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Tag: Rivers

  • Rivers community protests over alleged killing of resident by policeman

    Rivers community protests over alleged killing of resident by policeman

    • …shooter arrested, detained, say police 

    Residents of Omagwa community in Rivers State have taken to the streets in protest after a policeman allegedly shot and killed a resident, Bright Chikuma Egbule.

    The victim was reportedly gunned down at his home in the early hours of Sunday following a minor disagreement with the officer.

    Outraged by the incident, youths, elders, and women from the community carried Egbule’s corpse to the Omagwa police station in protest. 

    However, after facing resistance from officers, they moved the body to a major federal road, blocking traffic for hours.

    A source, speaking anonymously, warned that tensions could escalate if the police fail to identify and bring the officer responsible to justice.

    The source said: “We fear the protest may escalate if nothing is done to address the matter and bring the rogue policemen to justice . This is a very unfortunate incident.

    Read Also: NAFDAC destroys drugs worth N4.7b in Rivers

    “In recent times, my Omagwa people have been victims of harassment from Security Agencies

    “Months ago, a security agency on the orders of a certain man came in the dead of the night, shot sporadically and whisked an innocent young man away

    “They locked him incommunicado for one month without access to either his family or lawyer. Today’s incident brings to the fore the harassment my people are suffering in the hands of security personnel, who are supposed to protect them but have now turned around to become their tormentors”.

    The police confirmed that the shooter had been arrested and detained, adding that the normalcy had been returned to the community.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP. Grace Iringe-Koko, while confirming the incident, said: “The command is aware, and the CP is on top of the situation. Normalcy has now been restored, and adequate security is present on the ground to prevent any breach of peace.

    “The corpse has been deposited at the morgue while the police officer has been detained while investigation is ongoing please. The command consoles the family members that justice must be served”.

  • Rivers lacked functional fire service for 12 years, says Fubara 

    Rivers lacked functional fire service for 12 years, says Fubara 

    The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has regretted that the state-owned fire stations were left in limbo for 12 years. 

    Speaking after inspecting the ongoing rehabilitation of the three major fire stations in the state by his administration, Fubara said when completed the stations would be ready for rapid and quick response to emergencies.

    Fubara in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, said the fire stations were left in deplorable conditions while the state depended on facilities owned by multinationals to fight fire disasters.

    The governor visited the stations located beside the Isaac Boro Park/Mile One flyover, Borokiri in the old Port Harcourt Township and Rumuodomaya Community, all in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas.  

     Fubara explained that with the ongoing work, the three major Fire Service Stations would be put to effective state to provide rapid and quick response to fire incidents in the state.

    He said: “For a very long time, we have had this situation that we have to depend on the multi-nationals; Shell, Agip and Chevron and even (Elf) TotalEnergies at that time, including to respond to fire incidents in the State.

    “From what we have seen today, we can confirm that the contractor is working very hard to meet the deadline. We must, I repeat, we must commission this project first week in March.”

    Fubara said it was the responsibility of government to have such facilities that provided vital social services to the people to address fire incidence when they occur.

    Read Also: I’ll make bold decisions for progress of Rivers, Fubara vows

    He assured that his administration was reversing the utter neglect such social services had suffered, and ensure that Rivers people would in no distant future begin to benefit from the stations.

    Fubara said: “As a matter of fact, I can boldly say that Rivers State has not had a functional Fire Service for the past 12 years. We are a government, and amongst our responsibilities, is to protect lives and property. Issues of fire incidents could be as a result of some mistakes in our homes. 

    “So, it is our duty to make sure that we are prepared to combat it whenever it occurs. We are trying to make sure that we do not depend again on the multi-nationals, but be ready and prepared to save lives and property of Rivers people”.

    Fubara was accompanied by Dr Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja, former Commissioner for Water Resources; and was conducted round the facilities by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Samuel Anya.

  • Rivers, HYPREP partner to build transmission station in Ogoni

    Rivers, HYPREP partner to build transmission station in Ogoni

    The Rivers state government has disclosed its collaboration with the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation  Project (HYPREP) to build a transmission station in Ogoni as part of its goal of ensuring 24 hour electricity across the state.

    The state’s Commissioner for Power, Solomon Eke confirmed the development on Monday while inaugurating solar-powered

    streetlights built across 16 communities by the Chairman of Gokana Local Government Area, Monday Dumiya.

    Eke lauded the streetlight initiative of Dumiya and other projects completed by the council’s chairman as part of his achievements in 100 days in office.

