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  • Fubara, Wike, Rivers elders meet to strengthen reconciliation

    Fubara, Wike, Rivers elders meet to strengthen reconciliation

    • Ehie’s return as CoS foreclosed

    Efforts to reconcile factions within the Rivers State political family gained momentum at the weekend as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and members of the Rivers Elders Council met in Port Harcourt.

    The meeting, which also had the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, in attendance, was convened at the instance of the Elders Council led by Chief Ferdinand Alabraba.

    It was described as a major step toward full unification of Wike’s political family in the state.

    Sources said discussions centred on consolidating peace and resolving grey areas in earlier reconciliation efforts.

    Governor Fubara was reportedly advised to hold consultations with the elders, lawmakers, and the PDP leadership before an enlarged stakeholders’ meeting.

    One of the highlights of the meeting was the resolution concerning Edison Ehie’s position as Chief of Staff to the governor, whose return to the position, a source said, was foreclosed.

    Fubara was also advised to hold further consultations with the Elders Council, members of the State House of Assembly, and the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

    He was also said to have apologised to anyone he might have offended.

    Read Also: Wike, Fubara, Amaewhule, Rivers elders, others meet in Port Harcourt

    The Media Aide to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, who shared photos from the meeting, said it signified that “the political family is fully united.”

    It was learnt that the parley paved the way for the governor to send a new list of commissioner-nominees to the House of Assembly.

    Also present were members of the Rivers caucus in the National Assembly and several prominent politicians, including APC South-South Chairman Victor Giadom, who reportedly described the gathering as a “rainbow coalition” led by Wike ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Others at the meeting included Senators Magnus Abe, Barry Mpigi, George Sekibo, and Olaka Nwogu; Deputy Speaker of the Rivers Assembly, Dumle Maol; and Chief Sergeant Awuse.

    Former Attorneys-General of the state — Frank Owhor, Ken Chikere, Worgu Boms, and Prof. Zacchaeus Adango (SAN) — were also in attendance, alongside PDP Chairman Chief Chukwuemeka Aaron, former Minister of Environment Udi Odum, and former Speaker Ikuinyi Ibani.

    Federal appointees from Rivers State, such as Emma Deeyah (HYPREP), Dr. Chinyere Igwe (Ignatius Ajuru University), Chief Boma Iyaye (NDDC), Chief Chukwuemeka Woke (NOSDRA), and Dr. Fred Kpakol (HYPREP), also attended.

  • Wike, Fubara, Amaewhule, Rivers elders, others meet in Port Harcourt

    Wike, Fubara, Amaewhule, Rivers elders, others meet in Port Harcourt

    …declares full reconciliation of Rivers political family

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, held a closed-door meeting in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Saturday night.

    Also in attendance were members of the Rivers State Elders Council, led by Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, and the Rivers caucus in the National Assembly.

    The meeting, described as the full unification of Wike’s political family in Rivers, was seen as a major step toward ending the long-standing political rift in the state.

    Read Also: High point of Nigeria’s participation at UNGA 80

    Pictures from the meeting were shared on Facebook by the Media Aide to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, who, however, did not disclose details of the discussions.

    Olayinka simply noted that the gathering signified that the political family in Rivers State is now fully united.

    He wrote, “FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, Chairman of the Rivers State Elders Council, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule and other leaders in a meeting in Port Harcourt yesterday. The Political Family is fully united.”

  • Fubara dissolves Microfinance Board appointed by Ibas

    Fubara dissolves Microfinance Board appointed by Ibas

    The Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has dissolved another board, the Rivers State Microfinance Agency, inaugurated by the former Sole Administrator of the state, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd).

    The dissolution occurred about two days after Fubara disbanded the Rivers Pension Board and directed the state’s Accountant-General to take charge of the board’s activities till further notice.

    The recently dissolved Microfinance Board was among the eight agencies inaugurated in one fell swoop by Ibas on August 14th with Prof. Adolphus Toby named as the Chairman.

    The governor in a  statement signed by the Head of Service, Dr Inyingi Brown, appointed Pastor Jonathan Tobin to act as the Managing Director of the Agency.

