Featured
2019: We’ll Return Wike As Governor – Rivers West …As Kwakwaso, Security Council Condole Gov Over Aguma’s Death
The Rivers West Senatorial District, last Monday endorsed Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for a second term, saying that they are satisfied with his excellent performance.
Thousands of leaders and PDP members from the eight local government areas of Rivers West Senatorial District converged in Ahoada where they communicated their resolution to the Rivers State governor.
From one local government area to the next, the people of the district defied the heavy rain to display their support for Wike.
Leader of the Senatorial District and former presidential aspirant, Chief Feddy Alabraba said the endorsement of Wike was premised on the fact that the governor has touched all the eight local government areas of the district.
“The people of Rivers West Senatorial District are for Governor Wike. In view of the good works of Governor Wike, we have resolved to overwhelmingly vote him again in 2019”, he said.
Former Minister of Sports, Dr Tammy Danagogo said the eight LGAs of Rivers State are direct beneficiaries of the quality projects of Wike.
He outlined the projects executed by Wike on local government by local government basis, noting that Wike deserves the massive support he enjoys.
He said: “You have proven to the people of Rivers West Senatorial District that you are the only man to stand with them irrespective of the situation.
“You were the first governor to oppose cattle colony in the South and you opposed the anti-people bill on the water-ways. The people are sure that you will defend their interests at all times”.
First Class traditional ruler, Eze Ekpeye Logbo, Eze Robinson O. Robinson declared that the people were happy with Wike, hence the resolution of the district to support his re-election.
Responding, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike declared that Rivers PDP would win the 2019 elections in honour of the late Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
He said: “From what I am seeing here, 2019 is concluded. Nonetheless, we should expect alignments and re-alignments. In Ahoada East, we need someone who will complement the efforts of Edison.
“In this election, we must not give room for manipulation. APC has nothing to offer Nigeria. After three years, they should be booted out”.
He warned security agencies against being used to rig elections, saying that when the chips are down, the APC-led Federal Government will abandon the security agencies as they made DG DSS a scapegoat.
He said that he would not be intimidated by EFCC, saying that his commitment to the growth of the state was total.
A minute silence was observed in honour of the late Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Rivers State.
Highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of icon of the re-election to Wike by the Eze Ekpeye Logbo.
A minute silence was observed in honour of late Emmanuel Aguma.
Meanwhile, the former Governor of Kano State and presidential aspirant, Rabiu KwanKwaso, has consoled the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, over the death of the state Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Emmanuel Aguma, SAN.
Kwankwaso, who paid a condolence/courtesy visit to Wike, last Monday in Government House, Port Harcourt, said news of late Aguma was a shock to him and members of his team.
“It was a shock when we heard of it. We felt we should condole with you”, he said.
The aspirant urged the governor, people of the state, and immediate members of the bereaved family to take heart.
Kwankwaso, who is one of the presidential aspirants in the plate for of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), praised Wike for transforming the state through massive infrastructure.
Noting that Wike deserves a second term in office, Kwankwaso stressed that Wike would take the state to an enviable height, if he leads the state for another four years.
“We pray to God to give us long life and health to see you completing a second term so that you can revolutionise the entire state.
Responding, Governor Nyesom Wike said, “On behalf of the people of Rivers State, I most sincerely thank you for coming to sympathize with us over the loss.
Wike described late Aguma as a committed and loyal person in his cabinet, adding that it was difficult to get someone to fill the vacuum created by his sudden exit.
He said the state never had any legal crisis under his administration because of the way handled affairs.
“In this world whatever position you have, use it to service God and mankind”, the governor said.
He commended Kwankwaso for coming back to the PDP, noting that Kwankwaso would be very valuable in the victory of PDP in 2019.
Similarly, service commanders of the Rivers State Security Council, last Monday, paid a condolence visit to the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike over the passage of the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon Emmanuel Aguma (SAN).
The service commanders, who were led by the Assistant Comptroller of Nigeria Customs Service, Zone C, Sanusi Umar, comprised of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, DSS, Nigerian Police, Civil Defence, NDLEA, Nigerian Immigration Service, Customs and FRSC.
Umar described the late Attorney General of Rivers State as a very reliable and industrious public officer.
