The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger delta

  • CDHR urges IG to stop police involvement 

    CDHR urges IG to stop police involvement 

    The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Nigeria, has called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to immediately halt police involvement in the protracted land dispute affecting Amachai Community in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.

    It said the matter was a civil dispute before the courts.

    In a statement by its National President, Dr. Kehinde Taiga, in Warri, CDHR urged the IG to ensure that the Nigeria Police Force is not “illegally used to dispossess Amachai Community of its ancestral land through land grabbing, document forgery and contempt of court.”

    Read Also: CDHR, Omotoso call for inclusive communication to fight misinformation

    “The Nigeria Police Force must not allow itself to be drawn into enforcing land possession or aiding any party in a civil dispute pending before courts of competent jurisdiction,” Taiga said.

    CDHR requested the IG to direct that petitions and complaints arising from the Amachai land dispute, including recent allegations of a bulldozer being burnt, be handled exclusively by the Commissioner of Police, Delta State, whom the organisation said it trusted for professionalism and fairness.

    The rights group warned that attempts to criminalise the dispute amount to an abuse of police powers and a violation of constitutionally-guaranteed rights.

  • CEPEJ unveils 2026 plan to curb drug abuse, promote non-violent elections

    CEPEJ unveils 2026 plan to curb drug abuse, promote non-violent elections

    Amid growing concerns over drug abuse, cultism, and electoral violence, the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ-Africa) has unveiled its 2026 strategic plan aimed at promoting non-violent elections and advancing sustainable development across the Niger Delta and other parts of Nigeria.

    The plan was presented during the unveiling of the organisation’s Strategic Partnership Work Plan in Ugolo, Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, on Wednesday.

    Addressing reporters, the National Coordinator of CEPEJ, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, stressed the urgent need to curb the rising incidence of drug abuse, cultism, and other social vices among young Nigerians, particularly pupils and secondary school students, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to peace, education, and national development.

    Mulade said the organisation’s 2026 agenda places strong emphasis on early awareness campaigns in schools and communities to address the menace and safeguard the future of young people.

    As part of efforts to deepen democratic governance, CEPEJ also announced the rollout of a Non-Violent Election Programme, which will feature civic and voter education, deployment of election observers, training of election peace monitors, and multi-stakeholder dialogues aimed at promoting peaceful, credible, and transparent elections.

    The organisation noted that elections should not degenerate into violence, adding that voter education and peace monitoring would help reduce election-related tensions and encourage tolerance among political actors.

    According to CEPEJ, the 2026 work plan will be implemented in more than 15 states, including Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Ondo, Lagos, Kano, and the Federal Capital Territory. The interventions will span peacebuilding, education, climate action, sports development, youth and women empowerment, governance, and humanitarian support.

    A major highlight of the plan is CEPEJ’s decision to re-present proposals for the establishment of State Peacebuilding Commissions in Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Ondo, and Akwa Ibom States, aimed at institutionalising conflict prevention and sustaining peaceful coexistence.

    Read Also: Activist advocates Ijaw, Urhobo, Itsekiri unity for development in Delta

    “Peacebuilding must go beyond projects. We are re-engaging state governments to establish Peacebuilding Commissions that will strengthen stability, attract investors, and create employment opportunities for youths,” he said.

    Other key initiatives include the Niger Delta Peace Support Fund, Back-to-School Educational Support Fund, climate and environmental awareness programmes, youth and women skills acquisition training, ethnic peace and unity football tournaments, ADR mediation centres, and humanitarian support for IDPs and disaster-affected communities.

    CEPEJ stressed that these programmes are critical to improving livelihoods, reducing violence and building resilience, especially in the Niger Delta, where environmental degradation, unemployment and insecurity continue to threaten development.

    CEPEJ also called on the Delta State Government to prioritise industrialisation as a pathway to economic growth and food security.

    “For Delta State’s economy to grow, we need deliberate industrialisation backed by reliable electricity. Industrial growth will create jobs, boost food security, and reduce poverty and restiveness,” the CEPEJ boss stressed.

    The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to working with government, development partners, traditional institutions and communities through communication, collaboration and co-operation, to ensure the successful implementation of the 2026 plan.

