The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Rivers

  • PDP chieftain canvasses support for Rivers Sole Administrator

    PDP chieftain canvasses support for Rivers Sole Administrator

    Chief Alex Wele, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain in Rivers, has called on residents to support  the State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, to bring lasting peace to the state.

    Wele made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Port Harcourt .

    He said  though the emergency rule  in the state was not envisaged, it was a commendable action towards ending the political crisis in  the state.

    Wele urged the suspended governor and legislators to take advantage of the period and initiate reconciliatory moves towards  resolving their differences.

    According to him, genuine  reconciliation could  foster harmonious relationship capable of engendering their recall.

    Read Also: Makinde faults Rivers Emergency rule, PDP Govs head to court

    ”My advice to Rivers people is that they remain calm, peaceful and cooperate with the Federal Government and the Sole Administrator.

    ”He has been given a matching order to restore law and order in the state, let’s cooperate with him and see if the suspended governor and legislators would also forge a peaceful relationship within the period,” he said.

    Describing the crisis as unnecessary and unreasonable, the elder statesman urged the  gladiators to toe the path of peace.

    He also advised the governor and legislators to focus on delivering democratic dividends, when their suspension is eventually lifted.

    (NAN)

  • Uwazuruike defends Wike, blasts Fubara over Rivers crisis

    Uwazuruike defends Wike, blasts Fubara over Rivers crisis

    Founder of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and leader of BIM, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, has defended former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike while blaming Siminalayi Fubara for his removal from office.

    Following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, Uwazuruike stated that Fubara was the architect of his own misfortune, insisting that the crisis could have been avoided if he had honored his agreement with Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

    “Whoever advised Fubara to fight Wike, who made him governor, did not advise him well,” Uwazuruike wrote on his Facebook page on Thursday.

    He added: “If you know you are a politician and you are approached to do a dirty job which your conscience doesn’t want you to do at that moment, say ‘I won’t do it’ or ‘I can’t do it’, that makes you a gentleman.”

    Read Also: Rivers Emergency: NASS saved democracy, remains African pride – Obidike

    Uwazuruike also blamed Fubara for not listening to the counsel of prominent personalities like former Ekiti State Governor Fayose. “If Fubara had listened to the counsel of some people like Fayose, he would not have fallen into this temptation. It would have been avoided.”

    “All of these things happening in Rivers State could have been avoided if one party had kept his own part of the promise. This is very common in Southeast and South South. When somebody will bring you from obscurity and made you a governor and at the end of the day, you refused to keep your own part of the bargain. It is not good.

    “Some people will say you are voted by the masses, which masses, if nobody gave you the chance or the ticket of the party, the masses would not have seen you to vote for you.

    “You want to play a card and you have forgotten that as a civil servant, the highest you could go is becoming the permanent secretary. Somebody brought you out and made you the governor, you turned around to make him a bad guy, it is unjust.”

    In a scathing critique of Nigeria’s political system, Uwazuruike stated, “There is no better governor in Nigeria who doesn’t steal money because the country is corrupt. Wike is not the only devil in Nigeria politics, all the other governors are devils and corrupt. No one should play the victim card.”

  • Rivers: Northern Reps caucus backs Tinubu, faults opposition 

    Rivers: Northern Reps caucus backs Tinubu, faults opposition 

    The Chairman and leader of the Northern Caucus in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ado Doguwa, has explained why the State of Emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State must stand.

    The Kano-born lawmaker said the legislative House and the government cannot sit and allow miscreants, hoodlums and politically motivated thugs destroy critical assets at the expense of national economy. 

    In a statement on Thursday in Abuja, Doguwa alleged suspended Governor Sim Fubara and some other interests outside the State have knowledge of destructions of critical infrastructure in the oil and gas sector in the Niger Delta. 

    The lawmaker also took a swipe at the coalition of opposition party leaders for criticising the action. 

    He asked them to live above partisan lines and be wary of the fact that the laws of the land are unambiguously sacrosanct and can not be contemplated by anyone. 

    According to him: “In view of the ongoing discourse on the State of emergency in Rivers state, We are compelled to state clearly that the steps taken by Mr. President and C in C of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are apt, timely and constitutionally appropriate. We as a legislative institution will not allow Mr. Presidents constitutional declaration of emergency to fail. 

