Politics

Engr Emeka Woke: Chief Of Staff Extraordinaire

Published

3 years ago

October 7, 2022

“Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value” – Albert Einstein.
Two state matters of importance, among others, which the Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Engr Emeka Woke, had dealt with frontally, without fear of intimidation or favour, present him as an officer worth his salt and deserving of commendation.
These matters which had the potential of portraying the administration of Governor Nyesom Wike in bad light to the unsuspecting public, have spurred me to give him thumbs-up, warranting this article on his personality as an exemplary Chief of Staff, worthy of emulation.
Recently, Chief Emeka Woke stole my heart when, in very strong terms, at Opobo Town, the headquarters of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, during the grand finale of the just concluded “Operation Obtain Your PVC Sensitisation Rally” of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) in Rivers State, debunked the rumours making the rounds in the media by some Abuja-based or Diaspora Rivers politicians who cannot win elections in their wards, trying to blackmail and drag the name of our revered Governor, the Political Lion of Nigeria, the inestimable leader and, arguably, the strongest pillar and mainstay of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the mud.
To say the least, it is malicious and repugnant that these charlatans attempted to smear the immaculate image of the Pride of Rivers State, His Excellency, Governor Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike, CON, GSSRS, POS(Africa) and the forthright political class of the Peoples Democratic Party in the State with lies that a meeting was held in Government House with the intention to harass, molest, intimidate and assassinate members of their splinter group in the same party for holding different political views from that of the Governor on their Presidential flag- bearer.
To the credit of the Chief of Staff, the allegations were undressed and dismissed as he declared them spurious, unfair, unfounded, unfortunate and mischievous evil concoctions aimed at causing disaffection and bringing the towering Governor, his unimpeachable administration and the formidable ruling party in the state to disrepute.
The maverick politician in his own right, affirmed the capability and capacity of members of the Peoples Democratic Party to resolve their internal differences and wranglings in Rivers State and elsewhere, and at any time, in peace which is the hallmark of a family bonded by love. He, therefore urged Rivers people in particular, and Nigerians in general, to disregard and discountenance the allegations and their fabricators whose main agenda is to de-market the PDP and the State.
Of course, society watchers are in full agreement with the Chief of Staff on his timely and robust intervention and admonition since the two groups belong to the same political party that is contending to win the coming elections both in the State and at the centre. He clearly acted wisely as rumors of such magnitude, if not urgently nipped in the bud, could work against the interest of his principal, the party and the people of the State at a time of tensed political atmosphere in the nation as the 2023 general elections beckon.
For good reason, it is expedient to advise that politicians at all levels should endeavor to rise above pettiness and present themselves as true leaders of the people by showing restraint in their public utterances so as not to cause disaffection or chaos within the unsuspecting public.
What renegade politicians should not fail to understand is that politics is a game that should be played by the rules and not to be approached as a do -or -die contest because only the living is guaranteed to play the game in due seasons, again and again.
It must, as well, be understood that success in politics is always a product of team work with established structures at Units, Wards, Local Governments, States and the Centre. It also requires the players to be on ground at the grassroots and not from the Diaspora, on pages of newspapers and electronic or social media.
One, therefore, finds it heartwarming that the Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Chief Emeka Woke, quickly, effectively and efficiently rose to the occasion in dispelling the dangerous rumours that such meeting ever held, reassuring and inspiring confidence that democracy is on course in the State and that those who are working to pollute the political atmosphere are identified, isolated and disarmed.
The second reason that endeared the Chief of Staff to me was another proactive action he took some years ago. It was a similar scenario that tended to inflame passion and raise political tension in the State.
The case in point was that of ranting of one Chief Gani Toba, who went on Rhythm FM “‘View Point “ programme to blackmail and castigate the Governor and government of Rivers State on trump-up, frivolous and unfounded allegations of non-performance, ostensibly sponsored by detractors, traducers, naysayers and enemies of the multiple award-winning and serially acclaimed best performing governor in Nigeria.
On that occasion, Engr Woke made his way into the studios of the radio station with hard-cold evidences of facts and figures to meet the blackmailer and debunked the white lies, while challenging Chief Toba to recant his wicked claims or face legal action.
Of course, those who tuned to the programme on the day were held spell-bound as the attention-seeking, self-styled Ogoni-born environmental activist was taken to the cleaners and his frivolous allegations completely destroyed without much ado.
It is worthy of note that since that singular bold, courageous and spontaneous reaction of Engr Woke, no one in the State has dared to brazenly brandish such lies and unsubstantiated allegations against the governor and the government, not Chief Toba or anyone else.
Certainly, that encounter sent strong signals to everyone, especially those who harbour evil motives against the government and its Chief Executive, that a no-nonsense Chief of Staff that would not condone misguided, ill-advised and deliberately fabricated falsehood intended to discredit and distract his boss, the Governor, was in office and alive to his responsibilities in the Rivers State Government House.
Political observers are of the opinion in many circles of discussion that the Chief of Staff needs commendations for his proactive actions in times of potentially volatile happenings which might culminate to a breach of the peace in the State.
They say that he is a square peg in a square hole who had long synergised with Governor Nyesom Wike from the foundation of the NEW Rivers Vision and through to the 2015 general elections. He did not leave the side of the Governor during the turbulent and trying moments of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) when the All Progressives Congress (APC) held sway and dominated power in the state.
In the face of the high challenge of wresting power from the APC in those days, Chief Woke, along with other like minds, kept faith with Governor Wike in the battle to overcome the odds against contending with the power of incumbency and coming out victorious when many could not stand the heat and capitulated.
He is an apostle, unapologetic loyalist, a Mente and scion of the political order of Governor Nyesom Wike, the toast and grandmaster of contemporary Nigerian politics, who has remained with his master in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from inception of political party formation in 1998.
Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke is, therefore, a well established political personality in Rivers State that needs little or no introduction. Simply known as Chief Emeka Woke, he is well spoken of for his resilience, resourcefulness and bravery.
He was appointed by Governor Nyesom Wike, aka Mr. Quality Projects of Nigeria, in 2015, upon the inception of his (Wike) administration, and has kept his job till date.
Chief Woke, a proud son of Ikwerre Ethinic Nationality was a former elected Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, who was during his tenure as council boss, adjudged by political pundits as meticulous, meritorious and frugal in the running of the affairs of the council. Many believe that these were the traits that attracted the eagle eyes of His Excellency, himself (Wike) a proven performer at that tier of government, in spotting him among others for appointment into this sensitive position of Government.
His teeming associates describe him as a silent achiever, a man of the people, grassroots mobilizer, strict and straight forward, a philanthropist and a go getter. He is also regarded as one of the most popular and worthy political leaders in Emohua Local Government Area, who speaks and the people listen.
Political pundits, public affairs commentators and society watchers refer to him as the undisputed head of the political engine room of Government House in the present administration.
He is among the most reliable and closest political allies of the Governor and his family; a confidant, political adviser and defender of inestimable value to the Governor on government policies at any time.
Chief Emeka Woke is the 5th Chief of Staff, Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt, since 1999. This political personality is definitely one of the hopes of the state in the years ahead.

