Featured

Wike, Nigeria’s Best Performing Gov …As RSG Rolls Out 15 Roads In Okochiri -Atiku

Published

8 years ago

June 22, 2018

Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has stated that the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has continued to win the best governor’s award because of his state-wide delivery of relevant projects.
Speaking before commissioning 11 roads under the Isiokpo internal roads Phase 1 constructed by the administration of Governor Nyesom Wike in Ikwerre Local Government Area, yesterday, Abubakar said that Wike has won the “Governor of the Year Award” consecutively since 2016 because he was executing projects to improve the lives of the people.
He said: “Since May this year as part of the Third Anniversary of Governor Wike’s administration, one project is commissioned each day. The Isiokpo internal roads form part of the projects.
“No wonder, Governor Wike keeps winning the “Best Governor of the Year” consecutively since 2016. No governor has achieved that record. It will be very difficult to beat that record.
“I am extremely proud of Governor Wike’s achievements and we are proud of the governor’s leadership”.
The former vice president noted that he appreciates the quality of work done so far by Wike because he lived in Port Harcourt and understands the profound nature of the projects delivered.
In his remarks at the commissioning ceremony, Wike said that the second phase of Isiokpo internal roads would be completed before the end of this year.
The governor also announced that the Ibaa-Isiokpo Road would also be completed and commissioned by the end of the year.
Wike said that the commissioning of projects will be sustained because of the need to keep Nigerians informed on the massive infrastructural regeneration in the state.
The governor said the previous administration in the state could not commission projects because no projects existed.
“When we make promises, we fulfill our promises. We are not like those who make promises and give excuses why they cannot be achieved”, he said.
Wike urged Isiokpo people to reciprocate the developmental strides of his administration by ensuring they support PDP in 2019.
Former Rivers State Governor, Sir Celestine Omehia described the delivery of the Isiokpo internal roads as historic, saying that Wike has shown love to the people of the area.
Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Engr Samuel Nwanosike assured Wike that the people of the area will support his re-election, because he has done what their brother, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi could not do for them.
In a project description, Rivers State Works Commissioner, Hon Dumnamene Dekor said that the majority of the 11 roads are completely new, while they span 11 kilometres, adding that the roads would boost agro-based businesses in the area.
There was traditional display of the Ekpo masquerades to mark the commissioning.
In a move to grow the economy of Okrika Local Government Area, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, last Wednesday, rolled out 15 roads in Okochiri Kingdom.
The 15 roads comprise of one link road and 14 internal roads, constructed to boost connectivity of the ancient riverine community.
Commissioning the 11.5-kilometre Okochiri internal roads, Wike said that his administration resolved to construct the community roads to bring development to the people of the area.
He said with the completion of the Okochiri internal roads, economic activities will appreciate, alongside the improvement of the value of community lands.
“This is pure development to the people of Okochiri town. Now, the people will have access to their communities and the value of land will appreciate.
“We are executing projects and that is why we are commissioning projects. We want good things for our people. Therefore, we will continue to develop our communities”, the governor said.
While commending the people of the area for supporting the contractors to deliver, he lauded former minister of transport, Dr Abiye Sekibo and the Amayanabo of Okochiri, King Ateke Tom for placing their people ahead of personal considerations.
On the forthcoming elections, Wike said that his focus for now was to serve the people, noting that when it is time for politics, he would enter the political mode.
He said: “We are focused on working for the people of Rivers State. Our objective is to deliver. We are masters of this game. This is our job. When the time for politics comes, we will know the professionals”.
The former minister of transport, Dr Abiye Sekibo said with the kind gesture by the Rivers State governor, the Okrika people would support Wike 100 per cent.
“The support of Okrika people for Governor Wike has nothing to do with party politics. It is because he has wiped away the tears of our people.
“Governor Wike must accept our call on him to contest the 2019 General Election. We will contribute to buy the governorship form for him. Our people will deliver the votes”, Sekibo said.
He said though he served at different levels of government, he was unable to attract projects of this nature.
Sekibo, however, said that with his relationship with the Wike administration, he has been able to attract major road projects for his people.
“I can now look my people in the face and say that my relationship with government brought meaningful projects. For us, Okrika people, we have no choice but to stand with Governor Wike in 2019”, he said.
The Rivers State Works Commissioner, Hon Dumnamene Dekor said no roads existed in the area before Wike embarked on the construction of the internal roads.
In his remarks, Chairman of Okrika Local Government Area, Mr Philemon Iwoloma said that the roll out of the internal roads shows Wike’s love for grassroots development.
The occasion was attended by traditional rulers, youth and women groups.
The Amayanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Tom, in a speech read on his behalf, said Wike has made history by constructing and commissioning projects in the area.

