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Category: South South

  • Sen Dickson Rejects Gov Diri’s Defection to APC, Stays Loyal to PDP

    Sen Dickson Rejects Gov Diri’s Defection to APC, Stays Loyal to PDP


    Sen Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West) has distanced himself from the defection of Gov Douye Diri and 23 members of the Bayelsa Assembly to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Speaking after the Senate plenary on Wednesday, Dickson reaffirmed his commitment to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stressing that he has no plans to join the ruling party.

    The senator expressed disappointment that neither the governor nor the state lawmakers consulted him before their decision to leave the PDP.

    Dickson suggested that the internal issues within the PDP could have been addressed through proper party leadership rather than a mass defection.

    “What is the role of party leadership if it cannot resolve crises?” Dickson remarked, emphasizing that leadership should be focused on resolving conflicts, not abandoning the party.

    Referring to the situation in Bayelsa, Dickson, who served as the state’s governor before Diri, said the governor and lawmakers were part of his political team, but he did not consider himself a political godfather.

    “I never played the role of a godfather. I handed over power and moved on to my duties as a senator,” he said. “I will remain in the PDP, a lone northern star,” he emphasised.

    Governor Diri, along with the entire Bayelsa State House of Assembly, officially joined the APC in a ceremony in Yenagoa on Wednesday, marking a major shift in the state’s political alignment.

    This defection has raised eyebrows, as Bayelsa has been a stronghold of the PDP for years.

    While Diri’s move to the APC reflects a broader trend of political realignments in the region, Dickson made it clear that he will not follow suit.

    He emphasised that the PDP’s challenges could be resolved within the party, not by switching allegiances.

    Meanwhile, in a separate development, Senator Dickson addressed the controversy surrounding the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amunpitan as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    He clarified that despite some confusion over the nominee’s identity due to a mix-up with similarly named academics Amupitan’s nomination represents a significant milestone.

    As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Amunpitan is the first lawyer of such status to be nominated for this prestigious position, according to Dickson.

    The senator also pointed out that being in the opposition does not mean opposing every decision from the government.

    Sen Dickson emphasised the importance of considering each issue on its merits. He expressed confidence that the Senate’s Electoral Committee would thoroughly vet Amunpitan’s nomination.

    With Governor Diri’s defection to the APC, the political landscape in Bayelsa is undergoing a major shift.

    However, Dickson’s steadfast loyalty to the PDP highlights ongoing divisions within the state’s political establishment.

    Whether this rift will have lasting consequences for the PDP in Bayelsa remains uncertain.

  • Rivers secretariat inferno: No casualty says head of service 

    Rivers secretariat inferno: No casualty says head of service 

    The Rivers Head of Service, Dr Inyingi Brown, has confirmed that there were no casualties during a fire incident at the state secretariat complex.

    Brown disclosed this to newsmen at the scene of the fire incident on Monday in Port Harcourt.

    She said that the state fire service and other relevant agencies responded promptly to contain the inferno.

    Brown commended the timely response of the state fire service, Renaissance, federal fire service, and the military, who all sent their fire trucks to the scene.

    “We thank God Almighty, and also commend Gov. Siminalayi Fubara, for being proactive in rehabilitating the fire service before this time.

    ‘’If not for his investment in the fire service, this situation would have been worse,” she stressed.

    She disclosed that no life was lost, explaining that the state medical service was on ground to curtail any emergency.

    Brown explained that preliminary reports suggested that the fire might have been as a result of electrical faults and urged the civil servants to always switch off all electrical appliances at the close of work.

    “We urge all civil servants to take responsibility for safety; put off our sockets and our lights.

    Not just putting off the sockets, but unplug them to ensure there is no residual charge because these buildings are heritage buildings and we don’t want anything to happen to them,” she said.

    Brown further assured that Fubara was working on measures to refurbish the secretariat buildings, which would be made known soon.

  • Mixed reactions greet end of emergency rule in Rivers

    Mixed reactions greet end of emergency rule in Rivers

    The lifting of emergency rule in Rivers by President Bola Tinubu has triggered mixed reactions from stakeholders in the state.

    Tinubu on Wednesday announced the end of emergency rule in Rivers, and reinstated Gov. Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu and members of the state assembly after six months of suspension.

    A Niger Delta activist, Ms Ann-Kio Briggs, described the announcement as expected but raised concerns over the uncertainties surrounding Fubara’s return to full constitutional duties.