    “The opposition are simply trying to be political about this matter. While we are not insensitive to the constitutional imperatives and implications involved, We will not however ignore or take for granted the derailment of law and order in Rivers state. 

    “We cannot also as a legislative house or as a government sit down and allow miscreants, hoodlums, and politically motivated thugs continue to destroy critical national assets at the expense of our national economy. 

    Read Also: Reps, NHRC, UK govt, others pledge support to deepening rights protection in Nigeria

    “What is happening today by way of destructions of critical infrastructure in the oil and gas sector is allegedly with the conspiracy of the suspended Governor of the state and some politically motivated players outside Rivers state. 

    “In the circumstances therefore, I would like to on behalf of the northern regional Caucus of the 10th House of Representatives, state that we are in total support of of the state of emergency declared by Mr. President in the discharge of his constitutional powers as clearly stated in section 305 of the Constitution of the FederalRepublicof Nigeria.”

    Reacting to Atiku Abubakar-led Coalition of political leaders’ condemnation of the Emergency in Rivers State, Doguwa said: “The legislative institution of our country to we are collectively members, are in this case guided by our moral conscience, commitments to protecting democratic ideals, respect for our supreme legal document and of course by historical precedence. 

    “Nigeria is indeed greater than any selfish coalition and its conspiracies. The constitutional proclamation of emergency in Rvers state must stand.”

  • Tacha fires back at troll over Rivers political crisis

    Tacha fires back at troll over Rivers political crisis

    Big Brother Naija star Tacha has responded to a troll who criticised her for not speaking out about the ongoing crisis in Rivers State.

    The troll accused Tacha of being silent on the issue, while being vocal on other topics like feminism.

    “See how Tacha is quiet over this Rivers issue. If it’s to come out and talk rubbish about feminists, she will be at the front”, the troll wrote on X.

    Read Also: Tacha explains decision to relocate to UK

    Tacha, who is from Rivers State, quickly defended herself, stating that she has spoken out about the state’s issues more than most celebrities from the region.

    She challenged the troll to create their own platform to discuss the issue, rather than criticising her.

    She wrote, “I’ve talked about Rivers State more than all the celebrities from Rivers State put together!! If you’re so concerned, grow up your own platform and talk. Nobody hold ur mouth.”

  • Ibas moves to restore public order in Rivers

    Ibas moves to restore public order in Rivers

    Following his swearing-in on Wednesday by President Bola Tinubu, Rivers Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) has set motion in place to ensure security and public order returns to the oil rich state.

    The Nation gathered that the Sole Administrator might have a state broadcast in the coming days after engaging with relevant stakeholders especially security chiefs and oil companies.

    “A state broadcast is likely but that will be after his meeting with security chiefs to get a  full picture of security assessment.

    “Since oil contributed largely to the economy of both Rivers State and the country at large, he will engage with the oil companies to ascertain the extent of damages or areas of critical concern so that strategies are mapped to prevent sabotage,” a source confided. 

    Read Also: Rivers awaits Sole Administrator Ibas as security tightened at Government House

    The Nation reports that Admiral Ibas, a former Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) and immediate past High Commissioner to Ghana brings to the table vast security, administrative and diplomatic expertise.

    Aside from his expertise, it was gathered that the President considered him for the tough job because he is a tough negotiator with a proven track record of decimating activities of pipeline vandals and militancy in the Nigeria Delta region.

    However, the National Assembly is yet to endorse the presidential promulgation though Tinubu mentioned that the leadership of the federal legislature was consulted and gave their approval before the action taken.

  • BREAKING: House of Reps approves President’s request for emergency rule in Rivers

    BREAKING: House of Reps approves President’s request for emergency rule in Rivers

    The House of Representatives has approved the request of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a state of emergency in Rivers State with an amendment. 

    The House resolved while the emergency lasted; it can be reviewed at any time without necessarily waiting for the six months prescribed in the proclamation. 

    Read Also: Reps, NHRC, UK govt, others pledge support to deepening rights protection in Nigeria

    Minority Whip of the House, Ali Isa JC, moved the amendment to the request that when there are signs of resolution of the crisis, the President should review the emergency rule in the State. 

    Details Shortly...

  • South-South Govs seek rescission of Rivers emergency

    South-South Govs seek rescission of Rivers emergency

    The South-South Governors have proposed the rescission of state of emergency in Rivers State to reduce tensions and establish a foundation for enduring peace.

    The proposal is contained in a statement on Thursday by the Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri.

    Diri stated that in the meantime, the region’s governors encouraged all parties to remain calm, uphold peace and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    He indicated that the moment for dialogue is now.

    The statement reads in part: “The South-South Governors’ Forum notes the six-month declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, a constituent part of our Forum, and the suspension of two democratic institutions.

    “We recognise the President’s constitutional duty to maintain law and order throughout Nigeria, just as we are equally mandated to securing peace and stability in our states.

    “However, the South-South Governors’ Forum expresses concern that the current political situation in Rivers State does not satisfy the criteria for declaring a state of emergency as outlined in Section 305 (3) of the Nigerian Constitution (as amended). 

    “This section suggests that such a declaration should be considered under specific conditions like war, external aggression, imminent invasion, breakdown of public order, existential threats to Nigeria, natural disasters, or other significant public dangers.

    Read Also: Fubara, other south-south govs meet, vow to reposition BRACED

    “It is also worth noting that the Constitution outlines specific procedures for the removal of a governor and deputy governor, as detailed in Section 188, and similar provisions exist for the removal of members of the House of Assembly and the dissolution of parliament. In the current situation, it appears that these guidelines might not have been fully considered.”

    The statement believed that the political disputes in Rivers State between the Governor and Assembly should, ideally, be resolved through legal and constitutional means, rather than by executive fiat.

    It noted: “To reduce tensions and establish a foundation for enduring peace, we propose the rescission of the State of Emergency.

    “In the meantime, we encourage all parties to remain calm, uphold peace and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The moment for dialogue is now.”

  • Stay away from Rivers political crisis, Mark Angel cautions youths

    Stay away from Rivers political crisis, Mark Angel cautions youths

    Popular skit maker Mark Angel has cautioned youths and residents of Rivers State to avoid getting entangled in the ongoing political crisis in the state.

    This advice comes on the heels of President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the House of Assembly for six months.

    In a video posted on his Instagram handle, Mark Angel emphasised that the conflict is a dispute between two governments, rooted in failed agreements and personal disagreements, and does not concern the youths.

    He warned young people against taking sides or getting involved in the situation.

    Reflecting on the situation, the 33-year-old Rivers-born content creator reminded the public that he and his team had predicted such a crisis in their skits two years ago, but their warnings were ignored.

    Mark Angel urged youths to focus on their businesses, health, and personal development, rather than getting caught up in political conflicts.

    He stated: “My fellow Rivers state people and all residents especially the youths, it is not your matter, it does not concern you. It is government versus government. The government said they had an agreement with the other government.

    Read Also: Mark Angel: I no longer manage Emmanuella, Success

    “Now the agreement did not hold even though they have their personal issues. But what I want to let you know is that this is not your concern. We said a lot of jokes and made skits about this issue about two years ago, we were warning that this was going to happen, now it has happened.

    “The government ignored those videos, tagging them as jokes and skits but now it is being manifested. So leave them to fight their fight, if they announce military rule for 10 years, no problem. 

    “As long as we can come out, do our businesses, eat and progress in the society.
    “Do not fight over someone else’s issues. The governor who is asking us to protest, how did he enter power? All of us know now, so they know themselves, let them settle their issues, do not get involved.”

  • NASS will support Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers, says Lagos Rep

    NASS will support Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers, says Lagos Rep

    Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets, Ademorin Kuye, has expressed confidence the National Assembly will support the state of emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, saying the action was aimed at defending the nation’s democracy. 

    In declaring the state of emergency in Rivers on Tuesday, Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara; his Deputy, Ngozi Odu and all the members of the House of Assembly for six months and appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as administrator for the first six months.

    The President relied on Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution to make the proclamation. 

