The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger delta

  • Oil firm urged to pay compensation for discharge of toxic substances

    Oil firm urged to pay compensation for discharge of toxic substances

    …. allegations not true

    An oil firm, Sterling Oil Exploration Energy Production Company LTD has been urged to pay compensation to some communties In Akwa Ibom state for allegedly discharging toxic substances into their environment.

    Militants under the aegis of Niger Delta Volunteers (NDV) made the demand at the weekend in a letter signed by Gen. Ekpo Ekpo and Major Gen Henry Ette, the group’s leader and director of information and communication respectively.

    They also accused the company of anti-host communities practices which are against community social responsibility (CSR) and the Local Content Act.

    The letter addressed to the Managing Director of the company accused the firm of undermining the communities of Ikot Abasi and Eastern Obolo among others through their activities.

    The NDV in the letter stated in parts that, “That the Company is prone to the regular discharge of toxic gases into the waters which adversely affects the aquatic life, streams, farmlands and microorganisms without any remedial efforts or compensation to those adversely affected by the obnoxious activities.

    “That the Company did not and has not conducted environmental and social impact assessment to ascertain the nature of the work environment and what to do to cushion the impact on the host communities.

    “This attitude shows lack of respect for the environmental integrity, non-compliance and violation of the
    legal framework governing/ regulating the activities in the oil and gas free zone.

    “That the Company has continuously failed, refused and neglected to pay adequate compensation to the host communities whose farmlands has been acquired but that the Company have chosen to import and implement a Divide and Rule System where they hold meetings with few selected Chiefs without proper consultation with the people.

    “That the Company have been maltreating its workers particularly the local employees and also disregarding labour laws and giving its workers poor remuneration which is not commensurate with the economic realities.

    “That the Company has been encouraging and promoting discrepancy between community staff and other employees hired outside the host communities. And that the latter is given better working conditions, remuneration and package”

    “The Company has failed and neglected to employ the host communities youths and indigenes and train and equip them with the necessary and relevant skills in different fields to develop their human capacity for better productivity and sustainability.

    “That the indigenes are not appointed into key managerial positions/top echelon of the management positions in the Company. This action and spirit is against the injunction placed as employment quota in the Local Content Act.

    “That the Company has gone ahead to acquire more community lands (such as Creeks, and Farmlands without payment of compensation to the owners who have been deprived of their means of livelihood) that was originally allocated to it at inception by the Akwa Ibom State Government at inception for its
    operation”.

    The company’s Media liason officer, Mrs. Uduak Ekpo in her response denied all the allegations against the oil firm, saying they do not represent what the company stands for.

    “The letter’s contents do not accurately reflect our company’s actions and stance”.

  • Group rallies support for Oborevwori’s second term

    Group rallies support for Oborevwori’s second term

    A political support group under the aegis of *Deltans Want More* has declared that the 2027 governorship campaign against Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, would amount to a waste of time, money, and resources, given his sterling performance since assuming office.

    Speaking in Jeremi Ughelli South Local Government Area, while addressing members and other party faithfuls cut across various communities, the Convener of the group, Olorogun Ese Kakor, urged Deltans across party lines to unite behind the Governor to enable him consolidate on his MORE Agenda and deliver even greater dividends of democracy to the people.

    According to him: “Deltans have never had it this good. From massive infrastructural projects to reforms in education, health, and security, the Governor’s achievements in just two years are already campaigning for him. Anyone nursing the ambition for 2027 should wait until 2031.”

    Olorogun Kakor listed some of Oborevwori’s key achievements as I”nfrastructure: Completion and flag-off of multiple road dualisation projects across Asaba, Warri, Effurun, Ughelli, and other towns, alongside bridges and drainage systems to tackle flooding.

    “Education: Renovation of schools, provision of learning materials, and the take-off of new technical colleges to boost skills acquisition for youths.

    “Welfare: Prompt and regular payment of salaries and pensions, even amid national economic challenges.