  • Ekpo hails aide’s family for launching foundation to honour deceased father

    Ekpo hails aide’s family for launching foundation to honour deceased father

    The Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo has hailed the family of his Technical Assistant on NNPC Ltd Relations, Mr. Odiong Ekanem for launching a foundation in honour of their deceased father, Late Deacon Lawrence Ekanem.

    Ekpo gave the commendation at the weekend at the Funeral Service of the late Deacon, held at Christ Church Primary School, Ikot Essien, Oku Iboku, in Itu LGA of Akwa Ibom State.

    The Minister said that the foundation aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu which seeks to restore hope to children and families in distress situations.

    Ekpo described the loss as painful, but one that must be borne with faith in God.

    Flanked by his Wife, Lady Esitmbom, the Gas Minister described Odiong Ekanem as a dependable Aide, adding that he has remained “a brother, a friend and everything” to him in the Ministry.

    Ekpo also acknowledged the Late Deacon Ekanem’s role in sustaining his family through discipline and integrity, noting that the values instilled in his children were evident in their achievements.

    “I particularly commend the family for launching the Lawrence Okokon Ekanem Foundation in honour of their deceased father.

    “The initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, as it seeks to restore hope to children and families who may have lost it”, he said.

    Read Also: Umahi commends MTN Nigeria for Progress on Enugu–Onitsha road reconstruction

    He promised to support and identify with the Foundation to ensure it achieves its humanitarian objectives.

    Earlier, the son of the deceased, Mr. Odiong Ekanem, thanked the Minister, his wife and other dignitaries for honouring the family with their presence. 

    He explained that the Foundation was established to support indigent children and widows, as well as provide educational assistance to the less privileged in Oku Iboku community.

    Born on August 6, 1943, into the Royal Ekanem family of Nung Odiong, Ikot Antuen, Oku Iboku, in Itu LGA, the late Lawrence Ekanem worked with the Nigerian Customs Service and was ordained a Deacon of the Foursquare Gospel Church in the year 2000.

    The funeral service was attended by the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, members of the political class, captains of industry, staff of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), amongst other dignitaries.

  • Delta Bureau, NIMC partner on ward-to-ward NIN awareness

    Delta Bureau, NIMC partner on ward-to-ward NIN awareness

    The Delta State Bureau of Orientation and Communications has pledged to collaborate with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) on ward-to-ward awareness and sensitisation for National Identification Number (NIN) registration across the state.

    Director General of the Bureau, Dr Fred Oghenesibve, gave the assurance in Asaba during an advocacy visit by the Delta State Coordinator of NIMC.

    Praising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for directing NIMC to intensify NIN registration nationwide, Oghenesibve described the exercise as critical to effective governance, security, and development.

    “Responsible leadership is defined by clear and achievable policies. What works in advanced countries—proper citizen data capture—is now being implemented in Nigeria,” he said.

    He noted that NIN registration benefits both the federal and state governments, stressing that it had become a key planning tool and an emerging universal identifier, including for tax and population data.

    According to him, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori will also leverage accurate data to strengthen planning and service delivery in Delta State.

    Dr Oghenesibve reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to working with NIMC to drive grassroots participation and urged residents to take advantage of the ongoing registration exercise.

    The Bureau DG hinted that Governor Oborevworri was deeply concerned about the welfare of Deltans, and that he actually really wants to know the actual figure of people in the state to ensure the spread of development and social welfare services as in D-Cares programme.

    ”Back home here in Delta, His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is very concerned about the welfare of Deltans, and he actually wants to know the actual figure of people in the state so that the spread of development and social welfare services as we have it in D-Cares programme and other social welfare programmes. Then these figures will enable him to effectively plan, and say these are the numbers of persons we have in the state,” Oghenesibve said.

    Read Also: NIMC enrolment on NIN database hit 127m last December

    He made a passionate appeal to the management of NIMC to look at the possibility of developing NIN card in such a way that it will have sufficient space for  background information to be captured in the card, not just for the numerical purposes but for security and other purposes.

    He expressed the hope that with the initiatives and reforms being implemented by the administration of President Bola Tinubu, the country would soon become the pride of all Nigerians.

    Earlier, the Delta State Coordinator of the NIMC, Mrs Grace Robinson, said the advocacy visit was to inform the Delta State Bureau of Orientation and Communications about the forthcoming NIN registration slated to commence on January 19, 2026 and that the exercise would be for initial period of six weeks, after which it may be extended.