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    The statement said: “The Rivers State Governor hereby announces the dissolution of the Board of the Rivers State Microfinance Agency and the immediate appointment of Pastor Jonathan Tobin as the Acting Managing Director of the Agency.

    “Consequently, members of the defunct Board are advised by this notice to hand over all properties and assets of the Board in their possession to the Acting Managing Director of the Agency.

    “His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara will in due course reconstitute the Board.”

  • Some perm secretaries compromised due process during emergency, says Fubara

    Some perm secretaries compromised due process during emergency, says Fubara

    • Governor inaugurates new Perm Sec in first appointment after emergency

    Rivera State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reflected on past challenges during the period of emergency saying some permanent secretaries in the state failed to uphold due process and professionalism.

    The governor spoke while inaugurating a new Permanent Secretary, Mr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, in his first appointment since resuming office after the emergency rule.

    Fubara charged the permanent secretary to remain unwavering in professionalism, uphold the values of the civil service, and shun any act of illegality in the discharge of his responsibilities.

    The governor during the swearing in ceremony held at the Executive Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt, also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to due process and integrity, stressing that the civil service must remain the backbone of good governance.

    Read Also: Fubara sacks appointees affected by Supreme Court’s judgement 

    Fubara in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, lamented that some Permanent Secretaries engaged in actions that undermined the principles of the service.

    He warned that such conduct was unacceptable and that erring officials would ultimately be held accountable.

    The governor praised Mr. Ezekiel-Hart for his professionalism and refusal to compromise his integrity despite pressures, noting that his steadfastness and principled stance earned him the new appointment.

    He pointed out that the appointee’s colleagues could attest to his record of doing the right thing even in difficult circumstances.

    Fubara further emphasised that civil servants must remain consistent in their service, prioritising truth, fairness, and due process above personal or political interests.

    He stressed that no directive, regardless of its source, should override established rules and procedures, assuring that his administration would never pressure officers to act outside the law.

    The governor reiterated that his government was more focused on tangible results than on rhetoric, adding that all appointments were based strictly on merit, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to service.

    The governor explained that Mr. Ezekiel-Hart’s elevation reflected his choice to stand as a true professional, and that his administration expected every official to act rightly so that history would judge them well.

    Fubara urged the new Permanent Secretary to justify his elevation with improved performance, reminding him of the greater responsibilities attached to the office, while assuring him of the government’s full support.

  • JUST IN: Fubara dissolves Microfinance Board appointed by Ibas

    JUST IN: Fubara dissolves Microfinance Board appointed by Ibas

    …makes fresh appointment

    The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dissolved another board, the Rivers State Microfinance Agency, inaugurated by the former Sole Administrator of the state, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd).

    The dissolution occurred about two days after Fubara disbanded the Rivers Pension Board and directed the state’s Accountant-General to take charge of the board’s activities till further notice.

    The recently dissolved Microfinance Board was among the eight agencies inaugurated in one fell swoop by Ibas on August 14th, with Prof. Adolphus Toby named as the Chairman.

    The governor, in a statement signed by the Head of Service, Dr Inyingi Brown, appointed Pastor Jonathan Tobin to act as the Managing Director of the Agency.

    READ ALSO: I thought Boko Haram will end under Buhari, says Jonathan

    The statement said, “The Rivers State Governor hereby announces the dissolution of the Board of the Rivers State Microfinance Agency and the immediate appointment of Pastor Jonathan Tobin as the Acting Managing Director of the Agency.

    “Consequently, members of the defunct Board are by this notice to hand over all properties and assets of the Board in their possession to the Acting Managing Director of the Agency.

    “His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, will in due course reconstitute the Board”.

  • Fubara fires pre-suspension executive council

    Fubara fires pre-suspension executive council

    • Rivers’ governor rallies support for Tinubu

    Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara is set to send his list of commissioner-nominees to the House of Assembly, it was learnt yesterday.

    He is likely to appoint the Secretary to the State Government and Chief of Staff in the next few days, it was further gathered.

    Sources said because of the need to pave way for this step, he yesterday fired his pre-suspension executive council.

