By George Mgbeleke

Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of his administration to peace, unity, security, and inclusive development as Rivers State marks its 59th anniversary.

In a goodwill message issued on Wednesday to commemorate the anniversary, Governor Fubara stated that despite the challenges faced over the years, the people of Rivers State have continued to demonstrate resilience, strength, and an enduring spirit of unity that has sustained the state since its creation.

The Governor noted that the strong bond of brotherhood among the various ethnic nationalities of the state, including the Ijaw, Ikwerre, Ogoni, Etche, Ekpeye, Andoni, Kalabari, and others, remains one of Rivers State’s greatest strengths and a critical foundation for peace, stability, and progress.

He further observed that Rivers State has remained a major driver of Nigeria’s economy for decades, not only because of its abundant oil and gas resources, but also because of the exceptional contributions of its people across diverse sectors including academia, jurisprudence, business, entertainment, public service, and sports.

Governor Fubara assured the people that his administration will continue to prioritize policies and programmes that promote peace, protect lives and property, and expand development across all parts of the state. He emphasized that governance must be people centered and impactful, with equal attention given to every Local Government Area of the state.

The Governor also paid tribute to the elders and founding leaders of the state for preserving the spirit of unity and coexistence over the years, while urging the youths to remain hopeful, responsible, and actively committed to building a greater Rivers State through innovation, hard work, and patriotism.

He equally acknowledged the invaluable role of women in strengthening families, communities, and society, describing them as indispensable partners in the continued growth and stability of the state.

Governor Fubara called on all Rivers people to use the occasion of the anniversary as a moment of reflection and renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, dialogue, and collective progress, stressing that the unity and future of Rivers State must always rise above personal interests and political differences.

Rivers State was created on May 27, 1967, when the administration of General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd.) created twelve states out of the former four regions of Nigeria, with Rivers State carved out of the defunct Eastern Region.

By David Owei,Bayelsa

Standard bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Ogbia Constituency one in the 2027 elections into the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Whoknows Azibola Odoko has said he would focus on human capital development, amongst others if he is elected into the State legislature.

Odoko stated this during a chat with Journalists in Yenagoa, the state capital yesterday.

Our source gathered that ex-President Jonathan is also a constituent of the Ogbia constituency one.

He said the era of voting for candidates who abandon constituents upon their elections was over, noting that there was nothing better than empowering and building constituents so that they can eke out a living for themselves.

The assembly hopeful averred that if elected, he would amongst other empowerment programmes roll out an educational support scheme for the training and retraining of his constituents.

He also pledged to facilitate the provision of jobs for constituents who have the requisite skills and credentials for employment, saying that under his stewardship as a lawmaker the constituency will heave a sigh of relief.

Speaking on the crisis rocking the PDP, the party’s candidate noted that all the major political parties in the country have their own share of problems, emphasizing that the Peoples Democratic Party would emerge stronger and more united on or before the 2027 polls.

He said: I’ll win the election. My popularity cut across party lines in the constituency and beyond. My teaming supporters are ready and willing to convert the goodwill I enjoy from across the constituency into votes for me come 2027.

“Upon my election I’ll institute an aggressive empowerment scheme in education, jobs creation and employment generation for my constituents.

“The era of electing candidates who don’t have anything to offer to the constituency is over”.

By David Owei,Bayelsa

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has extended warm greetings to the Muslim Ummah in the state and across Nigeria on the celebration of the festival of Eid al-Adha (Eid-el-Kabir).

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, on Wednesday, the Bayelsa governor noted that the festival commemorates the sacrifice of Prophet Mohammed, which is a virtue required of every true believer.

Senator Diri urged adherents of Islam, in keeping with the tenets of their faith, to continue to pray for the peace, security and wellbeing of Bayelsa and the country at sacred moments as this.

He also admonished Muslims to look beyond the festival to consistently imbibe the virtues of patriotism, selflessness, patience and sacrifice.

Governor Diri charged them to be inspired by these moral fibres to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood as they live harmoniously with other residents and adherents of other faiths.

He noted that the country was undergoing a crucial socio-economic phase that required prayers, resilience and patience to navigate through, and expressed the hope that with a collective resolve, Nigeria will achieve its desired greatness.

“On behalf of the government of Bayelsa State, I wish our Muslim brothers Eid Mubarak!”

Barka da Sallah!