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PDP Sweeps LG Polls In Rivers …Wike Swears In Council Chairmen, Today …Okah, Maeba, Others Hail RSIEC, Electorate
Candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have won all the chairmanship seats of the 23 local government councils in last Saturday’s local government and councillorship elections conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
Chairman of the commission, Justice Chukwuneye Uriri who announced the results of the election at the commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, late last night said the PDP chairmanship candidates got the highest number of votes ahead of the candidates of other political parties that participated in the election.
The chairman, who doubled as the Chief Returning Officer in the elections said the results of the councillorship elections would be announced today.
Justice Uriri commended the security operatives for their efforts in ensuring hitch-free polls and lauded the electorate for their large turn out and peaceful conduct during the elections.
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has commended the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for conducting credible Local Government Elections across the state.
The governor also commended security agencies for ensuring that the elections were peaceful by creating the right atmosphere for peaceful polls.
Speaking in an interview after monitoring the local government elections in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor local government areas, Wike said that the non-participation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the elections turned out to be one of the reasons why the process was peaceful.
He said: “Sixty-six out of 68 political parties participated, but no violence. That means that if APC had participated, probably, we would have seen violence.
“Sixty-six political parties, no violence, no shooting, nobody has died. But if the APC had participated, they would want to coerce security agencies, they would do all manner of negative things like bringing cultists to shoot. You can see that nobody hijacked materials. Everything has been peaceful”.
The governor noted that the security agencies played their constitutional roles during the elections.
“I have called the heads of security agencies, and commended them for a job well done. That is what I have always said. Allow people to vote for those they want”.
He advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure they conduct credible elections by resisting pressures from different quarters.
“INEC can be committed to do the right thing. Once they build confidence, every other thing will move on smoothly”, the governor said.
Wike said that he was more interested in the peaceful and credible conduct of the elections than anything else.
“We have gone round two local government areas. The elections went on peacefully, and they were credible. Election materials arrived on time, except for a few places. Like this, nobody will complain. Observers from across the board have commended the process”, Wike said.
In another development, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike will swear-in all the newly elected Local Government Council Chairmen by 12.30pm on Monday, June 18, 2018 at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
A statement by Simeon Nwakaudu, Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor on Electronic Media noted that all the newly elected Local Government Council Chairmen are to be seated by 12noon.
Similarly, the Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo has commended the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for conducting a peaceful free and fair Local Government Council Polls.
The deputy governor stated this shortly after casting her vote at Ward 14, Unit 10 in Obuama, Degema Local Government Area.
“The turnout is quite satisfactory and the people are generally enthused to cast their votes. We have been having positive reports from the field, the whole place is peaceful, and I commend the people for their peaceful disposition”, Banigo stressed.
Similarly, Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Barrister Emma Okah has commended the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for early distribution of electoral materials across the 23 LGAs.
In an interview with The Tide, Okah expressed satisfaction with the huge turnout of voters in communities across the state, shortly after casting his vote in his Ward, unit 8, Elele, Ikwerre Local Government area.
The Commissioner who lauded the electorate for their peaceful conduct said Nigerians have a lot to learn from the free and fair polls in the state, adding that it should be a model for Nigeria’s democracy.
Insisting on the need for opposition in democratic governance, Okah said it strengthens democracy and serves as “the oil with which to eat the yam of democracy”.
He advised politicians not to see elections as a do or die affair.
Also speaking with The Tide shortly after casting his vote at Luuwa Community in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Senator Lee Maeba, said the local government polls will set the pace for the 2019 general election.
Noting that Rivers people were effectively mobilised to exercise their franchsie, the Senator who represented Rivers South East in the National Assembly, said Rivers people will resist any attempt to truncate the electoral process in 2019.
He commended the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for conducting credible LG polls in Rivers State, and lauded the electorate for their massive turn out during the polls.
The lawmaker representing, Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon. Boma Goodhead who also spoke with newsmen during the election, also commended RSIEC and Security Agencies for the peaceful conduct of the election.
The federal lawmaker noted that the successful conduct of the polls was an indication of the political maturity in the state and called on the electorate to always defend their votes in subsequent elections.
Also speaking in an interview with newsmen shortly after casting her vote in Kaani Babbe community in Khana Local Government Area, the State Commissioner for Environment, Prof. Roseline Konya commended the electorate for their peaceful conduct during the elections.
She described the process as transparent and devoid of security breaches.
On his part, the State Commissioner for Works, Hon. Dumnamene Deekor, shortly after casting his vote at Beeri community, said the large turnout of voters in the polls shows that Rivers people are ready to exercise their electoral mandate.
