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Tag: Rivers State

  • Rivers PDP crisis: Ewhor-led faction warns police, other security agencies against partisanship

    Rivers PDP crisis: Ewhor-led faction warns police, other security agencies against partisanship

    The Acting factional Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Rivers State, Dr. Robinson Ewhor has urged security agencies in the state to resist every attempt to take sides in the ongoing faceoff in the party.

    Ewhor in a statement in Port Harcourt, the state capital at the weekend accused the police of aiding and abetting disobedience to rule of law, by their continuous provision of security to Chukwuemeka Aaron-led sack of executives.

    He called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Ogbetokun and the State Commissioner of Police, among others, to advise the personnel to adhere to the rule of engagement by remaining apolitical in their service in the State.

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    He said, “We have noted with concern and disappointment that even when the court’s ruling is of public knowledge, the State Police hierarchy still provided cover to such illegitimate so-called PDP executives to perpetrate their illegal act.

    “May we therefore use this opportunity to appeal to law enforcement agencies, particularly the Nigerian Police in the State not to take sides in the political imbroglio, but remain apolitical.

    “Taking side with a group whose action and inaction contravenes the provision of the law is to confirm that the law enforcement officers are actually the very ones aiding and abetting law breakers in the state.

  • Cholera kills nine in Rivers

    Cholera kills nine in Rivers

    The Rivers State Government yesterday confirmed the death of nine persons in two local government areas from an outbreak of cholera.

     Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, who spoke in Port Harcourt yesterday, said three died in Andoni while six casualties were recorded in Akuku-Toru

    She said the death occurred from 41 suspected cases in the two councils but noted that the government through the Ministry of Health had put measures in place to halt the disease. 

    Oreh said:  “With the deepest sense of sympathy to victims of a suspected outbreak of acute watery diarrhoea caused by suspected cholera outbreak, because we, at the Ministry of Health, are yet to actually confirm that those deaths were from Cholera in Isiodun community of Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.

    “However, the symptoms of the cases reported are in keeping with the surveillance case definition of cholera.

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    “Cholera is an acute diarrhoea disease that is caused by the bacteria ‘vibrio cholerae’. It thrives in areas with poor water, sanitation and hygiene wash infrastructure.

    “It is transmitted by drinking water that is contaminated or ingesting contaminated food as well as contact with surfaces that have been contaminated from infected persons”

    She added: “As at the 13th of January, 2025 we have recorded a total of 41 suspected cases from two local government areas in the state. And those local governments are Andoni and Akuku-Toru.

    “We have also recorded nine associated deaths out of which three are from Andoni. Six were confirmed from Akuku-Toru Local Government Area. 

    “It was majorly these deaths that were reported and brought to our attention that necessitates the quick response from our directorate of public health and Disease Control. 

  • Rivers partner Uniport for Team Rivers ahead of 2025 NSF

    Rivers partner Uniport for Team Rivers ahead of 2025 NSF

    The Rivers State Ministry of Sports and University of Port Harcourt (Uniport)  have reached a partnership which will see athletes of the State camp and train at the facilities of the Institution ahead of the participation of Team Rivers at the upcoming 2025 National Sports Festival.

    Speaking at a brief ceremony to seal the partnership at the University of Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Barr. Chris Green, described facilities at the Institution as some of the best, not just in Nigeria, but across the continent.

    He added that he was confident that the benefits of the alliance will be latent and positively affect the  chances of Team Rivers emerging as Nulli Secundus amongst the committee of States at the upcoming NSF.

    “We have the rare privilege of having the University of Port Harcourt here in Rivers State and what you have been doing in this school is such that other Universities (in the country) should emulate,” Barr. Green, a three time Sports Commissioner in Rivers State, said.

    “The facilities and equipment you have here and the manner in which you have maintained them (to consistently remain in optimum conditions) has made us come here.

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    “And in line with our policy to develop Sports at grassroots level, most of the athletes with us at Team Rivers are products of the University of Port Harcourt,” he added.

    On his part, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Owunari Georgewill expressed excitement at the partnership, noting that the Institution will always welcome Athletes of Team Rivers with open arms.

    “This University will always partner with the Rivers State Government and we are pleased and honoured that the Sports Ministry has chosen us, yet again to camp their athletes for the NSF,” Professor Georgewill stated.

    Afterwards, the Rivers State Sports Commissioner and his team also paid a courtesy call to the management of the Sports Institute of the University of Port Harcourt with a member of the contingent, foremost Sports administrator, Professor Ken Anugwege acknowledging the importance of the interaction.

