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Despite Inadequacies, INEC Conducted 2023 Election With Reduced Violence, Deaths -Wike …Swears-In Members Of RSIEC, Primary Healthcare Management Board
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike says Nigerians should commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting the 2023 general election with reduced violence and deaths experienced across the country.
Governor Wike recalled how previous elections under INEC had been characterised by violence, with avoidable deaths amidst desperation of politicians to have their way, made possible because of the mode of voting that was previously adopted.
Governor Wike made the observation at the swearing-in ceremony of chairmen and members of Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board, and Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
The governor noted that even if the Bi-Modal Voters Accreditation Machine System (BIVAS) used by INEC in the 2023 general election did not perform optimally, so much success was achieved, because its use alone frustrated antics of security agencies who induced violence.
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, has Hon. Justice Adolphus Enebeli, (rtd) as the chairman, with Prof Emenike Weli, Barr Adolphus. A. Brown, Dr Lasbury Nnah, Pastor Tamunotonye Tobins, Barr (Mrs) Chinwe Ihua-Maduenyi and Mrs Nuka Kponi as members.
The Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board has Prof. Blessing Jaja as the chairman, Dr Kinikanwo Green as the Executive Director and Dr Clarabell Abam, Dr (Mrs) Gladys Horsefall-Okafor, Madam Gladys Ihunda and Dr Famba O. Famba as members.
Governor Wike said no election is perfect, but it is always better that the subsequent ones are seen to be an improvement on the previous one, to make people believe in the process.
”That is why I tell people that if for nothing, Nigerians should commend INEC that they reduced the level of violence, the level of death because without this BIVAS, before we were fighting with security agencies, they were carrying electoral materials, hijack electoral officials, but now it is difficult.
”So, no matter the inadequacies, you’ll see that there was an improvement in terms of reduction of violence which is key, because in our electoral process it has always been killing, hijacking of materials, and using of security wrongly.”
Governor Wike stressed that Nigerians have accepted the outcome of the election and what INEC was able to deliver, and have moved on.
The governor said the disturbing trend with Nigerian system is that when people are apprehended and are guilty of the electoral offence, they appeared not to be sanctioned, or punished in order to serve as a deterrent to others.
He however, expressed the hope that the federal government will increase the capacity of INEC to do better in the next election.
To RSIEC, Governor Wike charged the chairman and his members to use their wealth of experience to ensure a successful transition when the local government election date is fixed next year.
He urged them to work as a team to achieve their given mandate, given the ample time that they have to prepare for the election.
To the members of the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board, governor Wike, who noted that the previous board did very well, charged them to build on that success record.
Governor Wike urged them to bring their professional expertise to bear by improving on the system, serve the best interest of the State with greater commitment.
The governor said having been appointed to serve a four year tenure, so much is expected of them and they can only achieve more if they do not focus on making money alone, but work as a team in improving the healthcare delivery mechanism in the State.
In his response, the Chairman of RSIEC, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd) said they are exceedingly grateful to be found fit and proper persons to serve in such capacity in the interest of the State.
Justice Enebeli gave the assurance that they will observe the fidelity to the sanctity of electoral processes and procedures in the conduct of local government elections within the extant laws to the end that there shall be credible, fair and free conduct of local government election in Rivers State.
On his part, the chairman of the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board, Prof. Blessing Jaja thanked the governor for giving them the opportunity to serve and assured that they will not disappoint the expectation on them as they work assiduously to move the board’s activities forward.
The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has assured the commitment of Rivers State government to workers’s welfare and industrial harmony in Rivers State.
The Sole Administrator gave the assurance after meeting with leadership of organized labour unions at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Ibas reaffirmed government’s policy of prompt payment of salaries and pensions to workers and retirees, stating that all local government employees are not receiving the approved minimum wage.
He disclosed that approval has been given for payment of newly employed staff at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Judiciary, while medical workers in Local Government Areas will now receive correct wages.
Ibas explained that, Government is reviewing implementation challenges of the Contributory Pension Scheme ahead of the July 2025 deadline, adding that Intervention buses have been reintroduced to ease workers’ transportation ,with plans to expand the fleet.
