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  • Insecurity: Fubara, South South stakeholders seek decentralised approach, intelligence sharing

    Insecurity: Fubara, South South stakeholders seek decentralised approach, intelligence sharing

    Stakeholders in the Southsouth region including the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has called for a decentralised approach, enhanced collaborations and intelligence sharing in tackling insecurity in the region and the country.

     Fubara particularly called for collaboration among stakeholders in the zone to set the pace for greater peace and security in the region.

    The stakeholders spoke during the Senate ad-hoc committee South-South Zonal Public Hearing on National Security Summit organised in conjunction with the Rivers State Government with the theme, ‘the way Forward in Tackling National Security Issues at the Local Level’ held in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

    Fubara, who was represented by the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr Benebo Anabraba, said there must be shared responsibility in securing lives and property to ensure lasting peace and development across the region.

    He said, “Security is not the business of the Government alone, but a shared responsibility and concern of every person. As a Government, we are not unaware of our constitutional responsibility to ensure the protection and safety of lives and property in the State, including the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

    “These objectives we have assiduously pursued with robust collaboration and partnership with the Federal Government and the various security agencies, in providing the necessary equipment such as operational vehicles, boats, and even aircraft, accommodation, and support, including the welfare of both serving personnel and the Nigerian Legionnaires.

    READ ALSO; Senate seeks fresh solutions to rising insecurity

    “This summit could therefore, not have come at a better time, as it is today, in the face of security challenges in the region that drains our national revenue, damages our environment, and put lives and property at risk, and the immense efforts of the Federal, State and Local Governments in combating these menaces to society.

    “This distinguished gathering is a testament to our commitment and synergy towards a more secure, stable, and prosperous future for the South-South region and Nigeria in general”.

    The governor said he was delighted in partnering with the Committee in convoking this Southsouth Public Hearing on National Security.

    “We urge the stakeholders gathered here to see this occasion as a mechanism from the people to the policy-makers, ‘Bottom-Up Approach’ while giving special attention and recognition to our peculiar natural environment or topography as a coastal region that is the gateway to international waters of the Gulf of Guinea”, he said.

    Fubara noted that his government would continue to adopt proactive measures such as intelligence sharing, and best practices with security agencies and sister states to complement initiatives and stakeholders’ engagements, the employment and empowerment of youths, and public participation, particularly at community levels.

    In his address, Senate Minority Leader and Chairman, South-South Security Summit, Senator Abba Patrick Moro, said that the event was a deliberate effort to diagnose, understand and collectively address the hydra-headed security challenges confronting the country.

    He described the summit as a unique platform for frank deliberations and assessments geared towards procuring probable solutions that would mitigate the security challenges of the country. 

    Moro said: “The Senate as a responsive lawmaking institution, recognises that no security act can succeed without a clear understanding of local dynamics and peculiarities of security occurrences across the country.

    “We are here today to listen to security experts, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations and those directly affected by the very threats that this summit seeks to address. 

    “Be assured that the information we should gather from this summit would undoubtedly form the basis of our recommendations to the Senate, which will serve as guides to our legislative interventionist measures, budgetary provisions and policy reforms that will revamp national security landscape,” he noted.

    The chairman of the south-South Traditional Rulers Forum, His Majesty Sergeant Awuse said the security agencies must move from being reactive to preventive in crime fighting.

    Awuse also kicked against the formation of various local security blocs which according to him were formed on cultural grounds, and urged the government to invest in the youths to achieve a relatively safe society.

    He said, “You have local vigilantes, but we cannot absolutely rely on those tribal groups. Based on culture they form their own groups. The Yoruba have their own, the Ametekun, then Ebube-Agu in the East. These are groups specialized in their own. What do we have in our own area (South-South), none. We have young people looking after the community under an empty stomach. You encourage them today, you can’t encourage them forever.

    “The government has to come in now to help those classes of people because the more they leave the youths to run the streets doing nothing the more they are exposed to danger and the more the society is unsafe. And we want to have a safe society. It is safe to have a relatively safe society by good performance of all those in charge of authority.

     “If you want to have this system properly checked you have to provide a system to ensure there must be early warning. Every crime is planned by somebody. Because every crime is planned by somebody there needs to be investment by the government in order to sort out information before those crimes are carried out.

    “There must be community and security agencies partnership by actual consultation and working together. They must invest in the people and the people must show accountability. And at the end of the day I’m sure, put all together in South-South, you have a zonal security arrangement that will take this nation to a higher level.”

  • Fubara hails successful hosting of CIO Golf Classic in Port Harcourt 

    Fubara hails successful hosting of CIO Golf Classic in Port Harcourt 

    Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has acknowledged the positive impact of having seven countries gather in Rivers State for the just concluded 6th CIO Golf Classic at the Python Golf Club, Port Harcourt, on Sunday, November 16th.