    “This visit is important as this (Uniport Sports Institute) is the facility and it is our earnest hope and desire that this partnership ends in positivity for Rivers State,” he said.

  • JUST IN: Oko-Jumbo leads authentic House of Assembly in Rivers, says Fubara

    JUST IN: Oko-Jumbo leads authentic House of Assembly in Rivers, says Fubara

    …signs N1.1trn 2025 Appropriation Bill

    Rivers State Governor, Siminialayi Fubara, has signed the 2025 N1.1trn Appropriation Bill into law, declaring that the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led House of Assembly remains the authentic one in the state.

    The governor signed the bill on Thursday, approximately four days after it was presented to the three lawmakers led by Speaker Oko-Jumbo.

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    Fubara insisted that Martins Amaewhule and 26 other members who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) are no longer recognised as legislators.

    Details shortly…

  • Uncertainty over Rivers’ FAAC allocation amid legal battle

    Uncertainty over Rivers’ FAAC allocation amid legal battle

    • Appeal Court reserves judgment in Fubara’s suit
    • Fed Govt may block Oct funds, cites court order

    Uncertainty yesterday hung over the release of October share of Rivers State by the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

    It emerged that the funds’ remittance is contingent on the decision of the Court of Appeal on the matter.

    The appellate court yesterday reserved judgments in six separate cases arising from the face-off between Rivers State Governor Siminialayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly led by Martins Amaewhule (as Speaker).

    The October allocations to the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and the 774 local governments are currently being processed for disbursement but the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) hinted  that  it would be guided by whatever court order subsists at the time of disbursement.

    The implication is that Rivers may not receive its share if the Court of Appeal rules against it within the next one week.

    The preparation of the mandate typically takes between three and seven working days.

    Once it is finalised, it will be forwarded to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) which will then handle the disbursement.

    The six appeals before the Court of Appeal are in respect of two judgments of a Federal High Court in Abuja.

    A three-member panel of the court, presided over by Justice Hamman Barka, told parties yesterday after listening to their final lawyers’ submissions, that judgments in the appeals would be delivered on a date to be communicated to them.

    The first appeal is on CA/ABJ/CV/1303/2021 filed by the Governor of Rivers State against the October 30 judgment delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

    The court issued an order consolidating all the six appeals.

    The other five are: CA/ABJ/CV/1287/2024 filed by the Government of Rivers State; CA/ABJ/CV/1196/2024 also filed by the Government of Rivers State; CA/ABJ/CV/1277/2024 filed by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission; CA/ABJ/CV/1293/2024 filed by the Accountant General of Rivers State and CA/ABJ/CV/1360/2024 filed by one of Rivers State’s bankers – Zenith Bank.

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    Justice Abdulmalik, in the October 30 judgment, restrained the CBN and the Accountant General of the Federation from further releasing financial allocations to the Rivers State Government pending when a lawful appropriation act is passed by a validly constituted State House of Assembly.

    She restrained Access Bank and Zenith Bank from allowing the Rivers State Government and the governor to make withdrawals from the state’s funds being held in the banks.

    The Rivers State House of Assembly and  Amaewhule (as Speaker) had in the suit alleged, among others, unauthorised withdrawal and continued withdrawal of funds from the Rivers State Consolidated Revenue Funds Account by Governor Fubara.

    Listed as defendants in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/984/2024 are the CBN, Zenith Bank, Access Bank, the Accountant General of the Federation, the Governor of Rivers State, the Accountant General of Rivers State, Justice S. C. Amadi (Chief Judge of Rivers State), Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retired) who is the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission and the Rivers State Government.

    Justice Abdulmalik held that the decision of Governor Siminalayi Fubara to present the Rivers State’s 2024 Appropriation Bill to a four-member Assembly, that was not properly constituted, should not be allowed to stand.

    The judge noted that the issue about the legality of the budget purportedly passed by four members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, which Fubara claimed he had assented to, was declared invalid in a January 22 judgment by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

    She also noted that in the same judgment, which was affirmed by the Court of Appeal in a judgment on October 10, Justice Omotosho found that Amaewhule is the authentic Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

    Justice Abdulmalik said Fubara’s decision to present the 2024 Appropriation Bill of Rivers State before only four members of the state’s Assembly amounted to a gross violation of Section 91 of the Constitution.

    The judge added that the decision of the four members of the House Assembly purporting to have passed the Rivers State’s Appropriation Bill 2024, which Fubara said he had assented to, could not and must not be allowed to stand, having been passed in clear violation of Sections 91 and 96 of the Constitution as it has been set aside by an order of the court which was recently affirmed by the Court of Appeal.

