The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Rivers State

  • Impeachment: Group urges Tinubu’s intervention in Rivers

    Impeachment: Group urges Tinubu’s intervention in Rivers

    A coalition of concerned citizens, Rivers Grassroots Movement (RGM) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the impeachment proceedings initiated by the Martins Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu.

    The group’s convener, Jackrich Sobomabo emphasised that Rivers State’s stability and the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s national structure remains a top priority.

    The RGM dismissed allegations that Governor Fubara failed to present the 2025 budget, noting that President Bola Tinubu transmitted the Rivers State Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly during the state of emergency regime, and it was passed into law on June 25, 2025.

    Read Also: Tinubu mourns Oba Akran of Badagry

    He said, “Rivers State operates under a valid fiscal framework that remains fully operational,” Egberipapa stated, noting that “Section 122 of the 1999 Constitution allows the governor to authorize expenditure for up to six months where an Appropriation Act has not been passed. The 2025 budget passed in June means the fiscal year runs until August 2026.”

    The group further commended Governor Fubara’s management of state resources and focus on infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.

    “Governor Fubara has demonstrated exemplary prudence and transparency in managing state resources, delivering dividends of democracy to the grassroots even in the face of adversity,” Egberipapa said.

    The group declared their support for Fubara and his deputy, urging them to seek re-election in 2027.

    “Rivers State deserves peace, progress, and prosperity. We stand united for a better future,” the statement concluded.

  • Family of six die in Rivers

    Family of six die in Rivers

    A family of six comprising father, mother and children has been reported dead in Ogale community, Eleme, Rivers State.

    It was gathered that the entire family members slept on Saturday night but could not wake up on Sunday morning.

    Sources said they had concluded a plan to return to Port Harcourt after the holiday before the incident.

    Read Also: Rivers: Wike knocks critics over call for his sack by Tinubu

    The real cause of death could not be ascertained as nobody could give tangible reasons for the unfortunate incident.

    The incident was first reported by a Facebook user, Destiny John, who wrote: “A black Sunday indeed six died on the spot. How will I explain to you all that all this family died on a spot in Ogale today. No sickness, Oh God let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end”.

  • JUST IN: Family of six die in Rivers community

    JUST IN: Family of six die in Rivers community

    A family of six, comprising a father, mother, and their children, has been found dead in Ogale community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.

    Residents said the family retired to bed on Saturday night but failed to wake up on Sunday morning. 

    Community sources noted that the victims had planned to return to Port Harcourt after the holiday before the tragedy occurred.

    Read Also: Tinubu prioritises welfare, equipment of Armed Forces, says Defence Minister

    The cause of death remains unknown, as no one has been able to provide clear details about the circumstances surrounding the incident.

    News of the tragedy first emerged through a Facebook post by a user, Destiny John, who wrote, “A black Sunday indeed. Six died on the spot. How will I explain to you all that this entire family died on the spot in Ogale today? No sickness. Oh God, let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end.”

  • Rivers crisis: Group urges Fubara to resign for defying Tinubu-brokered peace deal

    Rivers crisis: Group urges Fubara to resign for defying Tinubu-brokered peace deal

    In the face of the ongoing impeachment process of Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara by the Assembly members; a foremost pro democracy and accountability group has asked the Governor to honourably resign before it is too late.

    Fubara is facing another row of impeachment threat with 26 out of 27 House of Assembly Members already signed his impeachment notice.

    Presenting the impeachment notice during the resumed plenary on Thursday, Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Major Jack, read out eight points of alleged gross misconduct against Governor Fubara.

    Jack, who represents Akuku-Toru I Constituency, accused the Governor of demolition of the Assembly Complex; engaging in unapproved budgetary spendings; withholding funds meant for Rivers Assembly Service Commission; refusal to obey the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Financial Autonomy of the House; and seizure of the salaries of the Clerk of the Rivers House of Assembly, Emeka Amadi; amongst others.

    The House also empathically accused Governor Fubara of rebuffing entreaties to present the 2026 budget, thereby undermining the powers of the Assembly.

    Reacting Saturday morning, in a statement by the spokesperson, Comrade Wisdom Abah, the pro democracy and accountability group, under the umbrella of National Vanguard for Accountable and Transparent Democracy (NVATD), said, by reneging on the peace deal brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Governor has invited anarchy into the state.

    “Let it be known to the whole world that, Governor Siminalayi Fubara is solely responsible for the political unrest that is currently befalling Rivers State. It does not take him anything to go back to the drawing board and follow the peace agreement he entered in June and September 2025, for the interest of the entire people of Rivers,” the group said.

    The group stressed the refusal of Fubara and Deputy to present the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the House of Assembly, his flagrant neglect of the democratically constituted House of Assembly and his refusal to honour the peace deal supervised by President Tinubu, were the greatest unbecoming that would undo the Governor.

