Former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN); the Emir of Kano, His Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, Abia State Governor Alex Otti; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and renowned banker Mr. Atedo Peterside are among a distinguished lineup of leaders expected at the Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
Themed “Better Leadership for a Better Nigeria,” the high-level gathering will bring together some of the country’s most influential political, business, and policy figures to reflect on Nigeria’s leadership journey at 65, interrogate its most pressing governance challenges, and chart pathways toward transformation, equity, and national renewal.
The conference, hosted by the Oxford Global Think Tank, was founded by global finance and development expert Ms. Arunma Oteh. It aims to catalyze strategic dialogue across the public, private, and civic sectors on the role of ethical, inclusive, and results-driven leadership in shaping Nigeria’s future.
Other prominent participants include former Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Anyim Pius Anyim, former Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director of Sterling Bank Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, Chairman of Zinox Group Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh, and Flutterwave CEO Mr. Gbenga Agboola, among others.
The conference coincides with Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary and offers a timely opportunity for national introspection — blending visionary dialogue with actionable ideas for progress.
Structured around four key pillars — Public Policy & Inclusive Governance, Economic Transformation through Business Leadership, Technology & Entrepreneurship, and Intergenerational Transition — the sessions will promote deep, cross-sectoral discussions aimed at driving collective action.
During the event, the Oxford Global Think Tank will unveil its maiden report on African minerals titled “RAMP Africa: Reforming African Minerals to Prosper Africa.” Ms. Oteh will also present her recently published book, “All Hands on Deck: Unleash Prosperity through World-Class Capital Markets,” released earlier this year in the United Kingdom.
A curated art exhibition on leadership will run alongside the conference, offering visual and audio reflections on the event’s core themes.
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper and football pundit Idah Peterside has criticized the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), describing its leadership as plagued by long-standing “rottenness” and unqualified decision-makers.
Speaking on the poor state of Nigerian football, Peterside said the game continues to suffer because competent individuals are sidelined in favour of less capable hands.
“I don’t want to get into the Nigeria case. I’ve seen this rottenness for a very long time,” he said. “We’ve complained deeply. Sometimes it seems because we played football, we don’t qualify to run football. That’s a big shame. I went to school, I have enough education, and I played the game.”
He argued that running football should require proper managerial and business skills, not politics or favouritism. “You need to have the ability to manage things, business or whatever it is, to be able to run an organisation. But sometimes they don’t honour us, they don’t respect us. Once you played football, they look at you as if you’re not capable,” Peterside lamented.
The 50-year-old, who retired from football in 2002 and later served as media officer for the Super Eagles, emphasized that Nigeria must embrace qualified administrators if its football is to recover. “More qualified people should be running our football in this country,” he added.
Recall that
Peterside contested unsuccessfully for the NFF presidency in 2022 and his comments come amid renewed criticism of the NFF following Super Eagles’ struggles in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with fans increasingly demanding accountability and reforms in the administration of the sport.
Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside’s love for Nigeria is not a quiet, passive affection, but a blazing fire that lights up every corner of his work and life.
His belief in the nation’s unity, peace, and progress hums through his words and actions like a steady drumbeat. To watch him speak or read his writings is to witness a man who sees Nigeria not just for what it is, but for what it could become – a nation bound by shared destiny and lifted by the collective dreams of its people.
Peterside’s life reads like a map of devotion, with every chapter marked by a new effort to steer Nigeria closer to the greatness he envisions. This devotion is not blind to the nation’s struggles; instead, it sees the cracks in the foundation, yet believes in rebuilding with stronger hands and steadier resolve.
His commitment to Nigeria is rooted in a rare blend of idealism and pragmatism. He does not simply speak about the country’s potential – he works tirelessly to shape it. His leadership, his words, and his actions reflect an enduring belief that Nigeria’s strength lies not in its wealth of resources, but in the resilience and unity of its people.
To Peterside, the idea of Nigeria is not just a geographical expression, but a living, and breathing entity that grows stronger, when nurtured by visionaries who refuse to settle for mediocrity.
His journey proves that patriotism is not measured in words alone, but in the quiet, and consistent labour of those who believe that the nation’s brightest days are still ahead.
Peterside’s birthday, celebrated each December 31st, is more than just a personal milestone – it is a tribute to one of Nigeria’s most eloquent champions of the masses.
