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Your Antics’ll Fail, Wike Assures Enemies Of RSG …Don’t Take God’s Grace For Granted, Cleric Tells CJ
Governor Nyesom Wike has asserted that all those who engaged in one clandestine activity or the other to pull the Rivers State Government down, have experienced utter disappointment.
The governor maintained that part of the recent crises that were stirred within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was spearheaded by people who, in secret meetings, plotted to bring him down.
He said no one of such persons have survived achieving their plots.
Wike made the revelation at the Special Thanksgiving Service organised to celebrate the appointment of Hon. Justice Simeon Amadi as the chief judge of Rivers State, at St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Elibrada Parish, in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, yesterday.
He stated that nobody can tamper with who God has ordained, because but for God, he would not have become the governor of the state.
“Recently, you heard there was some crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Everybody who was involved, that plotted everything for my downfall, all are out. Everyone, that slept, that went to a meeting, planning how they’re going to bring me down, not one survived.”
The governor also alluded that similar plot was contrived when the former Chief Judge of the state, Justice Adama Iyayi-Lamikanra was to be appointed, but they also failed no matter how hard they tried.
He wondered why somebody would render services for the interest of Rivers State, and when it was time for appointment, people would start conspiring and even plotting against his government.
“When your predecessor, (Justice Iyayi-Lamikanra) was appointed, you have said here that people came to you to say she’s not from Rivers State. Such people are enemies of the state. That is why this country cannot move forward.
“Somebody who has put his or her life serving the state all through her career, making sure that the state moves forward, and at the time of benefits, you now say the person is not from your state. But all the services rendered were for the interest of your state.
“When your predecessor was appointed, people started to conspire, people started to plot against my government. Your colleagues, some of them started conspiring. I said, well, what will be, will be. I do know that it is God that made me to become governor. Nobody will survive to plot the downfall of my government. Nobody will survive it.”
The governor explained that when Justice Iche Ndu retired as the chief judge of the state, the Judiciary was plunged into crisis, resulting in the shutting down of the courts for some years. According to him, even when the state did not have a substantive chief judge, billions of Naira were signed off steadily in the state Judiciary.
According to him, “reports of the committee that was set up by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) indicted some principal judicial staff, some of who were eventually promised to be shielded by somebody who had hoped to become a chief judge.
“And so, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has to set up a committee to investigate it because there was no chief judge, but look at the record, billions are being spent. Who is responsible of this expenditure?
“You can’t believe it; some registrars were using that opportunity to make money. You can’t believe the kind of houses people at that level could build within that period, and they were found guilty.
“Someone who believes that he or she will be the next chief judge had to interfere with that investigation and security picked it up. And simply because some of them are from the same community, and she said, when I become chief judge, I will set aside that indictment by the Judicial Service Commission, security picked it up. That was how you (Justice Amadi) became the chief judge.”
Speaking further, Wike acknowledged the role played by the former governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili, who appointed Justice Amadi to be a judge of the state High Court, and also ensured that Ikwerre produced governor of Rivers State.
The governor said it was not out of place for the Ikwerres to stand always with the Odilis because of his love for them and consider what affects them to affect the Ikwerres since one good turn deserves another.
Wike enjoined the chief judge to be diligent in his duties, assertive in achieving results, utilise money meant for the Judiciary judiciously, and desist from being vindictive.
Earlier in his address, the state Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi acknowledged that only God deserves all the thanks for his benevolence over his life, and his appointment as chief judge.
He noted that God uses men to accomplish His will, adding that Wike was God’s instrument to make that appointment possible.
“Today is a remarkable day in my life and that of my family. We give gratitude to God over His favour upon me and my family”.
Justice Amadi said he decided to do the thanksgiving in his home town so that people can know where he came from, saying that “irrespective of where you are coming from, God’s grace cannot be limited because of localities”.
He thanked God for using the former chief judge of the state, Justice Iche Ndu, in whose chambers he began his career in legal practice, and Dr Peter Odili, in whose administration he was sworn in as a judge, to prepare him for his present role as chief judge of the state.
He recalled that Justice Iche Ndu’s chambers has produced two chief judges in the state, and thanked God for making it possible at His own time.
In his sermon at the service, Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of Niger Delta and Bishop of Diocese of Ikwerre, Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah tasked the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi not to take the grace of God for granted.
He charged him to deliver his responsibilities and mandate without fear or favour so that God and mankind would be happy for his appointment, saying that he was called for ‘legal service’ for the betterment of mankind and the society at large.
Enyindah gave the advice while delivering his sermon, titled: “Thanking God for His Mercies” at a Special Church Thanksgiving Service by the state Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, to thank God for his elevation as number one Judiciary officer in the state.
The service was held at the St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Elibarada in Emohua Local Government Area of the state, over the weekend.
The clergy, who took his Bible reading from the book of 1 Chronicles 29:10 – 18, said God requires daily appreciation and thanks for all living creatures, adding that His grace and mercy endures forever.
According to him, “Everything about God is good and beneficial to mankind”, saying that “mercy and grace is an act of God’s special enablement for man to get what we do not deserve and merit.
“God blesses us more when we reciprocate and thank Him and acknowledge Him,” he stated.
The bishop, while congratulating the chief judge over his appointment, thanked the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for being the instrument which God used to actualise the appointment.
Enyindah said it is only God who can raise any person from obscurity to prominence.
He stressed that God expects those who have so enjoyed His grace and mercies in areas of good health, business successes and promotion to gladly acknowledge it by returning to thank him.
Enyindah enjoined the Justice Amadi who God has raised among other judges to become the chief judge of Rivers State, to not only thank God in the church as he has returned to do but be determined to continually discharge his duties conscientiously and give justice to the people.
The Tide reports that the occasion was attended by a litany of distinguished stakeholders across all sectors in the state.
By: Beemene Taneh & Akujobi Amadi
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
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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.