    He announced the decision during a valedictory session, which coincided with the 65th Independence anniversary party at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

    A statement signed by his spokesman Nelson Chukwudi said Fubara relieved all the commissioners and other public office holders affected by the Supreme Court judgment of their appointments during the event.

    Read Also: Akpabio to Tinubu: prepare to receive more opposition governors into APC

    The statement reads: “The governor has relieved all Commissioners and other public officers affected by the recent Supreme Court judgment of their appointments with immediate effect”.

    The governor called on all stakeholders to work with President Bola Tinubu in building a peaceful, secured and prosperous country.

    The governor also thanked members of his Executive Council for their services and contributions to the development of the state in the last two years.

    “He (Fubara) called on all Nigerians to work together with Mr President to build a peaceful, secure and prosperous country and a brighter future for all,” the statement said.

    The governor also reiterated his commitment to serve the state with renewed vigor and thanked all citizens for their support, and wished all Nigerians a happy Independence anniversary.

    In its February 28 judgment, the apex court among others declared the three-man factional House of Assembly led by Victor Oko-Jumbo as an unlawful assembly.

    The court, while recognising the 27-member House of Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule as the only authentic legislative arm of government, nullified all legislative decisions made in favour of Fubara during the crisis, including the passage of budgets; screenings and confirmations of commissioners and other public office holders.

    It was gathered that over 19 of Fubara’s commissioners, whose appointments were screened and confirmed by Oko-Jumbo-led House, were affected by the Supreme Court’s judgment.

    The judgment rendered the appointment of Iboroma Dagogo, SAN, who was screened and confirmed as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice invalid.

    Other commissioners affected by the judgment are: Charles O. Beke, Collins Onunwo, Solomon Eke, Peter Medee, Elloka Tasie-Amadi, Basoene Joshua Benibo, Tambari Sydney Gbara and Ovy Orluideye Chinendum Chukwuma.

    Others are: Illamu Arugu, Rowland Obed Whyte, Samuel Anya, Samuel Eyiba, Austin Emeka Nnadozie, Israel Ngbuelu, Evans Bipi, Otamiri Ngubo, Benibo Alabraba and Emmanuel Frank-Fubara, suffered a similar fate.

    It was learnt last night that the governor could consider the inclusion of some of them in the list of fresh nominees he was preparing to send to the House of Assembly.

  • Fubara resolves NULGE-LGA labour dispute in Rivers 

    Fubara resolves NULGE-LGA labour dispute in Rivers 

    Union suspends strike 

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has resolved the labour dispute between the Emohua Local Government Area and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in the state.

    Fubara’s intervention followed the declaration of seven-day warning strike in all the 23 local government areas to protest the refusal of the state Chairman, Dr Chidi Lloyd to suspend the salaries of about 300 workers in his council.

    The governor reportedly summoned Lloyd and the state leadership of NULGE to a meeting in Government House where he brokered a peace deal between the warring parties.

    Speaking after the meeting, Lloyd thanked the state governor for his intervention saying Fubara issued a clear directive that brought them on the same page.

    He said, “I have to in a very special way thank the Governor of Rivers State for his intervention in what would have been a disagreement between NULGE and management of Emohua Local Government Area 

    “The governor has issued very clear directives and we are all on the same page. He has further directed that the Council and the Local Government Service Commission should take it further. We will come out very soon with all that we have agreed. 

    Read Also: Fubara dissolves Rivers Pension Board inaugurated by Ibas

    “I also thank the President of NULGE for appealing to his workers to call off the strike. We will move forward, it is nothing personal, we just want to ensure transparency in the system. I want to commend the governor for being on the side of transparency”.

    In his remarks, NULGE President, Rivers State, Clifford Paul, said the governor directed that the matter should be handled harmoniously.

    “So, on behalf of the State Council of NULGE I enjoin all our members to resume work. All the branch chairmen and the state officers are hereby directed to call off the strike”, he said.

    The Chairman of the state Local Government Service Commission, Mr. Israel Amadi, commended the governor for his intervention. 

    “His Excellency has given his mandate and we want to use this opportunity to thank him for intervening. And we hope that everything that we have discussed and resolved will be implemented as we also thank NULGE for their collaboration and cooperation”, he said.