    She held that Sections 91 and 96 of the Constitution is a precondition without which the powers of the fifth defendant to present the 2024 financial year estimate of the revenue and expenditure before the House of Assembly cannot be properly exercised in accordance with section 121(1) of the Constitution

    Justice Abdulmalik said: “Since there is nothing in the counter affidavits of all the defendants to suggest that the fifth defendant complied with the provisions of section 120(2)(3)&(4) and section 121(1) of the Constitution in presenting the Rivers State’s Appropriation Bill in respect of the 2024 financial year before a validly constituted House of Assembly, this court has an enormous duty to protect and guide the Constitution from unwarranted assault to curb the excesses of powers and infraction of constitutional order.

    “Where there is dereliction of constitutional order as in this instant case, this court will surely not shy away from its sacred constitutional responsibility to do what it considered just in the circumstances,” she said.

    Justice Abdulmalik proceeded to grant all the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs.

    The reliefs granted included:

    *A declaration that the 1st defendant (Central Bank of Nigeria) is not entitled to release any amount, money, fund or revenue standing to the credit of Rivers State in the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Rivers State domiciled at the Central Bank of Nigeria including all allocations and revenue receipts including from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) due to Rivers State from the Federation Account or from any other source to the 2nd defendant (Zenith Bank) or any other bank, being the commercial bankers of Rivers State Government or any other person until the fund has been duly charged with the relevant expenditures by an Appropriation Law duly made by the House of Assembly of Rivers State.

    *A declaration that the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants (CBN, Zenith and Access) by themselves or by their servants or agents are not entitled to release or permit the withdrawal of any amount, money, fund or revenue standing to the credit of Rivers State, Rivers State Government, Rivers State Government institutions or agencies (funded through appropriations in the Appropriation Law made by the House of Assembly of Rivers State) including Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission  (the 7th defendant) for any purpose whatsoever until an Appropriation Law has been duly Made by the House of Assembly of Rivers State.

    *A declaration that the Appropriation Bill for the Financial year beginning from 1st January 2024 and ending 31st December 2024 not having been presented by the 5th defendant (Fubara) and passed into law or made an Appropriation Law by the House of Assembly of Rivers State, the power of the Governor of Rivers State (the 5th defendant) to authorize or continue to authorize withdrawal of moneys, fund or revenue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Rivers State domiciled in the Central Bank of Nigeria (the 1st defendant) or from any moneys, fund or revenue standing to the credit of Rivers State or Rivers State Government (from whatsoever source derived), domiciled in, held by or in the custody of the 1st,  2nd, 3rd  or 4th defendant (Accountant General of the Federation);ceased and it is no longer available to be exercised with effect from the 1st day of July 2024 by the 5th defendant or any other person acting on his behalf or deriving authority from the 8th defendant (the Chief Judge) or the office of the governor of Rivers State, including the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th defendants.

    * A declaration that it is illegal, unlawful, unconstitutional and a subversion of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) for the 5th defendant to withdraw, authorize or continue to authorize withdrawal of moneys, fund or revenue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Rivers State, no matter where domiciled or any moneys, fund or revenue belonging to Rivers State or standing to the credit of Rivers State Government no matter where it is kept, or for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and/or 4th defendants by themselves or by their servants or agents to release, continue to release, withdraw or permit the withdrawal of any moneys, fund or revenue in the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Rivers State or belonging to Rivers State, no matter by whatever name called with effect from the 1st day of July 2024 when the constitutional power of the 5th defendant to authorize withdrawal of such moneys, funds or revenue in the absence of an Appropriation Law ceased absolutely.

    *A declaration that it is illegal, unlawful, unconstitutional and a subversion of the Constitution for the 1st, 2nd,  3rd and/or 4th defendants by themselves or by their servants or agents to release monies  to, to permit withdrawal, continue to release or to continue to permit withdrawal of moneys, funds or revenue at the instance of or by the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th or 10th defendants in respect of or for the purported purpose of the proposed conduct of Local Government Councils election for Rivers State or for the purpose of funding tribunals, including Election Tribunals or Election Appeal Tribunals for the said election.

