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Category: South South

  • APC hails Supreme Court over Rivers State judgement

    APC hails Supreme Court over Rivers State judgement

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers has welcomed the Supreme Court’s judgement nullifying the local government council elections held on Oct. 5 and ordering the re-presentation of the 2024 budget.

    In a ruling delivered by Justice Jamilu Tukur, the Supreme Court declared the election invalid due to gross violations of the Electoral Act.

    In a separate judgement on Friday, Justice Emmanuel Akomaye dismissed the cross-appeal filed by Gov. Siminalayi Fubara challenging the legitimacy of the House of Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule as speaker.

    READ ALSO: Rivers LG: Supreme reserves ruling on suit seeking sack of Chairmen

    The apex court directed Amaewhule to resume sitting immediately with other elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

    It mandated Fubara to re-present the 2024 appropriation bill to the Amaewhule-led Assembly.

    Reacting to the rulings, APC Publicity Secretary in Rivers, Mr Chibike Ikenga, hailed the Supreme Court’s decision in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday.

    According to Ikenga, the judgements represent a victory for the people and a step towards the entrenchment of democracy in the state.

    He urged Fubara to comply with the ruling without delay to restore peace and foster development in Rivers.

    READ ALSO: Arewa and the burden of truth

    “We call on all democrats and people of goodwill to prevail on Gov. Fubara to quickly retrace his steps and take the necessary actions for the progress of our dear state.

    “We commend the Supreme Court for its decision to bring an end to the political crises that has plagued the Executive and House of Assembly in the state,” Ikenga stated.

    He assured that as the main opposition party in Rivers, the APC would continue to serve as a watchdog, advocating for good governance and ensuring effective service delivery to the citizens. 

  • Edo Lawmakers Approve Death Sentence for Kidnapping

    Edo Lawmakers Approve Death Sentence for Kidnapping

    The Edo State House of Assembly has passed a new law imposing the death penalty for kidnapping.

     This decision came on Tuesday as lawmakers reviewed the State Kidnapping Prohibition Law 2025.

    The bill, presented by Majority Leader Charity Aiguobarueghian, was examined clause by clause after a motion was seconded by Minority Leader Henry Okaka, representing Owan East.

     Previously, the 2013 law provided life imprisonment and property confiscation for those involved in kidnapping.

     However, the lawmakers decided to introduce stricter punishment by approving the death sentence while maintaining the seizure of properties linked to the crime.

    In addition to the kidnapping law, the Assembly repealed the Edo State Electricity Law 2022 and established the Edo State Electricity Market, the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission, and the Edo Electrification Agency.

    The lawmakers also confirmed Mrs. Kenny Okojie as the chairman of the governing board of the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency.

  • Delta Govt approves N275bn for 76 projects across the state

    Delta Govt approves N275bn for 76 projects across the state

    State Commissioner of Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu describes the approvals as record-breaking, outstanding and deafening to critics.

    Delta  Government has approved over N275 billion for the execution of 76 projects spanning different sectors across the three senatorial districts of the state.

    The State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, who disclosed this to newsmen, said it was among the approvals given at the maiden Executive Council (EXCO) meeting for 2025 on Thursday in Asaba.

    Aniagwu, was in company of his counterparts in Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Mr. Reuben Izeze; Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen; Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme;

    Others are the Director-General, Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, Chief Patrick Ukah; his counterpart in Warri Uvwie and environs, Prince Godwin Ejinyere, and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon.

    Aniagwu said the governor was determined to ensure the people of Delta get value for every money spent on projects in the state.

    “Not long ago, we informed you that Gov. Oborevwori is not interested in joining issues with critics but will be responding to them with projects.

    READ ALSO: Shake up: Kano judiciary sacks corrupt officials

    “But little did we know that his response is going to be so outstanding and deafening that even those who have some audio challenge will hear the sound.

    “Today, Gov. Oborevwori led us to make history since the 34 years existence of Delta State where, in one Exco meeting over N275 billion worth of projects were approved for the good people of Delta cutting across the three senatorial districts.

    “These projects span different sectors targeted at giving value to our people; improving connectivity by way of roads, advancing their health by way of efforts in the health sector and, of course, urban renewal by making our cities much more liveable.

    “Virtually all the projects we approved today are coming with 40 per cent mobilisation without our government having to go and borrow, and that tells you how solvent we are as a state, thanks to the very accountable and transparent governance philosophy of Gov. Oborevwori.”

