itubo commended the Rivers State Governor for his regular payment of salaries and pensions.
She urged the governor to take steps to resolve the challenges surrounding the contributory pension scheme and gratuity to retired civil servants.
The Labour Leader also commended Governor Wike for his outstanding developmental strides.
Chairman of the Trade Union Congress in Rivers State, Mr Austin Jonah lauded the Rivers State Governor for his numerous infrastructural and development projects across the state.
The Workers Day was marked by the parade by all the affiliate trade unions in the state, with Governor Wike taking the official salute.
Meanwhile, Governor Nyesom Wike has stated that the total collapse of national security architecture was fallout of the political interference of the Federal Government in the operation of the security agencies.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the participants of Senior Executive Course 40, 2018 Study Group Three from the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru near Jos, at the Government House, Port Harcourt, last Monday, Wike said that the deliberate political actions of the Federal Government had compromised the security architecture of states.
Wike said: “What we have seen in most cases is that security lapses are a result of political interference”.
The governor said that the case of Rivers State was exemplified by the transfer in and out of Rivers State of newly promoted Assistant Commissioner of Police, Akin Fakorede, who was an indicted election manipulator for the purpose of carrying out criminal electoral activities.
He drew the attention of the course participants to the indictment of Fakorede as contained on Page 66 of INEC Report into Rivers Rerun Elections wherein the assistant commissioner of police was indicted for electoral fraud, violence, ballot box snatching and abduction of INEC officials.
“The man was given special promotion as a reward for the job he did for the police in Rivers State during the rerun. He has been transferred back to the state in preparation for their planned manipulation of the 2019 General Elections. They brought him back because of his expertise in ballot box snatching and election violence.
“The Federal Government has laid the foundation for crisis and violence in 2019. They are the ones who perpetrate crisis. We are peace makers, which is why we are drawing the attention of the international community to these actions”, the governor emphasised.
Commenting on the Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Wike said that the agency was established to complement the work of the federal security agencies.
He said that the organisation, which was fashioned in line with existing model in Lagos State under the leadership of respected retired military, police and paramilitary senior officers.
The governor said while the Federal Government allowed the Neighbourhood Safety Corps to thrive in Lagos, Nasarawa and Kaduna States for political expediency, it opposes the agency’s establishment in Rivers State.
“The Federal Government security agencies lack the personnel and equipment to provide security for all communities. The Neighbourhood Safety Corps will complement their efforts. Apart from payment of salaries, the state government funds the logistics and operations of the federal security agencies”, he noted.
In his remarks, Leader of the Senior Executive Course 40, 2018 Study Group Three from the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Rear Admiral Ahamefule Eluwa said that the group was working on how to proffer solutions for the security challenges facing the country.
Eluwa said the theme of this year’s course as approved by the President: “Strengthening Internal Security Framework and Community Policing in Nigeria: Models, Policy Options and Strategies”, was apt and timely as it would avail participants the opportunity to appraise the issues and align them with a view to addressing emerging security challenges in the country.
He said that the NIPSS Study Group would study the Neighbourhood Safety Corps established by the Rivers State Government and proffer suggestions with a view to improving the security of the state.
According to him: “As everyone is seeking for effective security models, Rivers State Government has already taken bold steps to secure the state”.

Chris Oluoh

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PANDEF Hails Tinubu For Lifting Emergency Rule In Rivers

Published

2 weeks ago

September 19, 2025

The Tide

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has hailed the lifting of the State of Emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

In a statement signed by Board members and National Executive Committee members, yesterday, PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu for rectifying what they described as an anomaly.

The statement was co-signed by Co-Chairmen, PANDEF Board of Trustees, Alfred Diette-Spiff and Obong Victor Attah, National Chairman Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, and National Secretary, Beks Dagogo-Jack.

Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State on the 18th of March, 2025, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, and members of the state House of Assembly for six months in the first instance.

In place of the governor, the President appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) as Sole Administrator.

However, Tinubu announced the suspension of the Emergency Rule on Wednesday, stating, “It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State shall end with effect from midnight today (Wednesday).”

The Forum commended Fubara’s unwavering perseverance and “faith in the divine will of Almighty God,” while also commending the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension.

“The Board and National Executive Committee of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, the apex socio-political organisation representing the South-South geopolitical zone, joins millions of Nigerians in welcoming the lifting of the state of emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

“While PANDEF had expressed strong reservations regarding the erstwhile emergency rule, we commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for taking this bold step to rectify the anomaly.

“We welcome Governor Siminalayi Fubara back to his elected office and salute his unwavering perseverance and faith in the divine will of Almighty God. We extend similar commendations to the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Oduah, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension,” the statement read.

Addressing Rivers people, the forum declared, “Light has returned to the state and a new glorious dawn has come. A moment in which the bitter pains of the past months will inspire all to rededicate themselves to true mutual forbearance, new alignments and forward movement.”

They urged political leaders and citizens to put the past behind them and work towards the collective good of the State, while pledging to support Rivers’ developmental trajectory under Fubara.

“All hearts and hands must therefore be joined together to put the past behind us and work towards the collective good of the state.

“We look forward to the State’s return to normalcy and the resumption of its developmental trajectory under the leadership of Governor Fubara and his team. PANDEF reiterates its commitment to supporting the government and people of Rivers State in their pursuit of progress and development,” the statement added.

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RSG Approves Full Rehabilitation of State Secretariat …Unveils Housing Scheme for Civil Servants, Honours Veterans

Published

3 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Eteh Ibas (Rtd), has approved the complete rehabilitation and modernization of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex to enhance efficiency and productivity in the civil service.