     “We need to find a way to put events like this in the spotlight. The successful hosting of this event underscores the safety and hospitable character of Rivers State,” Said Fubara who was the special guest of honour at the event’s closing ceremony.

    The CIO Classic, in its sixth edition, staked a total purse of N75 million naira (approximately $ 50,000 USD), the largest total purse for professional golfers this year. This effort, according to the Chairman of the sponsoring company, Ikenna Okafor, aligns with the globalization goal of the event.

     “Today, this event is the biggest professional prize purse event in West Africa.” He continued, “… and we have secured a strategic alliance with the Safari Tour of Kenya to Co-Sanction this event. What that does is to give leverage to all the Nigerian players at this event to get other international opportunities. This clearly positions CIO Classic as the single most important tournament for all West African professionals to step onto the global stage,” he added.

    Governor Fubara, who praised Keeves Global Leasing management for initiating and sponsoring the event from inception, added that the importance and pedigree the event has attained make it one that the state will be willing to work alongside the organisers in deepening the values everybody derives from it.

     “The State will be willing to work with the organisers in the future for the benefit of all,” he noted.

    Meanwhile, Nigeria extended its dominance at the event with Francis Epe, the number one-ranked player, exerting himself over the field of 107 professional players that had competed at the event. Epe, (from Ikoyi Club 1938, in Lagos), shot 11 under par for the four days to pocket the N15 million-naira winner’s cheque.

    Read Also: CAF Awards: Ajibade, Nnadozie lead Nigeria’s charge for women honours

    He was three shots ahead of Udom Sateer  from the host club (-8 in 72 holes), while Vincent Torgah from Tema Golf Club in Ghana finished at -7 to claim the third prize.

    Epe, multiple winners on the Nigerian Tour and current leader on the Nigeria’s Professional Golfers’ Association’s order of merit (Ranking System), said he came to the event with a positive feeling that the week would go well for him.

     “I had a good feeling about this from the start, and knew if I just played my game and stayed focused, the win was possible. My swing, my putt, and the good feeling gave me the week. I think credit should also go to the sponsor for believing in Nigerian players. He has consistently funded this event for the past few years. This is wonderful, and I believe the scores are getting better. I also want to credit Udom Sateer, who finished second. He is the real hero of this tournament. He kept his cool from the start of the event till his last ball. He might not have won, but he showed class and composure.”

    Players from Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania, Cameroon, Lebanon, Gambia, and host Nigeria took part in the event, while all Safari Tour players earned points towards the 2026 Magical Kenya Open 2026.

  • Rivers safe, peaceful, says Fubara

    Rivers safe, peaceful, says Fubara

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has condemned what he described as a deliberate campaign of portraying Rivers as unsafe.

    The governor insisted that the state is safe, peaceful and fully open for business, tourism, and major events.

    Fubara spoke at the grand finale of the Python Golf Club’s 6th Edition Chief Ikenna Okafor 2025 Pro-Amateur Golf Championship in Port Harcourt.

    He said the large turnout of visitors from across the African continent was clear evidence that the negative narratives were engineered, exaggerated, and politically motivated.

    He noted, “I can tell you the truth: more than half of the things you read are not true. Worse things have happened in other states, but because they manage their media, people don’t read about them. But in our case, just to run us down and make us look like the devil with invisible horns, they say anything to portray us in a bad light.”

    The governor argued that some enemies of Rivers had “weaponised” the state’s challenges to distort public perception for their own advantage.

    While acknowledging that earlier political tensions caused about six months of disruption, Fubara emphasised that peace had since returned, allowing security agencies to function more effectively.

    READ ALSO; Tuggar blames structural weakness for unconstitutional changes of govt, others

    Fubara in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, praised the coordinated efforts of the joint security team, describing their performance as “wonderful” since his administration resumed full activity.

    Highlighting the normalcy experienced by guests during the tournament, the governor noted that visitors moved freely, socialised, and enjoyed the city without any incident.

    He said, “Let me thank everyone who has come into Rivers State to participate in this competition. Your presence signifies only one thing: that Rivers State is safe, contrary to what we hear, what we read, and how our state is being presented in the media.”

    Fubara pledged continued government support for the competition, including the yet-to-be-revived Governor’s Cup tournament, and promised additional assistance to enhance the golf club’s facilities.

    He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to nurturing events that would attract national and international participation.

    “Our mission is simple. To change our story, protect our state, and remind everyone that Rivers State is ours and it is safe”, he said.

    In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Emekah said the prevailing atmosphere of peace motivated them to hold the tournament in Rivers.

