News
We Shall Impact Every LGA With Projects, Wike Assures
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, says his administration was committed to making sure that every local government area in the state gets development projects.
Wike gave the assurance at the inauguration of the 10.3km long Sime-Nonwa-Kira Road in Tai Local Government Area, which was performed by the Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, last Monday.
The governor said, few months ago, when he flagged off the road, people thought it would be abandoned, but today, it has been completed, and was being commissioned.
According to the governor, all projects awarded by his administration would be completed before the end of his tenure, pointing out that no one project would be abandoned.
“Some people say we have been commissioning projects in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor local government areas, and that there are no projects in other local governments.
“This is Tai, and it is in Ogoni land. We have projects here that we are commissioning now.
“When we flagged off this road, so many people were thinking that it will be one of the abandoned projects. I have said that no contract awarded by our administration will be abandoned. All projects must be completed before we leave office”, Wike said,
The governor berated a former commissioner for community and chieftaincy affairs for peddling falsehood, claiming that there were no Rivers State Government development projects in Ogoni land.
Wike said such people who took ‘kola nuts’ meant for traditional rulers cannot see and speak the truth but waste energy defending what they cannot defend.
“One of the former commissioners who took traditional rulers’ ‘kola nuts’ incidentally, he is from this local government area, he was telling people that there is no single project in the whole of Ogoni land.
“But he is from this local government. You can see how people can tell lies simply because we did not bring them back (as commissioner). But we don’t want our ‘kola nuts’ to miss again. Those who cannot keep ‘kola nuts’ or give to those who own the ‘kola nuts’, we cannot bring them back.
“Look at this project: 10.3km, and look at the communities. How will anybody say that we have never done anything for the people of Tai? How would anybody say we have no presence in Ogoni land?
“This road was handled by a local contractor, Lubrik Construction Company Ltd. It’s Rivers’ company. I don’t play with road construction because I don’t want any road that will not last. This road, as you’ve see it, will last.”
Inaugurating the road, the Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, applauded Governor Nyesom Wike for delivering such quality road project that connects several communities to ease movement of rural dwellers.
Mohammed noted that he feels proud to be a Nigerian anytime he sees how Wike, in spite of imposing challenges, has continued to deliver democratic dividends to Rivers people.
“When I see the quality of this road and the community where it is sited; in Ogoni land, traversing all these communities, and the kind of good sermon given by the local government chairman, and even the commissioner of works, I felt elated that I am a Nigerian.
“This is so, because here is a Nigerian, a governor who has been able to deepen leadership, bringing people of capacity on board, and even using a local contractor to bring local content. This is the kind of Nigerian we need tomorrow: People who can lead and bring people on board with quality and capacity”, the Bauchi governor added.
The Bauchi State governor particularly described Wike as the face of leadership among other governors and within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because he inspires all of them.
“I am always happy to be associated with Governor Wike. It is not because he is the most pragmatic governor in Nigeria. It is not because he has always worn the toga of leadership. It is also not because he has always tried to satisfy his people and defied the odds.
“But it is because of his capacity as the face of our party, the PDP. He is the face of leadership of the governors. He has always defied all difficult terrain, cancerous projects and programmes to be able to produce, and deliver to his people.
“That has endeared him to me as a person since we met in the cabinet. He is somebody who says the truth no matter the situation and no matter whose ox is gored. We need people like that in Nigeria.”
In his remarks, the Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Hon. Elloka Tasie-Amadi said the road traverses several communities that include, Barayira, Barale, Gboroba, Nonwa, Kira, Sime, and Eteo.
“It used to be somewhat of glorified track road with multiple failed sections and attendant consequences. The people, their livelihoods and their vehicles, pockets, and time were affected.
“But today, through the instrumentality of the governor, we now have good and motorable 10.3km long road, which is 7.3meters wide with a drainage network of 5.7km.”
The Hausa Community in Rivers State has dissociated itself from media reports credited to one MaiwadaAdamu that the Arewa Community in Rivers State has appointed Alhaji Musa Saidu as the acting SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt, following the inability of the former SarkinHausawa, Alhaji Isa Madaki to carry out his functions.
MaidawaAdamu, who is also the spokesman of the Arewa Initiative for Peaceful Co-existence, had briefed journalists on the change, but in a swift reaction, the Office of Alhaji Isa Madaki, has come out to say that the only recognised body which has the powers to appoint the SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt is the Council of SarkinHausawa in PortHarcourt headed by Alhaji Isa Madaki.
The statement also said Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki is the only recognisedSarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, adding that his appointment follows the proclamation and endorsement by the council members of SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The statement further called on the general public and all authorities concerned to give Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki maximum co-operation and support,as he discharges his duties as SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt.
The Suspended Rivers State Commissioner for health, Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, has described as baseless allegations in some quarters that she was responsible for the purported disruption of the Nigerian First Lady’s empowerment program in Port Harcourt.