Featured

Fubara Reaffirms Commitment To Peace, Development

Published

2 weeks ago

May 29, 2026

The Tide

Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of his administration to peace, unity, security, and inclusive development as Rivers State marked its 59th anniversary, last Wednesday.

In a goodwill message issued on Wednesday to commemorate the anniversary, Governor Fubara stated that despite the challenges faced over the years, the people of Rivers State have continued to demonstrate resilience, strength, and an enduring spirit of unity that has sustained the state since its creation.

The Governor noted that the strong bond of brotherhood among the various ethnic nationalities of the state, including the Ijaw, Ikwerre, Ogoni, Etche, Ekpeye, Andoni, Kalabari, and others, remains one of Rivers State’s greatest strengths and a critical foundation for peace, stability, and progress.

He further observed that Rivers State has remained a major driver of Nigeria’s economy for decades, not only because of its abundant oil and gas resources, but also because of the exceptional contributions of its people across diverse sectors including academia, jurisprudence, business, entertainment, public service, and sports.

Governor Fubara assured the people that his administration will continue to prioritize policies and programmes that promote peace, protect lives and property, and expand development across all parts of the state. He emphasized that governance must be people centered and impactful, with equal attention given to every Local Government Area of the state.

The Governor also paid tribute to the elders and founding leaders of the state for preserving the spirit of unity and coexistence over the years, while urging the youths to remain hopeful, responsible, and actively committed to building a greater Rivers State through innovation, hard work, and patriotism.

He equally acknowledged the invaluable role of women in strengthening families, communities, and society, describing them as indispensable partners in the continued growth and stability of the state.

Governor Fubara called on all Rivers people to use the occasion of the anniversary as a moment of reflection and renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, dialogue, and collective progress, stressing that the unity and future of Rivers State must always rise above personal interests and political differences.

Rivers State was created on May 27, 1967, by General Yakubu Gowon.

Editorial

Nigeria’s 27 Years of Civil Rule Journey

Published

2 weeks ago

May 29, 2026

The Tide

Nigeria returned to civil rule on May 29, 1999, after several years of military intervention in politics. The transition marked a major turning point in the nation’s history and raised hopes for freedom, stability, economic growth and accountable leadership. Citizens expected that elected governments would strengthen institutions, improve living conditions and unite the country after years of authoritarian rule. Twenty-seven years later, civil rule has survived without interruption, making it the longest uninterrupted civilian administration since independence in 1960.

Since 1999, Nigeria has witnessed six administrations at the federal level. Olusegun Obasanjo governed from 1999 to 2007, followed by Umaru Musa Yar’Adua from 2007 until his death in 2010. Goodluck Jonathan served from 2010 to 2015, while Muhammadu Buhari led the country between 2015 and 2023. Since May 2023, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been in office. Though democracy has remained stable, governance outcomes have produced mixed reactions among Nigerians.

The country has made some notable progress over the past 27 years. Democratic institutions such as the National Assembly, judiciary, political parties and the media have become stronger than they were during military rule. Elections are now regular, though still imperfect. Telecommunications, banking, entertainment and digital technology have expanded greatly. Nigerian youths have also become more politically aware and active. The country’s economy, despite its difficulties, remains one of the largest in Africa.

However, many of the expectations that came with democracy remain unmet. Corruption, unemployment, poverty, insecurity and poor infrastructure continue to trouble the nation. Public confidence in government institutions has weakened over time because many citizens believe political leaders have not done enough to improve their welfare. Ethnic and religious tensions also remain major challenges. While democracy has endured, good governance has not always matched the hopes of the people.

President Tinubu’s administration began with bold economic decisions aimed at reforming the nation’s finances. His government removed fuel subsidy and unified the foreign exchange system. Supporters argue that these measures were necessary to reduce waste and attract investment. The government also increased revenue allocation to states and sought to improve tax administration. Yet the immediate impact has been severe hardship for millions of Nigerians. Inflation, high transport costs and the falling value of the naira have placed enormous pressure on households and businesses.

In education, the Tinubu administration has promised reforms through student loan schemes, support for technical education and efforts to reduce strikes in tertiary institutions. Some progress has been recorded with the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund. However, public schools still face poor funding, inadequate facilities and shortage of teachers. Many students continue to struggle with rising school fees and declining quality of education.

The health sector under the current administration has also recorded both efforts and challenges. Government has pledged to improve health insurance coverage. Nevertheless, hospitals across the country still suffer from inadequate equipment, shortage of medical personnel and brain drain as doctors and nurses continue to leave Nigeria for better opportunities abroad. Access to affordable healthcare remains difficult for many rural communities.

The power sector remains one of Nigeria’s biggest disappointments after nearly three decades of democracy. Despite repeated promises and reforms, electricity supply is still unstable. Businesses and households spend heavily on generators and fuel. The Tinubu administration has introduced policies aimed at decentralising power generation and encouraging investment, but ordinary Nigerians are yet to feel significant improvement in electricity supply.