He commended RSIEC and security operatives for putting in the right modalities for the conduct of a peace election in the state.
The Caretaker Committee Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Rev. Francis Ada Ebenezer also described last Saturday’s local government election as very peaceful, free and fair.
Ebenezer told journalists, after casting his vote at Ward 3, Unit 4 in Ogu/Bolo Local Government that the peaceful conduct of the election was as a result of his advice to the people over the period.
The Ogu/Bolo CTC boss commended the electorate for coming out enmass to exercise their franchise.
In Omuma Local Government Area, the elections were peaceful, orderly, transparent and successful.
The Chairman Caretaker Committee (CTC), Hon. Eze Stanley Nwuju shortly after casting his vote at Ward One, Unit 4, Eberi, he attributed the success of the polls to the developmental strides of Rivers Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike and the show of political maturity of the people of the area.
The local government elections were peaceful across the 19 Wards in Etche Local Government Area of the State.
The elections which started early at about 8.30am in the area were devoid of violence as voters were seen casting their votes for their preferred candidates.
At Obibi/Akwukabi Ward 9 Umuokom/Achara Polling Unit 2, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Prince Nwodim who cast his vote alongside his wife, a female councillorship candidate in the Ward, at 9.30am lauded RSIEC for the fair and hitch-free elections in the area.
Ward 13, Unit 11, the PDP flagbearer, Hon. Obinna Anyanwu, after casting his vote, commended RSIEC and the security agencies for the peaceful conduct of the elections in the area.
He described the turnout of voters in his unit and ward as encouraging.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon Charles Nworgu also commended both RSIEC and security agents for the smooth and hitch free conduct of the elections in the state.
He made the commendation shortly after casting his vote at Umuoga Unit in Igbodo Ward 14.
At Opobo/ Nkoro LGA started about 8 am with distribution of electoral materials started about 9am.
The Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, King Dandeson Jaja got accredited and voted about 10am at Ward 7 in his palace.
He commended the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for smooth conduct of the elections.
Also, Caretaker Chairman of the Area, Sir Boma Brown who voted at Ward 6, Unit 5 said he was impressed with the huge turnout at the elections.
He debunked the claims by All Progressives Congress (APC) that the elections were a charade, “APC is predictable, everything about them is negative. Even among themselves, there is opposition, so people should not take them seriously”.
On his part, Commissioner for Education, Dr. Tamunosisi Gogo Jaja observed that RSIEC complied with the rules and regulations of a peaceful and hitch free election.
Gogo Jaja who tasked those that will emerge in the elections to jettison winner takes all attitude and embrace an all inclusive government.
After voting in his Ward at Ward 7, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate in the elections, Senibo Eugene Patesi Oko Jaja expressed happiness over the huge turn out of voters.
He commended voters over the peaceful manner they conducted themselves during the poll, while praising the governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for his developmental strides in the area, and assured of replicating same if elected.
Meanwhile, RSIEC Returning Officer in the LGA, Dr. Emmanuel Sunday Uruang has announced chairmanship results of 11 wards in area with PDP leading with 21,337 votes.
According to Uruang, PDP polled 21,337 out of 22,808 votes cast at the elections.
Following behind PDP is Social Democratic Party (SDP) with 137 votes, Labour Party 86 and APGA 71 votes.
He said other results will be declared at RSIEC headquarters.
The Tide witnessed large turn out of voters in all the units across communities in Degema Local Government Area (DELGA).
The PDP chairmanship candidate in the area, Dr. Tony Philmore and another party chieftain, Dr. Ipalibo Sogulus commended RSIEC for ensuring free and fair election in DELGA.
The two who spoke to newsmen shortly after casting their votes also commended the electorate for their level of maturity during the election.
Meanwhile, the Chairmanship hopeful of Tai Local Government Area and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the just concluded local government elections, Dr. Jacobson Nbina said that his administration will prioritise educational and agricultural development in the LGA.
Nbina who stated this while speaking with newsmen, after voting, pointed out that the conduct of the polls in the area was satisfactory.
He called on the people of Tai to always support the Wike led administration to attract more dividends of the democracy in the area.
Also, the PDP Chairmanship candidate in Gokana, in the LG Polls, Hon. Paul Kobani has assured that, the people of Gokana will benefit from his administration as he will run an all-inclusive government. He said he will give priority attention to peace, security and the welfare of civil servant, as well as boost agricultural activities through the provision of loans and micro credit incentive to farmers.
