Featured
Rivers Can’t Give Its Votes For Free, Wike Insists

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has said that votes from the state, in the 2023 general election, would be put where a concrete reward was guaranteed for such electoral support.
The governor noted with dismay that since 1999, no state had given votes to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) more than Rivers State, but lamented that such support has never been rewarded because there was no visible benefit in terms of Federal Government projects.
Wike made the observation at the formal inauguration of the Etche Campus of the Rivers State University in Abara community of Etche Local Government Area, yesterday.
The governor also flagged-off the construction of ultra-modern two-storey building of two and three bedrooms’ staff quarters within the campus premises.
Enough of such support, Wike declared, saying that the state cannot settle for the crumbs, but would courageously negotiate for what was befitting to its status.
“At the appropriate time, we will take decision on what to do. This is because since 1999, I want Rivers people to reflect on this, ponder over it; we brought the highest votes to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“I challenge any state to say they brought more votes for the PDP. I challenge any state to say, in terms of support, for the PDP. Which state has given more support than Rivers State? Is there anyone? Since 1999, show me one federal project in Rivers State. Is there anyone? So, if you want our votes, then, tell me what you will give Rivers people. Our votes are not for dash anymore.”
Rivers State governor recalled that while some of his colleagues during the 2019 general election negotiated and gave their votes to President Muhammadu Buhari, Rivers State alone resisted by giving all its votes to PDP.
Such persons, Wike noted, were now talking as if they love the PDP more.
“This (federal) government fought us, but we survived it. Most of them who are talking now, if this Federal Government had descended on them, most of them would have crumbled. They were going to negotiate with Buhari in 2019, that was how Buhari won election. They came to me, I said no negotiation, PDP must win.”
The governor revealed that some of his close associates have expressed concern about his safety, but he has told them not to be bother because God was on his side.
“Some people tell me be careful, they will kill you. Kill who? Who told you that you will not die first before you reach me. So, those of you who are panicking, you don’t need to panic. If you have God, what are you afraid of? They’ve chased us, they’ve fought us but today we are standing strong.”
Wike also clarified his comments on why he said he was willing to deal with those who want to challenge his electoral capacity.
The governor said God has given him power and resources as a governor to do what is appropriately good for Rivers people and will not leave what he would do for God to do.
Wike commended the Rivers State University for not joining the protracted industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) because there was no basis for it.
“Thank God our university did not join the strike because there’s no basis for them to join the strike. Why did I say so? You will recollect some time ago when lecturers were sacked in the university, when the school was shutdown by the previous administration, ASUU never went on strike in sympathy of our university.
“And so, I told the university, I am not here as Father Christmas. If you have your problem, face the government and solve your problem. If any other state has problem, they should solve their own problem. Our students cannot suffer because one university somewhere is not being paid. When we had our own problem, nobody came to sympathise with us.”
Commenting on the project, Wike said it was another fulfilment of the promise made to Etche people, which would definitely drive development in the area.
Wike assured that the staff quarters that have been flagged-off would be completed in the next six months.
He directed the Etche Council Chairman, Dr. Obinna Anyanwu, to, as his contribution; construct a police station opposite the RSU Etche Campus within the next three months in order to provide security for the campus.
Providing a description of the staff quarters, the Rivers State Commissioner for Special Projects, DeinmaIyalla, said, of the two-block two-storey building, one block would have six units of two bedrooms while the other block would have six units of three bedrooms.
Also speaking, Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Prof Chinedu Mmom, said with the establishment of a campus of RSU in Etche, Wike has provided educational facility that would enable students do more practical for resourceful output.
On his part, Chairman of the Governing Council of RUS, Justice Iche Ndu, noted that Wike has done well, adding that his deeds would remain indelible in the annals of development of education in the state.
In his remarks, Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof. Nlerum Okogbule, said the project and other support given by Wike to the institute demonstrate his determination to promote access to education at a sustainable level.
Featured
FG To Seize Retirees’ Property Over Unpaid Housing Loans

The Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board says it has begun the compilation of list of retired civil servants who have defaulted on the full repayment of housing loans obtained.
Head of Information and Public Relations, FGSHLB, Mrs Ngozi Obiechina, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja, yesterday.
Obiechina quoted the Executive Secretary of the Board, Mrs Salamatu Ahmed, as saying that the move was aimed at recovering mortgaged properties from retirees who failed to meet their loan obligations.
Ahmed noted that the decision followed a recent memo issued by Mrs Patience Oyekunle, Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
According to her, the memo reminded public servants of the mandatory requirement to obtain a Certificate of Non-Indebtedness to the FGSHLB and MDA Staff Multipurpose Cooperative Society as a precondition for retirement.
The Executive Secretary said that the board would take necessary legal steps to repossess properties where applicable, in line with the terms of the loan agreements.
She said this was in line with the provisions of the Public Service Rules 021002 (p), issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
“I am directed to bring to your attention the provision of Public Service Rule (PSR) 021002 (p), which mandates all public servants to obtain a Certificate of Non-Indebtedness as a prerequisite for retirement.
“The Federal Government will commence the seizure of mortgaged properties belonging to retiring federal public servants who have failed to fully repay housing loans obtained from the board,” she said.
Ahmed explained that the FGSHLB reserves the legal right to repossess any mortgaged property in cases where a public servant exits service without fully repaying the loan.
She reiterated that the directive also applied to already retired officers who were still indebted.
She urged all affected public servants to regularise their loan status and obtain the required clearance certificate without delay.
“The board is currently compiling a list of such retirees, which will be forwarded to relevant regulatory agencies for debt recovery.
“The FGSHLB remains committed to enforcing compliance and ensuring proper loan recovery procedures are followed, “ she added.
Featured
FG Begins Induction For New Permanent Secretaries, Accountant-General

