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Ex-Bayelsa Gov Shuns Jonathan, Supports Amaechi
L-R: Kwara State Chief Judge, Justice Olatunji Bamigbola, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and former President of Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami, at the 2014 Biennial Law Week in Ilorin, yesterday.
Former Bayelsa State Governor and leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Chief Timipre Sylva has assured the Rivers State Governor and Chairman of Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi that the Bayelsa chapter of the party would work with him to flush out the Peoples Democratic Party-led Federal Government at the 2015 elections.
Sylva stated this when he led party executives and supporters in Bayelsa State on a courtesy call on Governor Amaechi in Government House, Port Harcourt at the weekend.
Sylva said they came to show solidarity with the Rivers State governor, adding that most Bayelsans were frustrated with the Goodluck Jonathan administration and want change even though the president is from the state.
“We of the APC in Bayelsa State decided to come to you (Amaechi) to solidarise with you, to tell you that not everybody in Bayelsa is against progress, not everybody in Bayelsa is an enemy of progress, and that you also have a family in Bayelsa that identifies with you, and would stand with you all the way.
“When the time comes for us to sweep away the government of the day at the national level, Bayelsans will stand with you and be in the vanguard of sweeping away this government that has brought only misery to the Niger Delta.
“The APC is the platform for progress. You (Amaechi) are an epitome of progress not only in the Niger Delta but in Nigeria. Everybody that comes to Rivers State will bear witness to what you have done, to your commitment, and we will stand with you and will continue to support you”, Sylva said.
He noted that the APC is a better alternative to the PDP and would provide good leadership.
“The APC has provided a very credible platform for progressives to come together and sweep away the corruption and ineptitude of the government of the day”, he added.
He decried the fact that the Jonathan presidency brought shame and opened cracks in the unity of the people of the South-South geo-political zone.
”Today, we in the Niger Delta have the presidency of this country, but what has the presidency of this country brought to us? It has brought divisions, in fact, put a crack on the unity of the Niger Delta”.
Sylva recalled that Amaechi ran into trouble with the Federal Government when he asked the Jonathan administration to complete the all-important East-West Road in the Niger Delta.
“I know that one of the things that brought problems between yourself and the Federal Government was because you were able to point to the fact that the East-West Road, which is a major link in the South-South, has been neglected by this government, and of course, there were lots of shouts. Instead of the Federal Government coming to you to learn from you to take what is good from you, they have decided to fight you and everyone knows (about this), very unfortunately”, he said.
He applauded the Rivers governor for the laudable achievements in the state, confessing that so much had changed during the last few years that testify to Amaechi’s credibility and good leadership.
”I must say Mr. Governor that I was so impressed when I came into Rivers State. Many times I missed my way in Rivers State today, in Port Harcourt because a lot of things have changed during your time. A lot of things have changed for the better, Port Harcourt is wearing a different look even the air over Port Harcourt is different and sometimes I wish that this change and development we see in Rivers State is also replicated nationwide. We have our brother as president today, unfortunately we cannot say the same thing is happening nationally”, he said.
Responding, Governor Amaechi thanked Sylva and the APC team from Bayelsa for the visit and solidarity, and he used the opportunity to call on Nigerians to vote for only credible leaders.
“It’s important we realize that character is an essential element to good governance – you can’t see a man who has betrayed his friends and you say make him governor or make him deputy. What have you done, you have empowered him to betray more persons, including betraying the money you have left behind in the coffers. So, character should be an essential element in selecting our leaders”, he said.
“As you are here, you are potential statesmen and women because if you allow the national interest to override your private interest, then you are a statesman. That you are coming from the state of the president, the party at the national level should praise and give you more support because it takes courage and strength of character to say no. This is where I identify with you. That you did not follow the president because he comes from your state shows the kind of character that you have, and what I can do to you is to support you by prayers”, Amaechi noted.
“I pray quite a lot because I think that is the only way I can survive in this country where everybody is a potential prey. Rivers State and Bayelsa are one, and therefore, APC in Rivers State and Bayelsa are also one”, he added.
He also called for freedom of choice and expression in the country’s current democratic dispensation.
“We want to be allowed to make our choices. We want to be allowed to express our views. We want to be allowed to express our interests, and having expressed your interests and views, the best you can do is to remain convinced in what you stand for”, he said.
Amaechi congratulated those who despite Sylva’s travails remained true and loyal to him, recalling that as a leader, he had been severally betrayed and even abandoned by those he trusted most.
He urged the APC in Bayelsa to close ranks and work together for electoral victory in the elections ahead.
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