    *An order of injunction restraining the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and/or 4th defendants by themselves or by their servants or agents from releasing any moneys, funds, or revenue of Rivers State or Rivers State Government, its ministries, departments or agencies or withdrawing or permitting the withdrawal of any such moneys, funds or revenue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund or from any Account kept in respect of moneys, funds or revenue due to, or belonging to Rivers State or in respect of any moneys, fund or revenue of Rivers State or due to Rivers State or Rivers State Government to/by the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and/or 10th defendants or on the authorization of or at the instance of any of them, individually or jointly until an Appropriation Law for the 2024 Financial Year has been duly made by the House of Assembly of Rivers State.

    *An order of injunction restraining the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and/or 10th defendants, by themselves or by their servants and/or agents from authorizing the withdrawal of, withdrawing , or demanding for the release of moneys, fund or revenue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Rivers State/Rivers State Government or any moneys, fund or revenue due to or belonging to Rivers State or Rivers State Government until an Appropriation Law for the 2024 Financial Year has been duly made by the House of Assembly of Rivers State.”

     We’ll be guided by court order, says OAGF

    Speaking to The Nation yesterday in Abuja, spokesman for the OAGF, Bawa Mokwa, said the OAGF would obey the court on releasing or not releasing the state’s share.

    When asked about earlier reports suggesting that Rivers State might miss out on the October FAAC allocation entirely, Mokwa declined to provide a definite answer. Instead, he maintained that the OAGF’s actions would be guided by prevailing court order.

    He had earlier been quoted emphasising that the office is closely monitoring the legal proceedings. “We know the Appeal Court will be diligent in handling the case,” he said.

    He was quoted to have said: “What I got is that the October 2024 FAAC has not been distributed yet. However, the Federal Government will obey the court order on the matter of Rivers State allocation.”

  • Experts call for action on workplace health risks in Nigeria

    Experts call for action on workplace health risks in Nigeria

    Experts have raised the alarm on serious health risks associated with Nigeria’s industrial growth, calling for swift action to protect workers. 

    The call to action was made at the 3rd Annual Conference of the Association of Industrial Hygienists of Nigeria (AIHN) held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where industry leaders and policymakers gathered to address the rising health challenges facing Nigerian workers.

    With the theme, “Addressing Occupational Health Risk in Nigeria: Strengthening the Role of Industrial Hygiene,” the conference focused on strategies to improve workplace health and safety.

    Over two days, attendees participated in discussions, workshops, and networking sessions aimed at identifying workplace safety challenges and developing solutions tailored to Nigeria’s unique industrial context.

    Keynote speaker, Ms. Nicole Greeson, alongside other experts, shared insights on Nigeria’s occupational health landscape and the critical role industrial hygienists play in creating safer work environments. 

    The event also featured a panel discussion with notable participants, including Dr. John Paul Ejembi from NNRA, Mr. Success C. Ikpe from NUPRC, Mr. Opakirite Braide from Total Energies, Mr. Abraham Okorodudu from Chevron Nigeria Limited, and Mr. James Adenuga from Dangote Industries Limited.

    In her opening remark, AIHN President, Ifeyinwa Anya highlighted the need for collaboration to address these risks effectively.

     “Our industrialization, while bringing economic growth, has introduced complex worker health challenges that demand our immediate attention and expertise. The role of industrial hygienists has never been more crucial in safeguarding the health and safety of our workforce,” she said. 

    She emphasized the urgency of the issue, explaining that while industrialization has boosted economic growth, it has also led to complex health risks for workers. 

    “The statistics are sobering; workplace-related illnesses and injuries continue to affect thousands of Nigerian workers annually, with many cases going unreported,” Anya stated, underscoring the crucial role industrial hygienists play in managing and preventing these hazards. 

    She noted that professionals in the field have a responsibility to “change this narrative” by anticipating, recognizing, evaluating, and controlling workplace health risks.

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    Through the OHTA 201 workshop and technical sessions, AIHN aimed to strengthen industrial hygiene capabilities across Nigeria, ensuring participants adopt and communicate global best practices.

    Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Gloria Ayodeji-Fapohunda also stressed the importance of collaboration, recognizing past efforts by committees, sponsors, and stakeholders in addressing occupational health issues. 

    She encouraged active participation, networking, and learning during the conference, which also offered Continuing Education units (CEUs) accredited by The CPD Group in the UK.

    The conference concluded with participants recommending improvements to Nigeria’s occupational health regulations, aiming for alignment with international standards while considering the unique local context.

  • Rivers, investors, sign agreement to develop $300m waste-to-wealth project

    Rivers, investors, sign agreement to develop $300m waste-to-wealth project

    •To generate 200MW of electricity, 20 tons carbon credit

    Rivers State Government has signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) for the development of a $300m waste-to-wealth project in the state.