Hon. Kobani, who described Gokana as a PDP LGA, commended the people of the area for their massive participation in the LG polls.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairmanship candidate in last Saturday’s Local Government Election in Emohua, Chief Tom Aliezi says youth employment tops his priority.
In an interview with The Tide, the Chairmanship hopeful also vowed to check insecurity in the area, shortly after casting his vote in Elele Alimini, Ward 9.
Describing the election as peaceful and transparent, Aliezi said that he will ensure that investors are attracted to the area.
Aliezi listed youth empowerment, peace and manpower development as his priorities.
Meanwhile, the RSIEC Commissioner in charge of media and publicity, Rev. Innocent Karibo has said that the peaceful conduct of the Local Government Election in Rivers State was as a result of proper preparation by the commission and the cooperation of the security agencies. Karibo who disclosed this during a chat with newsmen while monitoring the elections, said the commission was poised to live up to its statutory mandate.
Victor Tew with additional reports from Opaka Dokubo, Taneh Beemene, John Bibor, Kevin Nengia, Akujobi Amadi, Sam Nwuju, Collins Barasimeye & Chinedu Wosu
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We Support Rivers Workers To Feel Valued, Productive, Says Fubara …Inaugurates Bayelsa Labour House
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has explained that in the heat of political crisis staged against his administration in 2023, he committed to improving the welfare of Rivers workers in order to have a well-motivated workforce to achieve the goals of the Rivers First mantra.
The Governor stated that the resultant industrial harmony has now become unprecedented as workers feel more valued, supported, and resolved to be more productive on an increased efficiency and profitability scale.
Governor Fubara gave the explanation while inaugurating the one-storey twin-building Labour House constructed by the administration of Governor Douye Diri, in Yanagoa City, the Bayelsa State capital, yesterday.
The Governor recalled that while en-route Abuja for a reconciliatory political meeting to find solutions to the 2023 political crisis, his mind kept drifting to what could be done to give hope and cushion the hardship faced by Rivers workers.
Governor Fubara said he made the decision, therefore, to pay Christmas bonus of N100,000 to every worker, across grade levels in December, 2023, and extended the gesture to retirees in 2024.
The Governor stated: “On the 18th of December, the year of Our Lord 2023, I was on my way to Abuja for a reconciliatory meeting, and I was thinking: what will I do for my people – my primary constituency, who are the civil servants?
“We all know that the salary is not enough during the Christmas period. I knew we had a lot of challenges at that time, and it would be difficult for me to do the 13th month.
“But, however, even if I had to do the 13th month, it would also be a cheating to the lower level workers because some of them would have less than N100,000. So, I decided that I was going to do a bonus of N100,000 to all workers. That was my meeting with the Accountant-General while I was on my way to Abuja.”
Governor Fubara said: “After the meeting, I was weakened in my spirit. But on my way back, I said no matter the sadness, I still need to make my people happy.
“And even in the face of that most difficult time of our administration, we made all the civil servants very happy by giving everybody N100, 000 for Christmas that year.”
Governor Fubara pointed to the letter of appreciation written to him by the leaderships of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) due principally to the fact that the gesture was extended to all pensioners in 2024, while also seeking to give him an award of recognition.
The Governor stated that what had been done has contributed to the industrial harmony enjoyed in Rivers State, as according to him, every labour issue has also ended on the dialogue table.
Governor Fubara said: “It is not because we are meeting all their needs, but because we are putting human face to governance. We are not running it like Nebuchadnezzar’s time.
“We are not running it like the Babylonians. We are running it with the Jesus style where love takes the lead over everything. Where love is what should be in front and behind.”
Governor Fubara noted that what the Bayelsa State Government has done shows there is good relationship existing between labour and the administration of Senator Diri.
The Rivers State Governor advised the organised labour in Bayelsa State to consider the gesture, not as a right but a privilege so that they can embrace it wholeheartedly, defend, cherish, and protect it, and ensure that nobody comes between them and the government to cause friction.
Governor Fubara also expressed sadness over the demise of Chief Edwin Clark, a leader, he noted, will be remembered for his positive impact on many aspects of national and régional issues.
He said, “We are here, we just observed a minute silence for the death of our hero, Pa Edwin Clark. What is he remembered for? For his courage, truthfulness, doggedness, and the survival of this region.”
Governor Fubara told Senator Diri: “I want you to continue to stand for same thing, and I can see that you are standing for what is right. That is what history will remember you for.
“History will not remember anyone for any destructive thing, don’t deceive yourself. Money and material things cannot be taken for a good name. So, please continue to do what is right. History and the good people of Bayelsa will forever remember you.”
