Politics
Wike Predicts More Defections
The Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike has predicted that more defections of top members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party will greet the political scenes of the country soon.
Wike made the prediction, Saturday while addressing journalists after inspection of some on-going projects in both Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas of the state.
The governor who linked the gale of defections rocking APC in recent time to failures of the APC-led federal government said federal government runs on vindictiveness, intimidation, and illegality and has decried Nigerians the dividends of democracy.
Wike said, “politics is all about alignments and realignments. We expected these defections, knowing that the ruling party at the national level has completely failed the people.
“It is not hidden that even when they had majority in the two chambers of the National Assembly, they never had it easy because their representatives knew the APC has nothing to offer the people”.
The governor assured Nigerians of a better alternative to APC, stressing that PDP is working round the clock with all stakeholders to put an end to APC federal government in 2019.
He inspected Elelenwo-Akpajo Road, Construction of Judges Quarters and the Mile 1 market project.
Wike, last Tuesday, attended the celebration ceremony of the 40 years of legal practice of Hon O.C.J Okocha (SAN) organised by Okpo Club of Nigeria (Association of Ikwerre Lawyers Worldwide) an the inaugural Okpo Club Awards.
The event attracted seasoned legal practitioners, politicians, traditional rulers and top government officials.
He said as a legal giant, OCJ Okocha deserves the honour of the people and noted that the celebrant had mentored young lawyers.
He said, “this is 40 years of successful law practice. I commend Chief OCJ Okocha for mentoring young lawyers to be worthy legal practitioners.
Former Rivers State Governor, Sir Celestine Omehia described the celebrant as a living icon who has contributed to the development of the state.
In his remarks, Chief Okocha said he will remain committed to the promotion of access to justice and the rule of law and to remain as a source inspiration to others to join the legal profession.
Okocha assured that he will continue to join other lawyers and members of the bench to enhance the independence of the judiciary.
A book titled: “Opening and Enriching the channels of justice in the Nigerian society”, written in honour of the celebrant was launched at the event.
High point of the occasion was the conferment of Wike with the prestigious Dr Obi Wali Prize for leadership by the Okpo Club of Nigeria.
Last Wednesday, the weekly state Executive Council meeting also held in the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House, Port Harcourt.
Outcome of the meeting was not made known to the press as there was no press briefig after the event.
Chris Oluoh
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.