Politics
Allow States To Pay Royalty To FG – Wike

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has called for a new reform that would enable the states and local government areas to take charge of mining of solid minerals in their domain and then pay royalty to the Federal Government.
The governor made the call last Monday when the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Uchechukwu Ogah, paid him a courtesy visit in Government House Port Harcourt
He said: “The Federal Government is carrying so much load that they are not supposed to carry. Allow states to develop their minerals and pay royalty to the Federal Government. That’s the way it’s supposed to be”,
He stressed the need for the Federal Government to concentrate on policy formulations that would improve the welfare of the people.
He accused the Federal Government of failing to translate mineral wealth into overall economic development and regrtted that the Ajaokuta Steel Company that ought to be creating jobs and generating huge revenue, had become a failed dream.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Uchechukwu Ogah, had told the Governor that he was in the state to share with him the vision and policy focus of Federal Government for the development of the nation’s solid minerals resources.
Ogah solicited the support and partnership of Rivers State in the exploitation of huge deposit of silica sand and clay in the state for construction and glass manufacture.
The minister commended Governor Wike for the massive infrastructure provided by his administration to the people of Rivers State.
Also last week, the Rivers State Governor hosted the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor and other top military officers who were in Government House Port Harcourt , last Friday, on a courtesy visit to him.
Governor Wike charged the Chief of Defence Staff to take steps towards reducing insurgency, noting that terrorism has become one of the biggest threats to the country. He assured the Chief of Defence Staff of the continuous support of Rivers State Government to the army and other security agencies in the state to ensure security of lives and property.
Governor Wike further promised to liaise with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum to support the release of more money for procurement of arms and other equipment for the military to end Insurgency.
The Chief of Defence Staff , General Lucky Irabor said they were in the state to assess various operational activities of the Armed Forces and to also meet with the personnel.
He commended Governor Wike for supporting the army and other security agencies in the state and urged of Rivers people and Niger Delta to sustain the peace so that economic activities would thrive in the area.
Another major event in Brick House last week , was the Thank You visit by the newly elected 23 local government council chairmen to Governor Wike, last Tuesday.
Speaking on behalf of the newly elected chairmen, the Mayor-elect of Port Harcourt, Allwell Ihunda, expressed gratitude to the party and the governor for their support which contributed to their victory.
He assured the governor that they would be committed to good governance and ensure high performance.
Governor Wike charged them to use the opportunity to contribute their quota, make impact and improve the welfare of their people who gave them the mandate and never to abuse the opportunity.
“ It is a shame that you will serve for three or six years and you don’t have any projects executed. You may claim you pay salary, you pay salary of course. But also be concerned about what legacy to leave behind and what you can be remembered for.
Also within the week under review the Rivers State Chief Executive attended the Public presentation of two books in honour of the former Chief Justice, Paul Galumje, last Wednesday in Abuja.
Wike who was the Chief Presenter, described the former Supreme Court Justice as a man of impeccable integrity who served the nation meritoriously.
By: Chris Oluoh
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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