    “Health & Security: Upgrading of health facilities across the state and strengthening of local security networks, which have restored peace to several crisis-prone communities.

    Read Also: Oborevwori to flag off widows’ welfare scheme for10,000 beneficiaries

    “Just today, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has flagged off the Delta State Widows Welfare Scheme, benefiting 10,000 widows across the state. 

    “The scheme includes monthly pay, registration of the beneficiaries into the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme (DSCHS) for free medical treatment in their localities. 

    “This initiative is part of the governor’s commitment to improving the welfare of widows in Delta State through financial support and empowerment packages.

    “Empowerment: Rollout of job creation and youth empowerment schemes under the MORE Agenda to cushion the effect of the economy and engage thousands of young Deltans productively.”

    “Governor Oborevwori’s “street credibility and grassroots connection” have been instrumental in resolving communal disputes that previously threatened peace and development in the state.

    “Sheriff Oborevwori is not just governing; he is transforming Delta. His achievements are clear, his impact is felt, and his leadership is people-centered. Every true lover of Delta State should stand behind him,” Kakor declared.

    The group maintained that the Governor’s steady delivery of his Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda was a proof that Delta State was on the path of sustainable growth, and deserved continuity beyond 2027.

  • ActionAid lists gains, bows out after 16-yr rights programme in Delta 

    ActionAid lists gains, bows out after 16-yr rights programme in Delta 

    A non-governmental organisation, ActionAid Nigeria has wrapped up its 16-year Local Rights Programme in 13 Delta communities, hailing significant achievements in poverty reduction, women empowerment, and grassroots development. 

    The organisation will now extend its work to Isoko North and South Local Government Areas.

    Speaking during a celebration in Ughelli to mark the end of the programme, ActionAid’s Country Director, Andrew Memedu, represented by his Deputy, Suwaiba Muhammad Dankabo, said the intervention was launched despite Delta’s high GDP, after realising that “poverty thrived in the midst of plenty” and many rural communities were cut off from the dividends of democracy.

    Read Also: ActionAid backs ban on use plastic in Lagos

    She said the programme, implemented through local partner Environmental and Rural Mediation Centre (ENVIRUMEDIC), bridged the gap between government and underserved communities, particularly in Ughelli South, Ndokwa West, and Ndokwa East LGAs.

    “We realised that the level of wealth did not translate in the lives of the communities, so Actionaid wanted to demonstrate the reality of poverty in the midst of plenty.

  • Group commends Ibas for key projects in Rivers, hail emergency rule as era of renewal

    Group commends Ibas for key projects in Rivers, hail emergency rule as era of renewal

    The National Patriotic Front has commended the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), for what it described as “bold and transformative steps” in stabilising the state under emergency rule.

    In a statement issued at the weekend in Port Harcourt and signed by its President, Marcus Dakas, the group said Ibas has demonstrated uncommon leadership in steering Rivers through its most delicate phase in recent history. 

    The group noted that, contrary to fears that emergency rule would deepen instability, the Sole Administrator had managed to restore calm, strengthen institutions and initiate critical projects that are now reshaping the state’s development trajectory.

    “The National Patriotic Front salutes the courage, clarity and sense of duty that Admiral Ibas has brought to Rivers State. What many thought would be a lost period of drift has become, under his watch, a season of renewal and a rebirth of confidence in governance. His interventions in security, infrastructure and preparations for democratic transition deserve recognition from all Nigerians,” Dakas said.

    The group said security has been the bedrock of Ibas’s administration. By instituting a joint security team to patrol urban centres and vulnerable communities, Ibas was credited with stemming the tide of violent crime and communal unrest. 

    The group noted that Port Harcourt and its environs, once tense with uncertainty, have recorded a remarkable return to peace and social life.

    “The Sole Administrator has succeeded in bringing tremendous peace to Rivers State. Markets are bustling again, businesses are reopening with confidence, and residents are experiencing a sense of safety long absent from their daily lives. This renewed atmosphere is one of the most profound achievements of his administration,” Dakas said.