    He expressed appreciation to the governor for attending the event and for offering inspiring words that assured continued state support for future editions.

    Earlier, chief celebrant of the Python Golf Club’s 6th Edition CIO 2025 Pro-Amateur Golf Championship, Chief Ikenna Okafor, expressed delight at having a sitting governor visit the club premises during the competition, something, he said, had not happened in 15 years.

    He promised to revive the Governor’s Cup tournament and ensure more championships were held to bring visitors and tourists to the state every year, soliciting government support for the game.

    He added that the tournament attracted participants from eight African countries, and players from 36 golf clubs across Nigeria, underscoring its significance and the confidence they have in Rivers State.

    Highlights of the event included the presentation of prizes to winners, cutting of the birthday cake of Chief Ikenna Okafor and a toast to better tournaments ahead.

  • JUST IN: Govs Kefas, Adeleke, Fubara missing at PDP convention

    JUST IN: Govs Kefas, Adeleke, Fubara missing at PDP convention

    Governors Ademola Adeleke (Osun); Agbu Kefas (Taraba) and Sim Fubara (Rivers) are yet to arrive the National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) holding at Lekan Salami Stadium in Adamasingba, Lagos. 

    They are among high profile members of the party not participating in the convention, which was preceded with conflicting court orders amid the crisis affecting the party.

    Details shortly…

  • Fubara, others boycott as PDP faction holds convention

    Fubara, others boycott as PDP faction holds convention

    • Abuja court halts event over Lamido’s exclusion from chairmanship contest
    • Restrains INEC from monitoring, recognising outcome
    • Oyo High Court reaffirms jurisdiction to hear suit
    • ‘Seyi Makinde for President’ banners flood venue
    • Wike/Anyanwu battle Damagum, govs for control of headquarters

    Hundreds of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continued to pour into Ibadan last night from different parts of the country as leaders of the Damagum faction of the party worked underground to save the planned National Convention from possible collapse.

    Host Governor Seyi Makinde spent much of Thursday with former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido to persuade him to be part of the Ibadan gathering.

    Lamido will boycott the convention.

    Other likely absentees are Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas who is on his way to the All Progressives Congress (APC); Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara; former Senate President Bukola Saraki; Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike; and former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, among others.

    A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday ordered suspension of the convention until Lamido is allowed to buy nomination form for election as national chairman of the party.

    Justice Peter Lifu, in a judgment in a suit filed by the former governor, also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring or recognising the outcome of any convention the party would hold without the inclusion of Lamido, as a contestant.

    However, a counter ruling came from an Oyo State High Court giving the party the nod to proceed with the meeting, and an order for INEC to monitor and recognise the convention.

    Sources at the national headquarters of the commission told The Nation last night that they were studying the situation.

    The Lekan Salami Stadium Adamasingba, Ibadan venue of the convention was agog last night with party faithful dancing and singing while officials were giving finishing touches to the sitting, lighting and public address arrangement and security.

    The stadium has been given a new look with  white, red and green colors of the umbrella party adorning the main bowl.

    Several banners with the inscription ‘Seyi Makinde for president’ were placed in and around the stadium.

    The party, in a series of posts on X, said it was going ahead with the convention.

    It posted video recordings of its members drumming, singing and dancing at the stadium.

    “With the venue fully aglow and preparations hitting fever pitch, the stage is set for a convention that would redefine the PDP’s trajectory toward 2027,” the PDP wrote in a one of the posts.

    The Oyo State Police Command pledged to ensure a hitch-free convention.

    Party sources expressed deep concerns last night over the conflicting court rulings.

    Some feared that there was no guarantee that decisions taken at the convention would stand the test of time as they could be overturned by the a higher court.

    By last night, delegates from Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Lagos, Kwara, Delta, Adamawa, Zamfara, Edo, Bayelsa and Cross River had arrived in Ibadan and lodged in hotels across the city.

    Others were said to be on their way.

    Dozens of luxury buses branded in the PDP Convention colours were parked at the Government House Ibadan.

    They will be deployed to convey delegates from their various hotels to the venue.

    Court orders PDP to allow Lamido contest chairmanship position

    Justice Lifu ordered PDP to make arrangements for Alhaji Lamido to contest its chairmanship position in its planned national convention.

    He said the party should provide Lamido opportunity to obtain the nomination form for the position and prepare for the election.

    The judge said evidence before his court showed that Lamido was unjustly denied the opportunity to obtain a nomination form to contest the National Chairmanship position of the party, contrary to both the Constitution and Regulations of the PDP.

    Read Also: PDP convention must not hold, court has spoken – Litigants warn

    He declared that the PDP was under obligation to create opportunity for its members to serve by putting deliberate measures in place to enable them to realise their aspirations.