Ibas made the announcement at the 2025 Civil Service Week Gala and Awards Ceremony held at Banquet Hall, Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday,.

He disclosed that “initiative is designed to transform the secretariat into a modern, efficient and conducive work environment, directly supporting the civil servants who form the backbone of the state’s governance.”

The Administrator also approved the provision of 106 housing units for civil servants in the State.

Ibas paid glowing tribute to retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, describing them as the bedrock of the state’s administration.

He stated that the awards ceremony was a symbol of deep appreciation for decades of sacrifice, resilience, and commitment.

“These interventions are designed to not only recognize your service, but also to improve your welfare in tangible and lasting ways,” the Administrator stated.

“We must build an administration that is efficient, effective, and truly citizen-centric,” he added.

The Administrator urged serving officers to draw inspiration from their predecessors and strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of citizens.

He emphasized the importance of embracing innovation, technology, and continuous training to build a civil service equipped for the future.

The Acting Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyingi Brown, in her welcome address, described the civil service as the “engine room of government” and expressed profound gratitude to the Administrator for his unwavering support and commitment to its modernization.“

“A society that does not honour its heroes is not worthy of emulation,” Dr. Brown remarked, lauding the retirees as torchbearers of discipline and loyalty.

She pledged to build on their legacy through reforms and innovation, projecting that the Rivers State Civil Service would become a model of efficiency and transparency by 2030.

Speaking on behalf of the retirees, President of the Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries, Sir Promise Njowhor,

expressed heartfelt appreciation for the historic recognition.

“For once, since the creation of the State, we are being honoured,” Njowhor said, adding, “Our morale has been lifted.”

He pledged the association’s continuous support for government programmes, describing the body of experienced retirees as a resource available to contribute to state development.

The rehabilitation of the State Secretariat and the new housing scheme represent a major investment in the infrastructure and dignity of public service in Rivers State, signaling a new era of support for the civil servants who drive the government’s policies and programmes.

The Tide reports that the Administrator also conferred awards of meritorious service on retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries in the State

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Rivers LG Poll: APC Wins 20 chairmanship seats, PDP Clears Three

Published

1 month ago

September 1, 2025

The Tide

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has won 20 out of the 23 local government areas in the just concluded local government election in the State, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clinched three local governments.

According to the results released by the Rivers State independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), yesterday, the APC won the chairmanship seats in Abua/Odual, Andoni, Opobo Nkoro, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Khana local government areas.

APC also won in Gokana, Tai, Oyigbo, Bonny, Eleme, Etche, Omuna, Akuku Toru, Asari Toru, Degema, Ikwerre and Emohua local government areas.

The Commission, however, said the PDP won in Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor, and Ogba Egbema Ndoni local government areas.

Chairman of the Commission, Dr Michael Odey, who announced the results at the Commission headquarters in Port Harcourt, said Ofori Owolabi of the APC scored 28,755 votes to emerge winner of the election for Abua Odual while Solomon Ochomma, also of the APC, emerged chairman elect for Ahoada East after scoring 54,509 votes.

Odey said Eugene Epelle also of the APC scored 84,125 votes to emerge winner in Ahoada West, while Bob Fubara was elected the chairman-elect for Akuku Toru after scoring 63,593 votes.

Similarly APC chairmanship candidate Lucky Otuo Promise emerged chairman-elect for Andoni after scoring a total of 126,181 votes, APC’s George Onengiyeofori emerged winner in Asari Toru after scoring 56,383 votes, while Pepple Blessing Abinye garnered 13,543 votes to emerge winner in Bonny Local Government Area.

Other APC candidates elected include Michael John Williams who scored 16,536 votes to emerge chairman-elect for Degema Local Government; Obarlllormate Ollor (77,452) for Eleme; Dr Chidi Julius Lloyd (114,380) for Emohua; Njoku Boniface (100,649) for Etche; Confidence Deekor (96,478) for Gokana, while Wobodo Charles got 62,746 votes to emerge winner in Ikwerre Local Government Area.

Other APC winners from the APC include Akuro Tobins (32,285 votes) for Okrika; Hon Obasi Uchechukwu (38,530) for Omuma; James A James (38,822) for Opobo Nkoro; Vincent Nemieboka (36,374) for Ogu/Bolo; Hon Mbakpone Okpe (70,080) for Tai LGA, while in Oyigbo, Okechukwu Akara scored 101,495 votes to emerge winner.

Meanwhile, the RSIEC chairman announced Dr Gift Worlu of the PDP with 328,823 votes to emerge winner in Obio Akpor; Shedrack Ogbogu, also of the PDP, scored 51,051 votes for Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area, while in Port Harcourt City, Sir Alwell Ihunda garnered 235,054 votes for PDP to emerge winner.

The APC also cleared the councillorship seats in Abua/Odual, Andoni, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Khana, Oyigbo, Bonny, Eleme, Etche,Tai, Khana Opobo/Nkoro and Degema local government areas.

Similarly APC councillorship candidates also emerged winners in Asari Toru, Degema, Akuku Toru, Gokana and Khana while PDP cleared the councillorship seats in Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt city, and Ogba Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Areas

Meanwhile, the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions has passed a vote of confidence on the just concluded local government election in the State.

National Chairman of the forum, Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, said this in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt.

Eri said all the chairmen across the country were in Port Harcourt to monitor the election as well as gain experience in an election under emergency rule.

John Bibor & King Onunwor