Politics
Why Tonye Harry Shouldn’t Seek Re-election- Harry
Against speculations that the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tonye Harry will seek for another tenure in the Assembly, a People Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart in Degema Local Government Area of the state, Mr. Sunny Marshall Harry, has advised the Speaker to go for higher elective positions in the National Assembly rather than seek re-election at the state Assembly.
Speaking in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt, Mr. Sunny Marshall Harry argued that after three successive outing at the Assembly, Tonye Harry should think of something higher in the next election.
Tonye Harry, The Tide reliably gathered has been in the Assembly for the past 12 years of three tenures ending next year. Out of the 12 years, Harry served as Deputy Speaker for eight years (two terms) and Speaker for four years ending next year.
The PDP stalwart, who is also the son of the slain pioneer state chairman of the party, Dr. Marshall Harry said that the people of Obuama in Degema local government area have resolved to have a shot at the chairmanship of Degema instead of the legislative position being occupied by Tonye Harry in the House.
He said time has come for Obuama to call the shot at Degema council, regretting that for long period, Obuama community has been neglected in the scheme of things.
According to him, the House of Assembly position has been zoned to Bakana and Tombia axis of the area while Obuama produce the next council chairman.
Sunny Marshall Harry, who declared his intention to vie for the chairmanship position of the local government area however assured that he would give a better deal to the area if given the mandate at the polls.
He pledged to create employment opportunities for the youths to enable them live meaningful life even as he promised the provision of infrastructure in communities in Degema.
Other planned welfare package for the people include the introduction of scholarship scheme for indigenes of the area and windows empowerment scheme.
He commended the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for his developmental strides in the state and assured him of maximum support.
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.”
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.
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.