    She said that Rivers people were expecting Fubara to return as governor and perform his constitutional duties without being gagged.

    “Until the governor is allowed to freely carry out constitutional responsibilities, we cannot say exactly what the lifting of suspension portends,” Briggs said.

    The activist said that the six months period of emergency rule was characterised by project abandonment, poor performance and undemocratic practices.

    Briggs further stated that the suspension of democratic rule in Rivers inflicted incalculable losses on the people.

    She said that Rivers people would demand accountability for the period the state was governed under emergency rule.

    Darlington Nwauju, a factional Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers, commended Tinubu for lifting the emergency rule, and reinstating Fubara.

    READ ALSO: Fubara resumes today as Tinubu ends controversial emergency rule in Rivers state

    Nwauju however, said that the state witnessed unprecedented poor governance and mismanagement of resources during the six months period.

    “Rivers was poorly managed during the past six months. The sanitary condition alone reflected absence of governance. Workers experienced delayed salary payments,” he said.

    He said that the emergency rule period had left Fubara with the huge tasks of restoring confidence, improving infrastructure, and re-establishing investor confidence.

    “The state did not attract any foreign direct investment during the emergency rule period, but we must move on now that democracy is back in action,” he said.

    PLEASE READ: People, privations and public policy priorities

    Prof. Benjamin Okaba, the President, Ijaw National Congress, said that although the emergency rule had been lifted, the state was taken several years backwards.

    He claimed that no fewer than 10,000 jobs were lost during the six months of emergency rule in the oil-rich state

    According to him, suspending the governor, his deputy and the legislature handed absolute power to a sole administrator and undermined  democratic principles.

    Analysts say that although the lifting of emergency rule has ended uncertainties, questions remain concerning the political climate that awaits Fubara as he returns to office.

    They suggest that sincere reconciliation between the governor and other political stakeholders will determine the pace of recovery.

  • Storm -water drain project to end Asaba flooding – Commissioner 

    Storm -water drain project to end Asaba flooding – Commissioner 

    The  Delta Government has assured residents of Asaba and its environs that its ongoing storm-water control project will  provide lasting solutions to perennial flooding in the capital city.

    The state Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads) Mr  Reuben Izeze, gave the assurance at an inspection of the multi-billion-naira flood control measures on Tuesday in Asaba.

    Izeze expressed optimism that the project would be  ready for inauguration by December by the governor.

    The commissioner stated that the project when completed, would help to achieve the original storm-water master plan for Asaba, ensuring that flooding would  be a thing of the past.

    “By the time the entire stretch is delivered, it will transform Asaba into a flood-free city.”

    Izeze commended Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori for keeping faith with his administration’s promise of meaningful development, realistic reforms, peace, and security.

    “Firstly, let me commend the audacity and courage of His Excellency in keeping the covenant he made with the people of Delta.  This project is part of that promise.

    “Haven  inspected the work from chainage 0 to 650, I can confidently say the quality of work is not in doubt, ” he said.

    The commissioner noted that the consulting firm has demonstrated capacity and experience to supervise the project.

    ”The consulting firm has demonstrated capacity and experience to supervise this very important project,” Izeze said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project when completed,  is expected to bring relief to residents and visitors, transforming Asaba into a more livable city.

  • 58th anniversary: Rivers Administrator calls for unity, progress

    58th anniversary: Rivers Administrator calls for unity, progress

    The Rivers Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), has stated that the strength of the state lies in its diversity, unity, shared identity, and common purpose.

    Ibas made the remark during a Special Inter-denominational Thanksgiving Service at the Ecumenical Centre organised by the state government to mark the Rivers’ 58th anniversary in Port Harcourt, on Sunday.

    He urged the citizens of the state to reflect on the past achievements and collaborate to build a more prosperous future.

    He urged political, traditional, religious and community leaders to prioritise the collective good of the state, stressing that development must be inclusive and fair to every community.

    Ibas highlighted the need for improved infrastructure, quality education, and accessible skills acquisition programmes for youths in the state.

    He also emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and responsive public institutions.

    He, however, described the thanksgiving service as a sacred moment for reflection, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

    ’’ Let us not only celebrate our past but also commit to shaping a future where our children are confident in their identity, faithful to their heritage, innovative in enterprise and God-fearing in characters.

    “As Rivers State celebrates its 58 years, we reaffirm commitment to fostering unity, equitable growth, and sustainable development for all citizens in the state and Nigeria,’’ he said.

