Politics
Wike’s Appointment Of 200,000 SAs Excites Stakeholders
The decision of the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike to increase the number of Special Assistants on political units across the twenty three LGAs of Rivers State from 100,000 to 200,000 has been described by stakeholders and leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state as an uncommon gesture, unparalleled in Nigeria’s political history.
The stakeholders said Governor Wike had through the rare decision blazed another trail in political leadership in the comity of Nigerian states by opening vistas of opportunities for grassroots participation in democratic governance.
Some of the Rivers stakeholders who spoke with newsmen at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, during the inauguration of the SAs from the three Sanatorial Districts in the state applauded Governor Wike for the appointments which they described as an inclusive political vision and strategic administrative policy that will bring governance close to the people and enhance the social, political and economic status of the beneficiaries.
Former Senator that represented the Rivers South East Senatorial District, Sen Adawari Pepple, described the appointments as a step in the right direction and a deliberate grassroots empowerment program which will enhance community participation in governance and also lead to the economic empowerment of the people. He added that the mass based policy will translate into landslide victory for the PDP in the 2023 general elections.
Member representing Khana / Gokana Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon Dumnamene Dekor commended Governor Wike for the appointments, stating that it portrays the Rivers State Governor as visionary leader with sound leadership acumen that has enthroned good governance in Rivers State by directly touching the lives of the people at the grassroots. He said Rivers people were happy with Governor Wike for carrying them along in his administration, and will remain grateful to him for his people-oriented policies, and for defending the interest of Rivers State at all times.
In his remarks, foremost Youth Leader and PDP stalwart, Comrade Marvin Yorbana lauded Governor Wike for the appointments which he described as a “whopping political opening for the people of the grassroots to play active roles in political leadership in addition to putting smiles on the faces of the litany of beneficiaries. He said Rivers people were highly appreciative of the Governor’s gesture and would show their gratitude by voting massively for candidates of the PDP in Rivers State come 2023.
Some of the LG Chairmen who spoke with newsmen at the venue of the inauguration thanked Governor Wike for the opportunity given to the grassroots people to serve in his administration and to contribute to the development of the state.
Chairman of Emohua LGA, Hon Chidi Loyd said by this singular decision, Governor Wike had brought governance to the grassroots by making the people to be at the core of political leadership. The Emohua council chairman urged the SAs to see the appointments as an opportunity to serve the state and ensure that they live up to the demands of their positions as clearly stated by the Governor.
On his part, Chairman of Khana LGA, Dr Bariere Thomas, said apart from the giant strides of Governor Wike in infrastructural development, he had also expanded the scope of human capital development through the appointments. He said the people of Khana in particular and Rivers State in general would remain grateful to Governor Wike for his developmental strides in the state, and urged the appointees who are closest government officials to the people to deliver on their mandates.
It could be recalled that Governor Wike had specifically mandated the appointed SAs, who are abreast of the happenings and needs of the various communities in the state to interface with the people and bring effective feedbacks on measures of promoting good governance to the office of the Governor through the Constituency Liaison Officers who are to oversee the Wards and the units.
Apart from the economic impact of the opportunities, Governor Wike said the appointments have added to the credentials and dossiers of the beneficiaries as official aides of the Governor, and urged them to use it judiciously.
Recall that Governor Wike, had earlier within the week, Inaugurated Constituency Liaison officers across the three Senatorial Zones in the State at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, with a charge to get feedbacks from the SAs on Political Units Affairs and relate to the Government.
One of the Liaison officers from Khana LGA, Dr Mbube Nwiakori who spoke with newsmen shortly after the inauguration thanked the Gov Wike for giving them the opportunity to serve and assured that they would deliver on their mandates.
By: Taneh Beemene
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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