    He said the council also approved the remodeling of the Warri City Stadium, describing it as a bold step to ensure that legacy projects were not in short supply in the state.

    READ ALSO: The six zonal political system and Nigeria’s stability and economic development

    Aniagwu listed some of the approved projects to include: construction of Uruagbesa Oria-Abraka Road, phase 1; construction of Egodo-Ogbeinbene Road, and the construction of Faculty B at the Southern Delta University, Orerokpe campus.

    Others are: the construction of Amai-Aragba road; construction of Inam-Abbi access road; construction of internal roads at Ugbolu Hilltop Government layout (Phase 1); the construction of Umuoshimi Road with spurs to Ogbe-Aku and market road in Onicha-Ugbo;

    Also the construction of Okerenkoko – Pepeama – Kokodiagbene road with a spur to Teiteipur in Warri South-West, and the construction of Benikrukru Township Roads (Phase II), the rehabilitation of Bomadi-Gbaregolor road, the construction of Okwetolor – Okobia – Aragba Road;

    The construction of Ogbe-Isogban Road in Abavo; Owa-Ewere Road in Owa-Oyibu; approval for upward review of Ayakoromo bridge; the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of Okpanam Road from Post Office Junction to Catholic Church Roundabout to Okpanam Bypass Junction.

    The council equally approved the construction of Iwride-Iyede internal roads (Phase 1); the construction of Ogbe-Ijoh/Aladja Road phase 2, and the construction of Okwighele – Amuokpokpor Road, among others.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria’s children of the dumpsites

    On his part, the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Mr. Reuben Izeze, commended Gov. Oborevwori for the massive provision of 40 per cent mobilisation for all the approved projects.

    He said that no government in the state had shown more commitment to the sustained funding of projects than the Oborevwori administration.

    Izeze added that the governor had cleared outstanding certificates owed contractors, including N8 billion previously owed on the Trans-Warri Road and bridges, as well as putting the project on the Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO) module.

    He said additional storm drainage work was approved to take care of Koka Junction and Achalla-Ibusa area, in addition to what CCECC construction company was doing around Winners’ Chapel on Ibusa Road.

    He said the council also approved the upward review of Ayakoromo bridge with provision for ISPO, adding that review of the design of cloverleaf on Effurun Roundabout to ensure property owners around the area were not encumbered was also approved.

    Also, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, said the council  approved N1.6bn for the Contributory Health Scheme and a monthly release of N100m to ensure sustainability of the health coverage for the people of the state.

  • Rivers governor drops appeal on 2024 budget case

    Rivers governor drops appeal on 2024 budget case

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has decided to drop his appeal against the court ruling that declared the state’s 2024 budget illegal.

    The announcement came from Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday.

    Governor Fubara had initially submitted the budget to the House of Assembly led by Edison Ehie in December 2023.

    However, on October 10, 2024, the Appeal Court in Abuja upheld a Federal High Court ruling from January 22, 2024, which nullified the budget’s passage.

    The budget dispute started when lawmakers loyal to Wike, led by Martins Amaewhule, challenged the process in court, arguing that it was not properly passed.

    This legal battle is part of the ongoing political conflict between Wike and his former ally, Fubara, over control of the state’s political structure.

    In a social media statement on Monday, Olayinka stated that the governor’s decision to withdraw the appeal confirms the court’s position on the matter.

    Fubara’s team has not yet responded to the development.

  • Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Science

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Science

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa), in Public Policy and Strategy by Novena University, Ogume.

    According to the university, the honour was conferred on the governor in recognition of his “outstanding accomplishments in the governance of the state.”

    The conferment took place on Saturday during the institution’s 5th combined convocation ceremony at Amai campus in Ukwuani Local Government Area of the state.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Oborevwori thanked the university for the recognition, adding that the honour was a motivation and a challenge to press forward in his vision to advance the State through his M.O.R.E Agenda.

    READ ALSO: Breaking: Obasa stages comeback bid, says I remain Lagos Assembly speaker

    According to him, “Our administration’s MORE agenda is a policy document that embodies priorities for sustainable social and economic development.

    “We hope to achieve this through infrastructural renewal, comprehensive programmes for youth training, development, and empowerment.

    “Creation of a conducive business and investment environment for local and foreign direct investments.

    “So far, we have recorded remarkable successes in advancing urban-rural integration through massive road construction as well as micro-credit and capacity building support for SMEs.