    Ibas expressed confidence that the state would emerge stronger and more determined than ever before despite its challenges.

    The Chaplain of the Chapel of Everlasting Grace, Barasin Ogan, described ‘’the power of thanksgiving as a divine command that unlocks blessings and acknowledges God as the source of all prosperity.’’

    Ogan based his sermon on a Bible text from Psalm 100, verses 1-5, which was read by Prof. Ibibia Worika, the Secretary to the Rivers State Government.

    He urged Rivers citizens to embrace peace and unity for the growth of the state.

    Rivers was created in 1967 by a military leader, Yakubu Gowon and Alfred Diete-Spiff served as its first military governor from 1967 to 1975.

  • Delta State partners FG, Private investors for growth,  food security

    In a major investment drive, Delta State Government recently conducted a virtual townhall engagement with diaspora indigenes in a bid to acquaint them with ongoing development strides in the state.

    The interactive session featured over thirty participants across the globe and was addressed by the state Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen.

    It was a no-holds barred mostly question-and-answer session where Indigenes of the state asked questions based on information available to them regarding current social, economic and political developments in the state.

    In an opening remark, Mr. Ekedayen told the Delta State Diaspora that indigenes of the state had never had any better than now as the State Governor, His Excellency, Sheriff Oborevwhori had done so much in the state in a space of less than two years.

    Delta ranks highly in prosperity index

    Mass literacy:

    In response to a question about the quality of education in the state, Mr. Ekedayen insisted that Delta state had become a major educational hub in the country.

    He buttressed the assertion by the fact that, as of date, the state has a total of 1,200 primary schools, 498 secondary schools, five colleges of nursing, three colleges of education four state owned universities and two polytechnics.

    No child of school age in Delta State that is prevented from schooling due to any failure of support policy.

    Payment of bursary allowance to indigenes in tertiary institutions.

    With a total of nine, Delta ranks highly among states with such number of vocational institutions.

    Economy:

    With a debt profile of N436billion at the inception of the current administration, the figure has been reduced drastically to N249billion.

    While responding to another participant named Oghenero, Mr. Ekedayen disclosed that with the state’s monthly wage bill at N16billion and Federal Allocation averaging N40billion monthly, the state government is in full compliance with its obligation to the workers.

    Agriculture and Food Security:

    The Commissioner disclosed that the state had commenced massive agricultural initiatives through Public/Private/Partnerships (PPP) to ensure food security. He cited as example, a collaborative engagement with the state of Malaysia for the large scale cultivation of oil palm in the state.

    The state has also signed onto the latest initiative of the Federal Government in the area of animal husbandry as a counter measure to stem the tide in Farmers/Herders clashes and the surge in violent crimes by arm-bearing Fulani pastoralists.

    Mr. Ekedayen assured his audience that the Government of Sheriff Oborevwhori had instituted Farm Rangers, a security outfit to protect indigenes while on their farms.

    He however, observed that even though the menace of terrorist herders was not rampant in the state, the government was equal to the task of securing the farmers.

      Development of Seaports

      The Commissioner informed a questioner that the Warri and Koko Ports are Federal Assets, which decisions regarding their usage are under policy oversight of the Federal Government.

      Mr. Ekedayen disclosed that the two seaports are not completely idle. He said the Koko Port had been concessioned to the Koko/Kwale Free Trade Zone, with about 6-7 companies being involved.

      He disclosed that the Warri port is currently underutilised based on “economic capacity.” The Commissioner revealed that Warri port may have become “a bit too shallowdue to silting, therefore requiring dredging.

      “These are mere challenges that are not insurmountable,” he said.

    • Rivers administrator cancels all pending contracts

      Rivers administrator cancels all pending contracts

      Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) on Thursday cancelled all pending procurement and tender processes.

      Thiis decision of the interim administration was conveyed in statement by Prof Ibibia Worika, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

      Accordingly, it said the decision was in compliance with the Supreme Court judgement.

      He said that the cancellation was in adherence to the Supreme Court judgement which upheld the Appeal Court ruling in Suit No. CA/ABJ/CV/133/2024.

      Ibas stated that the cancellation affected all procurement and tender processes carried out by MDAs during the period in question.

      The Administrator advised all agencies of the state government that carried out such tender processes mandated to refund such tender fees to contractors.

      He said that they should await the approval of a spending plan by the state government which would be notified them in due course.