    Justice Lifu ordered that the planned convention must be put on hold to allow the plaintiff (Lamido) to obtain the nomination form, mobilise his supporters, and conduct his campaign.

    The judgment was on a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025 by Lamido, in which he complained among others, of being denied the opportunity to contest the party’s chairmanship position.

    Justice Lifu held that no political party should be allowed to profit from its disobedience of its own constitution and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    The judge noted that the plaintiff, by virtue of the evidence before the court, appeared to have met the basic requirement for him to contest the party’s chairmanship position.

    He held that from all indications, it was clear that the first defendant (PDP) breached its constitution and other relevant laws.

    Justice Lifu resolved the three issues submitted by the plaintiff for the court’s resolution, in favour of the plaintiff.

    He said: “An order is hereby made that before any convention is held, the PDP is to make nomination forms available to the plaintiff (Lamido).

    “In the light of the above, it is hereby held that the convention be put on hold for the plaintiff to obtain a nomination form, campaign and mobilise supporters,” Justice Lifu said.

    Lamido raises alarm over fake news

    A few hours after the judgment, the former governor raised the alarm over alleged fake news that he had withdrawn his case against PDP.

    He said it was all mischief.

    He confirmed that the Federal High Court “passed a judgment affirming my right to contest the Chairmanship of the PDP denied me earlier.

    “An order was made, stopping the Ibadan PDP Convention from holding on 15th and 16th November 2025 until the PDP complies with the Court ruling.

    “It also stops INEC from supervising/observing the Convention

    “A certified order stopping the Ibadan Convention has already been delivered to both INEC and PDP

    “Please disregard the story in its entirety.”

    Oyo court  adjourns ruling on jurisdiction objection to Dec 8, reaffirms ex-parte motion

    Also yesterday, the Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan adjourned ruling on a preliminary objection challenging its jurisdiction to hear a suit filed by a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Folahan Adelabi, concerning the party’s national convention scheduled for today and tomorrow.

    At the resumed hearing yesterday, counsel to INEC, Mr O. Adeyemi, argued that the commission, being a Federal Government agency, is only subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court.

    He urged the court to strike out the case for lack of jurisdiction, noting that the Court lacks locus standi to entertain the matter.

    However, counsel to the claimant, Mr Musibau Adetumbi, SAN, opposed the objection, stating that the argument infringed on the claimant’s fundamental rights.

    He said the 1999 Constitution guarantees the right to lawful assembly and convention.

    Quoting Section 251 of the Constitution, Mr Adetumbi contended that INEC does not fall within the category of agencies that place the case exclusively before the Federal High Court.

    He asked the court to dismiss the objection and proceed with the substantive suit.

    After listening to both sides, Justice Ladiran Akintola, fixed ruling for December 8, 2025.

    He also reaffirmed that the interim order earlier granted, which restrains the defendants from disrupting or interfering with preparations for the PDP national convention, remains in force.

    Police express readiness for hitch-free PDP Convention

    Spokesman for the Oyo State Police Command, Adewale Osifeso, a Chief Superintendent said the Command was ramping up security measures to guarantee a safe and peaceful event.

    He added that anticipating a large turnout, the Command, in partnership with other sister services, has meticulously developed a robust security strategy which includes proactive patrols designed to build public confidence, increased surveillance activities, and intelligence-driven stop-and-search operations throughout the state.

    He warned against any form of public unrest, including unauthorised rallies or gatherings within the city before, during, or after the event.

    He furthered said that attention will be heightened at all key access points into and out of Oyo State, especially around the convention venue, adding that critical locations such as public parks, train stations, and the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport in Ibadan will be closely monitored.

    We asked the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or concerns to the nearest police station or through the dedicated emergency contact numbers provided by the police.

    Rivers PDP disclaims convention

    The Rivers State chapter of the PDP said it would not be part of the convention.

    Leaders of the party said in a disclaimer that the decision was on account of the “ leadership crisis in the party at the National level, which has polarized the party in so many state chapters.”

    Also cited for their action were the “various litigations and counter litigations that have further deepened the crisis in the party,” and lack of “proper communication channel between the National leadership of the party and our leader, His Excellency, Sir. Siminalayi Fuba GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State, which has consequently left us incommunicado.”

    PDP reconciliation committee recommends inclusive caretaker committee

    The Ambassador Hassan Adamu led PDP Reconciliation Committee set up by the Board of Trustees of the Party recommended that the Ibadan convention be put on hold and an all- inclusive Caretaker Committee be put in place to resolve all contending issues.

    At a stakeholders meeting on Thursday night, the National Convention organising Committee led by Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri declared that the Ibadan convention was sacrosanct and would go ahead despite the recommendations.