In a society often marked by the gap between leadership and the ordinary citizen, his voice serves as a bridge. He is a rare breed – a leader who listens, an intellectual who empathises, and a policymaker who remembers the faces behind the statistics.
Peterside’s tenure at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) as its Director-General was nothing short of revolutionary.
When he assumed the role, NIMASA was akin to a dormant giant, burdened by inefficiency. Under his astute leadership and unwavering determination, the agency stirred awake, shedding its inertia and rising to become a model of excellence.
Peterside did not just steer the ship – he rebuilt it from the ground up. His reforms breathed new life into maritime administration, bolstering safety, driving economic growth, and positioning NIMASA as a shining example of what Nigerian institutions could achieve under visionary leadership.
His influence extends far beyond the maritime sector. His counsel is sought after by governors across Nigeria, quietly shaping their decisions. Five governors, five states, five different visions – and yet Peterside stands beside each of them, a steady hand guiding the tiller.
Peterside’s name carries weight in the corridors of power, not because he demands it, but because his wisdom earns it. Governors turn to him not for applause, but for clarity – a rare commodity in the complex machinery of governance.
And still, his heart beats for the classroom. As an adjunct lecturer at five universities across three countries, he steps away from the podium of national leadership to stand before students. His presence in the lecture hall is not ceremonial. It is in those quiet spaces, where the next generation gathers to learn, that Peterside’s hope for Nigeria truly shines. He does not just teach from textbooks – he brings the nation’s story into the room, weaving lessons of governance, resilience, and the power of belief into the fabric of his lectures.
Peterside’s life is a tapestry woven with threads of service, intellect, and unshakable patriotism. His journey is a reminder that love for one’s country is not an abstract ideal, but a living, and breathing force that demands action.
The imprint of his leadership can be found in boardrooms, lecture halls, and the hearts of those who read his words and follow his examples.
Nigeria, like every nation, faces crossroads – moments where the direction of the future hangs in the balance.
Peterside’s life stands as a beacon at these crossroads, offering the steady light of experience, compassion, and belief in the enduring spirit of the nation.
As Nigeria marches forward, the legacy of Peterside stands tall – a lighthouse on the horizon, guiding the nation toward unity, progress, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
His story is one of possibility – a reminder that in the hands of the right leaders, nations are not just built; they are transformed.
Peterside’s work echoes will ring long after the speeches fade, serving as a testament to the power of unwavering dedication and the belief that one person’s vision can shape the destiny of millions.
Former Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Peterside Idah , has asked the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to sanctions Napoli forward Victor Osimhen over his social media rant on former Super Eagles coach Finidi George.
Osimhen claimed Finidi reportedly insinuated he feigned injury to miss the Super Eagles last two FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic.
Nigerians have been sharply divided since the issue came into public glare but
Peterside Idah in a viral video has responded sharply by asking Osimhen to apologise to Finidi, the country even as demanded for a hefty sanction or banishment of the African Footballer of the Year from the Super Eagles.
He said: “You (Osimhen) need to come out openly and apologize for the things you said to Finidi. Finidi George is a legend, for you to just wag your mouth and say things unpalatable, if you have issues with Finidi, pick up the phone and call him, that’s what responsible people do.
“What you just showed is a bit of irresponsibility, you just showed that’s unexpected from you, I think the NFF should call Victor Osimhen and ask him to apologize.
“He has to apologize for ranting and just saying things. Our national team is sacred. Days when we wore this jersey, we respected it and the people who wore it before us. He’s not the first neither would he be the last.
“He (Osimhen) kept saying things without control, he should come out openly and apologize to former footballers, apologize to the NFF, apologize to Finidi, and apologize to Nigerians.
“I think action should be taken or he should be barred from playing for the national team because if we allow this kind of thing to continue, it will not augur well for Nigeria. This is a call so that sanity will be brought to our football. “
“I think the NFF president, the sports minister must call these young players to order. They can’t just talk like that because they have phones, and followers on social media. I think this nonsense must stop. We demand an apology from Victor Osimhen.”
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote yesterday paid a condolence visit to the parents of Herbert Wigwe, Access Holdings Plc group chief executive officer.
The Access Holdings GCEO died in a helicopter crash in the United States on Friday alongside his wife, Doreen Chizoba; son, Chizzy and Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Abimbola Ogunbanjo.