While condoling with the government and people of Rivers State on his sudden demise, the Assistant Comptroller of Customs said late Aguma was a true professional.
He said: “All of us here interacted with him while he was alive. He was a true professional who was very reliable and industrious. He was active, cheerful and broadminded.”
Responding, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike reiterated that the late Attorney General of Rivers State was one of the best hands in the State Executive Council.
He said that it will be difficult to find a replacement for him as he was an embodiment of selfless service, professionalism and loyalty.
Wike explained that he noticed that the late Attorney General of Rivers State was ill during the series of commissioning.
He said though the Attorney General offered to witness the commissioning of National Industrial Court, he insisted that he should travel for urgent treatment.
The governor said that the passage of the Attorney General of Rivers State is very devastating at this time.
“No matter how painful it is, we cannot question God. Everything will be done to give him a befitting burial”.
Wike said that consultations are on with all major stakeholders to arrive at the burial date for the Attorney General of Rivers State.
The Rivers State Security Council later moved to the family of the Late Attorney General of Rivers State where they condoled with his aged mother.
At the home of the late Attorney General of Rivers State, very prominent Rivers leaders are condoling with the family.
Former Rivers State Governor, Dr Peter Odili and his wife, Justice Mary Odili were on ground to pay their condolences.
Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, says Nigeria needs God-fearing leaders for the nation to move in the right direction and make meaningful progress.
The Governor stated this yesterday when he received in audience, the World President of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Pastor Erton Kohler; his wife, Andriene Marques Kohler; daughter Mariana Marques Kohler and a retinue of ministers of the church at Government House, Port Harcourt.
Fubara who hailed the Seventh Day Adventist Church for its contributions to education and the grooming of future leaders in Nigeria, expressed delight that the Church had over the years, been investing in education at various levels and currently runs two universities in the country.
He commended the church for not only using its institutions to spread the gospel of Christianity but to groom future leaders for the country.
According to him, religion should not be just about defending one’s faith, but also making meaningful impact on the lives of the people.
He said that by floating these educational institutions, the church has demonstrated capacity to support Nigeria in the task of producing not only educated people but a breed of God-fearing leaders.
“Our country is where it is today because we lack the fear of God. If you have the fear of God, there should be a limit to what you can do because you understand the supremacy of God. But when God is not in your equation, you’ll go beyond the line and that is what has brought us to where we are today.
“So, I feel very happy that you are contributing to the development of our future leaders in this country. We need the right people being in the right place; prepared properly with good minds; that is what we need, not just in Nigeria but round the whole world.,” he said.
Governor Fubara further observed that the absence of God-fearing people in high places to take the right decisions that could impact positively on the society, has also given rise to other problems such as social inequality, poverty, corruption and criminality. According to him, Nigeria needs a system where the average parent could afford quality education for their children and a guarantee that upon graduation, the average child will have the capacity to compete favourably with anybody, anywhere in the world.
“If we have a situation where the little money that you’re being paid as wage can also afford you quality healthcare and after working at least for 15-20 years, you have a roof over your head, tell me why you should be involved in any kind of crime? At that point, you’ll feel secured and this attitude of insecurity about the future that leads to all the social vices we have today won’t be there,” he said.
Governor Fubara expressed appreciation to the delegation for the visit and for their prayers for Rivers State, assuring them of his continued support for their programmes in the state.
Leader of the delegation and World President of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Pastor Erton Kohler said he was in Nigeria for a special conference of the church during which thousands of the church’s ministers will be undergoing an empowerment programme to further equip them for the task of herding their flocks and serving the society.
He expressed gratitude to the Governor for the warm reception accorded his entourage, saying the memory of the visit will linger in his mind for a lifetime.
Kohler disclosed that the Church has over twenty -four million (24,000,000) members and more than 182,000 places of worship, spread across 212 countries of the world.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has approved the 2026–2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) submitted by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
This reaffirms the lawmakers’ commitment to enacting laws and taking legislative actions geared towards the overall development of the State.
The Assembly gave the approval during its Second Legislative Sitting of the Fourth Session held last Friday.
Speaking on the MTEF document during plenary, the House Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, noted that by the provision of Section 10(1)(b) of the Rivers State Fiscal Responsibility Law No. 8 of 2010, the MTEF ought to have been laid before the House in September 2025.
Amaewhule explained that traditionally, the document is expected to be presented four months before the commencement of the next financial year and immediately after the expiration of every three-year fiscal cycle.
He, however, stated that in the interest of the State and its people, the House considered it necessary to deliberate on the document, describing it as a precursor to the 2026 Budget Estimates.
The Speaker expressed concern that the year had already progressed significantly before the presentation of the framework.
During deliberations on the document, members examined the assumptions and projections contained in the MTEF and observed that strict adherence to the outlined fiscal parameters would ultimately serve the interest of Rivers people.
The lawmakers maintained that effective implementation of the framework would promote prudent financial management and enhance developmental planning across the State.
Following the debate and positive consideration by members, the Speaker put the question to the House and members voted overwhelmingly in support of the approval of the MTEF.
Meanwhile, during the same sitting last Friday, the House also received a petition from the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr. Gift Worlu.
The petition was presented by the member representing Obio/Akpor Constituency II, Hon. Emilia Amadi.
According to the petition, concerns were raised over an imminent security breach, threats to lives, destruction of property and alleged forceful takeover of property by some lawless persons within parts of the Local Government Area.
Presenting the petition before the House, Hon. Amadi appealed to the lawmakers to revisit the matter and take necessary steps aimed at safeguarding lives and property in the affected communities.
The House is expected to further deliberate on the petition and consider measures to address the concerns raised in order to sustain peace and security in the area.
King Onunwor
Featured
JUNE 12: Democracy Remains Nigeria’s Strongest Path To Unity, Progress, Says Fubara ….Extols Abiola, Wife
Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed that democracy remains the most effective system of government for Nigeria, given the country’s rich diversity of ethnic, religious, and cultural identities.
In a goodwill message to Nigerians on the occasion of the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, Governor Fubara said June 12 represents far more than a historic date; as it embodies the enduring struggle, sacrifice, and collective aspiration of Nigerians for freedom, justice, and representative governance.
The Governor extended warm felicitations to Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora, paying tribute to the heroes and heroines of the democratic struggle, particularly Chief MKO Abiola, his wife, Kudirat Abiola, and countless others whose courage and sacrifices helped secure the democratic freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.
According to him, “June 12 is a reminder of the price paid for the democracy we enjoy today. The sacrifices made by Chief MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, and many other patriots who laid the foundation for the democratic journey we continue to enjoy today. Their commitment to the principle that power must ultimately reside with the people remains a source of inspiration for every generation of Nigerians.”
Governor Fubara noted that thirty-three years after the historic June 12, 1993 election, Nigeria’s democratic experiment has continued to evolve despite challenges and setbacks.
“Our democratic journey has not been without difficulties, but the resilience of our institutions and the determination of our people have kept the nation moving forward. The ability to express differing opinions, engage in constructive debate, and peacefully choose leaders through the ballot remains one of the greatest achievements of our nation,” he said.
Governor Fubara stressed that democracy provides the best framework for managing Nigeria’s diversity and transforming it into a source of national strength.
“Nigeria’s diversity should never be seen as a weakness. Properly harnessed, it is our greatest asset. Democracy offers us the opportunity to build consensus, promote inclusion, strengthen national unity, and create the conditions for sustainable development and shared prosperity,” he said.
Governor Fubara commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda and ongoing efforts aimed at economic revitalization, strengthening security, and deepening democratic institutions across the country.
He reiterated the readiness of Rivers State to continue partnering with the Federal Government in advancing policies and programmes that improve the lives of citizens through infrastructure development, job creation, enhanced security, quality education, healthcare delivery, and good governance.
The Governor further called on Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation, ethnic background, or religious belief, to use the occasion of Democracy Day to renew their commitment to the Nigerian project and the ideals that underpin democratic governance.
“Democracy must not be viewed merely as a periodic electoral exercise. It must be reflected in our daily commitment to accountability, transparency, tolerance, justice, respect for the rule of law, and responsible leadership. As citizens and leaders, we all share a collective responsibility to strengthen our democracy and build a nation that future generations will be proud to inherit,” he said.
Governor Fubara expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, urging citizens to remain united, hopeful, and committed to the values of peace, dialogue, and national development.
“Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive, and more prosperous Nigeria where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national progress,” he said.