    Beyond security, the group praised Ibas for pressing ahead with key infrastructural and social investments. It pointed to the ongoing reconstruction of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex as symbolic of the return to institutional order.

    The group also commended the completion of the Mother and Child Hospital in Port Harcourt, set to be integrated into the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, as a major step toward improving maternal and child health in the state.

    The group further lauded Ibas for scrutinising the Port Harcourt Ring Road project, nothing that N150 billion had been released for the dualisation.

    They described the Sole Administrator’s insistence on accountability and project delivery as “a refreshing example of transparent governance in Rivers State”.

    On the return to democracy, the group expressed delight at preparations for the August 30, 2025, local government elections, and commended Ibas for releasing funds to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RVSIEC).

    “By empowering RVSIEC and fixing a date for grassroots elections, Admiral Ibas has shown his sincerity of purpose. He has no hidden agenda but is only a steward of this transition. His commitment to democratic restoration should reassure Rivers people and silence the cynics,” Dakas added.

    The group also recalled the recent oversight visit by the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State led by House Leader, Professor Julius Ihonvbere. 

    Read Also: Reps committee commends Rivers Sole Administrator Ibas

    Dakas said the committee’s commendation of Ibas’ work and pledge to support the return of democratic rule aligned with its own findings that Rivers is firmly on the path to recovery.

    “The endorsement from the federal legislature is a strong signal that the emergency administration is not only succeeding has achieved its goal. We urge Rivers people to sustain their cooperation with the Sole Administrator in the months ahead,” the NPF noted.

    Concluding, the organisation described the ongoing emergency rule as more than a caretaker arrangement, but a “season of grace” during which Rivers is being repositioned for peace, stability and development.

    “Emergencies are often associated with despair, but in Rivers this one is producing renewal. Admiral Ibas has turned crisis into opportunity and laid the foundation for stronger democratic governance. History will remember this period not as a pause but as a rebirth, a grace period in which Rivers State rediscovered its promise,” Dakas said.

  • Dafinone to Urhobo Nation: let Us get our acts together, or be displaced

    Dafinone to Urhobo Nation: let Us get our acts together, or be displaced

    Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) has called on the leadership of the Urhobo Nation to unite and “move as one, or be displaced” in the sociopolitical landscape of Delta State and Nigeria.

    Speaking at the 2nd Edition of the UPU Ighelle World Conference with the theme: “Igniting the Urhobo Spirit: Urhobo Youth as custodians and catalysts of change,” Dafinone expressed frustration with a situation where “only one leader wants to be heard and seen.”

    He delivered a stark warning, stating the change required for the Urhobo Nation is so profound that “unless we get our acts together now—today—I strongly believe we will be lost in the Nigerian equation, and even in the Delta equation, for good.”

    Dafinone defended the right of the Urhobo people to benefit from the current political cycle, with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at the helm. He invoked the “turn-by-turn” political ethos, famously articulated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Èmi l’ókàn” campaign slogan.

    Read Also: Dafinone celebrates ‘visionary leader’ Yilwatda at 57

    “I want to bring that home to us all here: we have an Urhobo governor, and it is our turn. There is no shame, and there is no sense of selfishness, in an Urhobo governor developing Urhobo land more than other sections of the state,” he declared.

    The Senator highlighted his role as a bridge-builder and an “instrument of power” to open doors for his people at the federal level. He encouraged Urhobo youths and businesspeople to approach his office with well-prepared proposals, assuring them that he would use his access to help them succeed.

    Dafinone also called for a change in mindset, particularly regarding unhealthy competition among leaders. He shared a personal anecdote about praying for a young mentee to become “richer than me,” explaining that a colleague’s success does not diminish his own.

    “The unhealthy competition we often engage in—thinking I must be the richest, I must be the best, I must be the only leader—is defeating us,” he said. “We must move as one. We must move as Urhobo. We must move as a team.”