Abiodun, in a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, said Wike, Dangote and himself were accompanied on the visit to Pastor Shyngle and Mrs Stella Wigwe in Lagos by the late Access Holdings boss’ close friends and associates.
The governor wrote: “In the company of Dr. Aliko Dangote and a group of close friends and associates, we gathered to express our heartfelt condolences to Pastor Shyngle Wigwe and his wife, Mrs. Stella Wigwe.
“These sorrowful parents have suffered the loss of their beloved sons, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, Mrs Chizoba, and his son Chizzy in a tragic helicopter accident.
“During this solemn visit, we fervently beseech God to grant eternal peace to the departed souls and bring solace to the grieving families they have left behind.”.
Dangote had earlier yesterday joined more eminent Nigerians and groups in mourning Wigwe.
Describing the Rivers State-born banker as a “beloved friend and brother,” he recalled his(Wigwe) contributions to the growth of the banking sector and his role in the fight against COVID-19, especially in Nigeria.
Dangote, who is Africa’s richest man, extended his “deepest sympathies” to the entire Wigwe family and the staff of Access Holdings Plc.”
He said that Wigwe’s first-rate mind, brilliance, tenacity, unforced charm, and clarity of purpose stood him out among his peers.
The billionaire and industrialist wrote: “His(Wigwe) remarkable organisational skills and penchant for excellence came to the fore during our days of collaboration in the CA-COVID initiative where we complemented the official efforts to curb the unprecedented impact of the global Coronavirus pandemic.
“Like some of us, he stood up to be counted and deployed huge personal resources to fight a common scourge. How noble, how patriotic.
“As I mourn the shocking demise of a loyal friend, my heart goes out to Tochi, David, and Hannah, the rest of the extended Wigwe family, the staff of Access Holdings, and the good people of our beloved country Nigeria.”
Diri, Otti, Abiru recall association with Wigwe
The other prominent Nigerians who recalled the life and time of Wigwe were Governors Diri Duoye (Bayelsa), Alex Otti(Abia); and Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, Adetokunbo Abiru.
Groups that also mourned the banker and Ogunbanjo include Lagos State House Assembly, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Rivers State caucus in the House of Representatives and Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI).
Governor Diri said he was deeply saddened by “the loss of a dear friend and brother, who understood what friendship and brotherhood meant.”
Wigwe, according to the governor, was a consummate banker and businessman who touched lives and brought dreams to reality. He recalled how Wigwe, through Access Bank, positively impacted youths in Bayelsa State by partnering with the government to organise the maiden edition of a sports festival in 2023.
While commiserating with the Wigwe family, the family of his wife as well as the management and staff of Access Bank Plc, he said Nigeria has lost an illustrious son.
In an emotion-laden statement, Governor Otti, who once headed Diamond Bank, a deposit money bank acquired by Access Bank, revealed that Wigwe was to pay him a visit on his return from the U.S. where the chopper crash took his life.
In the statement titled “Saying Goodbye,” Otti said the death of the Access Holdings boss, was a a personal blow to him.
The governor wrote: “Herbert why? Why? Why? You told me you were going for a board meeting in London from where you will head out to the US and return after a few days and immediately come to Abia to see me. So, what happened?
“Since this news filtered out, I’ve not been able to put my head down. I spoke to Peggy who was broken but strong.
“I refused to believe. Many others confirmed but they were also reporting other people. Then came a call minutes from Sola Faleye, my younger friend whom you “acquired” as you took over Diamond Bank.
“You had severally shared how one of the best things about the acquisition of Diamond Bank was Sola.
“He was with you everywhere you went but alas, Sola was unreachable.
“For some reason, he had to step down from that ill-fated Chopper to accompany the luggage by road. His name remains on the manifest! It is now clear that you are no more!
“What do we tell Tochi and the little ones? Who will tell Mummy Stella and Daddy Shyngle, who celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary two years ago?
“How about those of us who have come to see you as part of our lives?
“This death is too big a blow to me personally and all those who knew you closely. You were not only my friend but my brother.
“I remember taking you up about 15 years ago quoting a research-based position that over 70 percent of mergers and acquisitions destroy shareholder value. You responded that Access Bank was in the 30 percent category.
