My Blog

Category: South South

  • Edo D/Governor Dispute: Court Directs Omobayo to Appear for Contempt Hearing

    Edo D/Governor Dispute: Court Directs Omobayo to Appear for Contempt Hearing

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has summoned Godwins Omobayo, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, to personally attend court on November 26, responding to allegations that he defied a court order by refusing to vacate the office.

    The summons follows an earlier judgment that reinstated Philip Shaibu to the role after the court invalidated his impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly.

    Justice James Omotosho emphasized the need for Omobayo to present his defense in line with constitutional rights.

    The summons is part of Shaibu’s ongoing contempt charge, as he seeks to enforce his reinstatement after the court ruled that the assembly’s actions did not meet legal standards.

    Shaibu had initially challenged his impeachment by filing a case against multiple Edo State officials, including the Inspector-General of Police and the Speaker of the House of Assembly.

    On April 8, Omobayo was sworn in as deputy governor, a move Shaibu argues violated the court’s directive.

    With the court’s latest order for personal appearance, it remains to be seen how Omobayo will respond as the case unfolds later this month, just days before the state government’s current term ends on November 12.

  • Scrapping Of Niger Delta Ministry: Asari Dokubo Disagree with Tinubu

    Scrapping Of Niger Delta Ministry: Asari Dokubo Disagree with Tinubu

    Mujahid Asari Dokubo, former President of the Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide, has openly condemned the Nigerian government’s recent decision to dissolve the Niger Delta Ministry, highlighting this move as part of a long-standing trend of overlooking the region’s interests.

     Dokubo, a vocal advocate for the region, argued that the removal of the ministry represents a setback for the people of the Niger Delta, who have historically struggled for recognition and fair access to resources derived from their land.

    In his remarks, Dokubo explained that the Niger Delta Ministry was initially established as a response to the demands of local communities who sought a dedicated institution to address their unique developmental challenges.

     This ministry, he noted, had come into existence through significant sacrifices made by various Niger Delta communities, which include the Ijaw and Ogoni, in the pursuit of better resource management and regional development.

    Alhaji Dokubo, who spoke on a TV breakfast show, also voiced his discontent with the current classification of the Niger Delta, which he believes has been diluted over time to include regions outside the Niger Delta’s core geographical area.

     He expressed disappointment that such political changes undermine the ministry’s original purpose, making it more challenging to secure the resources and development needed for genuine Niger Delta communities.

    While addressing whether the ministry was dissolved due to inefficiency, Dokubo rejected this reasoning, pointing to systemic corruption as a broader issue across Nigeria, rather than one specific to the Niger Delta. 

    He concluded by emphasizing the need for laws that genuinely support the Niger Delta, while expressing frustration over the lack of substantial development frameworks in the country.

  • Edo Guber Poll: Akpata Says He Won’t Be Contesting Outcome

    Edo Guber Poll: Akpata Says He Won’t Be Contesting Outcome

     Labour Party governorship candidate in Edo State, Olumide Akpata, has decided not to contest the outcome of the September 21 election. 

    Akpata, who finished third with 22,763 votes, trailed behind APC’s Monday Okpebholo, who won with 291,667 votes, and PDP’s Asue Ighodalo, who secured 247,274 votes. 

    Despite raising concerns over irregularities and electoral malpractices, Akpata announced that he would not take the matter to the tribunal.

     His decision focuses on pursuing broader electoral reforms rather than challenging the specific results of the contest.

    “My decision not to contest the election results at the tribunal is not an indication of compromise; rather, it is a strategic move aimed at redirecting our energies towards systemic changes that our democracy desperately needs,” he said.

    “This moment calls for a paradigm shift in our approach to electoral reform. We cannot continue to operate within a system that incentivises manipulation and disenfranchisement.”

  • Rivers Political Crisis: Fubara’s Impeachment Imminent – Tonye Cole

    Rivers Political Crisis: Fubara’s Impeachment Imminent – Tonye Cole

    Tonye Cole, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the 2023 Rivers State gubernatorial election expresses concerns about the potential impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

    Mr. hinges his concern about impeachment as the most probable outcome of the ongoing political crisis in the state. 

    Cole’s warnings come after a recent Court of Appeal ruling upheld a Federal High Court decision that invalidated the 2024 budget presentation and approval for Rivers State.

    According to Cole, this ruling places Fubara in a precarious position that threatens the stability of his administration. 

    He pointed out that by having to present the budget again, the Assembly led by Amaewhule is recognized as the legitimate body, increasing the likelihood of impeachment proceedings against Fubara.

    Cole highlighted the political fragmentation in Rivers, where the governor belongs to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), while the Assembly is predominantly APC, and local government structures are led by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APP). 

    This situation has created a complex political landscape that is adversely affecting governance and development in the region.

    He criticized the ongoing political battles, stating that the residents of Rivers are the real victims of this conflict, with essential developments stalled. 

    Cole argued that if the interests of the people were prioritized, the state would not be facing such turmoil. 

    The ongoing disputes among political factions have overshadowed the needs of ordinary citizens, leaving many without the benefits of governance.

  • President Tinubu Condemns Violence In Rivers

    President Tinubu Condemns Violence In Rivers

    Gov Fubara expresses reservations about the manner of President’s intervention

    President Bola Tinubu has called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, political leaders and their supporters in Rivers State to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law.  

    In response to recent tensions following last Saturday’s local government council election, the President expressed deep concern over reports of arson and explosions in the state.  

    He urged all political actors to de-escalate the situation and discourage their supporters from engaging in violence or destructive actions.  