    Dafinone closed with a personal story, recalling how he once prayed that a young man he mentored would surpass him financially. 

    “His being richer than me does not make me poorer. It takes nothing away from me,” he said, urging Urhobo leaders and youths to embrace a spirit of collective growth rather than rivalry.

  • Dafinone praises Delta APC chairman Sobotie on birthday

    Dafinone praises Delta APC chairman Sobotie on birthday

    Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) has felicitated with the Delta Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Elder Omeni Sobotie, on his birthday anniversary.

    The Delta central lawmaker praised Elder Sobotie’s tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to strengthening the party’s base and expanding APC reach in Delta State,  describing him as a man whose political sagacity, courage, and steadfastness have continued to inspire the progressive family in Delta.

    The statement reads: “On behalf of the good people of Delta Central Senatorial District, I, Senator Ede Dafinone, heartily felicitate with our dynamic and committed Delta State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Elder Omeni Sobotie, on the occasion of his birth anniversary. This day offers us all an opportunity to celebrate a man whose political sagacity, courage, and steadfastness have continued to inspire the progressive family across our dear state.

    Read Also: Dafinone celebrates ‘visionary leader’ Yilwatda at 57

    “Elder Sobotie’s tireless capacity for grassroots mobilisation and his unwavering commitment to the ideals of the APC have been instrumental in strengthening the party’s base and expanding our reach in Delta. Truly, his leadership has made the dream of turning Delta into an APC stronghold not just aspirational, but achievable.

    “As you mark this special day, I join your family, political associates, and admirers in thanking God for your life of impact and sacrifice. It is my prayer that the Almighty continues to grant you good health, divine wisdom, and renewed strength to carry on with your noble service to our party and the people of Delta State. Happy birthday, Elder Omeni Sobotie!”

  • APC holds rally to kick-start LGA election campaigns in Rivers

    APC holds rally to kick-start LGA election campaigns in Rivers

    • …Boasts to sweep all the seats in the 23 Council Areas
    • ….hands over flags to chairmanship candidates

    The National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives(APC), South-South, Victor Giadom, has boasted that the party will sweep all the seats in the forth-coming Local government Council elections in Rivers State scheduled to hold, August 30, 2025.

    Giadom who spoke at the APC campaign kick-off rally/ handing over of flags to party chairmanship candidates in a well attended ceremony in Port Harcourt, the State capital yesterday charged the candidates on good conducts and quality representation when they win the poll.

    He urged them to uphold the tenets of the ‘Renewed Hope’ mantra of President Ahmed Tinubu when they assume office.

    The Vice chairman Southsouth who was represented by former Senator, Magnus Abe at the occasion said, “the APC in Rivers State is united. The APC in Rivers State is strong. The APC in Rivers State is ready to deliver the dividends of democracy to the grassroots”. He lauded the state chairman and executive members of the party for the great work they are doing in executing a flawless primary election that has produced candidates.

    “We are all happy and proud to support these candidates; people that will deliver. We believe that this group of chairmen that the APC has picked will work as diligently as the Minister from this state who is a shining light in the country that the APC also picked in Abuja to work with them to deliver the dividends of democracy.

    “Everybody in Rivers State is welcomed to join the APC. Let us work together. The current chairman and councilors of our party, you are now the faces of the Renewed Hope Agenda at the grassroots.

    “You are the Tinubu that Rivers people will now look up to. We know that you will not disappoint us. We have confidence in you. The election, looking at this crowd here is a no contest. We are together and we will deliver”.

    Read Also: Count APC out of terrorism, Basiru fires Canadian court

    Meanwhile, earlier in his welcome remarks, the State party Chairman, Tony Okocha told the crowd at the rally that the decision of the parry to be part of the Council election this time was because the newly constituted State Independent Electoral Commission has followed the right processes unlike the previous leadership of the commission.

    “And that which was a charade, the APC said we were not going to participate and we didn’t participate. And we told them that it will not work and it didn’t work.