“A few years ago, when a group of friends and I were working on a banking license, you drove to my house unannounced and insisted: ‘Alex, I’m glad you are working on a new bank, but I came to tell you that you should not run the bank. You have finished with banking; we need you in Abia and Abia needs you. “We must get some of us that dare to go into public office, and you must remain there.’
“Since then, you have been consistent in your support.
“This is one of the saddest moments in my life. To worsen the situation, Chizoba and Chizzy who hardly fly with you were in that chopper.”
Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions Charman Abiru said that Wigwe’s visionary leadership and commitment to excellence left an indelible mark in the business world.
Abiru described him as a passionate, dedicated, fearless and accomplished businessman.
The committee chairman said: “I witnessed his extraordinary goal-driven professionalism. He reached the pinnacle of his career in the banking industry and business, leaving an indelible mark on the generation of accomplished bankers who cut their teeth at Guaranty Trust Bank.
“His death is a national tragedy of monumental proportion.”
Lagos Assembly observes minute silence
Lagos House of Assembly observed a minute silence for the late Access Holding chief and called on his colleagues to sustain his legacies.
Speaking under ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa described Wigwe’s demise as “shocking, painful, disturbing and unexpected.”
Obasa recalled his last encounter with Wigwe on their way back to Lagos from Abuja, describing him as one who was passionate about Nigeria’s development.
He said: “My last encounter with him was from Abuja to Lagos in his aircraft. Within the one-hour flight, we had a lot of discussions.
“All we can do now is mourn and accept what happened as what fate has brought upon us. He did not die alone. His wife, son and friend were with him.
“The lesson from this is that even though none of us wants to die, we must put the best of us in our relationships with others and contribute our best to our society and nation as these are what people will remember after us.
“I want to urge his colleagues to sustain his legacies, his philanthropic activities part of which is the Lagos City Marathon which has been expanded beyond the shores of Nigeria as well as the Wigwe University which, I am sure, was for the benefit of Nigerians.”
Rivers Reps caucus urges thorough probe
The state caucus in the House of Representatives also lamented the passing of three members of the Wigwe family and called on the U.S. to ensure a thorough probe of the crash.
It advised the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant agencies to also initiate a similar probe.
In a statement, the Leader of the caucus, Dunamenne Dekor, said the accident threw Rivers State into mourning,
He said: “Our hearts are heavy with sorrow as we extend our deepest condolences to the Wigwe family and loved ones during this distressing time.
“Dr. Herbert Wigwe played a prominent role in the financial banking community, Education and Welfare.
“His leadership at Access Holdings Plc has left an indelible mark on the industry.
“As we mourn the loss of our son; a nationalist, lover of Rivers State, and visionary and compassionate leader, we take solace in the very remarkable impact he made in the financial sector, education, and particularly his philanthropic lifestyle and belief that the well-being of a people is the only thing that has intrinsic value.
“We fervently hope that authorities will successfully locate and provide the necessary support to the families of the victims of this devastating incident.”
Ohanaeze: Wigwe’s death tragic
Ohanaeze Ndigbo said Wigwe in his lifetime “proved to the entire world that the audacity of intellectual prowess, social skill, humility and honesty is far more impactful than the audacity of the aristocracy.”
The apex-Igbo socio-cultural group, added in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alex Ogbonnia, that the death of the Access Holding topshot was tragic.
It said Wigwe was one of the “most brilliant creative thinkers, audacious achievers, trailblazers, innovative edifice, charismatic visionary and top bankers.”
The statement partly reads: “Wigwe proved to the entire world that the audacity of intellectual prowess, social skill, humility and honesty is far more impactful than that of aristocracy.
“The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, is in deep sorrow over the death of Herbert Wigwe.
“Iwuanyanwu sends his condolences to the Wigwe family, the Abimbola Ogunbanjo family, the Access Bank Plc, the good people of Omueke village, Isiokpo, community, the entire Ikwerre and the good people of Rivers State.
“He prays that the Almighty will grant the souls of Wigwe; his wife, Mrs Chizoba Nwigwe and the son, Chizi Wigwe an eternal rest in his bosom.”
Also, the ACCI has expressed sorrow and shock over the death of Wigwe.
ACCI President and Leader of the Organised Private Sector in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Emeka Obegolu, said Wigwe’s death is not only a great loss to his family but also to the Nigerian banking sector and the business community.