He said specialized leadership training for top civil servants will commence within two weeks, while due consideration is being given to implementing the N32,000 consequential adjustment for pensioners and clearing outstanding gratuities.
Ibas commended Rivers State workers for their dedication to service and called for sustained partnership with labour unions to maintain industrial peace.
“This administration recognizes workers as critical partners in development. We remain committed to addressing your legitimate concerns within available resources,” he stated.
The State NLC Chairman, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, thanked the Administrator for the steps taken so far with regard to workers welfare while appreciating his disposition towards alleviating the transportation problem faced by workers.
He also expressed appreciation for the government’s openness to dialogue and pledged continued cooperation towards achieving mutual goals.
The Rivers State Government assured all workers of its unwavering commitment to their welfare and called for continued dedication to service delivery for the collective progress of our dear State.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers Council, has called for policies that will improve the economic situation of the country in order to ensure enhanced living standard for workers.
The State Chairman, Mr Alex Agwanwor, made the remark on behalf of the unions affiliated to Labour Congress during the 2025 workers day celebration in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Agwanwor highlighted the demands of the Unions which included the immediate payment of pension arrears, implementation of the N32,000 minimum wage for pensioners, and payment of gratuities and death benefits without further delay.
“We are calling for the regulation and protection of e-hailing drivers, implementation of increments and promotions, and resolution of long-standing issues in the polytechnic sector,” he said.
Agwanwor on behalf of the unions appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reinstate the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
He stressed the importance of democratic governance and good working relationship with elected representatives.
According to him, the unions expressed disappointment over the imposition of taxes, increase in electricity tariff, and high cost of goods and services, which have further worsened the plight of workers.
“We urge the federal government to take measures to alleviate the suffering of citizens,” he said.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu is committed to unlocking Nigeria’s full potential and position the country as a leading force on the African continent.
Shettima stated this when he hosted a delegation from the Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, led by its Senior Fellow, Dr Rolf Alter, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja last Wednesday.
He said Nigeria was actively seeking expertise from the global best institutions to enhance policy formulation and implementation, particularly in human capital development.
The Vice-President noted that President Tinubu was determined to elevate Nigeria to its rightful position as a leading force in Africa.
“The current crop of leadership in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is ready and willing to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian nation on the African continent.
” We are laying the groundwork through strategic reforms, and at the heart of it, is human capital development.”
He described the Hertie School as a valuable partner in the journey.
According to him, Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, has track record and institutional knowledge to add value to our policy formulation and delivery, especially in this disruptive age.
Shettima reiterated the government’s priority on upskilling Nigerians, saying ” skills are very important, and with our Human Capital Development (HCD) 2.0 programme.
“We are in a position to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian people by enhancing their capital skills.”
The Vice-President acknowledged the vital support of international development partners in that effort.
” I want to thank the World Bank, the European Union, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and all our partners in that drive to add value to the Nigerian nation,” he maintained.
The Vice-President said human capital development was both an economic imperative and a social necessity.
Shettima assured the delegation of the government’s readiness to deepen cooperation.
” We need the skills and the capacity from your school. The world is now knowledge-driven.
“I wish to implore you to have a very warm and robust partnership with the government and people of Nigeria.”
Shettima further explained recent economic decisions of the government, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms.
“The removal of fuel subsidy, the unification of the exchange rate regime and the revolution in the energy sector are all painful processes, but at the end of the day, the Nigerian people will laugh last.
“President Tinubu is a very modern leader who is willing to take far-reaching, courageous decisions to reposition the Nigerian economy,” he added.
Earlier, Alter, congratulated the Tinubu administration for the successful launch and implementation of the Human Capital Development (HCD) strategy.
The group leader described the development as ambitious and targeted towards the improvement of the lives of the citizens.
He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his engagements since arriving in the country.
He applauded the zeal, commitment, energy and goodwill observed among stakeholders in the implementation of Nigeria’s HCD programme.
Alter said the Hertie School of Governance would work closely with authorities in Nigeria across different levels to deliver programmes specifically designed to address the unique needs of the country.
He, however, stressed the need for government officials at different levels to be agile and amenable to the dynamics of the evolving world, particularly as Nigeria attempted to successfully accelerate its human capital development aspirations.