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2019: Vote Out APC Or Blame Yourselves, Wike Tells Nigerians …Leads Praises To God At New Year Service
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has said that Nigerians will have themselves to blame if they fail to vote out the present government headed by President Muhammadu Buhari.
He called on Nigerians to actively participate in the 2019 electoral process to elect credible leaders.
The Governor said that for Rivers people, the 2019 election was the most important because it was about the future of the state.
Wike spoke in a special New Year message, saying, “Among others, 2019 also presents a great opportunity for us to create a new vista of hope in the political trajectory of our nation and that of our state.
“The general elections are around the corner and Nigerians will have nobody, but themselves to blame, if they fail to seize the ample opportunity to excise and liberate (themselves) from the spectre of misrule and unmitigated hardship.
“I, therefore, encourage every Nigerian to fully and actively participate in the 2019 electoral process, so that we can peacefully and collectively choose credible leaders with the capacity to govern and take Nigeria in the right direction.
“Rivers people must, therefore, have the opportunity to freely and peacefully exercise their right to choose their own leaders by themselves without constraints.
“Accordingly, I wish to appeal to the political parties and their supporters not to be desperate with their ambitions as electoral contest is not and cannot be a do-or-die affair and no one’s political ambition is worth the blood of any other person.
“I wish to remind us that we have no other state of our own than Rivers State and it is our collective responsibility to build, protect and defend its interest and all times under any circumstances.
“We cannot afford to set our state on fire through electoral or other violence as this would destroy our progress and set us many years backwards to the delight of our enemies who are averse to our unity and progress.
“Let us, therefore, on this New Year day, rise above partisan or other narrow interest and rededicate ourselves with greater focus and determination towards building a united, peaceful and prosperous state, through our individual and collective efforts.
“Let us not forget that whatever position we may be holding or wherever we may be placed, the little contributions we can make will make our state better and greater. Breaking the huddles and actualising the dreams and possibilities of our state remain a shared responsibility,” the governor said.
Wike added that as the year 2018 comes to a close, Rivers people must thank God for His Grace and mercies throughout the period.
“We also have every reason to be thankful to God Almighty for the peace and the tangible progress we have made in spite of the daunting challenges that we faced.
“As I have always said, we are not yet where we all want our dear state to be. There is still much work to do to realise the dreams and berth the state at its glorious destination.”
Meanwhile, it was in total submission to the Supremacy of God and His faithfulness , that the top echelon of Rivers State Government led by Governor Nyesom Wike gathered at the Government House Chapel of Everlasting Grace on December 31, 2018 where they praised the Almighty into 2019.
The Government House Chapel of Everlasting Grace Choir led a spirit lifting praise and worship session that brought down the presence of God.
Governor Wike, his wife, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike and the Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo worshipped God in dancing and singing, appreciating God for his unending defence of Rivers State. Also in attendance were the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Adama Iyaye-Laminkanra and the President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Christy Gabriel Nwankwo.
Special Adviser to the Rivers State Governor on Religious Matters, Bishop Winston Iwo declared that if not for the the Grace of God and his protection, Rivers State would have been swallowed up by the forces of darkness.
He said: “When the enemies rose in diverse ways against Governor Wike, God stood by him. God will receive the glory for helping Governor Wike to deliver in the midst of adversity. We say thank you God.
“It is by the Grace of God that Governor Wike has done all these in 2018. As we enter 2019, we are confident that God will do more for Rivers State. We lift Rivers and place it in God’s hand. He will keep the state and do wonderful works in 2019″.
The first Bible Reading from Exodus 12: 1-14 was taken by the Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike, while the second reading from Luke 4: 14-22 was taken by Deputy Governor Ipalibo Harry Banigo.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, yesterday extended interim relief measures to the people of Bille Kingdom as the government intensifies efforts to address the ongoing environmental degradation affecting the area.
This was contained in a statement by the Head of Information and Public Relations Unit, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Juliana Masi, yesterday.
The governor, during a working visit to Bille Kingdom in Degema Local Government Area, reassured residents of his deep concern for their health and well-being.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to finding a lasting solution to the persistent gas emissions observed in the community’s land and water sources since November 2025.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dagogo Wokoma, the governor announced immediate interventions to address urgent needs.
Some of the relief measures include the provision of potable water and essential medical services through the release of ?100 million as palliative support for the affected community.