    She emphasised that the registration was for those from zero years to infinity who have not registered previously.

    Mrs Robinson hinted that President Bola Tinubu had given the commission mandate to go from ward to ward to register those yet to be captured  for NIN.

    She stated, ”The purpose of this visit is to collaborate with you on the President’s mandate that we should go from ward to ward to register people for NIN. This time, we are going into villages, riverine areas,  everywhere to register people for NIN—those who have not registered before.”

    The state Coordinator of NIMC said so far, over one hundred and seventy seven million (177,000,000) Nigerians had been registered for NIN. 

  • Group urges Rivers CJ to uphold judicial independence amid impeachment process

    Group urges Rivers CJ to uphold judicial independence amid impeachment process

    The Africa Centre for Democracy and Leadership (ACDL) has advised the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi, to exercise caution and uphold judicial independence amid ongoing impeachment proceedings involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu.

    In a statement issued on Monday, the group said the unfolding political situation in the state underscores the need for the judiciary to remain neutral and strictly guided by constitutional provisions.

    The intervention comes as the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, continues actions connected to the impeachment process, including a formal request to the Chief Judge to constitute an investigative panel in line with constitutional procedures.

    According to ACDL, heightened political tensions between the executive arm and factions within the legislature have made it necessary for judicial actors to proceed with restraint and adherence to due process.

    Speaking on behalf of the group, its Executive Director, Barrister Nedu Ekwueme, said the Chief Judge’s role in appointing a seven-member investigative panel, where required, should be carried out without external pressure or political considerations.

    “The judiciary must continue to serve as an impartial arbiter and a pillar of fairness within our democratic system,” Ekwueme said.

    He noted that public confidence in the judicial process depends on transparency and strict compliance with constitutional guidelines, particularly in politically sensitive matters such as impeachment.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Rivers Assembly directs Chief Judge to raise committee to probe Fubara, deputy 

    The group referenced previous impeachment cases in Nigeria where courts later reviewed the process, stressing that procedural lapses often complicate governance and deepen political divisions.

    ACDL further emphasized that any investigative panel, if constituted, should be properly composed and allowed to carry out its mandate thoroughly within the timeframe prescribed by law.

    “The people of Rivers State deserve stability and governance focused on development,” Ekwueme said, adding that adherence to due process would help prevent prolonged political uncertainty.

    The group also called on professional bodies, including the Nigerian Bar Association, as well as civil society organisations and other stakeholders, to observe the process and promote respect for the rule of law.

  • Plot to create rift between Okpebholo and I will fail, says deputy gov Idahosa

    Plot to create rift between Okpebholo and I will fail, says deputy gov Idahosa

    Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has declared that efforts by certain individuals to create friction between him and Governor Monday Okpebholo will not succeed.

    Idahosa urged those involved to redirect their energy toward initiatives that support the governor’s SHINE Agenda, stating that any plan to undermine the harmony within the administration “is dead on arrival.”

    In a personally signed statement, he described the actors behind the online narratives as distractors who are uncomfortable with the practical governance the administration has demonstrated since assuming office.

    Read Also: Indigenes responsible for kidnapping in Ekpoma, says Okpebholo

    He reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor Okpebholo despite online smear campaigns targeting the government, the governor, and other senior officials. 

    According to him, unidentified individuals are attempting to sow discord by circulating false narratives, but their efforts are futile.

    “As long as my boss, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and I remain united, every such plan is bound to fail. Any attempt to divide us or weaken our team is dead on arrival,” he said.

    Idahosa stressed that he stands firmly with the governor and that the administration remains focused on fulfilling its campaign promises to the people.

  • Civic group clears Fubara, says impeachment process lacks constitutional basis

    Civic group clears Fubara, says impeachment process lacks constitutional basis

    An independent civic watchdog has said the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, do not meet constitutional requirements for removal from office.

    In a statement issued on Thursday, the Good Governance Advocacy Centre (GGAC) said its 72-hour review of the impeachment notice and accompanying claims found no evidence of gross misconduct capable of sustaining impeachment under the constitution.

    The statement, signed by Dr Zaccheus Ocha, GGAC’s country representative, said the organisation conducted a legal, procedural and factual assessment of the issues raised by the Rivers State House of Assembly and concluded that the notice did not satisfy constitutional thresholds.

