City Crime

Gains Of # OurStateOurResponsibility Campaign

Published

5 years ago

October 27, 2021

As youths, all hands must be on deck to protect our dear Rivers State in all ramifications. We should be good ambassadors in defending the interest of our State, in ensuring healthy environment and shunning anti-social behaviour that are detrimental to the effects of government in building a virile State.” 18-years-old Miss. Sophia Awajibenem Eyitemi Oyibo.
“Our dear Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike is bequeathing a great State to us, the youths. The best we can do to appreciate him is to protect the various infrastructure that is being built and spread the news that Rivers State is safe for business so that we too can get job opportunities that come with investments.”-21-years old Mr. Anyiam Christian Kelechukwu.
“This campaign is worthwhile because it is not only the Governor and the leaders that are living in this State. The State belongs to all those who live, work, school and do business here. We must join hands to make the State better place and not pull it down.” – 17-year-old Miss. Paago Ziga Praise.
These are excerpts from well articulated and patriotism inspired essays of the first, second and third positions winners of the just concluded first leg of the second phase advocacy campaign initiated by the Pastor Paulinus Nsirim-year-led Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, hash tagged #OurStateOurResponsibility. The essay competition was limited to teenagers and youths between the ages of 16 and 25 years. It had the theme: “Rivers State, Our State Our Responsibility.”
The date was Tuesday, October 12, 2021. Venue was the conference room of the State Ministry of Information and Communications where speeches of patriotism and commendations were lavished on the untiring efforts of the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike towards placing the State on a fast lane of socio-economic development. The excitement expressed by participants, their parents, members of the media and other guests at the ceremony, was clear indications of the gains being recorded by the second phase of the #OurStateOurResponsibility advocacy campaign.
The second phase of the advocacy campaign initiative is targeted at deliberately enlisting citizens’ conscious participation in the Governor Wike’s NEW Rivers Vision of project to make Rivers State investors’ destination of choice and the need for citizens to shun detractors whose stock in trade is to demarket Rivers State.
As an incentive, the Ministry gave out cash prizes of N60,000.00, N40,000.00 and N30,000.00 to the first, second and third positions winners respectively while three other winners received consolation prizes of N10,000.00 each. In addition, plaques were presented to the first three winners. The overall winner, Miss. Sophia Awajibenem Oyibo became honorary Commissioner for Information and Communications for 30 minutes and will be the face of the Ministry for three months.
In an emotion laden speech, the first position winner of the competition, 18-years-old Miss. Sophia Awajibenem Oyibo told the gathering that her participation was influenced by one of the numerous radio jingles of Boma Erekeosima, a renowned journalist and broadcaster of blessed memory, “Love Rivers State or leave her alone. Don’t pull her down. Think what you can do for her. Engage yourself in meaningful activities. No room for gossips. Do something meaningful.”
She recalled the zest and love her father had demonstrated in rendering service to Rivers State as a civil servant. “It is not true that civil servants are nonchallant in their service to the State. Civil servants carry out their duties to Rivers State with utmost priority. It made me to also love Rivers State.
“The Government is doing his very best to build a great future for us youths. Governor Wike has done very well and we should commend him and encourage him to do more,” she said.
Lending credence to the Information and Communications Commissioner, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim’s repeated call on citizens to shun those who demarket the State, Miss Sophia said the culture of pulling down Rivers State must not by encouraged to persist by anyone.
“This State belongs to all of us. It must not be destroyed because of personal interest. We owe it the responsibility to build and not to destroy. We should be able to tell ourselves and outsiders when we see good things happening in Rivers State because the prosperity of this State is our priority. Governor Wike is doing well and we should be able to say so all the time,” she said while addressing the media as honorary Commissioner.
Elated by the initiative of the Ministry, father of the third prize winner, Mr. Vizor Imabel Paago expressed delight for the initiative. He described it as a right move that would swiftly change the negative narrative of the State.
Mr. Paago who is a director in the Board of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria, announced that he had secured the mandate of the governing council of the institute to partner with the Ministry of Information and Communications by giving the six emerged winners scholarships in basic safety training at HSE levels 1and 2 as soon as the names were made available to the institute.
Preceding the presentation of the awards, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim intimated the audience that the vision first launched on July 13, 2019 was informed by the desire to propagate effectively the unprecedented developments recorded by the Governor Wike’s administration through the execution of signature projects and social reengineering that have made remarkable positive impact in the State as against the voice of vocal minority groups that are bent on demarketing the State to scare potential investors.