Dr Oreh, who said this in a statement personally signed by her and a copy made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt also described the allegation as a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers
According to Dr Oreh, “they are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord”
In her words,”the allegations levelled against me, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, regarding the supposed disruption of the First Lady’s empowerment programme on Friday 2nd May, 2025, are entirely unfounded, completely false, and a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers and conflict entrepreneurs.
“They are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord.”
The suspended commissioner challenged those behind the allegation, especially the Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation to show proof of its assertion adding “It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I challenge the “Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation” (assuming such a body really exists) to provide tangible proof to support their assertions.
“It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I have neither sponsored nor will sponsor any activities aimed at embarrassing or disrupting the activities of the administration appointed by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to oversee the affairs of Rivers State following his declaration of a state of emergency on Tuesday, 18th March, 2025, and have rather spent the time of my suspension from office focused on other endeavours and my doctoral studies.
“I reaffirm my commitment to working tirelessly for the progress and development of Rivers State.
“Furthermore, I believe that it is crucial for all stakeholders to promote a culture of truth, integrity, and respect in public discourse.
“Unsubstantiated wild claims undermine trust and hinder constructive engagement, and this is not what the state needs at this difficult and delicate time.
“I urge everyone to focus on issues that unite us and foster a positive, solution-driven dialogue for the betterment of our State, and urge everyone to work together to build a brighter future for Rivers State, grounded in truth, transparency, and collective effort,”she said.
By: John Bibor
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has called on key regulators, asset owners and other stakeholders to continue to support the agency toward the goal of remediating the Ogoni environment and restoring the livelihoods of the people and building structures for peace.
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who made the call during the Project’s first quarter meeting with regulators, asset owners and stakeholders in Port Harcourt, urged the stakeholders to remain resolute in supporting HYPREP’s work.
“We particularly expect each regulatory agency and asset owner to deepen their involvement and continue to provide strategic support to the project”, he said, stressing that the quarterly meeting platform remains instrumental in providing a structural avenue for regulators, asset owners, and implementation partners to offer feedback to HYPREP on project performance and deliberate on ideas that move the project forward, as well as strengthen collaboration, deepen synergy and reinforce collective responsibility.
Zabbey disclosed that the socio-economic study of Ogoni has started, as HYPREP has contacted the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organisation(WHO) to commence in the next quarter a three-year human health biomonitoring in Ogoniland.
He noted that work on several fronts of the cleanup project is progressing steadily, adding that as key project partners, the insights and shared experience of the regulators and asset owners have always enriched HYPREP’s operations.
He said the policy thrust of HYPREP for 2025 is clear, as the Project is intensifying efforts to complete within stated timelines, the various ongoing projects, including remediation works and mangrove restoration, potable water facilities, the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, the Ogoni Power Project, Ogoni Specialist Hospital, and Buan Cottage Hospital, among others.
Zabbey, however, announced that HYPREP would commence new set of shoreline cleanup, mangrove restoration and livelihood projects, to sustain the momentum of implementing the Ogoni cleanup, adding that the agency would also conduct detailed site characterisation of the high-risk complex sites, leading to remediation works at the sites.
He noted that HYPREP’s collaboration with Rivers State Ministries of Health, Power and Environment, and civil society organisations remains vital, stressing that the technical and administrative support of all relevant government agencies and funding partners is indispensable in helping HYPREP overcome operational bottlenecks, especially those encountered in interfacing with host communities.
He further indicated that “the people of Ogoni and the nation are looking to us with hope and expectation, and expect tangible results from the remediation initiative”, assuring the participants that the Project Coordination Office is committed to delivering positive results.
“We must, therefore, continue to work with diligence, transparency, and a renewed sense of purpose”, he declared, saying, “ the completion and commissioning of projects this year must reflect not only our technical ability but also our collective commitment to environmental sustainability and sustainable development in Ogoni.”
During the interactive session, the Project Coordinator briefed the participants on the progress made so far by HYPREP to conclude the distribution of starter packs to the 5,000 Ogoni trainees, and called on contractors who had already collected huge chunk of money for the project, to deliver without further delay.
In all, the regulators, asset owners and stakeholders commended HYPREP for the good works it is doing, and urged it to do more.
The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency(NOSDRA) was represented at the event by Deputy Director, Oil Field Assessment, Dr Abam Komommo Omini, while Dr Vincent Nwachukwu, Director of Medical Services, represented the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
The Rivers State Ministries of Water Resources, Power and Environment were represented by Dr Bealo Brownson; Engr K. J. Osele; and Mr James Ordu respectively, while the Society for Women and Youth Affairs (SWAYA); and the Stakeholder Democracy Network(SDN); among other civil society organisations were also at the event.
By: Donatus Ebi