    “Today, we are bold, we are happy, we are excited to stand before you to tell you that because the processes put in place by RSIEC are right and we are here to support, to follow those processes,” he noted.

    Okocha continued, “Let me say that the primaries that produced the Chairmanship and Councillorship candidates to contest the real election were seamless because we are an organized political party.

    “We are not just going to test the waters on the 30th August, we are going to contest and win the elections in the 23 LGAs and win the 319 Wards in Rivers State”, he declared.

    Speaking further Okocha lauded the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory(FCT), Nyesom Wike whom he said has mobiized politicians from different parties to genuinely support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

    “I’m sure you are all aware of the marriage of politicians in Rivers State weaved together by a son of the soil, a politician of no mean repute and a politician that is well known in Nigeria. He (Wike) has been able to weave together all progressive politicians in the state together under the umbrella of the Renewed Hope 2025”.

    He assured a violence-free exercise in the forth-coming poll, as ge described the PDP as brothers to the APC.

    “As APC, we will showcase our candidates and we will win the elections which at the fullness of time the people of Rivers State will speak. We are all going to support Tinubu in 2027.

    “On behalf of the APC, I have the liberty to declare open the campaigns in the 23 LGAs and the 319 Wards of Rivers State.” To the candidates, Okocha said, “Go and campaign. Go and become fishers of men. We do not expect any violence because our party is not violent. You know we have taken this party out of the doldrums, now we are taking the lead. So let us maintain that level and standard”, he added.

    The party chairman later handed party flags to all the Chairmanship candidates in the 23 LGAs and their deputies (all females).

  • HYPREP reconstituted BoT: Ogoni indigenes raise alarm over alleged manipulation

    HYPREP reconstituted BoT: Ogoni indigenes raise alarm over alleged manipulation

    • …allege that list was tampered with
    • …insist that the original list be released
    • …maintain that HYPREP must not be politicized
    • …call for President Tinubu’s quick intervene

    Indigenes of Ogoni in Rivers State have kicked against the alleged alteration in the original list of members of reconstituted Board of Trustees (BoT), of Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), particularly the attempt by some persons to replace the name of the reappointed Board chairman, Dr. Mike Nwielaghi with Emmanuel Deeyah.

    The people described the moves as preposterous, awkward, an act with obvious sinister motives, that holds no good for the people of Ogoni, HYPREP and the Federal Government (FG).

    The people who spoke under the aegis of Ogoni Patriotic Progressives Assembly(OPPA), accused some persons close to the Presidency, particularly the office of the
    Special Adviser to the President
    (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga of complicity in the botched document.

    In a statement in Port Harcourt yesterday by OPPA President, Samuel Nwiku, the people believed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu originally approved the appointment of Dr. Nwielaghi based on his cordial and smooth working relationship with HYPREP Project Coordination (HYPREP), Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, which has fast tracked the project, appealing that in no account should Ogoni cleanup be politicized.

    The thanked President Tinubu for his obvious political will to ensure the cleanup of Ogoni to maintain peace and quality of lives of the residents.

    The people however condemned the moves by some persons they did not name to thwart the honest intentions of the FG by manipulating the list originally approved by the President to their own advantage, without considering the feelings and wellbeing of larger Ogonis who are at the receiving end.

    They pointed out some obvious, simple and avoidable mistakes on the alleged botched document released by Onanuga to prove their claims that Deeyah’s name was smuggled into the document as BoT chairmanship to satisfy the selfish interests of those behind the act against the wish of President Tinubu who approved the reappointment of Nwielaghi.

    According to the statement by Onanuga’s announcing the reconstitution of HYPREP Governing Board and BoT, which was name available to the Nation in Port Harcourt titled, ” President Tinubu annouces members of of the Governing Council and Board of Trustees of HYREP.”(the way they captured HYPREP), the paragraph that announced name of the BoT Chairman read, “President Tinubu also reconstituted the HYREP Board of Trustees, with Emmanuel Nwiika Deeyah reappointed chairman.”