    President Tinubu directed the police to restore and maintain peace, law, and order immediately.  

    While instructing law enforcement agencies to bring the situation under control, he emphasised the need to ensure the security of public institutions.

    President Tinubu said government facilities built with public funds must be safeguarded from vandalism.

    He stressed that self-help has no place in a democratic system, especially after 25 years of continuous democracy.  

    According to President Tinubu, the judiciary can settle all political disputes, and the outcome of this election should be no exception.  

    Gov Fubara, Angio Briggs express reservations

    Reacting to the President’s intervention however, Governor Siminlaye Fubara and Niger Delta Environmental Rights activist, Angio Briggs berated the manner of the President’s intervention.

    Speaking on a Channels TV programme last night the duo wondered why the President singled out Governor Fubara’s name while leaving out the name of the alleged traducer.

    Ms. Briggs rhetorically asked who are the political leaders President Tinubu referred to but couldn’t call their name(s)?

  • IGP Egbetokun Rejects Fubara Allegation

    IGP Egbetokun Rejects Fubara Allegation

    IGP assures the public of the commitment of the police to neutrality and adherence to legal directives.

    The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has dismissed Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s allegations about the police’s role in the recent local government elections. 

    Egbetokun described Fubara’s remarks as baseless and unnecessary, emphasizing that the police acted lawfully.

    Fubara had accused the Nigeria Police Force and its state command of attempting to disrupt the elections by attempting to seize materials. The Governor warned Egbetokun to be mindful of his position.

    In response, Egbetokun clarified that the police only followed a Federal High Court ruling from July 19, 2024, which restricted their involvement in the elections. 

    He explained that the Rivers State High Court later issued a conflicting order on September 4, directing police to provide security at the elections. 

    However, the Federal High Court reaffirmed its earlier stance on September 30, declaring the police’s involvement unlawful.

     He stated that all court orders were reviewed by the police’s legal team, who advised compliance with the Federal High Court ruling.

    He urged the public to disregard misinformation and emphasized the importance of political decorum, stressing that the police would not engage in any political disputes but remain focused on their mandate.

  • Violence Erupts in Rivers State as Protesters Set Local Government Secretariat Ablaze

    Violence Erupts in Rivers State as Protesters Set Local Government Secretariat Ablaze

    On Monday, unrest unfolded in Bori, Khana Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State, leaving one person feared dead after gunfire was reported. 

    The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, though it coincided with widespread protests across several LGAs, following a police directive to reopen all 23 council secretariats that had been closed since July.

    In Ikwerre LGA, demonstrators stormed the council headquarters in Isiokpo, setting a section of the building on fire, forcing staff and the newly appointed chairman to abandon the premises.

     Although authorities intervened to control the situation and extinguish the flames, some parts of the building sustained damage.

    In Emuoha LGA, protesters prevented the newly sworn-in chairman from entering the council headquarters.

     They voiced opposition to the election results, claiming the Action Peoples Party’s candidate was not popular enough to win.

     The demonstrators blocked access to the administrative building, insisting on the reinstatement of the previous chairman, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, whose tenure, they argued, was extended by the state House of Assembly.

    Earlier in the day, violence also broke out in Eleme LGA, where protesters set the secretariat on fire, destroying several structures and vehicles, including a police car.

     The police responded but were still assessing the extent of the damage.

  • Fubara Swears-in Newly Elected Council Chairmen

    Governor Siminlaye Fubara of Rivers State has sworn-in the newly elected Chairmen of the 23 LGAs in Rivers State.

    The new helmsmen of the last tier of government emerged yesterday following fractious election that brought the state governmemnt on collision course with agencies of the Federal Government.

    At the end of the exercise yesterday, the Action Peoples Party (APP), the proxy party of Governor Fubara, won in 22 of the LGAs, while the Action Alliance won one of the LGs.

    Governor Fubara congratulated the newly sworn Local Government on their electoral victories

    The swearing-in ceremony took place at the at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt.

    Each elected Chairman was accompanied by a guest to the event which took place 4 pm.

    The newly elected chairmen will represent the 23 local government areas of Rivers State

  • Rivers LG Election: Armed Gunmen Disrupt Polls in Wike’s Ward

    Tensions have escalated in the Rumuepirikom community, Rivers State, as gunmen disrupt voting in the ongoing LG election.

    Rumuepirikom is the home of Chief Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory who is opposed to the election taking place.

    Observers say that voting could not take place as heavy gunfire rings out during election day. 

    Further reports indicate that earlier, unknown individuals warned residents to stay indoors, discouraging them from participating in the polls. 

    As electoral officers approached the voting station in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, armed assailants arrived and launched an attack, effectively seizing control of the area.

     One person has reportedly been injured by gunfire and is receiving medical treatment.

     The violence has left voters in fear, disrupting the electoral process.

  • Gov, Eno Appoints Daughter as Acting First Lady

    Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has named his daughter, Helen Eno-Obareki, as the Acting First Lady of the state.

    This appointment follows the recent demise of his wife, Pastor Patience Eno.

     The decision was made public during a condolence visit by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Uyo.

    As First Lady, Helen Eno-Obareki continues the legacy and initiatives started by her late mother, particularly the Golden Initiative For All.

     Governor Eno expressed confidence in Helen’s ability to carry forward the projects and values her mother embodied.

    He addressed rumors about the possibility of remarrying, humorously dismissing such claims, stating that he has no intention of paying another bride price. 

    The move to appoint his daughter reflects the governor’s commitment to sustaining the legacy of his late wife, both in public service and within the family.