    The state Governor Siminialayi Fubara, said the project when completed would develop a 200mw power plant, smart e-mobility, 20 tons of carbon capture and storage, and other innovations.

    The MoUs entered with Intec and Omene Group of Companies, among other things, were designed to convert waste to wealth, generate electricity, boost employment opportunities and increase the state’s revenue base.

    A statement signed by Fubara’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, said the signing ceremony was held at the Ministry of Justice in Port Harcourt on Thursday night.

    The governor, who was represented by the Rivers State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dagogo Israel Iboroma, SAN, noted with delight, that Rivers State Government in May, 2024, held the Investment and Economic Summit, the first of its kind in Nigeria.

    He added that thereafter, an Executive Order heralding the birth of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency was signed to drive investments in the State.

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    He said: “Today, we have signed two memoranda of understanding between the Rivers State Government and Omene Nigeria Limited, essentially to manage waste, convert waste to wealth and create massive employment for Rivers people.”

    The Chief Executive Officer of Omene Group, Otumba Prince Franklin Omene, said that the company would be working with other foreign investors to convert waste to wealth.

    Also speaking, representative of the partners, German-based Intec Group, Srinibach Dora Tepal, thanked the Rivers State Government for creating an enabling environment for investors.

  • Rivers of impunity

    Rivers of impunity

    •The rule of law ought to take top billing in Rivers State now

    The Supreme Court decision that ordered the various states of the federation to conduct local government elections emphasised the virtue of having elected officers in the rural crevices of the country. It was hailed as a new breath of fresh air in a cadre suffocated by the strong arms of governors who played emperors in a democracy.

    Quite a few states conducted theirs and it turned out to be a farcical replay as the governors again controlled the polls without disguise of their imprint and swagger. All state governors’ parties swept virtually every local government area. At least, they have nodded to the ritual, if a mockery, of an election.

    But the real farce was in Rivers State where it was marred with a defiance or claims of defiance of a court order, spasms of violence and a hectoring chief executive. In the run-up to the polls, a palpable tension engulfed the Niger Delta state with Governor Siminalayi Fubara issuing a threat in a language unbecoming of a role model, a leading politician and a supposed statesman in the country.

    What was at stake was the legality of the polls. The police had said it was obeying a court order not to provide security for the polls. This made the election a matter of what court was right. Earlier, a federal high court in Abuja had ruled that the election should not hold until the voter registration was updated. This position did not delight the Action People’s Party (APP). A high court in Rivers State ruled to the contrary when some politicians took the same matter to court.

    We believe this undermines the concept of the rule of law, and the idea of conflicting rulings is an act of mischief. Many eminent lawyers, retired jurists, intellectuals and statesmen have condemned this habit. It contravenes the spirit of the law. If a court hands down a ruling, an offended party’s reaction is not to shop for a court of coordinate jurisdiction. That engenders institutional confusion as well as egos of judges. It is believed that such actions corrupt judges. The right step is to appeal the verdict and that means taking the matter to the next tier of the court. That is order, discipline and respect for the constitution.

    The police withdrew, and so did two prominent parties, the People’ Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). The results of the poll led to the swearing-in of the partisans of the APP, with Governor Fubara as the main feature of the event.

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    On the other hand, forces believed to be loyal to Nyesom Wike, the former governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, allegedly went to town with mayhem and arson, burning down three local government secretariats.

    This is unacceptable. If the forces of Fubara did not follow the law, the reply is not impunity. We only retain the sanity of a civilised society by adhering to the law. Clearly, the election was conducted without following the law. The backlash also undermined the law. Hence President Bola Tinubu called for the restoration of order.

    Governor Fubara cannot say he did not incite violence in his state by his diction, and the tone of a warmonger he emitted on the eve of the election. He threatened to bring the state to “lawlessness” if the Inspector-General of Police dared him.

    At the time of writing, the state is calm, but tensions of deep partisan resentments seethe on both sides, and we urge all those not happy with the turn of events to resort to the court of law.

    Rivers State has been a tinderbox in recent election cycles. We expect decorum and the spirit of statesmen.

  • Rivers State: Courting emergency rule

    Rivers State: Courting emergency rule

    Sir: Every horrendous development necessary to prompt an emergency rule declaration in Rivers State have occurred. There is no iota of doubt that the law and order has broken down irretrievably in the state.  

    We have a governor who has chosen to throw wisdom, maturity, caution and decorum into dustbin.

