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Category: Rivers Update

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

  • 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.

  • 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.