    “Going forward, we will consolidate on the progress made and ensure sustainability of our policies and programmes”.

    He lauded the university’s Pro-Chancellor, Chuks Ochonogor, for his clear vision, industry and dedication to offering quality higher education.

    “I note with pleasure that as the first private university in Delta State, Novena University has continued to live up to expectation with increased enrolment, expanding academic curricular and infrastructure upgrades.

    “I salute your courage, determination, resourcefulness and resilience. It would have been easier to deploy your hard-earned resources to trade and commerce for faster returns on investment.

    READ ALSO: Buhari returns to Nigeria after testifying in $2.3bn corruption case

    “But you chose to invest in the youths of this country; we appreciate you for this and posterity will forever be kind to you.”

    Oborevwori commended the academic and non-academic staff of the university for their sacrifice, commitment and contributions to building the citadel of learning urging the graduands to put to work what they had learnt from the institution.

    “Today, the university has certified that you have acquired the requisite knowledge of your fields, analytical abilities, self-awareness, and the skills that the university degree implies.

    “I want to believe that you have also imbibed the values that this university represents, values of hard work, discipline, innovation, honesty, and accountability.

    “As you step out into the world today, you must be ready to embrace change, because we are living in a world of rapid changes. Change can be unsettling. It can create great tension, anxiety, and uncertainty.

    “But it can also open doors to wonderful new beginnings. So, you must be prepared for change, sometimes, changes in life may appear sudden, drastic, and dramatic.

    “But instead of deterring you, they should serve as a motivation for you to break new frontiers.”

    The Chancellor of the University, HRM King Alfred Diete-Spiff, said Novena University was a big lesson for the Nigerian state exemplified by hard work of the Pro-Chancellor.

    READ ALSO: Troops neutralise Abu Mosaje, terrorist commander, gun runner, 96 others

    He urged Nigerian leaders to work with vision, sincerity and conscience in building a better Nigeria.

    The Chairman and Pro-Chancellor of the University, Chuks Ochonogor, said the ceremony was a testament to 20 years impactful service to the people.

    “The university has enhanced the economy of the host communities by creating employments and profitable economic activities for the self-employed as well as contractors, traders and landlords.

    “The university which commenced academic activities in the 2005/2006 session with three colleges, now had seven colleges, including the Colleges of Medicine and Law,” he said.

    Welcoming guests earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Godwin Nduka, said the university ‘stands out’ as the first private university in Delta State.

    He said the university boasts of great diversity with the current Vice-Chancellor being the first Deltan to become head of the institution since inception twenty years ago.

    The Vice-Chancellor lauded Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his numerous strides in the areas of prompt payment of salaries, including the new minimum wage, pensions, security of life and properties.

    At the ceremony, the State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, was among the graduands with Master of Science degree in Accounting.

  • Akwa Ibom fights hunger, malnutrition

    Akwa Ibom fights hunger, malnutrition

    The Akwa Ibom House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security has taken the campaigns on combating malnutrition to the 31 Local Government Areas of the State.

    Media reports indicate that the committee will work in collaboration with stakeholders and development partners to ensure good nutrition especially for children and adolescents.

    The Chairman, House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security in the Assembly, Mr Moses Essien, on Tuesday urged the 31 LGAs legislative arms to domesticate nutrition and food security committees in the third tier of government.

    Essien, who is also the member, representing Ibiono Ibom state constituency in the House of Assembly, said there was need for all stakeholders across the state to get involved and eradicate malnutrition from the state.

    READ ALSO: NULGE Express frustration over delay in LG financial autonomy

    He said since the inauguration of the committee by the National Assembly and the State House of Assembly, there was need to have the same committee at the local government legislative council.

    The committee chairman noted that the National Demographic Health Survey 2023/2024 statistics showed that 24.1 per cent of children in Akwa Ibom are stunted and 22.6 per cent are underweight.

    Essien, who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Health, said that there was need for collaboration among key stakeholders and development partners to combat malnutrition and food insecurity in the state and country.

    “According to the National Demographic Health Survey carried out in 2023/2024, 24.1 per cent of children in Akwa Ibom State are stunted, 11.8 per cent are wasted while 22.6 per cent are underweight.

    “These indicators show the level of malnutrition in the state that calls for serious concern among critical stakeholders.

    “This is because malnutrition has severe consequences on the child’s health leading to infant mortality.