    The report of the Committee made available to newsmen yesterday indicted some PDP governors and some other party members of working for their own selfish interest.

    The report of the committee which was submitted to the Senator Adolphus Wabara led BoT drew attention to the rift between some  PDP governors and FCT Minister, Nyelsom Wike.

    The report was signed by Amb. Hassan Adamu (North East) – Chairman, Chief. Mike Oghiadomhe (South South} – Secretary, Prince Olagunsonye Oyinlola (South West), Sen. Zaynab Kure, (North Central), Dr. Lubna Gusau (North West) and Chief Ugochukwu Okeke (South East) who served as members.

    The report said: “In the course of this assignment, we found out that friction, distrust and lack of sincerity had festered for too long amongst the key players (governors & NWC members) and the year 2027 became an issue with regards to who gets what. This affected the smooth running of the Party.

    Job descriptions were tempered with within the NWC. The spirit of carrying each other along got affected. Camps became birthed within. Loyalties got shifted more to individuals than the Party.

    “Litigation in courts across the strata got attended to, not with the speed and candor resulting into more crises”.

    It recommended that: “going ahead with the convention at this time must be subject to favourable legal status and disposition of INEC. However, considering the multiple court orders and judgments, INEC is not likely going to monitor the Convention.

    “Accordingly, an all- inclusive Caretakers Committee (CTC) is recommended because a failed convention will incapacitate tenability of the party to field candidates at all levels nationally. For this to be effected, all the NWC should reverse to status quo ante immediately.

    “Suspension orders should be lifted and all parties brought together for genuine reconciliation. The BoT must be given its prime position to be able to mediate and guide processes within the Party. On her part, the BoT must be seen to be neutral always.

    “The constitution of the Party must be amended to accommodate some key issues. The intention to grant the Governors Forum status of an ORGAN of the party by constitutional amendment should not be done at this time.

    “Above all, the Party constitution must be upheld always. Party supremacy and discipline is core. There is therefore the need for the BoT,NWC, Governors Forum, and all critical stakeholders to come together and resolve all these issues to allow for a successful hitch free convention going forward”.

    The Committee reported that it met with the FCT Minister, the PDP Governors Forum led by Senator Bala Mohammed, members of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Ambassador lliya Damagum, and the suspended members of the NWC comprising Sen. Anyanwu (the National secretary), Bature (the organizing secretary), and Barrister Ajibade, SAN (the National legal adviser) as well as former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, in the course of its assignment.

    It reported that “Wike questioned the reconciliation committee’s integrity and neutrality, citing its formation in a meeting attended by the Damagum-led NWC, while objecting to the BoT’s declaration supporting the Damagum-led NWC and the Oyo State High Court judgment, feeling it prejudiced his cooperation.

    “Minister Wike suggested the BoT should have met without parties present and then invited both sides. He criticised the zoning committee’s process, alleging fundamental errors and exclusion from consultations.

    “Minister Wike accused the Governors’ Forum, led by Gov. Bala and Seyi Makinde, of hijacking party processes and pursuing selfish agendas. He alleged some Governors, including Diri, Kefas Agbu, and Peter Mba, secretly collaborated with the ruling party.

    “Minister Wike expressed discontent over cancelled congresses, particularly in South-South, South East, Anambra, and Ebonyi states. He insisted the convention would only proceed if the Abuja High Court orders are obeyed, threatening continued activism due to Governors’ non-compliance with agreements”.

    On the meeting with the governor, the report said ‘Governor Bala Mohammed met with the committee, accompanied by Governors Muftwang and Makinde, who excused themselves due to other commitments. They assured that discussions would be binding on them.

    “Governor Bala accused Minister Wike of betrayal, causing confusion, and disregarding the party constitution. He stated that the Governors’ Forum had fulfilled agreements, but Minister Wike insists on absolute control. He alleged that Minister Wike aims to weaken and destroy the PDP.

    “Governor Bala described Minister Wike as trouble-prone and unlikely to cease attacks on the party and its structures.”

    Rival factions battle for control of party’s national headquarters

    The battle for the soul of the PDP has now shifted to the control of the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

    Following last week’s suspension and counter suspension by the Damagum and Wike groups,both sides wrote to INEC, seeking recognition as the authentic PDP.

    The Wike group is understood to be preparing to flush out party employees deemed to be loyal to the Damagum group.

    Although Damagum made an attempt to sack PDP staff deemed to be loyal to Wike/Anyanwu two weeks ago, Anyanwu issued a counter-directive reversing Damagum’s move to tinker with the staff list at PDP headquarters which has now been locked up under the firm control of Senator Anyanwu.