    The group argued that Deeyah has never served in the office of HYPREP BoT Chairman before to qualify him for a reappointment, whereas Nwielaghi is the immediate past BoT Chairman, that was waiting to be reappointed.

    They concluded that with the elementary mistaked made on the Statement, the document was doctored within the dying minute, that they did not notice errors before taking it to the public.

    Describing Tinubu as a sound and meticulous President who cannot be associated with such avoidable errors, they called on him to quickly intervene, by directing for immediate investigation the source of the fake document with the view to correcting the error and reinstating Dr. Mike Nwielaghi as the rightful HYPREP BoT, to sustain the gains already recorded by the FG interventionist Agency in Ogoniland.

    Read Also: Revisit HYPREP BoT appointment, Ogoni youths urge Tinubu

    The people said, ” we observed with mixed feelings, the development in the recent reconstitution of the members of the Governing Council and Board of Trustees (BOT) for HYPREP by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “First, we want to thank the president for his Interest in Ogoniland and support of peace in the area which is pivotal to the quality of leadership in place to drive the process to the desired goal and the admiration, fairness and good of all stakeholders in the scheme of this.

    “While we have gone through the list of the new governing Council members and acknowledge the different flanks and eligibility curves they were selected from, we’ve noticed two salient points that necessited our reaction to the exercise.

    “It is not only preposterous, but also blatantly awkward that the actions of someone or group of persons MUST have exposed a poorly ochestrated attempt to repeal and replace the order of the position of the Chairman of the board.

    “This is because the president clearly reappointed the board chairman whose first tenure elapsed. Exactly why the publication says ‘RE” appointed. The meaning of ‘re’ cannot be subjected to any ambiguity even to a primary school pupil. So, it’s not subject to any debate.

    “It is clear and absolute that the president has by that statement, reappointed Dr. Mike Nwielaghi former, BOT Chairman Ogoni Trust Fund (HYPREP) for another term. This reason for the reappointment will not be far from his impressive performance in his first tenure.

    “It is clear that the list was tampered to suit the selfishness of a person or a group of persons for a cheap political card against the wish of the President in particular and to unnecessarily steer an avoidable bad blood amongst the people of Ogoniland in general.

    “We therefore urge the President to note this and the crucial need to review the reconstituted BOT in good time.

    “Another concern is the wrong representation of Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project in the acronym used in the said press release. Instead of HYPREP, HYREP was used.

    “Again, looking at the exhalted office of the presidency, this second error cannot be anything short of lending credence to the hasty and poor proofreading attempt by an individual or group of individuals with vested interest in the removal and substitution of the name of the originally re-appointed HYPREP BOT Chairman, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, in the person of Dr. Mike Nwielaghi former BOT Chairman Ogoni Trust Fund (HYPREP). HYPREP will not be allowed to be politicized.

    “It is Worthy of note that under the leadership of Dr Mike Nwielaghi as Chairman of BOT and Professor Nenibarini Zabbey as Project Coordinator, the project has been maintaining an unprecedented upwards progressive spiral to the admiration of the Ogoni people.

    “Whilst we once again believe the president would rectify this aberation, we wish to state that delay to do so can inevitably attract the unnecessary altercations from different quarters and
    circles of leadership and influences from Ogoniland and its people.

    “We believe we are all counting on the ideal counter reaction to this for the proper normalization of the contending issue of the mutilation of the rightful occupant of the position of the BOT Chairman.” the statement said.

  • Reps committee commends Rivers Sole Administrator Ibas

    Reps committee commends Rivers Sole Administrator Ibas

    …pledges support for return of democratic rule

    The House of Representatives ad-hoc committee on the oversight of the administration of Rivers State has commended the sole administrator, Ibok-Eket Ibas, for what it described as remarkable progress in stabilising the state during emergency rule, pledging its support for the restoration of democratic governance in the state.

