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Wike Calls For Amendment Of FG’s Procurement Law To End Project Abandonment ….As Tinubu Describes Wike As Dependable Ally
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has drawn the attention of the Federal Government to the need to amend its procurement law in order to end incessant abandonment of projects in the country.
Wike made these remarks at the inauguration of the Rumuokwuta/Rumuola Flyover (12th Flyover) on Wednesday, which was performed by the President-Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The governor explained that the current procurement law of the Federal Government only allows for about 15/30 percent to be paid as mobilisation fee to a contractor.
Such meagre sum, he said, usually does not allow the contractor to make appreciably progress on the project before being caught up by inflation effects and high cost of materials, which eventually requires variation of the contract terms.
Wike said when he noticed a similar snag in the procurement law in Rivers State, on assumption of duties, he interfaced with the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, who worked together with other lawmakers to amend the then existing law.
He said with the amended law, his administration got the latitude to pay an upward of 70 percent mobilisation fee to contractors handling various projects in the State.
He noted that such practice has led to the great accomplishment recorded in the delivery of development projects in the State by his administration.
Wike said the Phase two of Ahoada-Omoku -Egbema road and the Emohua-Tema Junction road projects that are ongoing are at the cost of N80billion.
He explained that the payment pattern that was adopted is a monthly deduction of N4billion by the contractor from the internally generated revenue (IGR) of the State, which will last 18 months that the projects will be completed.
Commenting on the 12th flyover bridge, Wike explained that the project was among those started from 2019 till date and delivered by his administration.
He noted that some of the flyovers are on federal roads and therefore, requested the incoming administration of Tinubu to consider a possible refund to Rivers State.
This, he pointed out, will serve as a motivation to other States, which will feel more encouraged to also work on federal roads in their jurisdiction.
Inaugurating the Rumuokwuta/Rumuola Flyover, Tinubu said that his presence to perform the duties of opening the flyover for public use is another way of building bridge, most essentially for the country.
Tinubu described Wike as a dependable ally and one who promoted the unity of Nigeria and championed justice and fairness.
He noted that Wike stood his ground as a principled man and worked for the presidency to come to the South without succumbing to gossips and speculations.
“In His Excellency (Nyesom Ezenwo Wike), I see a man of principle, he took a principle stand that the presidency must return to South and he had the courage to stand by his conviction, not minding whose ox is gored. He is, indeed, a man of great integrity, he did not chose to serve his own interest. Not about him, rather the interest of the nation. You promoted unity, you promoted fairness, you championed justice. Thank you.”, he said.
Tinubu also commended Wike’s penchant for delivering quality projects to Rivers people, and for making the citizenry happy.
The president-elect said the demand for a refund on the flyover bridges so constructed on federal roads, though a worthy request, should not be borne with the mindset that the Federal Government is owing the State because the projects are within Rivers and are used by the people.
He, however, said there would be need for Wike to further discuss the issues with him and intensify his lobby to secure the refund.
The president-elect recalled that he went through gruesome campaign, fought hard, and with the likes of Wike providing structural support, he won the presidential election squarely.
“Nyesom, I say thank you for your contribution to my victory. I couldn’t have done it without some structural support”, he said.
He also congratuled the Rivers State governor-elect, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on his electoral victory.
In his description of the project, Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Dr. George-Kelly Dakorinama Alabo, said the Rumuokwuta/Rumuola Flyover Bridge is 1007.5 meters long, completed in eight months instead of 10 months and delivered to eliminate traffic congestion by 98 percent in the State.
According to him, the flyover is the longest of the flyovers constructed by the Wike administration and has district features because whereas the other eleven flyovers are straight, it has a parabolic curve with a curvature radios of 225 meters.
In his welcome remark, Chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, George Ariolu, said the Rumuokwuta/Rumuola Flyover bridge is the 12th among similar projects that were conceived and constructed by Wike’s administration.
He noted that the 12th flyover has greatly eased vehicular traffic, boosted commerce and improved the aesthetics of the metropolis.
Some of the dignitaries present at the occasion include the wife of the Rivers State governor, Hon. Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; governors of Oyo, Jigawa, Imo and Ebonyi States, Seyi Makinde; Muhammadu Badaru Abubakar, Senator Hope Uzodinma and David Umahi, respectively.
Other are former governors of Rivers, Osun, Delta, Ekiti, Edo and Bayelsa States, Dr. Peter Odili, Chief Abdulkareem Adebisi Akande (Osun), Chief James Ibori Chief Ayo Fayose, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Chief Timipre Sylva, respectively.
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo