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  • Rivers peace efforts yielding positive results, says Fubara

    Rivers peace efforts yielding positive results, says Fubara

    • …Governor to rehabilitate roads, schools in Deputy’s hometown

    Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has appraised the ongoing peace efforts in the state saying it is yielding the desired results.

    The governor insisted that genuine development could only thrive in an atmosphere of unity and stability.

    Fubara spoke on Saturday at a civic reception in honour of the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, held at Government Secondary School in Akabuka community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA).

    The governor in a statement signed by his ChiefPressSecretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, said he was encouraged by growing signs of unity and reconciliation across the state and urged citizens to embrace peace fully.

    He said: “We can’t develop in an environment of chaos. We can’t attract any project to Akabuka when there is a problem. Our disposition has always been towards maintaining peace because it is the only way we can move forward”.

    Fubara reflected on the political turbulence of the past two years, but said the return of normalcy had opened a new chapter for progress.

    Read Also: Diri, Fubara, Dauda, Dickson, others to get First Daily Excellence Awards

    He observed that political actors, who once refused to share the same space had started attending events together, describing the development as “evidence that peace has truly returned to Rivers state.”

    Fubara announced immediate plans to begin rehabilitation of internal roads and the renovation of Government Secondary School, Akabuka, the venue of the reception.

    “As soon as we leave here, the process for assessing the internal roads will commence. The Ministry of Education will also inspect this school, and we will take prompt action,” he said.

    Fubara thanked the Minister of FCT, Chief Nyesom Wike, for the role he played in his emergence, saying hr would not take it for granted.

    He also commended traditional rulers, youths, women and political stakeholders for their peaceful disposition, unity of purpose, and for standing by his Deputy.

    In her remarks, the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, said the reception left her overwhelmed and grateful, describing the turnout as a testament to the peace, unity and love in her community.

    She thanked Fubara, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, and former Governor, Dr Peter Odili, for the roles they played in her public service journey.

    Odu highlighted cultural symbols at the event, such as a 21-cannon salute and the rare outing of Ebukele, a traditional performance said to appear only once in a decade, as “proof of Akabuka’s deep appreciation and respect for the governor.”

    She praised Governor Fubara as “a man of peace, “who talks less and acts more.”

    Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Jason Osai, described Odu as “a delightful personality who has brought honour to Akabuka,” while ONELGA Chairman, Shedrack Ogbogu, said the celebration marked the beginning of wider recognition for the Deputy Governor in the LGA.

  • Rivers peace yielding positive results, says Fubara 

    Rivers peace yielding positive results, says Fubara 

    Rivers m Governor Siminalayi Fubara has appraised the ongoing peace efforts in the State saying it is yielding the desired results.

    The governor insisted that genuine development could only thrive in an atmosphere of unity and stability.

    Fubara spoke on Saturday at a civic reception in honour of the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, held at Government Secondary School in Akabuka community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA).

    The Governor in a statement by his ChiefPressSecretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, said he was encouraged by growing signs of unity and reconciliation across the state and urged citizens to embrace peace fully.

    He said: “We can’t develop in an environment of chaos. We can’t attract any project to Akabuka when there is a problem. Our disposition has always been towards maintaining peace because it is the only way we can move forward”.

    Fubara reflected on the political turbulence of the past two years, but said the return of normalcy had opened a new chapter for progress.

     He observed that political actors, who once refused to share the same space had started attending events together, describing the development as “evidence that peace has truly returned to Rivers state.”

    Fubara announced immediate plans to begin rehabilitation of internal roads and the renovation of Government Secondary School, Akabuka, the venue of the reception.

    “As soon as we leave here, the process for assessing the internal roads will commence. The Ministry of Education will also inspect this school, and we will take prompt action,” he said.

    Fubara thanked the Minister of FCT, Chief Nyesom Wike, for the role he played in his emergence, saying hr would not take it for granted. 

    He also commended traditional rulers, youths, women and political stakeholders for their peaceful disposition, unity of purpose, and for standing by his Deputy.

    Read Also:Diri, Fubara, Dauda, Dickson, others to get First Daily Excellence Awards

    In her remarks, the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, said the reception left her overwhelmed and grateful, describing the turnout as a testament to the peace, unity and love in her community.

    She thanked Fubara, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, and former Governor, Dr Peter Odili, for the roles they played in her public service journey.