    Job vacancies have been declared in the party’s various directorates, with more than 34 positions being declared vacant.

    According to party sources, it will be difficult for any staff found to have mobilized others in stoking the party’s internal crisis to find a way back to Wadata Plaza,

    Fresh applicants have been directed to submit their applications on or before Monday, 17th November, 2027.

    In the Directorate of Administration, positions declared vacant are those of director, deputy director, Assistant Director, Supervisory/Admin Officers, Intermediate Admin Officers, Supervisory Stores Officers and Intermediate Stores Officers.

    Similar levels of staff, including Departmental Directors and subordinate staff in the Directorate of Youth, Directorate of Finance, Directorate of Organisation and Mobilisation, Directorate of Women Affairs, Directorate of Legal Services and the Directorate of Publicity are all to be replaced.

  • Fubara lambasts contractor’s slow pace of work on Rivers’ road project

    Fubara lambasts contractor’s slow pace of work on Rivers’ road project

    Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara has condemned the slow pace of work on the 14.5-kilometer Ndele/Omofo/Egamini/Agba-Ndele Road project located off the East–West Road in Emohua Local Government Area.

    Speaking during an inspection tour of the project on Tuesday, the Governor said that the pace and quality of work by the contracting firm, Messrs Stream Co. & Equipment  Limited, fell below acceptable standards. 

    The Governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi,  was accompanied on the tour by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who briefed the governor on the status of the project and adjoining infrastructure.

    Fubara, who appeared visibly unsatisfied with what he saw on the stretch of the road, said his administration would not condone mediocrity or allow public funds to be wasted on underperforming projects. 

    He hinted that a review of the contract may be imminent to ensure the delivery of quality infrastructure to the people.

    He said: “I can say here already that the contractor handling the road from the bridge to the East–West Road is not doing a good job. I’m not happy about it. When I get back, there will be a need to review that contract because I’m not impressed. They don’t have the capacity, and we need capacity because we must have value for whatever money we’re spending”.

    The Governor, however, commended Setraco Nigeria Limited for the standard and pace of work on the 240-meter Agba-Ndele/Abua Bridge, which formed a major component of the project. 

    He explained that the bridge, which his administration inherited, would significantly improve connectivity among communities in the area once completed.

    Fubara said that the bridge would serve as a link between communities in Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas, reducing travel time and providing an alternative route to the East–West Road.

    He emphasised that the project demonstrated his administration’s commitment to rural connectivity and inter-community access central to his development vision for Rivers State.

    He said: “Where we are standing on is a bridge connecting Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas. The community that is connected to this bridge is Agba-Ndele. 

    “Instead of running through the East–West Road to Ahoada-East and heading into Port Harcourt or out of it, this bridge provides easy access for the Abua/Odual people to cross into Emohua, Agba-Ndele, and access the East–West Road in minutes,” he explained.

    Fubara also expressed optimism that the bridge would be ready for use in early 2026, noting that Setraco’s expertise and performance met his administration’s expectations for quality and delivery timelines. 

    He highlighted that projects of such importance should be handled by firms with the capacity to meet government standards.

    The Governor further remarked that once completed, the bridge would serve as a crucial economic corridor for farmers and traders, especially those involved in agriculture and cultivation of local produce across the beneficiary local government areas.

    He maintained that his administration is determined to deliver people-oriented projects that promote connectivity, strengthen commerce, and enhance livelihoods across the State.

    He said: “I’m really impressed with what I’ve seen on the bridge. I’m very sure that before the end of January, it might be completely ready for us to walk through and even drive across”.

    Reaffirming his vision for Rivers people, the Governor noted that his development plan seeks to integrate all parts of the State through strategic infrastructure investments that promote mobility, social cohesion, and economic growth.

    He explained that his government was executing projects across multiple local government areas to ensure balanced development and inclusivity.

    Fubara that the administration would soon address the deplorable state of the Abua/Ahoada Road, which he said, will be included in the 2026 state budget.

    “Our vision is to connect the entire Rivers State together, especially communities that have challenges of access. The bridge here connects Abua/Odual and Ahoada-East to Emohua and Port Harcourt. It will ease movement, promote trade, and boost our economy because agriculture is strong on this side. Moving goods to the city won’t be a problem anymore,” he said.

  • Rivers still waiting for Fubara’s new cabinet

    Rivers still waiting for Fubara’s new cabinet

    Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has spent about 50 days in office since his second coming after the six months emergency rule in the state. The governor has been trying to bounce back; picking the gauntlet and pushing through all frontiers of development. But uncertainties still hover around his administration. He could not hit the ground running.

    The obstacles posed by the conditions for peace might have prevented the governor from hitting the ground running. Fubara wants to appease his core loyalists and diplomatically disengage some of them seen as the faces and progenitors of the crisis. He looks like a man carefully charting a new path but conscious of not stepping on toes.