Nsirim expressed satisfaction that the successful completion of the first leg of the second phase with the emergence of six winners and the overall winner who has been declared the ambassador of the campaign. “With your emergence, the #OurStateOurResponsibility advocacy campaign will now push the message further into the hearts of citizens that indeed Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has turned Rivers State to investors haven and that Rivers State is actually not a theatre of violence as being painted by detractors.”
The Commissioner described the developmental strides of Governor Wike in the last six years as unparalleled and revolutionary. “For anyone living and doing business in Rivers State, what has happened in the last six years is like a revolution. Things that they least imagined would happen in the State are already happening because of the ingenuity of Governor Wike who has come to really serve Rivers people.”
Nsirim listed the avalanche of infrastructural development initiatives of the State Government in all sectors of the State economy, including education, healthcare delivery, agriculture, roads and bridges, security infrastructure, Sports, social welfare development, human capacity development amongst others, saying “Governor Wike is carrying out a silent revolution.”
“I am proud to work with His Excellency, because this is a man who has made Rivers people proud. This Government is carrying out a holistic agenda for our people, and I like telling people that Governor Wike is a visionary leader who is committed to building for tomorrow.
“There is no local government in Rivers State that is not feeling the impact of Wike’s administration. He is building all the sectors of the economy for people to enjoy. Rivers State Government under Governor Wike is to ensure that the interest of Rivers people is protected. Rivers State is fast becoming a haven of sort. Governor Wike has redefined governance here. He has made Rivers State the development index for Nigeria,” he emphasised.
Nsirim, who vacated the seat for the secondary school leaver for 30 minutes, said it was necessary to encourage young people, that they can become famous and earn good reputations through hard work, honesty and integrity and not just via ‘Big Brothers Nigeria’.
“I got feedback that made me feel very bad about the prizes we were to give the winners. People asked, why would the prizes for an intellectual competition be N50,000, N30,000 and N20,000. They said, didn’t I see how much they are getting in Big Brother but that is a sad commentary about our country today, everything is monetised.”
Nsirim, however, said the ministry intends to inculcate the right values through the essay competition and also showcase to the world that the right values can make someone become famous and a model to others. He enjoined the youths to desire the virtues of hardwork, integrity and honesty as the hallmarks of getting to the top in society.
“Our primary objective is to use the winners of this essay competition to showcase to the world that those values of honesty, hardwork, and integrity can still earn somebody recognition and reputation in Nigeria. And that is why these six winners here are going to be ambassadors of a new Rivers State and a new Nigeria,” he said.
Also speaking, the State Commisioner for Education, Prof. Kaniye Ebeku commended the Ministry of Information and Communications for putting up such an informative and educative platform for the Nigerian youths.
He commended the Ministry for adopting a rigorous and transparent selection process which resulted in the emergence of the winners describing ithe awards as well deserved.
He commended the winners and urged everyone living and doing business in the State to keep a clean record and desist from demarketing the State.
In his speech, the State Commissioner for Youth Development, Prince Ohia Obi admonished youths to ensure they lead their lives making remarkable achievements for themselves and generations to come.
He said that wealth made without content and character is invalid, “take cognisance of the fact that any wealth without content andcharacter is invalid. To develop content is to read and apply knowledge”
“But if you have this content and do not have a good character, respect for the elderly, your content is vanity because it cannot create wealth,” Ohia said.
He expressed gratitude to the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim and the Ministry for putting up a platform through which the young ones would realise that they could be recognised and rewarded for promoting good value system.
Both Commissioners declared their Ministries endorsement of the #OurStateOurResponsibility advocacy campaign and promised to collaborate with the Ministry of Information and Communications for the execution of the project.
Mrs. Stephanie Oyibo, mother of the overall winner, gave thanks to God for the victory of her daughter as the face of the Ministry and ambassador of the #OurStateOurResponsibility advocacy campaign of the Ministry.
She expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Information and Communications for evolving a channel through which the negative narrative of the State could be changed through the propagation of the numerous achievements of the State Government.
While thanking participants, parents of the winners and others who graced the ceremony, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Ibiwari Clapton-Ogolo said that the essay competition which is geared towards inculcating in the youths the right societal values was the first stage of the second phase of the #OurStateOurResponsibity Campaign which would include, theme songs, skits and finally short films.
Master Anyiam Christian Kelechukwu and Miss. Paago Ziga Praise came second and third winners of the competition respectivly. Others who won consolation prizes are Jaja Tamunoimiegba Christian, 18 years old, Amarachi Chimezie, 17 years old and Orovwigho Deborah, 16 years old.