By: Odinaka Osundu
Osundu, a public affairs commentator, resides in Port Harcourt.

Politics

Senate Urges Tinubu To Sack CAC Boss

Published

12 hours ago

February 27, 2026

The Tide

The Senate yesterday urged President Bola Tinubu to remove the Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission, Hussaini Magaji, over what lawmakers described as a persistent refusal to appear before its Committee on Finance.

The resolution followed a motion raised by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu during a session where members of the President’s economic team were present for engagement with the committee.

Tension rose at the commencement of the meeting when agency heads were introduced and senators observed the absence of the CAC Registrar-General, who had been invited to account for the commission’s activities, particularly on revenue matters.

Moving the motion, Kalu expressed anger over what he termed repeated disregard for legislative oversight, accusing the CAC boss of consistently avoiding invitations to appear before the committee.

He said, “Since I came to the Senate, this CAC man has always given excuses that he is in the Villa or going to London. He is not above the law. This man is not coming to the Senate. Look at the ministers of finance and budget. They are both here. We summoned them and they came.

“But this man thinks he’s bigger than the Senate. We’re not going to take that rubbish again. He had refused on so many occasions to honour our invitation to appear before this committee. We have issues with the reconciliation of the revenue of CAC.

“I move a motion that the man should be reported to Mr President and ask for immediate removal because we cannot continue with him. Is that what we’re doing here? He should come and give us an account of what he had done.”

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa, corroborated the concerns, pointing to unresolved discrepancies in the reconciliation of the commission’s revenues.

He noted that despite several invitations, the registrar-general had failed to show up to address the issues raised by senators.

“The registrar-general of the Corporate Affairs Commission has refused on so many occasions to honour the calls, invitations or summons of this most important committee.

“There are only about three committees that are in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Committee of Finance is one of those committees. Sections 88, and 89 have given us these powers.

“And as registrar-general, we have issues with the reconciliation of their revenue. Anytime he is invited, he will give us one reason or another, and he will send junior officers to come and talk to the Senate. That cannot be accepted,” he said.

In a further show of frustration, Senator Adams Oshiomhole proposed that the Senate escalate the matter by withholding approval of the CAC’s 2026 budget pending the registrar-general’s personal appearance before the committee.

Oshiomhole also suggested that the commission be restrained from spending its internally generated revenue without prior approval of the national assembly.

“This senate should decline to appropriate anything in the 2026 budget until we are satisfied that he has accounted for previous money and spending properly.

“And should he spend money that is not appropriated, he should be heading to Kuje prison,” Oshiomhole said.

The motion urging the President to remove the CAC Registrar-General was subsequently put to a voice vote and adopted.

The development underscores renewed assertiveness by the Senate in exercising its constitutional oversight functions, particularly over revenue-generating agencies.

The Corporate Affairs Commission, which regulates companies and business registrations in Nigeria, is a key contributor to non-oil revenue, making accountability and transparency central to its operations.

News

Amend Constitution To Accommodate State Police, Tinubu Tells Senators

Published

12 hours ago

February 27, 2026

The Tide

President Bola Tinubu has appealed to the leadership of the 10th Senate to amend the constitution to provide a legal framework for the establishment of State Police to tackle insecurity nationwide.