  • Loyalists intensify lobbying as Fubara moves to pick commissioners

    Loyalists intensify lobbying as Fubara moves to pick commissioners

    •Gov dissolves Rivers Pension Board inaugurated by Ibas

    Core loyalists of the Rivers State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, have intensified lobbying to be included in the list of commissioner-nominees to be forwarded to the State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

    It was gathered that some of the sacked local government chairmen, such as Amb. Chijoke  Ihunwo and Ichemati Ezebunwo, and a former factional Speaker of the abolished illegal three-man House of Assembly, Victor Oko-Jumbo, were among those jostling to be included in the list.

    But sources said their possibility of making the list was slim because of the active roles they played during the crisis.

    Ihunwo, a sacked Local Government Chairman of Obio-Akpor, the Local Government Area of the FCT, Abuja Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, was brutal in his anti-Wike campaign during the crisis.

    He publicly pulled down Wike’s sculpture and erased the minister’s name from one of the buildings christened after him in the council’s secretariat.

    But other sources said apart from massive mobilisation for Fubara during the crisis, Ezebunwo, the sacked local government chairman of Port Harcourt City, did not embark on any frontal attack against the minister.

    It was learnt that if anybody was to be considered for appointment, Ezebunwo, popularly known as Sugar Mayor, could be allowed to make the list.

    But some believed that abandoning Oko-Jumbo would be unfair, especially as he sacrificed his membership of the House of Assembly on account of his loyalty to the governor.

    A principal worker at the House of Assembly, who spoke in confidence, said it would be nearly impossible for the trio to make the list of commissioners because of their roles in the crisis.

    The source said to avoid embarrassment, the governor must harmonise his list with his political family, led by Chief Wike.

     He suggested that the harmonisation was ongoing as the governor and most of the lawmakers were in Abuja.

    He said: “The governor has learnt a lot from the crisis. He is wiser now and will not want anything that will bring friction between him and members of the assembly.

    “The names they are mentioning; it will be very difficult for them to make the list because of the active roles they played during the crisis. But as a wise man, the governor will present whatever list he has to his political family for harmonisation.

    “If he doesn’t do that and he presents a list, the lawmakers will scrutinise it and delete persons they deem unqualified from the list. The lawmakers cannot accept whatever list the governor sends to them unless the list contains harmonised names.

    “But if during harmonisation, the family accepts Ezebunwo, Ihunwo and Oko-Jumbo, then they will surely scale through the screening.”

    The source also clarified some of the resolutions reached by the lawmakers during their first post-emergency rule plenary, explaining that there was no plan to probe the former Sole Administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd).

    Read Also: Shettima meets UN Chief, pushes Nigeria’s bid for permanent security council seat

    He said: “In that resolution, the lawmakers only wanted to know how the state was governed during the six-month emergency. You know they were not part of the governance; they only wanted Fubara, being the leader of the executive, to give them an idea of what transpired since Ibas handed over to him. Therefore, there was no plan to probe Ibas.”

    The source further clarified that the lawmakers only asked the governor to get a copy of the budget passed for the state by the House of Assembly.

    “They wanted to see the items covered by the budget and if there are other important or essential items not covered by the budget, the governor can bring a supplementary budget to cover them.”

    Meanwhile, Fubara has approved the immediate dissolution of the Rivers State Pensions Board (RSPB).

     The board was inaugurated by the former Sole Administrator of the state, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), on September 12, before the end of the emergency rule in the state.

     Ibas had been tasked to resolve the state’s long-standing pension crisis, among others.

     But the governor, in a statement signed by the Head of Service, Dr Inyingi Brown, disbanded the board and said the Office of the Accountant General would henceforth handle the functions of the board.

     The statement said: “Members of the defunct board are by this notice advised to hand over all properties and assets of the board in their possession to the Director of Administration of the Board.

     “His Excellency, the Executive Governor, will in due course constitute a new board to manage the affairs of  pensions.”

  • Fubara: I’ve made peace with Wike, we’re working together

    Fubara: I’ve made peace with Wike, we’re working together

    Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara declared that he has reconciled with his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, stressing they are back in alignment.

    Speaking to journalists after meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House in Abuja, Fubara said his visit was to formally inform the President of his return to office following the expiration of the proclaimed state of emergency on his state.

