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Tag: GOV SIMINALAYE FUBARA

  • 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.

  • Fubara resumes today as Tinubu Ends controversial emergency rule in Rivers state

    Fubara resumes today as Tinubu Ends controversial emergency rule in Rivers state

    Suspended Rivers state Governor Siminalaye Fubara resumes duty today as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced an end to the controversial six-month state of emergency in Rivers State.

    The president’s pronouncement paves the way for full democratic governance as the state assembly shall also reconvene today.

    In a nationwide address on Tuesday, Tinubu recalled that the emergency rule, declared on March 18, 2025, was necessitated by a constitutional deadlock that affected governance in Rivers State.

    According to him, the crisis had pitted Governor Siminalayi Fubara against 27 members of the State House of Assembly loyal to Speaker Martins Amaewhule, leaving only four lawmakers on the governor’s side.

    “The paralysis of governance, vandalisation of critical oil assets, and the inability of the governor to present an appropriation bill brought the state to a standstill,” Tinubu said. “Even the Supreme Court affirmed that there was no government in Rivers State.”

    READ ALSO: Civil Society groups backs Ojulari, slams attacks as baseless

    The President explained that after interventions failed to reconcile the two camps, he invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution to suspend the governor, his deputy, and members of the state assembly for six months, a move later approved by the National Assembly.

    Acknowledging opposition from some groups who challenged the proclamation in court, Tinubu maintained that the action was necessary to prevent anarchy and restore order.

    “The power to declare a state of emergency is a constitutional tool to safeguard public order and safety. It would have been a colossal failure on my part not to have acted,” he stated.

    READ ALSO: Fubara, Amaewhule to resume on Thursday as Tinubu ends emergency rule in Rivers state

    Tinubu, however, said intelligence reports now show a “new spirit of understanding” and “potent enthusiasm” among stakeholders in Rivers State for reconciliation and peaceful governance.

    “With effect from midnight today, the emergency in Rivers State shall end,” he declared. “Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly will resume work in their offices from September 18.”

    The President urged state governors and lawmakers nationwide to learn from the Rivers crisis and prioritise harmony between the executive and legislature.

    “It is only in an atmosphere of peace, order, and good government that we can deliver the dividends of democracy,” Tinubu said.

  • 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.

  • Gov. Fubara urges Rivers people to remain peaceful, law-abiding 

    Gov. Fubara urges Rivers people to remain peaceful, law-abiding 

    Gov. Siminilayi Fubara of Rivers, has urged the citizens in the state to remain peaceful and law-abiding in the face of the  state of emergency declared in the state.

    Fubara made the remark in a statewide address on Tuesday in Port Harcourt after the pronouncement of emergency rule on the state by President Bola Tinubu.

    He said that his administration had been guided by ‘’his constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty’’ since his assumption of office as the Governor of Rivers.

    Fubara said that he had prioritised the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of the state.

    “Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else.

    “This was why, immediately after Mr. President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned on their own volition.

    According to him, they moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgement immediately he received the certified true copy of the judgement to return the state to normalcy.

    He stated that these steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity and stability in our dear state.

    “Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress difficult,” he explained.

    He expressed that the priorities of his administration remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.

    Fubara noted that though there was political disagreements in the state, good governance had continued, salaries were being paid, and great projects executed to move the state forward.

    He stated that in all, the state was safe, secured and peaceful under his watch.

    Fubara said that Rivers people had always been resilient people, and would continue to face the situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.

    “We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and the Rivers State continues to thrive,” Fubara said.

    President  Tinubu on Tuesday declared a state of emergency for the state due to the unabated political crisis bedeviling the state.

    He, however, appointed Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas to administer the state after suspending Gov. Siminalaye Fubara and his Deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu as well as the elected members of the state Assembly.

  • Rivers group gives condition for Fubara’s impeachment

    Rivers group gives condition for Fubara’s impeachment

    As a faction of the state assembly moves for his removal, the Rivers Restoration Movement (RRM) said another Ijaw must succeed him if Gov. Siminalayi Fubara is impeached.

    The group’s Director General, Johnson Georgewill, told journalists in Port Harcourt on Monday that the arrangement would ensure that the Ijaw people completed their tenure.

    He stated that replacing Fubara with another Ijaw governor would ensure equity and fairness for the Ijaw people.

    Georgewill noted that the RRM, loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, had worked tirelessly to ensure an Ijaw candidate emerged as governor in 2023.

    According to him, the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) has a constitutional responsibility to exercise oversight over the Executive Arm of Government.

    “RRM believes that Gov. Fubara has committed several impeachable offences.

    “If the RSHA eventually decides to impeach him, we appeal to our leader, Wike, to consider another Ijaw man as governor.

    “This appeal is based on the principles of equity, fairness, and justice, ensuring that Ijaw people complete their tenure in office,” he said.

    Georgewill backed Wike’s position that it was unacceptable for individuals to threaten to destroy pipelines if Fubara were removed from office.

    He emphasised that Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution empowers state Houses of Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against any governor found guilty of an impeachable offence.

    “Threats of violence and unguarded statements cannot override what the laws stipulates,” Georgewill added.

    The RRM director general further stated that, aside from Bayelsa, the Ijaw people could not singlehandedly produce a governor in Akwa Ibom, Delta, Edo, Ondo, and Rivers states.

    He praised the FCT minister for his unwavering commitment and contributions to the development of Rivers.

    “RRM stands 100 per cent in support of the statements made by the leader of Rivers State politics, Wike, during his recent media engagement,” Georgewill concluded.

  • 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.

  • Fubara Approves ₦1.1tn 2025 Budget Amid Assembly Crisis  

    Fubara Approves ₦1.1tn 2025 Budget Amid Assembly Crisis  

    Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has enacted the state’s ₦1.1 trillion 2025 budget, ensuring its implementation until December 31, 2025. 

    The approval follows a week after the Oko-Jumbo-led State Assembly received the proposal.  

    Fubara declared the Oko-Jumbo Assembly as the sole legitimate legislative body in the state, taking into consideration the legal implication of the defection of Martins Amaewhule and 26 other legislators from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    ALSO READ: Tinubunomics: Have We crossed the Rubicon?

     Despite their attempts to reverse their decision, Fubara maintained they are no longer recognized as lawmakers.  

    The defection has fueled tensions between Fubara and former Rivers governor Nyesom Wike, who supports the dissenting legislators. 

    Despite political challenges, the governor stated his administration’s commitment to advancing the state’s development agenda.

    Based on extant laws, a legislator who defects from the party on which platform he/she was elected, into another party, even when the original party is not in any form of serious crisis, that legislator shall lose his/her seat.