    The emergency rule declared by the President requires the approval of the National Assembly with a two-thirds majority vote by members.

    Speaking in an interview, Kuye said the primary responsibility of every government was the protection of lives and properties, saying “without sentiments we are going to defend the democracy. In a situation where there is  breakdown of laws and order no responsible government will keep quite and allow the anarchy to continue.”

    He said in 2023 when leaders of the State met with Tinubu over the lingering political crisis in the State, the President intervened but the parties involved were not satisfied and went to court.

    Read Also: Tinubu saved Rivers from anarchy, bloodshed, says ex-Deputy Speaker

    “Now the Supreme Court has given its judgement, the crisis still persists leading to destruction of oil pipelines and other government facilities that cost a lot to put in place,” Kuye said.

    He lamented that the Legislative Arm is always the first victim of anything that will undermine democracy, stating the need for the legislators to always defend the democracy at all cost.

    He expressed confidence that irrespective of party affiliation, the lawmakers will support the President’s proclamation.

    He noted that in the past, National Assembly had intervened on the crisis between the Executive and Legislative Arms at the State level, citing Edo as an example.

  • Tinubu saved Rivers from anarchy, bloodshed, says ex-Deputy Speaker

    Tinubu saved Rivers from anarchy, bloodshed, says ex-Deputy Speaker

    A former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Prince Chibudom Nwuche, has hailed the emergency rule declared in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu saying the President saved Rivers from looming anarchy and bloodshed.

    Nwuche called on the National Assembly to expeditiously ratify the President’s declaration in the interest of peace, progress, development and good governance of Rivers and the country.

    Nwuche, who spoke in Port Harcourt, observed that the protracted crisis, which spanned over one year  had adversely affected governance and economic prosperity of the oil-rich state.

    He said investors were leaving the State in droves because of the crisis, adding that the state was  near comatose with confusion and uncertainties defining the daily activities of government.

    Nwuche said by the declaration and the appointment of a Sole Administrator, the President had demonstrated that he is a proactive leader and will not sit idly and watch any part of the country burn.

    He said the situation became most worrisome following the attacks on major oil installations by criminals describing the development as unacceptable,after certain groups had issued such threats.

    He advised the political actors in the crisis to use the opportunity created by the emergency rule to peacefully resolve their differences and de-escalate the tension in the state,while abiding by the rule of law.

    Nwuche further called on ,interlopers, political jobbers from outside the state to stop fueling the crisis for personal gain in order to restore order to Rivers States.

    He congratulated the newly appointed Sole Administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok Ibas (retd) and urged him to work for the peace and progress of Rivers.

    Nwuche called on the residents to remain calm and go about their daily activities assuring them that the President acted in their best interest.

    He said: “I want to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for taking this  proactive step of bringing peace by declaring emergency rule in Rivers State  in line with Section 305 of the Constitution.

    “The President acted to save Rivers State from descending into anarchy. The state was already on the brink of lawlessness and anarchy on account of the protracted political disagreement that had lasted for over  one year.

    “Most non residents of Rivers State do not understand that the crisis was dealing a heavy blow on the state. The state had suffered greatly and the economy was near comatose because  investors were already withdrawing from the state. 

    “But we thank God the President courageously came to the rescue. From my experience Democracies must be adapted to local needs,and not copied hook,line and sinker from other countries “.

    “I urge the National Assembly to expeditiously confirm the emergency rule to enable good governance return to Rivers State. I also urge the political actors to use this opportunity to settle their differences in line with the rule of law,and deescalate the tension in  the interest of Rivers State.

     “A situation where criminals resorted to blowing up pipelines is not acceptable. Self-help has no place in a democracy. Rivers people have  always lived in harmony and it took the collective efforts of all the people of the state to elect the governor and members of the House of Assembly.

    “There was no room for the ethnic sentiments currently being championed by outsiders. My tribe the Ekpeye, other tribes like the Ikwerres,Ogonis,Kalabari, Igbani,Etche and many others all voted in one accord for the Governor and the members of the House of Assembly. 

    “I am calling on all residents of the state to remain calm, go about their normal activities and cooperate with the sole Administrator in the interest of peace and development of the state”.