    “It was the resolution by the National Assembly that combating malnutrition and food insecurity cannot be left in the hands of executive alone.

    “Hence, the establishment of the National Legislative Network on Nutrition and Food Security.

    “It is our belief that each legislative council in the 31 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State must also domesticate nutrition and food security committees at the third tier of government.

    “Leaders of local government legislative councils should appoint chairmen and members of nutrition and food security committees and ensure their inauguration,” Essien said.

    READ ALSO: Africa has what it takes to develop itself – Tinubu

    Essien disclosed that a workshop will soon be organised in collaboration with some development partners to enhance capacity building for members of the committee.

    In her remarks, Dr Idongesit Umo, Akwa Ibom Nutritionist Officer, urged the house committee to ensure that the budgeted funds for nutrition and food security were released on time for implementation of activities to combat malnutrition.

    Umoh added that combating malnutrition in the state and country should be everybody’s business and not left for the executive alone.

    “When we talk of nutrition we look at the most vulnerable, we look at children under five years and pregnant women and the adolescents.

    “We urge the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security to ensure that the budgeted funds for nutrition and food security are released promptly to enhance proper implementation of activities to combat malnutrition.

    I’m sure if we do this, the next time the demographic survey will be released, the issue of Akwa Ibom having 24.1 per cent stunted and 22.6 per cent in terms of children who are under weight will change for better,” Umoh said.

    Speaking on behalf of the Council Chairmen, Mr Utibe Nwoko, Chairman, Ika Local  Government Area, assured that all the chairmen of councils would partner the committee in combating malnutrition in the state.

    Nwoko urged everyone to return to farm, stressing that the genesis of malnutrition and the consequences are mostly as a result of lack of farming. 

  • Suspected cholera outbreak kills 9 in Rivers

    Suspected cholera outbreak kills 9 in Rivers

    There is a disease outbreak in Rivers State that is suspected to be cholera which has killed nine persons in Andoni and Akuku-Toru Local Government Areas.

    Dr Ada Oreh, the state Commissioner for Health, confirmed the development on Thursday in Port Harcourt.

    She said that three deaths occurred in Andoni, while six others were recorded in Akuku-Toru, with 41 suspected cases currently under monitoring across the two areas.

    “We urge the public not to panic, as the state government has already implemented measures to contain this outbreak,” Oreh said.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria @ 64: walk your talk

    The commissioner noted that health officials were conducting tests to determine definitively whether the deaths were caused by cholera.

    She, however, said: “The symptoms observed align with the surveillance case definition for the disease.

    “The ministry is also investigating a suspected outbreak of acute watery diarrhoea caused by cholera in the Isiodun community in Andoni LGA.

    “The symptoms analysed are consistent with cholera.”

    According to Oreh, the bacteria responsible for cholera thrives in environments lacking access to safe drinking water, adequate sanitation, and hygienic conditions.

    She said that the bacteria could be transmitted through the consumption of contaminated water or food and contact with infected surfaces.

    “Rivers is particularly prone to outbreaks of acute watery diarrhoea and cholera during the dry seasons.

    “This poses significant public health challenges due to the high morbidity and mortality rates associated with such outbreaks.

    “The ministry, in collaboration with its partners and the authorities in Andoni LGA, has activated emergency response measures.

    READ ALSO: CBN sanctions 9 banks for failing to dispense cash via ATMs

    “Our rapid response team has also been deployed to the affected areas to enhance disease surveillance, strengthen case detection in health facilities, and supply essential supplies to the communities,” Oreh stated.

    Oreh said the response team had distributed oral rehydration solutions, intravenous fluids, and vital medicines to health centres in the affected areas.

    She advised residents to practice frequent hand washing with soap and clean water, particularly before eating and after using the toilet.

    Oreh also urged them to drink only boiled or chorine-treated water to ensure safety. 

  • Gov Oborevwori urges Nigerians to shun divisive tendencies

    Gov Oborevwori urges Nigerians to shun divisive tendencies

    Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has charged Nigerians to shun inflammatory remarks and divisive tendencies to ensure  sustainable peace, unity and development of the nation.

    The governor gave the charge at a special Interdenominational Thanksgiving mass in commemoration of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration held at the Emmanuel The Saviour Catholic Church, on Sunday in  Asaba.

    Oborevwori, represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, said Nigerians emulate the  sacrifices and commitment of fallen heroes  and pursue the path of peace, unity, and justice.