The Federal Government has kicked off a three-day induction programme for newly appointed Permanent Secretaries and the Accountant-General of the Federation, aimed at equipping them for strategic leadership and effective policy implementation.
The induction, according to a statement yesterday by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Eno Olotu, which commenced on Wednesday, is being held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja.
Speaking at the opening session, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, congratulated the new appointees and described their roles as pivotal to governance and national development.
“Permanent Secretaries are the engine room of the government. They are critical to driving policy implementation, institutional performance, and reform across the service”, she said.
The Federal Government has kicked off a three-day induction programme for newly appointed Permanent Secretaries and the Accountant-General of the Federation, aimed at equipping them for strategic leadership and effective policy implementation.
The induction, according to a statement yesterday by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Eno Olotu, which commenced on Wednesday, is being held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja.
Speaking at the opening session, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, congratulated the new appointees and described their roles as pivotal to governance and national development.
“Permanent Secretaries are the engine room of the government. They are critical to driving policy implementation, institutional performance, and reform across the service”, she said.
“The expectations are high, and the responsibility is immense. But with commitment and teamwork, we can deliver a more efficient, accountable, and citizen-centred public service.
“This final lap of FCSSIP 25 calls for urgency, accountability, and strategic focus. You must translate vision into measurable results,” she stated.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, described the programme as a strategic investment in leadership capacity and institutional effectiveness.
The sessions featured expert-led discussions, simulations, and strategic briefings facilitated by a distinguished faculty, including Engr. Suleiman Adamu, former Minister of Water Resources; Dr. Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination; Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba, Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice; Alh. Yusuf Addy, retired Federal Director; Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji, former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; Amb. Mustapha Lawal Suleiman, Mr. Adesola Olusade, and Dr. Ifeoma Anagbogu, all retired Permanent Secretaries.
Participants include Dr. Obi Emeka Vitalis, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, Mr. Danjuma Mohammed Sanusi, Mr. Olusanya Olubunmi, Dr. Keshinro Maryam Ismaila, Dr. Akujobi Chinyere Ijeoma, Dr. Umobong Emanso Okop, Dr. Isokpunwu Christopher Osaruwanmwen, Mrs. Oyekunle N. Patience, Dr. Kalba U. Danjuma, Mr. Nadungu Gagare, Mr. Onwusoro I. Maduka, Dr. Usman Salihu Aminu, Mr. Ogbodo Chinasa Nnam, Mr. Ndiomu Ebiogeh Philip, Dr. Anuma N. Ogbonnaya, Mr. Adeladan Rafiu Olaninre, and Mr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammed, alongside the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi.
The induction programme will feature sessions on public sector leadership, policy delivery, ethics in service, digital transformation, and performance management.
Featured
NNPCL To Undergo Forensic Audit Soon -FG

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has announced that a forensic audit of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) will begin soon.
Edun revealed this at the ongoing Nigerian Investor Forum, held alongside the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington DC.
The minister explained that the recent changes in the NNPCL management are part of a broader effort by the Federal Government to clean up and examine the company closely.
While addressing top global investors, including representatives from J.P. Morgan, Edun shared key reforms the government has introduced to revive the economy and restore investor confidence.
He told the investors that the government’s bold economic steps have laid a strong foundation to attract private investment.
He stated, “Our goal is not just to maintain this momentum, but to accelerate it. We are targeting seven per cent annual growth, and we believe the policies we have implemented have laid the groundwork to achieve this.”
Edun highlighted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has rolled out major reforms that are already making a difference.
He added that the Nigerian economy grew by 3.84 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2024 and recorded a 3.4 per cent growth for the year.
Edun further stressed the importance of the reforms, describing them as “unprecedented,” adding that, “We said we would do it, and now we have done it. This time, we’re staying the course.”
He pointed out signs of progress such as lower budget deficits, a better trade balance, and a more stable exchange rate.
He also said that the focus is now on growing key sectors, especially agriculture.
According to Edun, agriculture is at the top of the government’s agenda, with the aim of improving food supply and increasing productivity.
“We aim to close the food supply gap, not by importing more, but by enabling domestic producers to scale and innovate,” he said.
On infrastructure, Edun revealed that the government has rolled out 90,000km of fibre optic cable to improve internet access.
He said this move is crucial for supporting young Nigerians and tech startups.
He also noted that 4,000km of roads have been offered for private sector participation, with the first 1,000km already approved for construction.
-
News5 days ago
Transformational Leadership Key To Military Success-COAS
-
Women5 days ago
The Christian Teaching Mother (II)
-
Politics5 days ago
Keyamo Hails Tinubu Over Oborevwori’s Defection To APC
-
News5 days ago
FG Targets N13.8 bn Data Protection Revenue In 2025
-
News5 days ago
Tinubu Orders Security Chiefs To Restore Peace In Plateau, Benue, Borno
-
Rivers5 days ago
Army Deactivates 16 Illegal Refineries …Arrests 23 Suspects In N’Delta
-
Social/Kiddies5 days ago
Celebrating Woman As An Icon Of Strength
-
Politics5 days ago
Newly Appointed Bayelsa PDP CTC Chair Unveils Agenda