President Tinubu made the appeal during an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday.

The president said that the creation of State Police has become urgent to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, strengthen grassroots policing, and enhance states’ capacity to respond swiftly to threats within their jurisdictions.

He noted that a decentralised policing structure would complement existing federal security architecture and promote intelligence-led, community-focused law enforcement.

“We are facing terrorism, banditry, and insurgency. But we will never fail to make a right response to this cause. What I will ask for tonight is for you (Senators) to start thinking how best to amend the constitution to incorporate the State Police for us to secure our country, take over our forests from marauders, and free our children from fear,” he said.

The president commended the cordial relationship between the Executive and the Senate, saying that unity is needed to defeat terrorism and banditry in the country.

“It is a good thing that we are working in harmony, we are looking forward to a country that evolves, a country that takes care of its citizens and protects all.

Tinubu thanked the Senate for its unflinching support towards achieving various economic reforms of his administration, especially the fuel subsidy removal and tax reform policy.

“I have a lot of credit for bold reforms. Without your collaboration and inspiration, those reforms would not be possible. We are reformists together. What we gave up and what we stopped is monumental corruption in the subsidy system. We don’t want to participate in monumental corruption and arbitrage foreign exchange.

You don’t have to chase me for dollars; you could see what Nigeria is today. You should be proud, and I am glad you are. What we are enjoying is a stable economy, and prosperity is beckoning us. We need to work hard, and this attendance means a lot to me,” the president said.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, commended the president for hosting the leadership of the Senate to the Interfaith breaking of fast.

He commended President Tinubu for providing the visionary leadership the nation needs at this critical time, stating that the administration’s bold reforms have now brought more revenue to governors at the sub-national level for the development of critical infrastructure.

The Senate President prayed for the administration, and for the nation’s peace and prosperity.

Politics

FCT COUNCILS’ ELECTIONS: PDP WINS GWAGWALADA CHAIRMANSHIP AS APC SECURES AMAC, BWARI

Published

5 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

Alhaji Mohammed Kasim, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has won the Gwagwalada Area Council chairmanship election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Philip Akpeni, the Returning Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), announced the results on Sunday morning.

Alhaji Kasim polled 22,165 votes to defeat Alhaji Yahaya Shehu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who polled 17,788 votes.

Alhaji Biko Umar of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) scored 1, 687 to come in third place.

“I am the returning officer for the 2026 FCT Area Council, Gwagwalada chairmanship held on Feb. 21, 2026,” Akpeni said.

“That Mohammed Kasim of PDP, having certified the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected.”

In the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Maikalangu, the APC candidate, was declared the winner of the chairmanship poll with 40,295 votes.

Andrew Abue, the Collation Officer for AMAC, said Hon. Maikalangu, who is the incumbent AMAC chairman, was returned elected having scored the highest number of votes cast.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) came second with 12,109 votes, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) polled 3,398 votes.

According to Abue, the total number of valid votes in the chairmanship poll was 62,861, while the total votes cast stood at 65,197.

He added that the number of registered voters in AMAC was 837,338, while the total number of accredited voters was 65,676.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Mr. Joshua Ishaku of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the Bwari Area Council Chairmanship election.

Announcing the result on Sunday in Bwari, the Returning Officer for the election, Prof. Mohammed Nurudeen, stated that Ishaku polled a total of 18,466 votes to emerge victorious in the February 21, 2026 poll.

“I am the Returning Officer for the 2026 FCT Area Council, Bwari chairmanship held on Feb. 21, 2026. That Joshua Ishaku, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected,” Nurudeen said.

According to the results declared, the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) secured 4,254 votes, while the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) polled 3,515 votes to place second and third respectively.

The declaration adds to the series of results emerging from the 2026 FCT Area Council elections, as political parties assess their performance ahead of future contests.

INEC UPLOADS 2,602 OF 2,822 FCT CHAIRMANSHIP RESULTS ON IReV

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had uploaded 2,602 out of the 2,822 expected polling unit results from Saturday’s chairmanship elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as at 5:55am on Sunday, data retrieved from its Result Viewing Portal (IReV) showed.

According to The Tide source, the figure represents an overall upload rate of about 92.2 per cent across the six area councils of the territory.

A council-by-council breakdown indicates that Municipal Area Council recorded the highest number of submissions in absolute terms, with 1,309 of 1,401 polling unit results uploaded, representing 93.43 per cent.

In Gwagwalada Area Council, 330 of the expected 338 polling unit results had been uploaded, representing 97.63 per cent — the highest upload rate among the six councils.

In Bwari Area Council, INEC uploaded 463 of 485 polling unit results, translating to 95.46 per cent.

In Abaji Area Council, 129 of 135 polling unit results had been uploaded as at 5:55am, representing 95.56 per cent.

In Kwali Area Council, 164 of the expected 201 polling unit results were available on the portal, representing 81.59 per cent.

In Kuje Area Council, 207 of 262 polling unit results had been uploaded, representing 79.01 per cent — the lowest rate among the six councils as at the time of review.