The rising cost of living has become the greatest concern for many Nigerians today. Food prices, transportation costs and rent have increased sharply. Though the Federal Government introduced palliative programmes and cash transfer initiatives to cushion the effects of reforms, many citizens believe the interventions have been inadequate or poorly distributed. There is growing demand for more effective social protection programmes targeted at vulnerable citizens.

On national security, the government continues to battle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence. Security agencies have recorded some successes in parts of the country, yet insecurity remains widespread. Farmers in many rural communities still face attacks, affecting food production and increasing fear among citizens. Regional stability in West Africa has also become more uncertain due to political crises in neighbouring countries. Nigeria continues to play a leading diplomatic role in the region, but internal security challenges weaken its influence.

In infrastructure and other key sectors, the Tinubu administration has continued several road, rail and housing projects inherited from previous governments. Investments in ports, gas and digital technology have also been encouraged. In agriculture, government has promoted mechanised farming, dry season cultivation and access to credit. Yet food insecurity remains high because insecurity, inflation and poor rural infrastructure continue to affect agricultural productivity. Nigeria still imports many food items despite its vast agricultural potential.

To improve national conditions, the Federal Government must place greater attention on job creation, industrialisation and support for small businesses. More investment is needed in agriculture, healthcare, education and electricity. Anti-corruption institutions should be strengthened while government spending must become more transparent. Leaders must also prioritise national unity and reduce political divisions. Nigerians expect reforms that produce visible improvements in their daily lives, not only policy announcements.

In Rivers State, the 27 years of civilian rule have produced substantial development alongside political tensions. The state has remained economically important because of its oil and gas resources. Different administrations since 1999 have invested in roads, schools, healthcare facilities and urban renewal projects. However, political conflicts and struggles for power have often affected governance and slowed development in parts of the state.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara assumed office in May 2023 amid high expectations and intense political disagreements. In infrastructure, his administration has initiated projects such as massive road construction, bridge rehabilitation and urban development schemes in parts of the state. Ongoing works on major roads and public facilities have been presented as efforts to improve transportation and economic activities. Critics, however, argue that political instability in the state has distracted government’s attention from faster project delivery.

In education and health, the Rivers State Government has continued support for public schools and healthcare centres. Efforts have reportedly been made to improve learning environments and sustain payment of workers’ salaries. In health, there have been interventions in hospitals and primary healthcare services. On security, the administration has worked with security agencies to maintain peace, although political tensions in the state have created uncertainty. In the civil service, workers and pensioners have largely continued to receive salaries, stipends, and welfare support. The state government has also shown interest in agriculture and power development, though these sectors still require stronger investment and clearer long term strategies.

Going forward, Rivers State needs greater political stability to achieve meaningful development. The government should focus more on rural roads, youth employment, agricultural expansion and uninterrupted healthcare services. Investments in independent power projects and industrial development would help attract businesses and reduce unemployment. Above all, political leaders in the state must place the interest of the people above personal or factional battles. Democracy can only succeed when governance delivers peace, development, and hope to ordinary citizens.

Featured

WASSCE: RSG Distributes Science Materials To Secondary Schools

Published

4 weeks ago

May 13, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Government has distributed science equipment and materials to all senior secondary schools across the state to support students during the ongoing West African Examinations Council exams and to strengthen practical learning.

Flagging off the distribution at the Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board premises in Port Harcourt, on Monday, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, said the move demonstrates Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s commitment to improving education standards in the State.

Nwagor said the materials were approved and provided by the state government specifically to boost the teaching and learning of science subjects, describing science education as the foundation for technological advancement, innovation, and national development.

“No society can compete globally without deliberate investment in science and technology,” the Commissioner stated.

He commended the governor for consistently prioritising the education sector by providing tools needed for effective teaching and hands-on learning.

The Commissioner directed principals to ensure that the equipment are used strictly for practical lessons in their schools, warning that any principal or administrator found diverting, hoarding, or selling the materials wil face disciplinary action under public service regulations.

Nwagor also warned against examination malpractice, saying any principal found aiding or encouraging malpractices will be decisively sanctioned.

“We must collectively restore the dignity and credibility of our educational system,” he said.

Also speaking, Chairman, Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board, Tony Egwurugwu, urged school heads to make judicious use of the materials for students’ benefit.

He thanked the State Government for providing the resources, and assured that monitoring mechanisms would be put in place to ensure the materials serve their intended purpose.

In his own remarks, a Board Member for Technical Education, Nwisabari Bani Samuel, expressed appreciation to the governor for prioritising education and acknowledged the Commissioner’s role in advancing education development in the State.

He said the distribution covers all senior secondary schools in the State and is intended to improve students’ performance in both internal and external science examinations.

Akujobi Amadi