    “The most honourable thing for the Governor to do now, is to just resign, before it is too late. Imagine he is the only Governor in Nigeria as at today, that has not presented the 2026 budget to the State Assembly. The Governor has no regard for the Lawmakers. He should be schooled that, Legislature is a critical arm of Government that performs critical roles. Lawmakers are not part of his executive.

    “We saw his outing on BBC where he was boasting that there was no Assembly without him. He claimed he gave them existence and he could as well de-recognise them. He even claimed some Assembly members were feeding in his house and he paid their children school fees before he became Governor.

    “Comments like these are not healthy for our democracy. The Governor should know better that, there is difference between personal relationship and governance. Even though he was close with some lawmakers before becoming Governor and they had personal ties, it would not preclude the Assembly, as a legislative arm of Government from doing its oversight functions on him and his executive.

    “Refusing to present the 2026 budget to the State Assembly means he has de-recognized that institution of democracy as he rightly threatened. His refusal to grant total autonomy to the Assembly, autonomy to the Local Government and paying outstanding debts owed the Lawmakers, as agreed in the peace deal, means the Governor has not only insulted democracy, he has also disrespected the Assembly Members and above all, despised President Tinubu, before whom he made the commitments,” the statement added.

  • APC South-south slams Rivers lawmakers over plot to impeach Fubara

    APC South-south slams Rivers lawmakers over plot to impeach Fubara

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) South-South Group and lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly have expressed contrasting positions on recent developments involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the implementation of the 2026 budget process.

    The APC South-South Group, speaking on Friday in Port Harcourt, reacted to comments by some lawmakers who claimed that the governor had not fully adhered to the peace agreement brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resolve ongoing political tensions in the state.

    Addressing journalists, the group’s coordinator, Comrade Freedom Amadi, said the issues currently generating concern were linked to disagreements over the budget and governance priorities. 

    He maintained that the governor’s decisions were within his administrative authority and called for continued dialogue to preserve stability.

    According to him, the presidential peace accord was designed to restore calm and ensure that all institutions in the state functioned without friction. 

    He added that mutual respect for constitutional roles remained essential for sustaining the progress achieved since the agreement was reached.

    Lawmakers, however, have insisted that certain actions recently taken by the governor were inconsistent with the terms of the agreement and argued that the House of Assembly would continue to exercise its constitutional responsibilities.

    The APC South-South urged all parties to avoid actions or statements that could escalate tensions, stressing that collaborative engagement was necessary to uphold democratic order.

    The group also called on both the Rivers State House of Assembly and relevant federal institutions to maintain restraint and prioritise measures that reinforce peace, institutional harmony, and public confidence in the governance process.

  • Judges resume in Rivers’ courts after vacation

    Judges resume in Rivers’ courts after vacation

    The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi has said that judges of the High Court of the state will resume sitting on Monday, 13th January after the Christmas vacation.

    Read Also: Shettima reaffirms FG’s resolve to empower military

    The chief judge in a statement signed by the Registrar of the State High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi recalled that he allowed the judges to embark on vacation from December 23rd to January 9, 2026.

    He urged members of the public to take notice of the resumption date.

  • Wike to APC national secretary: steer clear of Rivers politics

    Wike to APC national secretary: steer clear of Rivers politics

    …says they should stay off Rivers

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has cautioned the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, to steer clear of political affairs in Rivers State.

    Wike’s warning followed comments attributed to Basiru, who had cautioned the APC National Vice Chairman (South-South), Victor Giadom, against what he described as disrespect towards Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, allegedly to curry favour with Wike.

    Basiru’s remarks came after the minister’s recent “thank you” visit to Gokana Local Government Area.

    Reacting while addressing residents of Oyigbo Local Government Area, Wike advised Basiru and other politicians to desist from actions capable of igniting tension in the state.

    He stated that both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were now working towards a common objective of ensuring the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

    The minister also expressed displeasure over what he described as attempts by politicians to position themselves to benefit from the N600 billion Rivers fund, warning against politicising resources meant for the development of the state.

    Read Also: Foundation hails Wike over fresh push to tackle waste crisis

    Wike said, “Let me warn those who came to Rivers State, because you have heard that we have N600 billion. You come here, you collect, and you open your mouth to talk anyhow.

    “I say it here, take this message to your National Secretary, leave Rivers State alone. Go and ask those who have done it before. Don’t take our support for Mr. President for granted. You have to be careful with the statements you make.

    “Today, you are enjoying in Osun, you don’t know those who did the work. You are opening your mouth to talk about Rivers State. Anything you see, take it.

    “Go and ask other people what has happened to them before. If your hand burns, it’s not me. This state is a no-go area. Take the one you have taken, stop making unnecessary comments.”

    Details shortly…

  • JUST IN: Rivers deputy governor, SSG dump PDP for APC

    JUST IN: Rivers deputy governor, SSG dump PDP for APC

    Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Benibo Anabraba, have formally dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Odu officially registered as a member of the APC in her ward at Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA).

    She completed her e-registration at Akabuka, Ward 8, Unit 11, on Sunday and later toured the six zones of ONELGA to sensitise the people on the ongoing APC e-registration exercise.

    She urged residents to demonstrate their support for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Siminalayi Fubara through massive registration in the party.

    She said the registration exercise came after the governor declared for the APC and was intended to further consolidate political support for both the President and Fubara at the grassroots.

    The deputy governor said six zonal meetings had already been held to ensure effective mobilisation and smooth implementation of the registration process across the local government area.

    “Today, I came to sensitise the people, and everywhere we went, there were large crowds who came out to receive us. They said wherever I go, they will go with me, and wherever Governor Fubara and President Tinubu go, they will go,” she said.

    Odu noted that the tour covered all six zones of the local government area, such as Egi, Omoku, Osomini, Igburu, Egbema, and Ndoni, adding that the enthusiasm and turnout reflected growing acceptance of the APC in the area.

    Read Also: 2027: ‘Rivers APC will only take instructions from Wike’

    The deputy governor also received members of the Labour Party (LP) who defected to the APC in Ndoni.

    She described the development as a boost to the party’s strength in ONELGA and a sign of increasing grassroots alignment with the leadership of President Tinubu and Governor Fubara.

    The SSG, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, resigned his membership of the PDP in a letter dated January 5, 2026, and addressed to the Chairman of Ward 1, PDP, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State. 

    The letter was submitted through the party’s ward office at Bob-Manuel’s Compound, Abonnema.

    In the letter, Dr. Anabraba said that his decision to withdraw from the PDP was purely personal, stressing that the move was taken after careful personal consideration. 

    Anabraba expressed gratitude to the PDP for the political leverage and opportunities he enjoyed during his period of membership. 

  • Rivers still at crossroads, says Fubara

    Rivers still at crossroads, says Fubara

    …governor preaches unity

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called on all stakeholders to embrace unity, describing the state as being at a critical crossroads that demands collective resolve and cooperation.

    Speaking on Tuesday as Special Guest of Honour at the Eneka Day Celebration in Port Harcourt, the governor warned against attempts to divide the people, stressing that unity remains the strongest foundation for progress and development.

    “For me, today is very important because at the crossroads of our state, what matters most is unity that will attract progress,” Fubara said. “Seeing your theme, ‘Unifying our strength for progress,’ shows that the Eneka people understand that development can only come when there is unity.”

    He urged the community to remain steadfast and united despite possible efforts to cause disorganisation, noting that a united people speak with a stronger voice and are better positioned to engage government effectively.

    “When you stand as one, you cannot be broken. Standing together is when the government listens to you and responds to your calls,” he added.

    Read Also: Fubara appoints new attorney general in Rivers cabinet reshuffle

    The governor explained that his attendance was also to reciprocate the loyalty and support shown to him by Senator John Azuta Mbata, an indigene of Eneka. He acknowledged that the senator had faced challenges standing by him, describing such loyalty as a defining trait of the Eneka people.

    Fubara announced his acceptance of the chieftaincy title conferred on him by the Eneka community, describing it as a gesture rooted in loyalty and shared commitment.

    He also pledged to address key requests made by the community, including the upgrade of their traditional stool and the construction of internal roads.

    The governor congratulated the Eneka people on the celebration, noting that the cultural event had not been held for seven years, and commended their resilience and unity.

  • Fubara appoints new attorney general in Rivers cabinet reshuffle

    Fubara appoints new attorney general in Rivers cabinet reshuffle

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has appointed a new Commissioner for Justice following a minor reshuffle within the State Executive Council.

    As part of the changes, the governor redeployed Christopher Green from the Ministry of Sports to the Ministry of Justice, where he will serve as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.

    The position became vacant after the former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dagogo Iboroma, SAN, was among the commissioners affected by the Supreme Court judgment that resolved the state’s political crisis.

    Read Also: Wike to Fubara: you are not 001 of Rivers state

    The ruling also invalidated the appointments of commissioners earlier screened and approved by the three-member Victor Oko-Jumbo-led House of Assembly.

    Sources said the renewed tension between the governor and the House of Assembly has made the appointment of new commissioners difficult, prompting Fubara to reassign responsibilities among existing members of the cabinet.

    Confirming the development, an official statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo, said Christopher Green would also continue to oversee the Ministry of Sports pending the appointment of a substantive commissioner.