Governor Fubara assured that his administration will promote a robust relationship between Rivers and Bayelsa, unlike what it was 15 years ago, which is why all legal battles hitherto instituted in court have been withdrawn and would be settled out of court.
He added, “That is the first thing to show our commitment that we are in a mutual relationship and ready to make progress. You said it here, Rivers cannot develop without Bayelsa. Bayelsa also cannot make progress without Rivers. That is the truth.”
In his speech, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, said the project was started by the administration of his predecessor, Senator Seriake Dickson, but quickly added that he has completed it to provide the organised labour in the State a place to conduct their activities, while using it as a platform to voice their concerns, access support services, and engage in constructive dialogue with his administration.
Senator Diri, who commended Governor Fubara for his exemplary labour-friendly policies that have promoted workers’ welfare and industrial harmony, said his administration has so far paid N20billion to servicing pensions and gratuities, hoping to upset all outstanding indebtedness by the end of his second tenure.
In his remarks, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Labour, Employment and Productivity, Mr Odoko Saturday Omiloli, said the magnificent Labour House is a testament of the commitment of the Prosperity Administration of Sen. Diri to promote the welfare and well-being of workers in the state.
In their joint address, both Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Nigeria Labour Congress leaders thanked Governor Diri for building a befitting edifice for them, and pledged to sustain support to his administration.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the passing of former Federal Commissioner for Information and respected leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, Chief Edwin Clark.
Tinubu’s condolence message was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, yesterday.
Tinubu said, “He led an illustrious life marked by dedicated service, at different times, to the nation and his community as a councillor, state and federal cabinet member.
“He was also a passionate advocate for resource control, economic and environmental justice in the Niger Delta.”
The statement reads: “On behalf of the federal government, the President extends his condolences to the Edwin Clark family, the Ijaw nation, the people of the Niger Delta, and the government of Delta State. President Tinubu mourns Chief Clark and describes his passing as a deeply sobering loss.
“Reflecting on the life of the late statesman, the President says Chief Clark was a towering figure whose influence was felt across Nigeria’s political firmament for nearly six decades. The President states that Chief Clark was a courageous leader who stood for what he believed in and was never afraid to stand alone in the face of injustice.
“Chief Clark spoke for the Niger Delta. He spoke for the nation. His views and interventions on national issues were distinct and patriotic. Pa Clark, a lawyer and educationist, believed in a united Nigeria, and until his last breath, he never stopped reaching out to people from different parts of the country to work together to preserve national unity based on justice and equity.
“As an astute politician, his political opponents never doubted the weight of his words, his confidence, and his conviction when he spoke. Indeed, a patriot has transitioned to the great beyond. History will remember him as a man who fought gallantly for the rights of the people of the Niger Delta, unity in diversity, and true federalism. I know many generations will remain proud of how his efforts contributed to national prosperity and stability.”
Tinubu prayed for divine comfort for Chief Clark’s family, friends, and all those affected by this significant loss.
Clark died on Monday at the age of 97.
His demise was announced by a representative of the family, Prof. C. C. Clark, in a statement Tuesday.
The statement read, “The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce the passing of Chief (Dr.) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark OFR, CON on Monday, 17th February 2025.
“The family appreciates your prayers at this time. Other details will be announced later by the family.”
Clark’s death is coming on the heels of the passing of Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, who died at the age of 96 just a few days ago.
Both Clark and Adebanjo are known for contributing to the political development of the country.
Meanwhile, former President Muhammadu Buhari has also mourned Clark, describing him as an iconic statesman.
Buhari, in a condolence statement yesterday, said he death of Clark had caused deep sorrow in his heart and that of many in the country.
The statement read in part: “Late Chief Edwin Clark was a leader dedicated to reforms whose commitment to the development of his community and the nation would always be remembered. His death caused deep sorrow in his heart, and that of many, and his departure was a loss for the nation.
He is an iconic statesman”.
The former president maintained that the late Ijaw leader had left an indelible imprint on the nation and that in his passing, Nigeria had lost an iconic statesman and a distinguished leader.
He added that his commitment to the country’s unity would be respected by generations to come.
Buhari further urged the Clark family and fellow citizens in the Delta region of the country to uphold his numerous achievements.
Also, former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has described the late PANDEF leader as a man of great conviction.
In a brief message posted via his verified X handle, yesterday, Saraki praised the elder statesman’s unwavering conviction, stating that Clark stood firm in his beliefs until the very end.
“Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark was a man of great conviction who stood firm for what he believed in—right to the very end,” Saraki wrote.