According to the SSG, “Governor Fubara remains deeply committed to the welfare of the people of Bille Kingdom. Although unable to attend in person due to pressing state engagements, he is fully aware of the situation and determined to tackle the root cause of the environmental challenge”.
The governor assured residents that the state government would not relent in its efforts to provide a permanent solution to the gas emissions, emphasizing that the current intervention is only a temporary measure to ease the suffering of the people.
He further urged members of the community to remain law-abiding and continue supporting his administration, noting that he has consistently demonstrated a track record of fulfilling his promises.
Earlier, the Chairman, Council of Chief for Bille Kingdom, Chief Bennet Dokubo, expressed joy over the State visit, describing Fubara as a leader who listens to the plight of the people.
He urged the governor to critically look into the gas emission which he described as dangerous to human health.
“If we take you into the river, we notice that the entire environment is bubbling and smelling.
“We most humbly urge you to critically look into this situation. This is something strange we have never experienced before. It is not good for human health,” the monarch stressed.
The Federal Government has declared tomorrow (Friday) and Monday, April 6, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Easter celebration.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government through a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani.
The ministe congratulated all Christians in Nigeria and in the diaspora on the joyous occasion of Easter, and urged Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of selflessness, forgiveness, forbearance and love as exemplified by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
He reiterated that the goal of the government remains to make decisions that would bring about national rebirth, economic growth, and shared prosperity.
The Tide reports that good Friday will be marked tomorrow, while the Easter Sunday will be celebrated on Sunday across the world.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chief of Staff (CoS) to carry out their duties with discipline, loyalty and a firm commitment to the success of the administration and the wellbeing of the people of Rivers State.
The governor warned that any involvement in unauthorised nocturnal meetings or any conduct capable of embarrassing the government will attract immediate dismissal.
Fubara gave the warning yesterday shortly after the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Dagogo S.A. Wokoma and the new Chief of Staff (CoS), Barrister Sunny Ewule, were sworn in at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
As part of the ceremony, the Chief Registrar of the State High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi administered the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office on the duo before the governor gave his charge.
Addressing the appointees, Fubara reminded them that their elevation to the new positions was a call to service and not a platform for political grandstanding or the pursuit of personal ambition.
He stressed that their foremost responsibility should be to themselves and to the people of Rivers State, stressing that their conduct must always reflect integrity, restraint and dedication to public good.
Speaking directly to Dr. Wokoma, whom he described as an accomplished academic and mathematician, the governor expressed confidence in his intellectual depth and capacity to deliver on the new assignment.
The office of the Secretary to the State Government, Fubara stressed, demands thoroughness, discipline and a deep sense of responsibility. He charged the SSG to represent the State with honour at all times.
“Your duty includes representing the state government. You need to represent us in a way and manner that will bring honour to us.
“What is important to this administration is to see that the good works that we started and the ones that we met, are concluded in a way that will bring progress and development to our dear state,” he stated.
Turning to the new Chief of Staff, the governor explained that he is expected to ensure smooth administrative coordination, managing official engagements effectively and safeguarding the image of the Government House.
He underscored the sensitive and personal nature of the role and emphasised that the position operates strictly under the authority of the governor.
Fubara stressed that the role does not permit independent political engagements or private strategy meetings without his knowledge and consent.
“Let me sound it here very clearly. Your duty is to make sure that you handle the administrative duties and image making roles perfectly well, liaising with whoever is coming for any official assignment here.
“If you involve yourself in nocturnal meetings and all those things, I will sack you. I’m very serious. What is important to me today is peace, progress and prosperity of this state. I’m not going to compromise anything for it,” he said.
The governor cautioned that involvement of the new appointees in any action capable of bringing the government or his office to disrepute would attract appropriate sanctions.
While congratulating the new appointees, Fubara expressed optimism that they would justify the confidence reposed in them.
He called on all public officials to work together in unity, observing that collective success is stronger and more enduring than individual achievement.
The governor who also addressed the Permanent Secretaries present at the ceremony, directed those of them who have reached retirement age to start preparing their handover notes without delay.
The notice, he said, was not intended to scare anybody but to prepare their minds towards the inevitability of exiting the service one day and to pave way for an orderly transition.
He warned against any attempt to engage in financial misconduct or last-minute irregularities, stressing that he was closely monitoring the system to ensure strict enforcement of accountability rules.