    Odu highlighted cultural symbols at the event, such as a 21-cannon salute and the rare outing of Ebukele, a traditional performance said to appear only once in a decade, as “proof of Akabuka’s deep appreciation and respect for the governor.” 

    She praised Governor Fubara as “a man of peace, “who talks less and acts more.”

    Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Jason Osai, described Odu as “a delightful personality who has brought honour to Akabuka,” while ONELGA Chairman, Shedrack Ogbogu, said the celebration marked the beginning of wider recognition for the Deputy Governor in the LGA.

  • I hold no grudges against anyone, Fubara declares

    I hold no grudges against anyone, Fubara declares

    Rivers State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that he holds no grudges against anybody after the reconciliation that followed the political crisis in the state.

    The governor also pledged to give necessary support to ensure an independent and effective justice system in the state.

    Fubara gave the assurance while formally declaring open the 2025/2026 Legal Year during a special Court Session at the State High Court Complex in Port Harcourt yesterday.

    The governor declared that the political crisis was now over, with all parties fully reconciled, and his administration back on its feet, affirming that he held no grudges or ill feelings toward anyone.

    He stated that the administration had been re-energised and had resumed the implementation of people-centric policies, programmes, and projects with greater determination to achieve the developmental milestones set to enhance the well-being of the people of Rivers State.

    READ ALSO: No plans to join APC, says Lawal

    Fubara reiterated his commitment to work with the State House of Assembly, the Judiciary, and other stakeholders to recover lost ground, sustain peace and accelerate development of the state.

    He also appreciated the Chief Judge for providing functional, effective leadership, exceptional courage, and an unwavering determination to ensure justice is served to all who seek the aid of the courts.

    He expressed satisfaction not only with the event’s success but also with the Bar and Bench’s commitment to advancing the integrity of the judicial system.

    The governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi said that the Rivers State Judiciary ranked among the best in Nigeria, adding that it featured some of the brightest judicial minds,  who courageously interpreted and applied the law with a high sense of justice.

    He reminded the lawyers, that as ministers in the temple of justice, they were  under oath to conduct themselves honestly in their practice of the law before the courts, to uphold the rule of law and advance the course of justice at all times.

    “Similarly, every judge is under a judicial oath to provide equal justice to all persons according to law to the best of their knowledge and ability without fear, favour, or affection”, he said.

    He stressed that the judicial oath was not composed of mere words but demanded judges to act with moral courage to resist pressure, and ensure that both friends and foes had access to equal and impartial justice.

    He requested that all courts, inferior or superior, should perform their duties with courage, adjudicate and interpret the laws and cases in ways to promote substantial justice, democracy, and citizens’ fundamental rights.

    In his remarks, Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, highlighted the absence of a Committee on Prerogative of Mercy in the state, which, he said had contributed significantly to congestion in custodial centres.

    He noted that the non-reduction of sentences for inmates, including 493 male and 15 female death-row prisoners, was beyond the Chief Judge’s powers, and called for government intervention.

    He thanked the governor for the support given to the judiciary so far, and solicited more encouragement to reduce the pressures judicial officers face in the performance of their duties.

    Also speaking, Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Port Harcourt Branch, Mrs. Cordelia Eke, said the 2024–2025 legal year began with optimism but was soon overshadowed by political and institutional turbulence.

    She noted that the state of emergency and suspension of key elected officials disrupted democratic governance and tested the resilience of the justice system.

     “The absence of an Attorney General caused serious delays in justice delivery, unprocessed legal applications, and financial losses,” Eke stated.

    According to her, the situation underscored the urgent need to fortify laws that protect institutions and ensure that the justice system continues to function even in difficult times.

    Speaking on behalf of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), Chief Onueze Okocha (SAN), expressed concern over the battered image of the Judiciary, lamenting that many Nigerians had  lost faith in the courts due to inconsistent judgments and prolonged case delays.

    He urged judges to resist personal interests that could influence their professional conduct, calling for renewed integrity and faster dispensation of justice.

    Earlier in his homily during the thanksgiving service, Apostolic Administrator, Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt, Right Reverend Patrick S. Eluke, urged members of the legal profession to uphold moral and spiritual integrity in their practice, reminding them of their “sacred duty” to ensure that justice reflects honesty, compassion, and fairness.

    He cautioned against hypocrisy, rivalry, and unhealthy competition within the legal profession, stressing that true justice must protect the vulnerable and remain unswayed by material or political influence.