Rivers elders have activated various reconciliatory moves to stop the brewing political crisis in the state following moves by 24 aggrieved members of the House of Assembly led by speaker Martin Amaehule to impeach the governor.
Among the elders said to be making frantic efforts to reconcile the gladiators in the impeachment war are former governor Peter Odili and the chairman of Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council, His Majesty, Ohna Seargent Awuse.
Others are Chairman of the Rivers State Elders Forum, Ferdinand Anabrara: a former member of the House of Representatives, Ken Chikere and former President, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), OCJ Okocha, SAN.
Amidst the chaos on Monday, it was gathered that Awuse, Anabrara, Okocha and Chikere held a prolonged meeting with Fubara at the Government House in the night.
Though details of the meeting were not disclosed, the elders were said to be trying to stop further actions from both camps to allow for discussions and resolutions of issues that led to the crisis.
It was gathered that some youths kept vigil at the main gate of the Government House and continued to barricade the area on Tuesday.
Reactions continued to greet the development as a former acting Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dame Ibim Semenitari warned that political crisis would not favour the state.
She insisted that an “unnecessary and avoidable” crisis at this or any other time would be of no benefit to the state and called on political actors to apply the brakes.
Semenitari, who noted that Rivers had gone through too many crises, said that at no time was the state the ultimate beneficiary.
She said: “This state has had too many political crises and was at no time the ultimate winner. At each time, the economy and the people suffered. We cannot continue to whirl in this sad cesspool while other states move up the political and economic ladder.”
She condemned the moves to impeach the governor saying it was outrageous that only six months into the administration some people would consider such action.
She said: “This goes against the grain of all that is noble, Semenitari said. The Nigerian Constitution is clear on this fact which is that a sub-nation in the Nigerian Federation should have only one elected governor who shall serve a four-year tenure renewable, though, for another four. Why then does anyone want to render the outcome of the elections stillborn?”
Semenitari, who also served as Commissioner for Information and Communication, said she was particularly concerned about the role of the security personnel in the saga.
She called on law enforcement agencies to decipher between loyalty to Nigerian taxpayers and political actors.
She said: “Our law enforcement agencies should always draw the line between loyalty to Nigerian taxpayers and political actors. It was bizarre to see Nigeria Police personnel let loose their water cannon and tear gas canisters on the Rivers State Governor. I condemn it in very clear terms.”
Former governor of Rivers State and elder statesman, Chief Rufus Ada George, condemned the crisis that led to the setting ablaze of the hallowed chamber of the House of Assembly.
George in a statement, sued for peace and advised those he described as the dramatis personae in the crisis to seek a quick resolution.
He said the crisis if not checked with the urgency it deserved had the capacity to precipitate violence of unimaginable consequences.
He also urged the police and other security agencies to deploy men and officers to the flashpoints to de-escalate the crisis and maintain the peace in the state.
A former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dakuku Peterside, said that the once peaceful Rivers should not be turned into a theatre of the absurd by desperate political actors.
He condemned, in all ramifications, the raw violence that followed what he said should ordinarily be average political engagements
Peterside said: “I also completely condemn the unwarranted disruption of normal governmental activities by politically motivated interest. All people of goodwill who love our dear State and democracy must condemn this in no mean measure.
“In good conscience, impeachment issues cannot arise in less than five months of incumbency. It sends the wrong signal that our state is a land of theatrics.
“Nothing in the political landscape has shown that the executive governor has compromised the state’s interest or put our state in a severe security quagmire.
“I have always said that no pursuit of personal interest or ambition can override the interest of Rivers State and its people. We, political leaders, must always watch our actions and tame our excesses.
“I appeal to all political actors to allow time and space for the Governor to do his job. Only one Governor can function at a time. I also appeal to members of RSHA to focus on the business of law-making and get less distracted by the pursuit of personal ego or narrow pecuniary interest.
“I appeal to all leaders in Rivers State to intervene in measured terms with the overall interest of our State in mind. Posterity will judge all of us. Let us allow reason to prevail.”
THE Nigerian Maritime Ad-ministration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Director-General, Dakuku Peterside, has said Nigeria is overdue for a national fleet to boost its position in the comity of nations.