By: Amieyeofori Ibim
Ibim, Special Assistant, Media, Honourable Commissioner for Information and Communications, Rivers State.

City Crime

Nigeria Acquires 100 Warships, Boats In 70 Years – Navy Chief

Published

13 hours ago

May 29, 2026

The Tide

The Nigerian Navy says it has acquired more than 100 warships and boats since its establishment 70 years ago.

Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command off (NAVTRAC), disclosed this during an interdenominational church service to mark the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary in Onne, Rivers.

Zipele described the anniversary as significant, noting that the navy had demonstrated resilience, dedication and commitment to its constitutional responsibilities since its inception.

He said the navy, established in 1956, had grown into an elite fighting force that had effectively protected Nigeria’s territorial waters from both domestic and foreign threats.

According to him, the Nigerian navy started in 1956 with 11 ships bequeathed by the (British) Royal Navy, but today we have over 100 ships and boats in our fleet.

He added that in spite of the successes recorded over the years, the navy was still acquiring more platforms, including warships, helicopters and drones, to further strengthen maritime security.

The naval boss revealed that the navy had successfully curtailed piracy in Nigeria’s waters and the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) for more than three years.

“The achievement has restored investor’s confidence and improved commercial activities within the maritime sector”, he said.

Zipele noted that the navy had performed creditably with available resources in protecting Nigeria’s territorial waters and maritime interests.

He said the establishment of an air arm unit had further strengthened operations aimed at securing the nation and the GoG.

According to him, although the navy has recorded notable successes, it can not secure Nigeria’s vast territorial waters alone.

He explained that the size of the nation’s maritime domain necessitated collaboration with relevant stakeholders to enhance security operations.

“The government adopted a ‘whole-of-society’ approach because the Nigerian navy cannot be everywhere at the same time”, he said.

Zipele listed the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), and Tantita Security Services among agencies supporting maritime security efforts.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting the navy with improved operational resources and equipment, and lauded the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, for boosting morale within the service.

The naval boss advised prospective recruits willing to join the navy to understand that military service required sacrifice and patriotism.

“There is no greater sacrifice than laying down our lives for our country”, he said.

He added that the Armed Forces remained actively engaged in operations against banditry, terrorism, oil theft and illegal bunkering across the country.

Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

City Crime

‘The Scholar of Evidence, Integrity and Community Leadership’

Published

2 weeks ago

May 13, 2026

The Tide

In legal philosophy, silence is often romanticized as wisdom. But within the law of evidence, silence may carry a very different implication — it can amount to an admission. This thought-provoking paradox forms part of the intellectual reflections of Professor Chris C. Wigwe, SAN, an accomplished legal scholar whose contributions to legal education and jurisprudence continue to shape conversations within Nigeria’s academic and professional legal circles.

Professor Christian Chizindu Wigwe stands among the distinguished figures produced by Nigeria’s legal academy. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and seasoned scholar, he built a reputation for intellectual rigor, disciplined scholarship, and principled leadership in the study and teaching of law.

His academic journey reflects the making of a global legal mind. Wigwe obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, before proceeding to the Nigerian Law School where he qualified for the Nigerian Bar. His quest for deeper scholarly engagement later took him to the United Kingdom, where he earned a Master of Laws degree from Middlesex University and subsequently a PhD in Public International and Economic Law from the University of Leeds.

These academic attainments did not merely decorate his curriculum vitae; they laid the intellectual foundation for a career that has consistently bridged theory and practice within the legal profession.

Over the years, Professor Wigwe has distinguished himself in the fields of jurisprudence, international law, criminal law and the law of evidence. His scholarship reflects a deep interest in how legal systems respond to economic realities, international cooperation and evolving global norms.

