The Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress (RIPCO), an Ijaw‑based socio‑political organisation, has unanimously endorsed President Bola Tinubu for re‑election, saying a second tenure is critical for the consolidation of the “Renewed Hope Agenda”.
The group also described Tinubu as a worthy leader, urging him to declare his intention for re‑election.
Leader of the group, Senator George Sekibo, at a media briefing in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday, read the adoption co‑signed by its Director General, Mr Rowland Sekibo, and Secretary, Mr Erastus Awortu.
Sekibo explained that the collective decision was an outcome of conscious deliberation and reflection on Tinubu’s achievements in human capital, economic and infrastructural development, among others.
“In the light of this conviction, and on behalf of Rivers Ijaw people, we hereby proudly adopt Tinubu as our presidential candidate come 2027,” he said.
Outlining the various achievements recorded by the Tinubu‑led administration, Sekibo said that only a re‑election would pave the way for the sustainability and consolidation of set goals.
He commended the president for opening up new corridors geared towards promoting commerce within the state.
According to him, the establishment of the University of Environment, the completion of the Bodo‑Bonny road and the ongoing East‑West Road rehabilitation projects were confirmations of Tinubu’s dexterity.
“We also recognise the fatherly intervention by the president during an intense political crises and his diplomacy in restoring peace in our state.
“Today, our people now go about their legitimate activities because we now have a more politically stable atmosphere. We must reciprocate this gesture with unreserved support for the president’s re‑election.”
Sekibo also noted that indigenes of the state in the current administration have so far recorded over 30 key political appointments, a number that had never been assigned by previous administrations.
“Appointments include: Nyesom Wike – Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Desmond Akawo – Commissioner for Revenue Mobilisation, Chukwuemeka Aaron – Commissioner, Federal Character Commission.
“Others are Emeka Woke – Director General, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency; Chibudom Nwuche, South‑South Development Commission.
“Boma Iyaye, Director, Finance and Administration (NDDC); Mrs Didi Watson‑Jack, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, among others,” he said.
Why Gov. Muftwang is joining APC –Aide
Gov. Caleb Muftwang of Plateau is set to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
Mr Istifanus Nwansat, the Political Adviser, to the governor made this known in an interview with news men on Monday in Abuja.
Nwansat said that the governor’s decision to join the APC was because it’s the option with least risk in the face of the chaos in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He explained that the impending defection of Muftwang to the APC would also align with President Bola Tinubu’s political and governance trajectory on the plateau.
He noted that the crisis in the PDP had made the platform an unrealistic podium for political actors to contest elections.
According to him, from the assessment and analysis of all the available options, we have concluded that the safest decision for us today, and with the least risk factor, is to move into the APC.
“That is why the governor is moving into the APC. And again, the governor believes that it is good and reasonable enough as a leader for him to move his people to align with Mr president.
“This is because by our own assessment as a state, even though members of the PDP, we appreciate and recognise the efforts of Mr president in putting things right.
How Tinapa Resort can generate over 12,000 jobs – MD
Managing Director of Tinapa Business Resort, Dr Francis Ekom, says the business and leisure hub with Free Trade Zone status has the potential of generating no fewer than 12,000 jobs when fully operational.
Ekom made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar on Monday.
The MD said a lot of effort has gone into repositioning the resort for investors and also to avoid past mistakes that necessitated taking over of the complex by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).
While noting that there have been interest from several investors, Ekom said the government was yet to take a decision on any of them.
According to him, “all I can assure you is that we are doing all that is necessary to ensure a glorious future for Tinapa.
“There is a huge potential in the resort both in terms of revenue generation and job creation. The place holds a bright future for Cross River.
“The entire complex can generate a minimum of 12,000 jobs, direct and indirect.
“All this said, what we are doing at the moment is working behind to put all that is necessary to prepare the place for the future and potential investors.”
It would be recalled that the Cross River government recently took over the Tinapa business resort from the AMCON
Tinapa, conceived in 2007 by former Governor Donald Duke as a business and leisure hub with Free Trade Zone status, was designed to boost trade, tourism and investment in the state.
However, the project ran into financial difficulties and was taken over by AMCON in 2011.