    “You’re aware that suspension was lifted midnight 17th, and I came in on the 19th. Ideally, it’s proper for me to see Mr. President and to tell him that I’m back, and I’ve also resumed my responsibility as the Governor of Rivers State.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Tinubu meets Fubara at Aso Villa

    “It’s not much. It’s father-son discussion, telling him thank you and the areas where, if at all there should be any issue, for him to guide me properly so we don’t be in any situation that will bring crisis again. That’s all”, he explained.

    The Governor disclosed that President Tinubu gave him fatherly counsel on leadership and governance.

    “He advised me on what to do and how to go in this life,” Fubara said.

    When asked about the state of the political truce in Rivers, Fubara dismissed suggestions that the peace with Wike was fragile or superficial.

    “I don’t know what you mean by if this is a paper peace. As far as I’m concerned, we have made peace. Fubara and his principal are working together. Thank you,” he stated firmly.

    The Governor’s comments mark the clearest indication yet that Rivers’ lingering political rift is being resolved under the watch of President Tinubu, who has consistently intervened to prevent escalation of the crisis.

  • Fubara seeks full utilisation of Rivers’ seaports in first duty after resumption

    Fubara seeks full utilisation of Rivers’ seaports in first duty after resumption

    Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara while hosting his first courtesy visit after his resumption on Monday lamented the underutilisation of the Port Harcourt and Onne seaports in the state.

    Fubara, who hosted the Board and Management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in Government House, Port Harcourt said Rivers was blessed with an international airport and seaports, which he described as two critical requirements for economic development.

    But he said: “You mentioned about development. A lot of countries, one of the first things they do is either they look for a way to get an International Airport or they have a world-class seaport.

    “You can’t succeed anywhere in any form of economy if you don’t have these two that have standard. Look at us in Rivers State we are blessed with the Port Harcourt Port and the Onne Port, but the only challenge is under utilisation”.

    The Governor vowed to hold further meetings with the board to seek ways of attracting more activities to the ports to ensure their optimal utilisation.

    “You have come today the first day of work after my resumption, with good tidings. When you leave I will like us to have another round of meeting to work out issues that we are having so that we can put those two ports to good use,” he said.

    Fubara commended the board for seeking collaboration with the state government and recalled that his predecessor once fought and won a battle against the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on the need to consult the state government before undertaking any project.

    Fubara commended the board for first consulting with the state government and said his administration would key into activities and progress of the board at the ports.

    He said board would have smooth community engagement if it involved the state government in its activities.

    He said: “When the government is part of it, the government is the people and it will know, who is the right person to deal with. The government will interact with you. The government will bring the community and you will have a better face with them.

    “So, I want to appreciate and assure you that we will do everything possible to make you have that project delivered to the needed persons in that community in a way and manner that more commendation will be going to the Nigerian Ports Authority”.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Tinubu meets Fubara at Aso Villa

    The governor promised to help the board resolve some issues within the purview of the state and prayed that the federal government would address others
    challenges within its area of responsibility.

    The governor remarked that his resumption is a testament that God does not start anything and ends it halfway and once again commended President Bola Tinubu for taking steps to reinstate democratic governance in Rivers.

    “Once God starts a work, He sees to the end of it. There might be some hitches in the course of the journey but that doesn’t mean that you will not get to the destination when your direction and intentions are pure.

    “So, I thank everyone once again for their prayers and support in this most difficult period of this administration. We thank Mr. President specially too for coming in and making Rivers State breath democratically again.”

    Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority Board, Senator Clement Adedayo Adeyeye commended Fubara for receiving them on his first day of work after resumption describing it as a good omen that would result in greater accomplishments in the state.

    He said they admired the governor for his peaceful nature describing it as a sign of great leadership that would make him an exceptional statesman.

    Adeyeye noted that their mission in the state was special as it related to ways of improving the operations of the two oort facilities in Rivers.

    The chairman reeled out areas of needs such as roads, befitting police station, security challenges, indiscriminate parking of trailers among others.

    He further pledged the authority’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and collaboration with the State Government in providing some critical infrastructures in the communities.