Politics
Be Agents Of Development,Female Lawmaker Tells Youths
A member representing Okrika Constituency in the Rivers state House of Assembly, Hon Linda Somiari Stewart, has enjoined the youths of Okrika Local Government Area of the state to channel their energies towards fruitful ventures that would better the cause of the society at large.
Hon Stewart gave the charge last Wednesday, when the Okrika United Football Club that won the 2009 edition of the state Governor’s Cup paid her a courtesy visit in her office in Port Harcourt.
She described football as an agent for societal development that could empower people to become role models to themselves and the society in general. She stated that with hard work and commitment, football could make people become international stars and celebrities.
The lawmaker who is also the House Committee Chairman on Culture, Tourism, Parks and Gardens told the 2009 Governor’s Cup champions that her decision to earmark the Okrika stadium as part of her constituency project was to contribute her quota in the development of sports in the area.
She regretted that since the exit of the likes of Adokiye Amasiemeka from the Super Eagles and other outstanding talents in other sports, the area had not produced any other sports personalities to make the local government proud.
The lawmaker therefore, urged young and up-coming football stars to bridge the gap created by the exit of football stars like Adokiye Amasiemeka who hail from Okrika by ensuring that they remain ambassadors of the area who are keen on making the area proud at all times.
The House Committee chairman on Culture, Tourism, Parks ad Gardens also advised them to make the Okrika national football stars their role models, adding that, “when there is commitment, people would surely come to their rescue”.
She congratulated members of the football club for making the local government proud by winning the Governor’s Cup and assured them of her support in future.
Earlier, in his speech, the coach of Okrika United Football Team, Mr. Blessing Harrison Iyo had said that they were in her office to present the Governor’s Cup to her.
He disclosed that the Governor’s Cup was sponsored by Shell Petroleum Development Company and competed for by the 23 local government areas of the state, stressing that the team snatched the trophy based on individual commitment of the players as the local government council did not sponsor them.
The WALGA United Football team coach thanked the lawmaker for her contributions to the development of the area, and assured her of their support.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the trophy to the lawmaker by the coach of the football team.
Anita Aluka
Politics
Gov Alia Appoints TuFace As Adviser

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has appointed Nigerian music legend, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as TuFace, as his Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach.
In a viral video on Wednesday, Governor Alia praised TuFace for all the support towards his administration.
The Governor stated that TuFace can do more.
He stated, “On behalf of the Benue State Government and our very good people, we want to give you some more responsibility plus the ones you have been doing because you have the capacity to do some more and help us chart a way forward to improve other people’s lives and to gain more from your wisdom and advice as well.
“So, I’m pleased to announce that we will make you a Technical Adviser to the Governor on Entertainment and Community Outreach.”
Politics
Oborevwori, Okowa Dump PDP For APC

Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement was made following a closed-door meeting at the Government House in Asaba on Wednesday.
The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, confirmed the development in a telephone conversation with The Tide’s source.
Similarly, the defection of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was announced on Wednesday in Asaba by Senator James Manager, following a meeting that lasted over six hours at the Government House.
Senator Manager said all PDP members in the State, including the Governor, former Governor Okowa, the Speaker, the state party chairman, and all local government chairmen, had agreed to join the APC.
“We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat,” he said.
The decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders and was made in the interest of Delta State’s long-term development.
Governor Oborevwori, who won the 2023 gubernatorial election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was received by senior APC officials in what political analysts are already describing as a strategic realignment with far-reaching implications ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Politics
Speakers Conference Tasks FG, Governors On Wanton Killings
The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria has condemned the recent wave of killings in Plateau, Borno, Benue, Niger State and most recently, Kwara State, calling on the federal and state governments to take urgent steps to stem the tide.
Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Adebo Ogundoyin, stated this in a statement issued in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Rt Hon. Ogundoyin, who is the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, said the gruesome killings had led to tragic loss of lives, widespread displacement, and unimaginable trauma for thousands of Nigerians.
“We are alarmed by the escalating insecurity in the land and the seeming helplessness with which these attacks are met. The time for mere condemnation and rhetoric has passed; urgent and coordinated action is now required at all levels of government to end these bloodbaths and restore peace and order.
“While we acknowledge that defence and national security fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Government, we must stress that every level of government bears responsibility for the security and welfare of the people. State governors, in particular, must rise to the occasion and fully understand that governance is not limited to road construction and ceremonial functions. True governance is rooted in the protection of lives, the preservation of order, and the alleviation of suffering,” he said.
He called on state governments to complement the efforts of the Federal Government by making and enforcing enabling laws for community policing and other grassroots-driven security models.
According to him, States must develop proactive frameworks that integrate local intelligence, social support systems, and youth engagement in the fight against insecurity.
The conference also urged the Federal Government to meaningfully engage the citizenry and introduce bold, practical measures to cushion the hardship caused by its current economic policies.
“Millions of Nigerians are groaning under the weight of inflation, unemployment, and a cost-of-living crisis. It is imperative that relief initiatives—targeted, transparent, and impactful—are rolled out without delay. Dialogue, not distance, must define the relationship between the government and its people at this critical time.
“The Conference of Speakers affirms its commitment to supporting all legislative actions necessary to restore security, promote justice, and foster inclusive governance across the country. The killings in Benue, Niger, Plateau, Borno, Kwara, and any part of Nigeria must not be allowed to continue unchecked. Justice must prevail, and peace must be restored.
“Let it be known: the safety, dignity, and well-being of every Nigerian must remain the top priority of all arms and levels of government,” Rt Hon. Ogundoyin said.
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