Peterside spoke in Lagos when he hosted the National Fleet Implementation Committee (NFIC).
He said a national fleet would energise the sector, save the huge spend on in-country freight and create jobs.
He pledged the agency’s support for the committee, saying: “The national fleet implementation is long overdue and so NIMASA will work assiduously with the committee to ensure that the national fleet is restored to its past glory so that our nation can be reckoned with in the comity of maritime nations.”
According to the DG, NIMASA had taken steps to develop the sector and increase indigenous participation.
He listed these to include repositioning of the Nigerian Ship Registry, securing a special tax regime, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Nigeria Customs Service; and changing of trade terms from Free on Board (FoB) to Cost Insurance and Freight (CIF).
Others are engaging the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in negotiating for one digit interest rate for ship owners to help in the acquisition of maritime assets, collaborating with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board; and supporting the Nigerian Navy in capacity building.
“The national fleet implementation will create employment and wealth opportunities in Nigeria. The focus laboratory will also help Nigerians to understand the maritime sector and bring the players together to solve and understand issues better,” he said.
The committee Chairman, Hassan Bello, listed the work done by the committee, soliciting NIMASA’s support.
Bello requested a joint briefing with NIMASA to the Minister of Transportation to get his nod for the fleet project.
He said there was need for the Ministry of Transportation and its Budget and National Panning counterpart to write a joint memo to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and other relevant arms of the government for approval to the project.
The NFIC was set up by the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, to work out modalities for the establishment and sustenance of a national fleet.
The Nigeria National Shipping Line (NNSL) was liquidated in 1995.
Director-General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dakuku Peterside has admonished Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike to end insecurity in the state.
Peterside, who was reacting to the “deteriorating security” in the state, argued that as a governor, Wike’s primary duty was to secure the lives and property of the people, without which infrastructure and any other corollary of development would amount to zero.
The DG lamented that Rivers was gradually becoming a ghost state and a cemetery where terror runs riot, and people live daily in fear of kidnappers, robbers and cultists.
A statement by him yesterday reads: “Life, in Rivers State, has become a sort of jackpot, as people who wake in the morning are not sure of living to see another night. Those who eventually make it to the night are uncertain they would see the next morning. When such people manage to snatch a morsel of sleep, they wake up amid the horrors of severed heads, decapitated bodies, and trails of blood.
“To Rivers residents, day and night have become emblems of terror. In Wike’s Rivers State, people are killed while waiting or driving in traffic, on the streets, watching a game of soccer and at home. Both the poor and wealthy live in fear of each other.
“Latest figures emerging from the state are frightening and capable of permanently shutting out Rivers from the list of potential business destinations.”
Peterside also countered Wike’s claims that international oil firms operating in the state were responsible for the killings and kidnappings. He said the governor was only trying to play smart like the proverbial ostrich.
He added: “Insecurity has been this lucrative for the direct actors because Mr. Governor has patronised and pampered its primary and passive perpetrators. Wike knew that keeping those violent structures from 2015 to 2019 would build a charred and bloody boulevard to return to office, yet he cared less for the cost it would impose on the people. Rather than protect the state, Wike chose to protect his gluttonous quest for public office. Like his mentor, Emperor Nero, he partied and gulped drums of champagne while Rivers burnt.
“Just like every sane citizen of Rivers State would ponder, I’m at a loss how Wike slept night after night when he received reports of daily killings and kidnappings in the state. Only on Sunday, there were reports of mass murder in Kono-Bo-ue, Khana council, and by Monday morning, a community leader said the number of deaths had risen to 20.”
While commiserating with bereaved families, Peterside opined that it does not require rocket science to rail-in the patrons, actors, and beneficiaries of the crime industry in Rivers State. ”All that is needed is the political will on the part of Wike, to repent and turn the heat on the crime chefs and their dining tables. No doubt, the greater population of Rivers natives and residents, already fed-up with the situation, are ready to offer support to terminate this sinister business. There is no doubt that national security agencies are also ready to provide necessary support to the government, but are only waiting on Wike to take the lead.”
Peterside warned that unless urgent actions were taken, more businesses would wound up. He regretted that the state had become like that of the “Ancient Mariner” who lamented “Water, water everywhere, but not a single drop to drink”.
