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Resign Honourably, PDP Tells Emeka Woke
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State has lashed out at the former Chief of Staff to the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Emeka Woke, advising him to honourably resign his appointment as a Commissioner in the administration he referred to as clueless.
Emaka Woke had over the weekend at a Forum in Emohua criticised the Simplified Movement for organising a thanksgiving rally for the Supreme Court victory of Governor Siminialayi Fubara, saying that it is a manifestation of a clueless administration.
Reacting to the statement, PDP spokesperson in Rivers State, Sydney Tambari Gbara said through his utterances, Emeka Woke has shown that he is no longer comfortable in the cabinet of the present administration, yet, has refused to resign his appointment.
“Engr. Emeka Woke is one of the Commissioners who voluntarily resigned as a result of the imbroglio between the Former Governor and FCT Minister and Governor Fubara. However, the peace deal brokered by Mr President gave him and others another opportunity to return to the State Executive Council and were all graciously accepted by the Governor.
“They swore to an oath of office to protect the integrity of the government and to serve the State in utmost good faith. As a cabinet member, protocols demand that if Chief Emeka Woke has a contrary view on any matter of State interest, he can approach his Principal, rather than disrespectfully addressing him in such a derogatory manner in public, breaking the oath of allegiance he swore to. This has equally questioned his character and integrity and above all his qualification to holding public office”.
Sydney Gbara argued that since Emeka Woke and his cohorts knew that they were no longer interested in serving in the present administration, they should have allowed other vibrant and qualified Rivers youths to fill those vacant positions, instead of going back to their vomit, thereby depriving the younger generation the opportunity to serve the State, yet displaying such level of insubordination to the authority publicly.
“It is important to point out that the activities of the likes of Emeka Woke in the Cabinet are inimical and counterproductive to the system and he should desist forthwith, because it is despicable for a commissioner in the State Cabinet to refer to an administration he is part of as “clueless”.
“This clearly shows that they are running a different agenda against the State which is to run down the system they are also benefiting from.
“Governor Fubara has simplified Governance on auto drive to the common Rivers man and woman on the street, hence cannot run his administration with retrogressive elements.
“Emeka Woke has held several public offices in the past and understands the demeanour of public office, as such, is not expected to act in such a degrading manner to his person. Rather his outburst should have been contained in his letter of resignation and not after insulting the Governor, he will still be paid by the same Governor he is insulting.
“Your principles, if any, should guide you in the just and right path in your actions.” It would be more honourable for Emeka Woke to criticize this administration not as a cabinet member, therefore he should be man enough to do the needful by resigning again from office as Commissioner for Special Duties.
“The Party hereby advises Rivers people to ignore the rantings of Emeka Woke and remain focused on supporting Governor Fubara, who is poised to ensure that the youths are given their rightful place in the governance of the day”.
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.