    According to the group, the allegations cited in the impeachment letter were either unsupported by verifiable facts or related to matters within the lawful discretion of the executive arm.

    “The Good Governance Advocacy Centre has concluded, after a 72-hour independent review, that there is no act of gross misconduct established against Governor Siminalayi Fubara or his deputy,” the statement said.

    The organisation noted that its review examined the text of the impeachment notice, relevant constitutional provisions, financial documents referenced by lawmakers and public actions of the executive since the administration’s inauguration. 

    None of the issues raised, it said, met the standard of grave violation required by Section 188 of the constitution.

    GGAC also linked the development to the broader political tension in the state, noting that the current situation reflects lingering disagreements between political stakeholders.

    “The pattern of events in Rivers State suggests that the impeachment proceedings are not occurring in a political vacuum,” the group said, adding that the atmosphere reflects efforts by various actors to assert influence within state institutions.

    The organisation said that the impeachment appeared to be used in a manner capable of intensifying tensions.

    It cautioned that using the removal process in this way could undermine democratic stability, both within the state and nationally.

    GGAC further noted that several issues listed in the allegations related to administrative decisions that fall within the governor’s lawful authority, adding that no court order had been contravened and no criminal infraction established.

    It also questioned the pace of the proceedings, stating that the timeline raised concerns about due process, adequate response time and the appearance of a predetermined outcome.

    “The rush to impeachment, without sincere effort at dialogue or reconciliation, reinforces the conclusion that the process is punitive rather than corrective,” the statement said.

    The group warned that continuing along the current path could lead to prolonged instability and distract from governance priorities in the oil-producing state.

    It called on lawmakers to suspend the proceedings and pursue dialogue, urging political leaders, elders and civil society organisations to help prevent what it described as an avoidable constitutional dispute.

    GGAC also urged national democratic institutions to monitor developments closely, stressing that impeachment processes should be guided solely by constitutional provisions.

    The group said it will release its full analytical report to lawmakers, stakeholders and the public to support transparency and adherence to due process.

  • Delta elder statesman to governorship aspirants: wait till 2031

    Delta elder statesman to governorship aspirants: wait till 2031

    An elder statesman and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Morrison Olori, has urged anyone nursing a governorship ambition in Delta State to shelve such plans till 2031, when Governor Sheriff Oborevwori would have completed his second term.

    Olori, convener of Ukodo Nation, a grassroots political group, gave the advice while receiving Governor Oborevwori, who was on a courtesy visit to his country home in Ughelli, Delta State.

    He praised the governor’s performance and called for support for his administration.

    According to the renowned businessman, Oborevwori’s performance since assuming office has been spectacular, noting that the impact of governance is being felt across the state and the Urhobo nation in particular.

    “I hosted him because of what he is doing. His performance is spectacular. What he is doing across the state and the Urhobo nation is fantastic.

    “It is that joy that made me host him. Nobody should vote for another person. If anybody has an interest in contesting, he should tone it down so that our digital governor can complete his eight-year tenure,” he said.

    He described the governor as a leader delivering visible results, saying Oborevwori’s achievements have attracted national attention.

    “The President is seeing what he is doing. There is no person in Nigeria that is not see what Governor Sheriff is doing. Governor Sheriff is performing 100 per cent, and he is doing everything possible to move the state forward,” he said.

    Olori also expressed satisfaction at being acknowledged by the governor as one of his strongest supporters, stressing that his backing was driven purely by performance.

    “Everybody knows clearly that I am doing it because of his performance and his activities in Delta,” he said.

    Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive governance, assuring that no ethnic nationality would be sidelined under his administration.

    “No ethnic nationality will be neglected under my administration. I will do more for the people of Delta and ensure that development is spread to all parts of the state,” the governor said.

  • Akwa Ibom, Interaf group sign MoU on deep seaport

    Akwa Ibom, Interaf group sign MoU on deep seaport

    Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to delivering the Ibom Deep Seaport project, a critical infrastructure aimed at boosting the state’s economy and transforming the region.

    Eno stated this during the MoU signing ceremony between the State Government and the consortium in Government House, Uyo.

