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Ex-Chief Whip Credits Political Success To God, Wike

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2 years ago

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The immediate past Chief Whip of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi, has attributed his successful political career in the last 12 years to the benevolence of God and the support of former Governor of the State, Cheif Nyesom Wike.
He said this at a special family Thanksgiving Service at the St. Martin’s Anglican Church, Ogu, in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Hon Bipi said he felt fulfilled that God had given him the opportunity to serve the people of Ogu/Bolo LGA in the last 12 years.
“As I stand before you today on this momentous occasion of a Special Thanksgiving Service, I feel a deep sense of fulfilment and an immeasurable gratitude to the Almighty God and to Rivers people, especially the good people of Ogu/Bolo Constituency on whose mandate I rode on to the Rivers State House of Assembly”, he said.
According to the former lawmaker, “this Special Thanksgiving Service was borne out of the need to express my profound gratitude and immense appreciation to God for seeing me through in my journey to the Rivers State House of Assembly, where I represented the good people of Ogu/Bolo Constituency and contributed towards the advancement of good governance in our dear State.
“But for God, who is the lifter of men, and the sustained support of some well-meaning individuals whom God used to create my pathway in destiny, I would not have been able to fulfil my dream in politics thus far.
“Let me acknowledge with a heartfelt gratitude, our amiable former Governor and Honourable Minister of FCT, His Excellency, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, GSSRS, Life Bencher, for being instrumental in my journey to the Rivers State House of Assembly vis-à-vis my successful terms in office.
“It is pertinent to state that the former Governor was not just instrumental in my election and re-elections, he graciously granted approvals while in office which enabled me attract and execute several critical people-oriented projects in my constituency.
“My gratitude to him knows no bound and I will never take his kindness towards me and my family for granted”, he said.
Rt Hon Bipi also thanked the political leaders of Ogu/Bolo LGA for what he called their immense support and encouragement.
He listed for commendations the new Executive Director of Finance and Administration of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Boma Iyaye, and Traditional Rulers, Community Leaders, Women and Youth Leaders of the LGA.
“I also acknowledge the commendable role played by the various political groups of Ogu/Bolo in my journey to the Rivers State House of Assembly, most importantly the Women Group led by Miss Christy Tamunobereton-ari for standing up against some unknown gunmen in military uniform who came to steal votes and subvert the free will of the people of Ogu/Bolo during my re-election in 2019.
“I, therefore, crave the indulgence of all who made it to this auspicious occasion in my honour to kindly join me as I make my way to the alter to appreciate and return all the Glory to God for my successful terms in the Rivers State House of Assembly”, he said.
In his sermon at the occasion, the Bishop, Diocese of Okrika Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Rt Rev. Enoch Atuboyedia Obianime, called on Nigerians to accept Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour.
Obianime, whose sermon was titled “Sure Mercy of God”, said God always established covenant with those whose ways are pleasing to Him.
He also said Christ is the solution to the numerous problems facing the country, adding that Evans Bapakaye Bipi has done so much for the church.
Also speaking, Chairman of Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs, Chief Adokiye . O. Chuku, said the community is impressed with the achievements of Rt. Hon Bipi in the last 12 years as a lawmaker.
Chief Chuku said the former lawmaker has attracted numerous development projects to Ogu Town and its environs.
Similarly, a former lawmaker, Chief Michael Okey Chinda, said Rt, Hon Bipi never disappointed those who came in contact with him.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Deputy Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Dumle Maol , the Amanyanabo of Opobo, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, and Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Hon. Boma Iyaye, among others.

By: John Bibor

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Motor Spare Parts, Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union Swears Gets New Chairman in Port Harcourt

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14 hours ago

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July 18, 2025

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The Owhonda Dickson Motor Spare Parts and Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union operating in Ikoku Port Harcourt, Rivers state has sworn in Mr. Cyril Igbokwe, popularly known as Onyeoma Cy, as its new Chairman.

The brief swearing _in ceremony was held at the union office in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Igbokwe expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence his members had shown in him, despite his perceived educational background compared to others. , “I feel very happy to be the chairman of this great union in this great market. I’m proud of my executives for demonstrating commitment and cooperation.” Notably, the executives raised over ?1 million for the inauguration ceremony within an hour.

The new Chairman promised to tackle key challenges facing the union, including security and indiscipline. He vowed to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, who he praised for excellent performance, and aimed to possibly do better.