    Many observers are curious that the governor after about 50 days has yet to have a fully constituted cabinet. The administration seems to lack the steam, the enthusiasm, the agility and activities that characterised its beginning.

    Some issues have been left in the cooler unattended to as the governor appears to be biding his time. While the governor showed the exit door to his former Secretary to the State Government Dr. Tammy Danagogo by appointing his replacement, Benibo Anabraba, uncertainties still surround the office of his Chief of Staff (CoS).

    Obviously, his political family does not want Edison Ehie to remain as his Chief of Staff. However, Fubara has not specifically said anything about his fate. It is unclear whether the man considered as the king of the youths is still performing his functions as the chief of staff.

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    During his return, Ehie was seen with Fubara in almost all the events. In fact, he was in the company of Fubara on the aircraft that flew him back to office.

    Suddenly, Ehie disappeared from public glare and went out of circulation. He has not been seen in the entourage of Fubara in most of the events, spiraling speculation on whether he is still the Chief of Staff. Fubara is widely expected to define these offices. Will he retain Ehie as Chief of Staff or assign him a new role in his government?

    Apart from the position of the Chief of Staff, many ministries are yet to have commissioners and the governor has not reappointed some of the agencies he dissolved shortly after his return.

    Where is the new commissioners’ list? What Fubara has so far done was to disengage about 19 commissioners sacked by the Supreme Court’s judgment without replacing them.

    But the governor reportedly carried a minor reshuffle of commissioners not affected by the judgment. He redeployed the Commissioner for Information, Joe Johnson, to the Ministry of Commerce and left Johnson’s former office vacant.

    As strategic as the Ministry of Information is, it has no commissioner. But the governor has been running the ministry and others like it with permanent secretaries. Will the governor run the ministries with permanent secretaries till the end of his first tenure?

    It will be recalled that the House of Assembly, during its first sitting, asked the governor to send his list of commissioners-nominee for screening and confirmation, but he has yet to do so.

  • FG will rebuild police colleges ahead Tinubu’s 30,000 personnel recruitment

    FG will rebuild police colleges ahead Tinubu’s 30,000 personnel recruitment

    The Presidential Ad Hoc Committee on the Overhaul of Security Training Institutions has said that the police college institutes and other security training facilities across the country will be rebuilt and equipped before the recruitment of the 30,000 new police personnel approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Members of the committee led by its Chairman and Enugu Governor, Peter Mbah, spoke on Thursday during their inspection visit to the Police Training College, Nonwa, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State.

    The committee members, including Ogun Governor, Dapo Abiodun, were led to the Nonwa Police Training College by their host and Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.

    Mbah said the President had already approved the recruitment of 30,000 new police personnel, but added that the exercise would not proceed until the country’s training facilities are rebuilt and adequately equipped.

    “There’s no way that recruitment can happen if we do not have proper training ground for these men and women who protect our communities”, he said.

    Mbah said the overhauling of security training institutes was a direct mandate from President Tinubu, who personally inaugurated the committee to reposition the country’s law enforcement training system.

    He noted that Tinubu’s declaration of emergency on training institutes was a demonstration of the importance he attached to the security of lives and properties of the citizens.

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    He said: “The President came to the NEC meeting himself to inaugurate this committee. That tells you how much importance he attaches to the security of lives and property. He recognises that we are at a security crossroad, and nothing short of a complete and urgent overhaul is required to secure our future.

    “We are here for an on-the-spot assessment, to document the level of decay and ensure that this intervention is nationwide. That was the explicit mandate of the President.”

    Mbah lamented that most of the training centres had suffered decades of neglect, emphasising that Tinubu’s intervention marked a new beginning for Nigeria’s policing architecture.

    He said: “You cannot demand integrity and professionalism from our men and women when the institutions that train them are in ruins.

    “This is being treated as a national emergency. The first phase will last one month, during which we will begin rebuilding, reequipping and restoring the dignity of these institutions.”

    Abiodun described the reform as a “clear demonstration of the President’s political will” to strengthen law enforcement and ensure internal security.

    He said: “The President is not a member of NEC, yet he came personally to inaugurate this committee. “That tells you his level of commitment.

    “He understands that you cannot recruit 30,000 policemen and train them in this kind of environment. You cannot incubate policemen here and expect them to behave like professionals when they get out.”

    Abiodun revealed that the committee had split into northern and southern teams to meet its four-week deadline.

    He said consultants were already working on a bill of quantities and cost assessments for all police and NSCDC training facilities across the country.