    READ ALSO: Oborevwori Unveils Plans for Asaba International market, Others in 20025

    He called on all to pray for global peace at this time, especially for the peaceful resolution of the Israel-Palestinian crisis  and the Russia-Ukraine war.

    The governor said the thanksgiving service was part of activities lined up to commemorate the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, a day set aside to honour the nation’s fallen heroes and legionnaires.

    He said that it was also a platform for sober reflection on the past, present and future of the country.

    The governor noted that many compatriots paid the ultimate price to protect  the sovereignty of the nation  and preserve its unity.

    He lauded them for their bravery, courage and abiding faith in Nigeria.

    READ ALSO: Delta Govt, APC in War of Words Over Rumoured Gov Oborevwori’s Defection

    The governor challenged all to support the legionnaires  , their widows and children .

    The governor  said that the state government was committed to supporting the legionnaires in various ways.

    He also called on the legionnaires to reciprocate government’s gesture by organising themselves and embarking on meaningful projects and programmes that would complement the efforts of the government to improve the living standard of ex-servicemen and that of their families.

    The governor urged those in positions of trust to lead with the fear of God  for them to be able to make the right choices and decisions that  would deliver good governance to the people.

    READ ALSO: Delta Gov Shuffles Cabinet, Aniagwu Takes Over Information Ministry

    In his sermon, Monsignor John Aduba, the Rector of Saint Joseph Pro Cathedral, Asaba, noted that the service was to celebrate members of the armed forces still serving and to remember the fallen heroes who laid down their lives for the unity of the nation.

    Aduba thanked them for their selfless service to the nation and reminded them  of the need to give special attention to the needs of the families of fallen heroes.

    The  ceremony to mark the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day will be concluded on Wednesday at the Cenotaph, Asaba, with laying of wreaths.

  • Fubara Draws the Line Amid Tensions with Wike’s Loyalists

    Fubara Draws the Line Amid Tensions with Wike’s Loyalists

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared his resolve to move forward despite escalating tensions with allies of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

     This stance follows months of friction, culminating in Fubara’s announcement that he will no longer tolerate actions he perceives as undermining his administration.  

    During the signing of the ₦1.1 trillion 2025 budget in Port Harcourt, Fubara addressed controversies surrounding the state’s legislative body. 

    He emphasized that the Assembly led by Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo remains the only recognized legislature, dismissing the legitimacy of 27 lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). 

    READ ALSO: MY PREDICTIONS FOR 2025

    According to Fubara, their defection disqualifies them from reclaiming their seats.  

    Fubara acknowledged past efforts to reconcile differences but maintained that his focus remains on advancing Rivers State’s development.

     He highlighted achievements in infrastructure and set ambitious goals for education, health, and agriculture in 2025.  

    READ ALSO: PDP Expels Ex-South East Vice Chairman over Alleged Misconduct

    The governor also commended the three-member Assembly for facilitating the budget process and praised his cabinet for their collaborative efforts. 

    He urged state officials to build on their 2024 accomplishments, promising to uphold the interests of Rivers State and deliver on key commitments to its citizens.

  • Rivers APC Opposes Fubara’s Budget Presentation, Warns of Growing Tensions

    Rivers APC Opposes Fubara’s Budget Presentation, Warns of Growing Tensions

    The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s recent budget presentation, calling it illegal. 

    The Governor presented the ₦1.18 trillion 2025 budget to only three members of the state assembly loyal to him, which the APC says violates legal and procedural norms.

     According to APC Chairman Tony Okocha, this move goes against a court ruling in January 2024, which recognized the Martins Amaewhule-led Assembly as the legitimate legislative body for such matters.

    READ ALSO: Tinubunomics: Have We Crossed The Rubicon?

    Okocha expressed disappointment that the governor, with his experience in finance and governance, bypassed the full 30-member assembly, presenting the budget in a session that a court had deemed unlawful. 

    He described the event as a “forum of friends” rather than a legitimate legislative gathering, pointing out that it undermines the governance process in Rivers State. 

    He also criticized the governor for fostering division instead of promoting peace, noting that this could increase political tensions in 2025. 

    READ ALSO: Uniabuja Appoints Prof Aisha Maikudi Vice Chancellor

    Despite these challenges, Okocha emphasized that none of the 27 lawmakers who support former Governor Nyesom Wike have joined the APC, affirming their continued loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).