    He further called on elected leaders to demonstrate patriotism and accountability to the people who entrusted them with power, noting that democracy and justice thrive only where integrity and fairness prevail.

    Highlights of the event were presentation of gifts to the Governor, his Deputy, Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Martin Amaewhule, and the Chief Judge; as well as prayers for the Government, the Judiciary, the State and the country.

  • I hold no grudges against anyone – Fubara

    I hold no grudges against anyone – Fubara

    Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara has declared that he holds no grudges against anybody after the reconciliation that followed the political crisis in the state.

    The Governor also pledged to give necessary support to ensure an independent and effective justice system in the state.

    Fubara gave the assurance while formally declaring open the 2025/2026 Legal Year during a special Court Session at the State High Court Complex in Port Harcourt on Friday.

    The Governor declared that the political crisis was over with all parties fully reconciled and his administration back on its feet, affirming that he held no grudges or ill feelings toward anyone.

    He stated that the administration had been re-energised and had resumed the implementation of people-centric policies, programmes, and projects with greater determination to achieve the developmental milestones set to enhance the well-being of the people of Rivers State.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria to add about 130 million people by 2050, says World Bank

    Fubara reiterated his commitment to work with the State House of Assembly, the Judiciary, and other stakeholders to recover lost ground, sustain peace and accelerate development of the state.

    He also appreciated the Chief Judge for providing functional, effective leadership, exceptional courage, and an unwavering determination to ensure justice is served to all who seek the aid of the courts.

    He expressed satisfaction not only with the event’s success but also with the Bar and Bench’s commitment to advancing the integrity of the judicial system.

    The Governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi said that the Rivers State Judiciary ranked among the best in Nigeria, adding that it featured some of the brightest judicial minds, who courageously interpreted and applied the law with a high sense of justice.

    He reminded the lawyers, that as ministers in the temple of justice, they were under oath to conduct themselves honestly in their practice of the law before the courts, to uphold the rule of law and advance the course of justice at all times.

    “Similarly, every judge is under a judicial oath to provide equal justice to all persons according to law to the best of their knowledge and ability without fear, favour, or affection”, he said.

    He stressed that the judicial oath was not composed of mere words but demanded judges to act with moral courage to resist pressure, and ensure that both friends and foes had access to equal and impartial justice.

    He requested that all courts, inferior or superior, should perform their duties with courage, adjudicate and interpret the laws and cases in ways to promote substantial justice, democracy, and citizens’ fundamental rights.

    In his remarks, Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, highlighted the absence of a Committee on Prerogative of Mercy in the state, which, he said had contributed significantly to congestion in custodial centres.

    He noted that the non-reduction of sentences for inmates, including 493 male and 15 female death-row prisoners, was beyond the Chief Judge’s powers, and called for government intervention.

    He thanked the governor for the support given to the judiciary so far, and solicited more encouragement to reduce the pressures judicial officers face in the performance of their duties.

    Also speaking, Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Port Harcourt Branch, Mrs. Cordelia Eke, said the 2024–2025 legal year began with optimism but was soon overshadowed by political and institutional turbulence.

    She noted that the state of emergency and suspension of key elected officials disrupted democratic governance and tested the resilience of the justice system.

    “The absence of an Attorney General caused serious delays in justice delivery, unprocessed legal applications, and financial losses,” Eke stated.

    According to her, the situation underscored the urgent need to fortify laws that protect institutions and ensure that the justice system continues to function even in difficult times.

    Speaking on behalf of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), Chief Onueze Okocha (SAN), expressed concern over the battered image of the Judiciary, lamenting that many Nigerians had lost faith in the courts due to inconsistent judgments and prolonged case delays.

    He urged judges to resist personal interests that could influence their professional conduct, calling for renewed integrity and faster dispensation of justice.

    Earlier in his homily during the thanksgiving service, Apostolic Administrator, Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt, Right Reverend Patrick S. Eluke, urged members of the legal profession to uphold moral and spiritual integrity in their practice, reminding them of their “sacred duty” to ensure that justice reflects honesty, compassion, and fairness.

    He cautioned against hypocrisy, rivalry, and unhealthy competition within the legal profession, stressing that true justice must protect the vulnerable and remain unswayed by material or political influence.

    He further called on elected leaders to demonstrate patriotism and accountability to the people who entrusted them with power, noting that democracy and justice thrive only where integrity and fairness prevail.