    Abiodun said: “We’re determined to meet the deadline. Our report will include detailed refurbishment plans so that the President can immediately begin the recruitment drive backed by proper training infrastructure. This shows that Mr. President is not just talking; he is acting.”

    Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, hailed the initiative as a “bold and practical step” by President Tinubu to professionalise the Nigerian Police Force.

    Fubara said: “What is important here is that the President has made a bold statement. He wants a police force that is trained professionally.

    “I strongly believe he means every word he has said. This is not just about fixing buildings; it’s about building capacity, restoring morale, and motivating officers to perform like their counterparts anywhere in the world.”

    The inspection team, which also included retired and serving senior police officers, toured facilities at the Nonwa Police Training College and other adjoining facilities in Rivers.

  • Fubara to deliver road linking Rivers beaches in March 

    Fubara to deliver road linking Rivers beaches in March 

    Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara has promised to deliver a brand new 13.52km Ngo-Atlantic-Oyorokoto road leading to the popular Oyorokoto beach and a new beach front discovered in the Atlantic Ocean.

    The Governor described the project as a bold and visionary effort by his administration to open up the coastal region for economic growth and harness the full potential of the state’s blue economy.

    Fubara spoke on Tuesday during the inspection of the project site in Andoni Local Government Area. 

    A statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS,) Nelson Chukwudi, said the road, being constructed by Monier Construction Company (MCC), cuts through challenging coastal terrain and leads to a newly identified beachfront facing the Atlantic Ocean.

    Fubara explained that while the original plan was to construct a road leading to Oyorokoto Town and its popular beach, his administration decided to expand the project to create an entirely new route that would open access to another pristine beachfront.

    He said: ‘We are doing another inspection today. This particular one is a virgin road, 13.52 kilometres of a new pathway to the blue economy.

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    “Initially, we were constructing a road to Oyorokoto Beach, one of the finest tourist centres in this area. But as we progressed, we discovered another beach directly facing the Atlantic Ocean. It became clear that we shouldn’t limit development to just one site. We want to harness this new beach front as part of our broader plan to develop the blue economy.”

    The governor emphasised that the project, when completed, would improve access to coastal communities and stimulate tourism and economic activities, boosting revenue for Rivers State.

    Describing the area’s difficult terrain as challenging, he commended the contractor for its dedication, and expressed confidence that the road would be completed and commissioned by March next year.

    “You can see for yourself, it’s a brand-new road in a very difficult terrain, just like the one we saw yesterday. But I strongly believe we will overcome it. From what we’ve seen today, the contractor, MCC, is doing their best, and by next year, hopefully by March, we’ll have the cause to commission this project and give God all the glory”, he said.

    Fubara also visited Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area to assess the progress of work on the Epellema axis of the ongoing 5.2km Kalaibiama-Epellema road project featuring a 450-meter bridge.

  • Fubara hails progress on Trans-Kalabari road

    Fubara hails progress on Trans-Kalabari road

    Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara has expressed satisfaction with the level of progress recorded on the ongoing Trans-Kalabari Road project, revealing that about 75 percent of the critical piling work has been completed.

    Fubara spoke on Monday after an on-the-spot inspection of the 12.5km road project, designed to connect the state capital to many Kalabari communities across the sea.

    A statement by Fubara’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, said the Governor rode on a boat from a jetty at Rumuolumeni in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area through the rivers and creeks on the project route during the inspection.

    The project was awarded to Lubrik Construction Company Limited, on May 15, 2024, with an initial 32-month completion timeline. 

    The Governor said the visit was aimed at verifying reports from the Ministry of Works regarding the project’s advancement.

     He commended the contractors for their dedication, and described the progress as “a true reflection of hard work and commitment to excellence.”

    He said: “The first phase of the project takes us to Bakana, and features four major river-crossing bridges and nearly five deck-on-pile structures. 

    “The terrain is difficult, and the engineering work required is complex. But to the glory of God, I can confirm that the reports I’ve been receiving are accurate. Almost 75% of the piling job, which is the most critical part of the project, has been achieved”.

    He emphasised that the Trans-Kalabari Road is one of the most technically demanding infrastructural projects in the state due to its challenging marine terrain but reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to deliver it on schedule.

    Fubara highlighted the strategic importance of the road in connecting the Kalabari Kingdom to Port Harcourt, and stimulating economic growth across riverine communities.

    “This is a key project that will turn around the lives of the Kalabari people immediately it is concluded. By the grace of God, in the next six months, if we return here for inspection, we might be driving across the bridge,” he said.

    Fubara assured Rivers people that his administration remained focused on delivering transformative infrastructure projects that will improve lives and bring lasting development to rural communities.

    “We have made a promise to our people to embark on projects that will change lives and bring development, and this is a testament to that commitment,” he added.