He added that Clark’s passionate advocacy for justice and equity would be deeply missed by Nigeria, the Ijaw nation, and the Niger Delta, for whom he was a tireless advocate.
“His death marks the end of an era—an era of principled leadership. He was one of the movers and shakers of the Second Republic Senate, in which my father served as the Leader of the Senate.
“On behalf of my family, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Clark family, the entire Ijaw community, the people of the Niger Delta, and all Nigerians who mourn the loss of this extraordinary leader,” the former Senate President stated.
A towering figure in Nigerian politics and a relentless advocate for the rights of the Niger Delta, Clark was a lawyer, administrator, nationalist, and freedom fighter.
He served as Commissioner for Education in the Mid-Western Region from 1968 to 1971, and later as Commissioner for Finance and Establishment in the defunct Bendel State between 1972 and 1975.
At the federal level, he was appointed Commissioner for Information in 1975 and subsequently became a Senator from 1979 to 1983.
Beyond his political career, Clark was a leading voice for regional and national unity. He was also known for mediating peace among warring communities and politicians in the Niger Delta region.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has explained that his administration is courageously executing strategic projects that are opening up Kalabari land for unprecedented development and economic growth.
Governor Fubara made the explanation when he received on solidarity visit, a delegation of monarchs, political leaders, elders, women and youths of Kalabari Ethnic Nationality, led by the Amanyanabo of Abonnema, King Disreal Gbobo Bobmanuel, at Banquet Hall of Government House in Port Harcourt, last Tuesday.
The Governor stated that while previous administrations avoided executing the original plan for the Trans-Kalabari Road project due to cost implications, he has ventured into it, and driving the process steadily in order to link Kalabari land to the State capital.
Governor said: “Somebody said, if I don’t do it for my people, who will do it for them. We ventured into the Trans-Kalabari Road, we didn’t close our eyes. Our eyes were open because we knew what we were entering into.
“It is not a joke; it is a big project. We believe that at the end of that project, the level of development that it will attract to that line of entry into Kalabari will be very unprecedented.
“Issues of insecurity from our waterways will be reduced because, at that point we are doing road, people won’t be using the river anymore. The cost of living will also be cheaper.”
Governor Fubara further asserted: “So, you understand that your interest, your safety, your development is key to us. It is not about the number of years that we are going to be here; what is important to this government is the impact we make while we are here.”
Responding to their unanimous endorsement to see him run for a second term in office, Governor Fubara said power belongs to God, and He gives it to whoever finds favour in His sight.
Governor Fubara, however, stated that if God so approved of it, even those who are regrouping against him will not see the path God will lead him because they cannot scuttle such plan.
He added, “Power belongs to God. So, you see, I like believing that we don’t have any problem. When we get to the bridge, we will cross it. If we can break the bridge, Moses will come and create a road for us. So, you don’t need to worry.
“We will cross the bridge. We will cross it in a way that our enemies will be struggling; they won’t see where we are passing. So, don’t worry.”
Governor Fubara acknowledged the immense support to him by Rivers Ijaw, and urged particularly the Kalabari people to stand with honour in their unalloyed support for his administration, which will neither abandon them nor fail to deliver quality projects to the people.
Governor Fubara also responded to their requests and informed them that his administration has completed the Emohua/Tema Junction Road project, and ready to inaugurate the Degema Zonal Hospital in May.
He said the Health Commissioner has been directed to assess the state of the Abonnema General Hospital for immediate rehabilitation, while promising to address the issues of shore protection in the area.
Governor Fubara assured that with the Abonnema sandfilling works completed, the phase two will commence that will include Buguma, explaining that the Commissioner for Works has been tasked to do the assessment immediately.
On the request for the establishment of tertiary institution in the area, Governor Fubara said his administration is already inaudated with memos asking that the off-campus of Rivers State University established previously be revised because it has become difficult to sustain them, but quickly added that the government will consider the establishment of a viable institution that will provide technical and entrepreneurial skills to the people in a sustained manner.
Reading the address of Kalabari Ethnic Nationality, Chief Pawariso Samuel Horsfall, announced that the entire Kalabari people have unanimously endorsed Governor Fubara for a second term, and vowed to mobilise Rivers people to ensure electoral victory for him in the 2027 gubernatorial election.
In his speech, the leader of the delegation and Amanyanabo of Abonnema, King Disreal Gbobo Bobmanuel, expressed the profound thanks of the Kalabari people to Governor Fubara for his genuine love for them, as evidenced in the types and quality of development projects delivered or being executed in the area.