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 Uthman-Baba Naseer,Minna

The Governorship Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in Niger State,Dr. Mohammed Mohammed Kpautagi,has expressed concern about the deplorable state. of infrastructures in the state,in the last three years.

The Governorship hopeful decried the immotorable states of roads across the state and the state capital noting that the All Progressive Congress (APC), administration in Niger State, has failed to improve the infrastructural development in the state.

According to the ADC Governorship hopeful in Niger State, if given the mandate in 2027, his administration will in his first two years in office,will right the wrongs of the APC administration in the state.

Speaking with Journalists in his GRA residence in Minna shortly after his declaration as the ADC flagbearer, Dr.Mohammed Kpautagi assured the people of the State of his administration preparedness to encourage infrastructural development that will stand the taste of time

He explained that his desired view for the governorship seat of Niger State is to put his wealth of experience already acquired in public service to leadership stressing that if given the mandate by the people of the state,come 2027,” I will change the narrative of leadership and governance in the state. My first two years in government house people of Niger State will see the difference of governance in the state”

“ I retired as a director in the Federal ministry of works in Abuja. I know how things work in governance like I said, my first two years in office will change the narrative in governance

“ I will improve on the infrastructural development that will have direct bearing on the lives of the people. For instance, the whole roads across the state are all immovable

“ You can even see what we are experiencing in Minna, the state capital. Most of our roads are all in deplorable state. Motorists are passing through hardship in plying all the township roads. In my first two years in office everything will take a new look” he asserted.

Speaking on the litigation facing the ADC he was quick to say that “the Supreme Court has already directed that the party should return back to Federal High Court. So the litigation has nothing to do with the party for now”

While applauding the party delegates of the state for giving him their vote at the party’s Primary Dr. Mohammed Mohammed Kpautagi assured them of complementing their votes through the provision of the basic needs that will better their lots.