    The committee, led by House Leader and Chairman, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, was in Rivers State on a courtesy visit and inspection tour as part of its oversight mandate. 

    Speaking during the visit on Thursday, Ihonvbere said the National Assembly was encouraged by the sole administrator’s achievements so far and remained committed to ensuring the return of democratic rule.

    “We are hopeful about what the Administrator has done so far. The House of Representatives is committed to seeing a smooth transition back to full democratic governance in Rivers State,” Ihonvbere said. 

    The lawmakers inspected the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, where reconstruction works are ongoing to prepare the legislature for effective operations once the state returns to civilian leadership. Ihonvbere noted that the quality and scope of the work showed readiness for a functional assembly in the post-emergency period.

    Receiving the delegation, Ibas expressed appreciation for the National Assembly’s support and oversight role, which he said had bolstered his administration’s work. He stressed that restoring security had been a top priority and a significant success.

    The Administrator further disclosed that preparations for the conduct of local government council elections were in full swing. The polls, scheduled for 30 August 2025, are aimed at reinstating democratic governance at the grassroots. 

    He said the Rivers State Government had provided the necessary funding to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RVSIEC) to guarantee smooth, credible elections.

    Ibas also briefed the committee on several projects being pursued under his administration. These include the reconstruction of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, which he described as essential for restoring legislative work; the completion of the Mother and Child Hospital in Port Harcourt, which will be handed over to the Rivers State Teaching Hospital to enhance healthcare delivery; and the long-delayed dualisation of the Port Harcourt Ring Road. On the latter, he revealed that ₦150 billion had already been paid for the project, yet no tangible work had commenced.

    Read Also: Reps committee chair: state secretariat worse than facilities in war-torn Gaza

    The committee expressed satisfaction with the Administrator’s efforts and acknowledged the challenges of governing under emergency conditions. 

    Members urged that all key projects, particularly those affecting infrastructure and public services, be completed on schedule to consolidate gains made during the emergency period.

    Ihonvbere assured Ibas that the House of Representatives would continue to monitor developments closely, provide legislative backing where needed, and work to ensure the transition back to democratic governance is smooth and timely.

    Both sides agreed on the need for sustained collaboration between State and Federal authorities to maintain peace, accelerate development, and guarantee the restoration of democratic rule in Rivers State.

    The visit ended with an inspection of key project sites, during which committee members expressed optimism that the state was on the right path to stability and progress.

  • Council chairman Ogedegbe denies threatening activist

    Council chairman Ogedegbe denies threatening activist

    The Chairman of Ethiope East Local Government Area in Delta State, Chief (Hon.) Augustine Ogedegbe, has dismissed allegations that he threatened the life of Mr. Vincent E. Aki, popularly known as Aproko.

    The claims, which surfaced on social media, accused the council boss of sending warnings to Aki and his family over videos criticising his administration.

    In one of the viral videos, Aki alleged that his life was under threat following his public criticism of the local government’s performance, saying he had been unable to sleep at home and feared for his safety.

    “If anything happens to me, hold Ethiope East responsible, hold the Nigerian government responsible, hold the Delta State government responsible,” Aki said in the video, claiming he was protesting for good governance and better administration.

    Reacting to the allegations through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ofua Experience, Ogedegbe described the claims as false, malicious, and baseless, insisting they were part of a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation and the image of his administration.

    Ofua, stressed, the allegations are baseless and also an attacks on the integrity of the Council Chairman and its administration that has maintained transparency, accountability, and respect to the dignity of citizens.

    He maintained however that Ogedegbe, has remained a staunch advocate for democratic ideals, commitment to the freedom of speech and the right of citizens to better welfare. This is even when some defies basic rules of public engagement.

    It is on record that his administration has always given rooms for constructive criticism of government policies. 

    Ofua, therefore urges the public to disregard those baseless claims and join the chairman to work on Governor Sheriff Oborewori’s MORE agenda, and desist from campaign of calumny. : The chairman remains focused and ready to transform the council” he concluded.