    He has continually runs the state outside the provisions of 1999 Constitution, as amended.  

    Governor Sim Fubara’s demolition of the Rivers state House of Assembly complex at the beginning of this year remains one of the most destructive and brazen attacks on the democratic institutions in the annals of Nigeria.

    He even made unsuccessful attempts to demolish the House of Assembly residential quarters in Port Harcourt.

    The governor made frantic efforts to jettison the constitution, by governing the state in denial of the existence of the legislative arm of government. 

    He practically affirmed that the House of Assembly does not exist after 27 members defected from PDP to APC following his egregious, arrogance and act of impunity in conducting the affairs of the state. 

    Before the recent fracas and political pandemonium, the governor has committed several impeachable offences so much that it has become curious and inexplicable why he’s still remain in the office.  

    Read Also: Rivers crisis: Fubara vows to go after arsonists 

    Nigerians recall that earlier this year, the president intervened in the political crisis through an eight-point resolution reached at the mediation meeting, the role to be played by the contending parties.

    Regrettably, no sooner than the governor arrived Port Harcourt, cornered and overwhelmed by disgruntled elements around him that he jettisoned the resolution.

    The crisis has since festered and assumed a colossal dimension.    

    For the avoidance of doubt, the recent pandemonium that engulfed the entire state was a direct consequence of the governor’s flagrant disobedience to the court judgment halting the conduct of Local Government elections in the state.

    Instead of the governor to respect the law of the land, he quickly stormed a court of coordinate jurisdiction in Port-Harcourt to obtain a contrary judgment.

    This was the crux of the matter.

    Of course, the ensuing election had an all APP candidates declared as victorious at his behest.

    This is why the entire state has been engulfed in violence and wanton destruction!

    Rivers State is just one of the 36 federating units; enough of this rascality and indiscretion.  As it is, the only one who can save the state and his good people from this regime of anarchy and disorderliness is the president.

    No solution would be appropriate and germane other than declaration of emergency rule.   

    • Kola Amzat (FCA, FCIB)Lagos.

  • Rivers State of anarchy

    Rivers State of anarchy

    Sir: The ongoing political crisis in Rivers State is indisputably tending towards an episodic or cyclical political limbo and as such, if a very drastic action is not taken to curtain the brouhaha, it may degenerate to a state of anarchy.

    Prior to the just concluded local government elections of Saturday, October 5, there have been series of court judgements and counter judgements as to who owned what, did what, where, when and how?

    The back and forth political conundrum is apparently becoming laborious and tense. The two main political gladiators in the state are incumbent Minister of Federal Capital Territory and immediate past governor, Nyesom Wike and his successor and incumbent, Siminalaye Fubara. The two warring factions in the last few days have thrown Rivers State into flames.

    Harold Laswell has contextualized politics as who gets what when and how. This aphorism is incontestable with the situation of things currently in Rivers State at the moment.

    There have been several questions on the lips of so many Nigerians as to what has informed such an episodic political drama with tense atmosphere in the state?

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    Without any sense of prejudice to any of the warring parties, the just concluded Local Government election in River State was not just a charade but a complete subversion of rule of law. In fact, the shenanigans in the elections on Saturday, has incontrovertibly explained the need for federal government to as a matter of urgency, further strengthen the prerogative of the Supreme Court verdict on the local government autonomy. It is imperative to further withdraw the control of state electoral commission expediently and discourage state security agencies including the proposed state policing.

    If state governors are not stripped of this promptly, like it played out in Rivers during the local government elections, governors will incessantly abuse the immunity and take advantage of such to unleash a reign of tyranny. Truth is that most of the governors are power drunk in their respective states.

    If the entire number of registered voters of Rivers State is 3.5 million, according to the data of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and less than 10 thousand voters participated in the just concluded elections, it therefore implies that the entire process was a junk and a shenanigan.

    The most interesting aspect of the charade is that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressive Congress APC did not take in the election. Ironically, whereas the APP cleared the 22 out of 23 local government areas, the two major parties ignored the election and refused to participate.

    Sadly, more than three local government secretariats have been set ablaze in the last two days and the situation is yet to be contained entirely.

    Much as the action of the federal government in withdrawing the security agencies from the local government secretariats was a welcome development, a lot of people have equally accused the Nigerian Police to have been complacent.

    So the question I ask here is: to what advantage or favour would it be to the two warring parties, should the federal government declare a state of emergency in River State? Wouldn’t the tense atmosphere persist?

    •Adekunle Alaye, PhD.Olabisi Onabanjo University Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.