  • Fubara swears in Anabraba as SSG

    Fubara swears in Anabraba as SSG

    Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has inaugurated a new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Benibo Anabraba, to replace Dr. Tammy Danagogo.

    The Nation gathered that the replacement of Danagogo was in line with the new peace agreement that ended the political crisis in the state.

    Danagogo was SSG during the second term of former Governor, Nyesom Wike and retained the position under Fubara till the declaration of emergency rule in the state.

    Inaugurating Anabraba yesterday at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Fubara described him as a former Minority Leader in the Rivers State House of Assembly and one of his former commissioners.

    Addressing Anabraba, the governor said: “Within the period we worked together, you did well as a very dedicated person. So, this opportunity is not to display power or a show of the size of office but a call to duty.

    Read Also: Dangote cautions against using ‘cry of monopoly’ to discourage indigenous investment

    “We are just coming from a very bad position; so, we need to reassure the people of Rivers that we mean well for them, especially now that peace has returned to the state.”

    Fubara congratulated the new SSG, stating that his position is a rare privilege advising him to guard his office with honour.

    He said: “So, my charge is very simple. God has brought you in at this particular time to be the Secretary to the Government of Rivers State. It is a rare opportunity. We can count the number of SSGs we have had from the inception of Rivers State, but you can’t count the number of commissioners. They are too many.

    “It is a position of honour. So, guard that office with honour. Discharge your duties with respect and protect the interests of Rivers State so that when you leave the office, it will be with honour. You can only leave with honour when you discharge your duties responsibly.”

  • UPDATED: Fubara drops Danagogo, inaugurates new SSG

    UPDATED: Fubara drops Danagogo, inaugurates new SSG

    Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara has inaugurated a new Secretary to State Government (SSG), Benibo Anabraba to replace Dr Tammy Danagogo.

    It was gathered the replacement of Danagogo was in line with the new peace agreement that ended the political crisis in the state.

    Danagogo was an SSG during the second term of former Governor, Nyesom Wike and retained the position in Fubara’s administration till the declaration of emergency rule in the state.

    Fubara, while inaugurating Anabraba at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Monday, identified him as a former Minority Leader of the Rivers House of Assembly and one of his former commissioners.

    Addressing Anabraba, the Governor said: “Within the period we worked together, you did well as a very dedicated person. So, this opportunity is not to display power or a show of the size of office, but a call to duty. 

    Read Also: NAEE commends Tinubu’s macroeconomic policies, urges protection for vulnerable Nigerians

    “We are just coming from a very bad position, so we need to reassure the people of Rivers that we mean well for them especially now that peace has returned to the state”.

    While congratulating the new SSG, Fubara described his position as a rare privilege advising him to guard his office with honour.

    He said: “So, my charge is very simple. God has brought you in at this particular time to be the Secretary to the Government of Rivers State. It is a rare opportunity. We can count the number of SSGs we have had from the inception of Rivers State but you can’t count  number of commissions, they are too many. 

    “It is a position of honour, so guard that office with honour. Discharge your duties with respect, and protect the interest of Rivers State, so that when you are leaving the office, it will be with honour. You can only leave with honour when you discharge your duties responsibly”.

  • We will complete 62.6km P/Harcourt ring road project, says Fubara

    We will complete 62.6km P/Harcourt ring road project, says Fubara

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has vowed that his administration will complete the 62.650km Port Harcourt Ring Road project, despite the setbacks.

    The governor, in a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, gave the assurance during an inspection of the project on Monday.

    He emphasised that the state government remained resolute in its determination to deliver the massive infrastructure for public use.

    Speaking at the Eneka Flyover axis of the project, Fubara said that his visit was to verify the level of compliance and commitment shown by the construction firm, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.

    The governor noted that discussions with the contractor had been ongoing to ensure that work resumed at full capacity after a period of financial challenges that affected the project’s continuity.

    He said, “You are aware that this project was, I won’t say abandoned, but somehow, for lack of funds, the contractor withdrew from the site.

    READ ALSO; CREDICORP wins “Consumer Credit Access Company of the Year”

    “We have been discussing with them, and they gave me their word that although we have not finished all the discussions, they have already moved back to the site, and I’m here to confirm that.”

    The governor described the Port Harcourt Ring Road project, traversing six local government areas, as one of the most significant infrastructures in the state’s history.