Mr. Igbokwe emphasized maintaining a robust relationship with the host community and conducting his affairs within the ambit of the law.

In his remarks,the Electoral Committee Chairman’, Igwe Amobichukwu Eze Okorie, assured that the elections were conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner. Despite facing challenges such as non-compliance with guidelines and unfounded propaganda campaigns, no formal protest letters had been received.

Also speaking, the Women’s Leader, Lolo Nkechinyere Okolie, expressed faith in the new Chairman, citing his integrity and experience. She highlighted her role in ensuring women’s voices are counted in the union and vouched for the credibility of the election, noting that Mr. Igbokwe was the popular choice among members.

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CDS Urges Communities To Protect Pipelines

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15 hours ago

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July 18, 2025

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The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has urged Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) host communities to protect national assets located within their areas.
Musa made the appeal at a monthly stakeholders’ meeting organised by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in Port Harcourt.
Represented by Navy Capt. Lassie Ozovehe, he said the effects of oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism were mostly borne by the host communities themselves.
He noted that the environmental and health risks from pipeline damage affect locals more than the oil companies operating in the region.
“These assets are on your land. You benefit from them, so you must protect them and safeguard yourselves from the hazards”, he said.
He praised PINL for its consistent efforts in securing the assets, particularly its record of zero infractions on the Trans Niger pipelines.
Earlier, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, PINL’s Community Relations Consultant, urged host communities to collaborate in tackling security challenges in the Niger Delta.
Mezeh said PINL had expanded its mandate to include the security of all oil and gas infrastructure in the Eastern Corridor, including gas pipelines.
He explained that the meeting aimed to reduce pipeline vandalism and oil theft, which have major economic consequences for the country.
He stated that PINL had seen near-zero incidents over the past month, crediting host community cooperation for the achievement.
He, however, identified ongoing issues such as poor information sharing, threats to surveillance guards, stakeholder collusion, and leadership disputes.
A keynote speaker, Mr. Otoyo Sunday, discussed the serious health effects of gas flaring in the Niger Delta region.
He urged people to view the environment as living, warning that harmful activities have long-term consequences for people and nature.
Sunday condemned gas flaring caused by well testing, pressure releases, and illegal refining activities.
On his part, Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, Mr. Datolu Sokubo,  called for a balanced focus on security and human development.
“You can’t protect pipelines without addressing people’s welfare. Without our cooperation, infrastructure is never truly secure”, he said.
He urged the Federal Government to prioritise development, especially in education and healthcare, across the region.
The Traditional Ruler of Ekpeye Land, Eze Kelvin Anugwu, called on oil companies to end gas flaring immediately.
Represented by Dr. Patricia Ogbonnaya, he urged PINL to raise awareness of the health and environmental concerns of the communities.
“We keep advising our youths against bunkering. But oil firms must take responsibility for the long-term effects of their operations”, he stated.
Other traditional leaders at the meeting requested improved welfare for surveillance workers, chiefs, and communities to maintain stability and protect oil infrastructure.
Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso
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Monarch Cautions Youths Against Illicit Drug Consumption

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15 hours ago

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July 18, 2025

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The Eze Igbu Orlukwor II, Eze Ehie II, HRH Eze Prince Ike Ehie, has cautioned youths in   his kingdom and Ekpeye at large on the need to  abstain from illicit drugs consumption.
Ehie said this recently while fielding questions from newsmen in commemoration of the 2025 World Drug Abuse Day at his liaison office, Ahoada.
He emphasized that drug abuse was dangerous to the body system as it had harmed many physically, mentally and otherwise.
The Monarch noted that people should always take ‘drugs’ based on prescription by qualified medical and health personnel.
He said youths’ alleged disrespect for constituted authorities, mental challenge and various types of illnesses can be linked to the consumption of illicit drugs.
The Royal Father further noted that except government agencies saddled with the requisite responsibilities synergized with traditional institutions and other like-minded organizations, much may not be achieved against the campaign and fight against illicit drug consumption.
According to him, most youths today can do nothing without taking hard drugs, which he said makes them ‘high’ and hyper elated.
The Orlukwor Monarch wondered how the youths would take over the mantle of leadership at both communities and federal levels with such uncultured behaviour and repugnant attitudes.
The World Day of Drug Abuse,  was tagged, “Breaking The Chains, Prevention, Treatment And Recovery For All”.
King Onunwor
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