    • State of emergency, Fubara’s suspension undemocratic- Obi

      State of emergency, Fubara’s suspension undemocratic- Obi

      The 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has described the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers as undemocratic.

      In a reaction on his X handle on Wednesday, Obi said that the action was against the rule of law, and capable of  undermining Nigeria’s democracy.

      Obi said that it was grossly unconstitutional to remove a serving governor of a state through a unilateral declaration of state of emergency.

      He said that the situation was capable of  undoing the progress the country had made in the past 26 years of its democratic journey.

      “The situation in Rivers does not justify such an extreme measure, it is also a biased interpretation of Section 305(1) of the 1999 constitution.

      “A state of emergency does not mean that an elected governor can be removed unilaterally.

      “The decision does not align with democratic norms and good governance. It appears to be a predetermined action serving specific interests rather than the collective good of Rivers people and Nigeria.

      “This action constitutes an unconstitutional overreach, setting a dangerous precedent that threatens democracy, the rule of law, and the separation of powers,” he said.

      Obi urged the National Assembly and all stakeholders not to allow the decision to stand in the interest of democracy and the wellbeing of Rivers people.

    • Rivers Assembly issues impeachment notice to Gov, Deputy

      Rivers Assembly issues impeachment notice to Gov, Deputy


      The political crisis in Rivers State deepened this Monday as members of the State House of Assembly accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of gross misconduct.

      In a notice to be published in three national dailies, the 27 state assembly members, accused the governor of violating the Nigerian Constitution and his oath of office.

      In a statement signed by multiple lawmakers, the assembly criticized the governor’s alleged disregard for constitutional provisions, citing a recent Supreme Court judgment in Suit No.: SC/CV/1174/2024, which condemned his actions.

      In the judgement under reference, the apex court ruled that “the 8th respondent’s fear of impeachment by the House of Assembly is no justification for his attacks on the House, the Constitution, the Government of Rivers State, and the rule of law.”

      READ ALSO: Rivers Group gives condition for Fubara’s impeachment

      The ruling further stated that political disagreements should not justify unconstitutional actions by a sitting governor.

      The statement was endorsed by several lawmakers, including: Rt. Hon. Dumle Mao (Gokana Constituency), Hon. Major Jack (Akuku-Toru Constituency), Hon. Linda Somiari Stewart (Okrika Constituency), Hon. Franklin Uchenna Nwabochiie (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Constituency), Hon. Christopher Ofiks Kagbang (Andoni Constituency) and Hon. Azeru Opara.

      The lawmakers declared that Governor Fubara’s actions have weakened governance in the state and called for accountability.

      Deputy Governor Served Notice of Allegations of Gross Misconduct

      Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, officially forwarded a notice of allegations of gross misconduct to the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu.

      The notice, dated March 14, 2025, was signed by 26 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional requirement of, at least one-third of the Assembly’s membership, to initiate impeachment proceedings.

      In his letter to the Deputy Governor, Speaker Amaewhule referenced Section 188 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), stating that the allegations must be responded to within 14 days.

      The letter further reminded the Deputy Governor of Section 188(3), which requires the House to decide by motion whether the allegations should be investigated, regardless of whether a defense is submitted.

      The latest development signals an escalating power struggle within the Rivers State government, with implications for governance and political stability in the state.

      Demolished Rivers State Assembly Complex
    • Present budget in 48 hours – Rivers assembly orders Gov Fubara

      Present budget in 48 hours – Rivers assembly orders Gov Fubara

      The controversial Rivers State House of Assembly has given Governor Sim Fubara 48 hours to present the 2025 budget before the legislators.

      Another version of the state assembly, comprising about four members had deliberated and earlier passed the 2025 Appropriation Bill.

      READ ALSO: Labour calls for nationwide protest over telecom, electricity tariff hikes

      But upon convening this Monday in Port Harcourt, the Martin Amaewhule-led version of the assembly ordered Governor Siminlaye Fubara to lay the 2025 budget before them within 48 hours.

      Governor Fubara had on January 2nd, signed a ₦1.1 trillion 2025 Budget into law after presenting it to the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led lawmakers. 

      But months after, specifically last week, the Supreme Court ordered Martin Amaewhule and the group of lawmakers he is leading to resume sitting as legitimate members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. 

      That move ended months of tussle over the leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly with two sets of lawmakers laying claim to the legislative body.