Within Nigeria’s university system, his name became closely associated with the Faculty of Law at Rivers State University in Port Harcourt, where he served as Dean from 2022 until November 2025. His tenure coincided with renewed conversations about strengthening legal education and positioning the faculty for global competitiveness.

Under his watch, the faculty intensified efforts to deepen research culture, strengthen postgraduate training and pursue partnerships capable of elevating the institution’s standing among law faculties in Africa.

Professor Wigwe also consistently emphasized the importance of institutional collaboration and alumni support in sustaining academic excellence. In public engagements, he urged graduates and stakeholders to support universities in building research centres and scholarship opportunities for students.

That perspective reflects his broader understanding that legal education must go beyond classroom instruction. For Wigwe, the development of law faculties must be anchored on strong research infrastructure, vibrant intellectual discourse and international engagement.

Beyond administrative leadership, he has remained an active contributor to legal scholarship through books and research publications. His works cover diverse aspects of legal theory, international institutions and corporate law practice.

Among his notable publications are texts such as Legal Research Methodology and Practice, Introduction to Company Law and Practice, and scholarly works exploring the economic dimensions of international institutions and monetary law.

These contributions have become reference materials for students and scholars seeking a deeper understanding of legal research and the dynamics of international economic law.

What distinguishes Wigwe’s scholarship is his ability to situate legal principles within the realities of global economic systems. His writings frequently interrogate how international institutions exercise power and how developing economies can navigate complex legal frameworks within global trade and finance.

Such perspectives have increasingly become relevant in a world where international law influences domestic economic policy, cross-border transactions and global governance.

Within the classroom, colleagues and students often describe him as a meticulous teacher who believes that legal reasoning must be sharpened through intellectual discipline and ethical responsibility.

His academic philosophy emphasizes the importance of integrity in the legal profession. For him, legal education must produce not only technically competent lawyers but individuals whose character can withstand the ethical demands of justice.

This emphasis on integrity resonates strongly within the Nigerian legal system, where the credibility of institutions often rests on the moral courage of those entrusted with authority.

Indeed, Wigwe’s professional life reflects the principle that law is not merely a technical craft but a moral enterprise aimed at preserving fairness and order in society.

His elevation to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria further affirmed his standing within the legal profession. The SAN rank, often regarded as the pinnacle of legal practice in the country, is reserved for practitioners and scholars whose careers demonstrate excellence and integrity.

Yet, beyond titles and accolades, his legacy lies in the countless students he has mentored over decades of teaching.

Across courtrooms, law firms, government institutions and international organizations, former students continue to carry forward the intellectual and ethical lessons instilled during their time under his tutelage.

Mentorship remains one of the most enduring contributions of any academic. Through it, knowledge is transmitted across generations, shaping the legal culture of a society.

Professor Wigwe has consistently viewed mentorship as a responsibility rather than a privilege. For him, the success of students represents the true measure of a teacher’s impact.

His leadership style within academia reflects calm authority rather than flamboyance. Colleagues often describe him as a scholar who prefers substance over spectacle, focusing on institutional growth rather than personal acclaim.

This disposition aligns with his belief that universities must remain centres of reason, inquiry and ethical reflection.

Beyond the walls of academia, Professor Wigwe’s influence extends meaningfully into community life. His dedication to secular and communal activities has earned him admiration within his hometown of Isiokpo.

Recognizing his contributions to community development, leadership and social cohesion, the people of Isiokpo honoured him with a traditional chieftaincy title — a cultural recognition reserved for individuals whose lives exemplify service and integrity.

The honour reflects the deep respect he commands not only as a scholar but as a community figure committed to the welfare and progress of his people.

Traditional institutions in many African societies remain important custodians of culture, identity and moral leadership. When communities confer chieftaincy titles, they are often acknowledging a life lived in service to collective advancement.

For Professor Wigwe, this recognition underscores a broader philosophy that scholarship should not exist in isolation from society.

Rather, knowledge must translate into service — guiding communities, strengthening institutions and inspiring future generations.

The influence of scholars like Wigwe becomes even more significant in societies navigating complex governance challenges. Legal scholars provide the intellectual frameworks through which institutions interpret constitutions, enforce rights and resolve disputes.

In this regard, the Nigerian legal system continues to benefit from the contributions of academics who combine scholarship with practical insight.