    Represented by Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Governor Eno emphasised the project’s significance, urging the consortium to work closely with  the  Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation, AKICORP, the government’s representative, to ensure its timely execution.

    The Governor, who said the project is a necessity for the people of the State, added that his administration is fully committed to putting the necessary requirements in place to get it on course.

    Read Also: Akwa Ibom reaffirms authority over Stubbs Creek Reserve

    He commended the organisation for its interest in the project and commended former Petroleum Minister, Atuekong Don Etiebet, for being a part of the team, and for working towards the actualization of the facility in the State.

    Atueokong  Etiebet, scored the Governor high in his visionary and impactful leadership, which, he said, has remarkably transformed the State for the better, and noted that the MoU marks a significant milestone in the project’s development, first conceived in 2007.

    The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Interaf Group Consortium, Engr. Ezinwa Chinedu Ibekwe, appreciated the Government for the confidence reposed in the company, and assured the government of the consortium’s readiness to deliver on its mandate, promising a collaborative approach to ensure the project’s success.

    High-point of the occasion was the official signing of the MoU, between the State Government and Interaf Group Consortium which outlines the modalities and preliminary framework for collaboration in respect of the development and operations of the deep sea port and the Ibom Industrial City.

    At the ceremony were the State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Hon. Uko Udom, SAN,  Managing Director of AKICORP, Pastor Imo-Abasi Jacob; and other government functionaries.

  • Diaspora professionals condemn Rivers Assembly’s impeachment moves against Fubara, Odu

    Diaspora professionals condemn Rivers Assembly’s impeachment moves against Fubara, Odu

    Nigerian professionals in the diaspora have expressed strong support for Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, warning that renewed impeachment proceedings against the duo constitute a destabilising political agenda that undermines democratic governance in the oil-rich state.

    In a statement released on Monday, the Nigerian Diaspora Professionals for Democratic Stability (NDPDS) described the impeachment efforts by the Rivers State House of Assembly as an abuse of legislative power stemming from the protracted political rivalry between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

    The statement was signed by Dr. Chukwudi Nnamani, president of the group, and Mr. Adewale Ogunsiwaju, its secretary.

    “The impeachment threats against Governor Fubara have become cyclical, predictable, and politically motivated. This is no longer about oversight or constitutional accountability; it is about who controls Rivers State’s political structure and resources. A democracy cannot function when impeachment is weaponised as a tool of supremacy rather than a last-resort constitutional remedy,” the group said.

    NDPDS added that the crisis in Rivers State traces back to the breakdown in the political relationship between Fubara and Wike shortly after the governor assumed office, noting that legislative actions since then have largely reflected factional interests rather than public welfare.

    “It is impossible to ignore the context. The House of Assembly has been deeply polarised, with legislative actions reflecting allegiance to external political authority rather than the electorate. No democracy should tolerate a situation where a sitting governor is subjected to perpetual threats of removal for refusing to submit to political godfathers,” the group said.

    The diaspora professionals warned that continued impeachment attempts could undermine governance, scare investors and deepen institutional instability in a state critical to Nigeria’s economic survival.

    “Rivers State is not a playground for political brinkmanship. It is a strategic economic nerve centre, and governance cannot be held hostage to unresolved elite power struggles. Every impeachment threat sends a negative signal to investors, development partners and citizens who expect stability, not chaos,” the statement added.

    The group also defended Fubara’s conduct in office, arguing that policy disagreements or political realignments do not meet the constitutional threshold of gross misconduct.

    “Disagreement is not a crime. Independence is not misconduct. A governor asserting constitutional authority should not be treated as a rebel. The threshold for impeachment is deliberately high because the framers of the constitution understood the danger of legislative overreach,” the group noted.

    The statement added that the diaspora community is watching the developments with concern, warning that repeated impeachment plots erode confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

    “When impeachment becomes routine rather than exceptional, democracy is weakened. What is happening in Rivers should worry every Nigerian, because it sets a precedent where electoral mandates can be endlessly undermined through legislative pressure,” the statement said.

    The group called on political leaders, the judiciary, and stakeholders to prioritise dialogue and constitutional restraint, urging the Rivers assembly to step back from actions that could plunge the state into a deeper crisis.

    “The mandate of the people must be respected. Rivers State deserves governance, not perpetual political warfare,” the statement added.