    He noted that its completion would not only ease traffic congestion in the capital city but would also stimulate economic activities across multiple local government areas.

    Fubara reiterated his administration’s resolve to continue prioritizing infrastructural development as a foundation for economic growth and social progress.

    He said, “I want to make this promise to our good people of Rivers State, this project that we started, by the special grace of God, we are going to complete it. We owe our people a responsibility to deliver on our commitments, and this project will not be an exception”.

  • BREAKING: Fubara appoints new SSG

    BREAKING: Fubara appoints new SSG

    Rivers Governor Siminalaye Fubara has appointed Benibo Anabraba as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

    The appointment was announced in a statement on Monday by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr  Honour Sirawoo.

    The statement reads: “His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State, has approved the appointment of Hon Benibo Anabraba as Secretary to the Rivers State Government. 

    “The new Secretary to Rivers State Government will be sworn in by His Excellency, on Monday, October 13, 2025, by 4pm at the State Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt”.

    Details Shortly…

  • Fubara hails Tinubu for granting posthumous pardon to Ogoni 9, honors to Ogoni 4

    Fubara hails Tinubu for granting posthumous pardon to Ogoni 9, honors to Ogoni 4

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting a posthumous pardon to the Ogoni 9 and conferring National Honours on the Ogoni 4.

    Speaking at Government House, Port Harcourt, Fubara commended the President for recognising the sacrifices of the Ogoni 9 — Ken Saro-Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gboko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine — for their exemplary service to Nigeria and contribution to reconciliation within the Ogoni community.

    He also lauded Tinubu for bestowing National Honours on Chiefs Albert Badey, Edward Kobani, Samuel Orage, and Theophilus Orage, describing the gesture as a mark of respect for their patriotism and efforts toward unity in Ogoniland.

    READ ALSO: Amupitan: From academia to umpire

    In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, the governor said the Rivers State Government was grateful to President Tinubu, the Council of State, and Nigerians for recognising the patriotism and sacrifices of the Ogoni 13.

    Fubara noted that the Presidential Pardon and National Honours would foster genuine reconciliation, strengthen peace and unity among the Ogoni people, and accelerate sustainable development in the state.

    He assured the President of his administration’s full commitment to the total reconciliation and progress of Ogoniland, expressing optimism that the move would restore confidence and renew hope among the people.

    The governor urged Ogoni residents to embrace the Federal Government’s decision as a vital step toward addressing long-standing concerns of the communities and called on them to align with government policies and programmes to achieve collective growth and development.

  • Fire outbreak will fast-track plan to rehabilitate Rivers secretariat – Fubara

    Fire outbreak will fast-track plan to rehabilitate Rivers secretariat – Fubara

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said that the recent fire incident at a section of the state secretariat in Port Harcourt will accelerate his administration’s plans to rehabilitate the complex.

    Fubara, who visited the site on Tuesday to assess the extent of the damage, described the incident as unfortunate, noting that it affected an area that served as a crèche for the babies of civil servants.

    According to a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, the fire partly destroyed the section of the building but was quickly contained.

    The governor was received at the Secretariat Complex by a large crowd of civil servants, the Head of Service, and several permanent secretaries, including the newly sworn-in Mr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart.

    Fubara expressed gratitude to God that no life was lost, noting that the damage was confined to a small portion of the facility.

    “I came here this morning to see for myself what happened yesterday. It’s really unfortunate, but we give God all the glory that no life was lost and the damage was only in one section,” he said.

    READ ALSO; Nigeria’s non-interest capital market hits N1.6tr

    The governor explained that the incident would serve as a wake-up call to fast-track the planned renovation and refurbishing of the Secretariat Complex, which had been under consideration by his administration.

    He said, “We’ve been talking about the renovation of our foremost secretariat. With this particular incident, there should be no further delay. Whatever is required by this government to commence that process, we will immediately swing into action.”

    Fubara commended the State Fire Service firefighters for their prompt response, noting that previous investments made by his administration in the three fire service stations proved invaluable in containing the situation.

    “Before the emergency rule, we took our time to invest in the fire service. I wonder what would have happened if we didn’t have a formidable and functional fire service,” he said

    He also appreciated civil servants for their dedication, resilience and continued support, reiterating his administration’s commitment to initiatives that will enhance their welfare and promote the well-being of all Rivers people.

    “We’ll continue to do those things that will uplift Rivers people and make them happy,” the governie said.