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RSG Blasts Fifth Columnists Over Campaigns Against Wike
Rivers State Governor and PDP Presidential aspirant, Chief Nyesom Wike, has decried the campaign of calumny and the pull-him-down syndrome by Fifth Columnists.
Wike’s outcry was contained in a statement by his Media Office in Port Harcourt, the state capital, last Saturday.
The statement said, “In recent time, since Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (N.E.W) declared his intention to run for the president of the Federal Republic, some aspirants have deliberately tried to rake up mud against his person, using fifth columnists and hirelings to concoct stories that cannot be founded.
“They accused the governor of being ‘disrespectful’ to other aspirants, accused him of being ‘desperate’ for power, even when they failed to state the locus. We, at the Wike Media Office-(WMO) – are alarmed by the deliberate campaign of calumny and pull-him-down syndrome presently being deployed by those who cannot stand Governor Wike’s growing popularity across the country and trying effortlessly to demean his person and character”.
According to the statement, Wike is bold and courageous in his activities.
“The fact must be stated that Governor Wike is bold, courageous and has guts to speak truth to power. His friends and colleagues appreciate his sense of camaraderie and ability to speak his mind, no matter whose ox is gored. Anybody who is aspiring to lead Nigeria must shy away from hypocrisy and cronyism, and be bold to speak truth to power to sustain a leadership that can fit into the expectations of Nigerians in a 21st century world.
“It is understandable that those who are purveyors of lies and pretenders to the throne will not like Governor Wike’s assertive and firm leadership style, especially in a country where lies, half-truths and propaganda have been elevated to an unimaginable level, but the truth must find Governor Wike at all times no matter how bitter.
“If that is what they quarrel about, too bad. Governor Wike is not ready to bow out from the sacred confines of honesty of purpose, truth and transparency. It is a leadership credential that cannot be faulted except by those whose pre-occupation rests on dubiety of intentions.
“Governor Wike has built network of friends across the socio-political divides, contributed to disaster management across the country, and sustained a culture of leadership responsibility across board and ready to take up the gauntlet in charting a roadmap for a more robust appreciation of our enormous challenges. His colleague governors understand his style and are at home with his simplicity, openness of mind and spirit of association which has promoted unity of purpose within the governors’forum.
“Given our present ugly realities in Nigeria coupled with leadership failure that has atrophied development and growth of a nation of greater opportunities, we need an interventionist leader to urgently arrest the drift to save the country from further implosion. The country is heavily polarised with copious faultiness and cracks, deepening schism, impoverishment, hunger, poverty and starvation.
“The country is visibly challenged at the leadership level, exposing the weaknesses of our collegiate solidarity and national harmony. At such a time, we need a therapeutic leader who can heal the wounds in the land. We need a man in the orientation of Governor Wike, with the right frame of mind, comportment, sagacity, diligence and nationalism to step into the fray and create the right impetus for a holistic response to all our challenges.
“Rather than some aspirants trying to undermine his legitimate aspiration because they are afraid of his growing popularity, they should rather embrace and join him in his onerous task of rebuilding a country that has been grounded by sheer lack of courage, grit, guts, reason, character and boldness which a Governor Wike possesses in excess.”
The statement also said, “Governor Wike’s presidential aspiration has come to stay. He is more than ever before committed to traversing the length and breadth of Nigeria to stimulate the right appeal as the day of the party’s primary election draws near. No amount of subterfuge, lethargic accusations, sponsored attacks and deliberate concoction of falsehood will stop an idea whose time has come.
“The PDP as an organic party with clearly defined rules of engagement will do well to have a man who has contributed immensely to the growth and development of the party since inception in 1998 without defection. This is an unassailable truth that cannot be controverted by revisionists and hirelings.”
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