Figures such as Professor Wigwe represent a bridge between legal theory and real-world governance.

Such individuals are invaluable to both national and international institutions that require legal minds capable of navigating complex regulatory and diplomatic environments.

The global legal community increasingly recognizes that expertise in international economic law, institutional governance and evidence law is essential for addressing contemporary challenges.

From trade negotiations to international arbitration and human rights enforcement, the need for scholars with strong analytical foundations has never been greater.

Nigeria, like many developing nations, possesses a reservoir of intellectual talent within its universities. However, such expertise is often underutilized in global governance spaces.

Scholars with the depth of experience and credibility of Professor Wigwe deserve broader platforms where their insights can contribute to shaping international legal discourse.

Positions within multilateral organizations, international arbitration panels, global academic networks and legal reform commissions could greatly benefit from the perspectives of scholars who understand both local realities and global legal frameworks.

The strength of any legal system ultimately depends on the integrity and intellectual courage of those entrusted with responsibility.

When individuals who embody these virtues are elevated to positions of trust, institutions become stronger and public confidence grows.

Professor Chris C. Wigwe’s career illustrates the enduring relevance of scholarship grounded in integrity, intellectual discipline, community service and responsible leadership.

In a time when public institutions require credible voices capable of guiding policy with wisdom and ethical clarity, figures of his calibre stand out as valuable assets not only to Nigeria but to the wider international community.

Ultimately, the story of Professor Wigwe is not merely about academic achievements or professional titles. It is about the quiet but powerful influence of a scholar committed to the ideals of justice, knowledge, community service and ethical leadership.

And in the long arc of legal history, it is often such scholars — patient builders of institutions, mentors of generations, and respected sons of their communities who leave the most enduring imprint on the pursuit of justice.

King Onunwor

City Crime

Report Against Lecturer Mere Witch-Hunt – RSU Management

Published

2 weeks ago

May 13, 2026

The Tide

A top management official of Rivers State University has described the recent allegations against a lecturer of the institution as a calculated witch-hunt aimed at tarnishing the image of both the academic and the university.

The management source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, maintained that the allegations bordering on the purported use of a forged appointment letter were misleading and failed to reflect the true circumstances surrounding the lecturer’s employment history.

According to the official, the university has an established administrative structure for recruitment, documentation and confirmation of staff appointments, stressing that no employee could remain in service for years without due verification by relevant departments.

The source explained that the matter had already attracted internal scrutiny and preliminary findings did not support claims being circulated in some quarters against the lecturer identified as Dr. Dike Harcourt Whyte.

He noted that the lecturer had continued to discharge his academic responsibilities diligently and had not been indicted by any panel or court of competent jurisdiction over the allegations.

The management official further alleged that certain individuals were sponsoring petitions against the lecturer due to personal disagreements and internal rivalries unrelated to the university’s academic standards.

He expressed concern that attempts were being made to drag the name of the university into avoidable controversy, especially at a time the institution was making significant progress in academic development, research and infrastructural expansion.

The source reiterated that the university administration under the Vice Chancellor remained committed to fairness, due process and the protection of staff members from harassment, intimidation and malicious attacks.

He stated that the institution would not act based on public sentiment or social media pressure, but would instead rely on verifiable records and official procedures in addressing any matter involving members of staff.

The official also warned against the spread of unverified information capable of causing reputational damage to individuals and the university, noting that such actions could undermine public confidence in the institution.

Meanwhile, some staff members who spoke in defence of the lecturer described him as a committed academic who had contributed positively to teaching, research and mentorship within the university community.

They therefore called on the public to disregard what they termed a smear campaign against the lecturer and allow the university authorities to handle the matter professionally and in accordance with established regulations.

When contacted, Whyte declined comment, but said on the University authority has the legal right to speak on the matter.

Meanwhile, the Vice chancellor of the University, Prof Isaac Zeb-Obipi, in his response said he was not the VC when Dr. Whyte was appointed.

“I wasn’t the VC when he was appointed. He was appointed several years ago; and I am not aware of any petition against his appointment”, he said.

Prof. Zeb-Obipi stressed that he had requested a meeting with the petitioners as part of efforts to investigate the allegations.

“How come I just became Vice Chancellor and they are writing a petition? To investigate the petition, I have requested to meet with the petitioners,” he said.

King Onunwor