He advised Wike to separate politics from governance “which is what Rivers State needs now”. “Wike had shown that the governorship office is bigger than his capacity. His first four years are just enough for the trial-and-error jamboree he subjected the state to. I doubt if the people will have the patience for another four years of circuit dance in the hands of Wike. Since the office is bigger than his capacity, Wike should call for help; there are Rivers sons and daughters eager to lend a hand for the growth of the state. Otherwise, Wike should reject taking another Oath of Office on May 29 which will be an honourable way to save his chequered legacy,” he added.
Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Director-General Dr. Dakuku Peterside has said piracy and other maritime crimes have reduced drastically in the Nigerian maritime domain, making it safer for investment.
Contrary to reports in a section of the media on his responses while defending the Agency’s budget before the Senate Committee on Maritime Transport in Abuja, Peterside noted that efforts being put in place by the Federal Government to tackle maritime crimes were now yielding results. He added that NIMASA would continue to up its game to ensure Nigerians benefit from the enormous potential in the sector.
He said: “You are aware of all the measures we are putting in place to take the Nigerian maritime sector where it belongs and when you look at the multifaceted approach of the Federal Executive Council’s approved deep blue project which covers every aspect of maritime security, you will realise that a lot has been done to get us to this stage.”
The DG said the recent rating of the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) stating that the Nigerian waters are now safer had further boosted investors’ confidence in the Nigerian maritime sector locally and globally. He noted that all these had been achieved through collaboration driven by NIMASA, working with other relevant agencies of government.
“Statistics do not lie and so when the IMB came up with the report of our waters being safer, we were not surprised because we know the level of work we have done with the support of the federal government to ensure that the Nigerian Maritime Sector becomes an haven for investors,” he said.
The IMB 2019 first quarter reported stated that the Nigerian maritime domain recorded no vessel hijack in the period under review, first time since the first quarter of 1994 that Nigeria would have such record. The report also said between January and March 2019, Nigeria a decrease in piracy incidents, compared to the same period in 2018.
Peterside also said maritime could fund a large percentage of Nigeria’s budget if properly harnessed. He added that despite increases in the Agency’s contribution to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF), NIMASA remained committed to doing more, especially through the recently launched final billing system, the automation of all its processes, and other strategies being put in place by the Executive Management team to block leakages.
A group of concerned citizens and stakeholders of Rivers State have expressed shock over the violent incidents that characterised elections in the Southsouth state.
They flayed the loss of lives, especially youths in some communities.
Welcoming the setting up of probe panel by the Army to investigate the conduct of its personnel, the concerned citizens in statement, said: “We do not believe that elections which are designed to enable the people choose their leaders should lead to their death instead. Therefore, every single death must be investigated and the culprits brought to justice.
“Whilst we cannot and should not stop the Nigerian Army or indeed any professional body from reviewing the conduct of its own personnel, we hereby call for a judicial commission of inquiry to be speedily set up by the Federal Government to secure a broader thorough, professional and unbiased inquiry into the massive loss of lives which occurred before, during and after the elections in Rivers State.”
Those who signed the statement are: Atedo Peterside, George Etomi, Tein George, Emmanuel Georgewill, John Azuta Mbata, O.C.J. Okocha and Herbert Wigwe.
They said they were deeply troubled by the inability of the political leaders in the state to manage their rivalries and differences within acceptable norms of a civilised society as has been done in several other states in the country.
It said Rivers State comprises many ethnic groups which have largely lived in harmony since its creation.
The statement added: “Random killings are bad enough, but where patterns are discernible and some communities become angry because they hold others responsible for the needless loss of lives in their own immediate vicinity the potential exists for a general and more troubling breakdown of law and order.
“Our fear now is that, if not checked immediately, the escalating cycle of violence will drive away investors and investments thereby leaving our people impoverished.
“Rivers State hosts some of Nigeria’s critical oil and gas facilities and it is crucial that we do not inadvertently encourage a return to pre-amnesty acts of vandalism and destruction that could send the national economy into a tailspin.
“We therefore urge all indigenes of Rivers State who are engaged in politics and their Political Parties to act with restraint at all times and avoid utterances that may further inflame passions.
“We are willing to work with sincere and responsible stakeholders and all genuine friends of Rivers State (who understand and agree that Rivers lives also matter) to find a lasting solution to the problems that have bedevilled the State of recent.”