    The commissioner, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event said:  “ I want to say that in our roadmap for 24 hours electricity for Rivers people, the State Ministry of Power in collaboration with HYPERP is ensuring a transmission station is built in Ogoni and the entire Ogoni axis will be connected to the national grid for the use of our people. It’s going to be 24 hours”.

    Eke lauded the council chairman’s strides ans urged the people of Gokana to protect the solar powered streetlights.

    Addressing the chairman, he said: “You will serve Gokana and serve them well. Gokana be rest assured that you are in God’s hands through Monday, your executive chairman.

    “The youths are the army of communities. And I know the youths deserve good things. Because they are the ones that will stay here more than us. Please talk to the youths. Talk to everybody concerned. Let them protect this facility”.

    Speaking earlier, Dumiya commended the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his support, saying the project was important in the communities. 

    He said: “The streetlights will positively impact on socio-economic activities in Gokana, especially as small businesses have started springing up under the light. 

    Read Also: Rivers APC commends interior ministry’s budget performance

    “It will certainly reduce crime rate through increased night visibility and surveillance. Improve road and enhance pedestrian safety, thereby reducing the risk of accident and fatalities.

    “The streetlights will enable businesses to operate for longer hours, make the area more attractive, increase property values, lead to increased activities and foster community engagement, enhance quality of life by providing a sense of safety and security, increase mobility, reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, reduce light pollution, improve air quality and protecting the environment”.

    The chairman further called on members of the community to cooperate and protect the projects from vandals.

    Other projects showcased by the chairman were renovation and remodeling of schools in th area such as the Community Primary School 4, Bodo City;  Community Primary School 1, Biara;  Community Primary School, Lewe and Community Primary School 1, K-Dere, among others.

  • Residents cry as gas leak, oil spill wreak havoc in Rivers community

    Residents cry as gas leak, oil spill wreak havoc in Rivers community

    Residents of Buguma/ Bukuma communities in Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State have sent a Save-our-Souls(SOS), message to the Federal Government (FG), and State Government led by President Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Siminalayi Fubara respectively.

    This followed a massive oil/gas spill fire eruption on NNPC facility, oil well 8, and Oil Mining Lease(OML)-18, operated by NNPCL, in the community last week, causing massive destruction on the environment and crippling economic activities in the area.

    A tour of the scene of incident by selected journalists, weekend showed that while the fire still rages the oil and gas leak have continued to spread its leaps and bounds, from river to river and to lands, fishing ports, neighbouring communities, towns and villages.

    Some of the communities currently being affected by the spread include, Horsefall-Ama, Krakra-ama, George-ama, Abia-Ama, Aguna-ama, Abala-ama among others; that their line from Bukuma to Alakiri, among others.

    The people decried hardship, hunger, due to disruption in their economic mainstay, following the continued spreading of oil on the rivers, killing fishes and other aquatic lives. The people are predominantly fishermen, women.

    In a news conference held at Buguma town hall in Buguma, shortly after the tour, Regent of Kalabari Kingdom, Dr. Charles Numbere appealed to Tinubu and Fubara to urgently save the communities and environment from the raging disaster.

    The meeting was held in the presence of major stakeholders in the area, including the chiefs, community leaders, youth and women leaders.

    In the SOS message he directed to the duo of Tinubu and Fubara, and read to the media with the title, Buguma and Bukuma are finished, Alabo Dr. Numbere said, “the Buguma community (and Bukuma), urgently call on His Excellency, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu GCFR and His Excellency Sir Siminialayi Fubara GSSRS, to please set all mechinary in their power to help us(Buguma, Bukuma and the surrounding towns and vollages), to contain the environmental disaster that has occured in the area.

    They also called on the relevant ministries and agencies, particularly, the Minister for Environment, Minister of States for petroleum, Director Energy, Security and Protection, in the office of the National Security Adviser, the Commissioner Rivers State Ministry of Environment among others to rise up and save the communities from being wiped out.

    He noted that “there is a major oil spill going on i these areas and spreading very fast.

    “The spill started about a month ago with serious gas leak, which followed by a massive oil spill which has continued to spill and spread nonstop.

    “The gas and oil leak has now become a massive born-fire, what we feared most has now happened.” they lamented.

    According to the Regent, the development holds grievous consequencies to immediate host communities and their neighbouring communities and areas(lands and sea), including their inhabitants if nothing was urgently done to first bring the situation under control to stop further spread and devastations.

    “These incidents pose grave danger to communities in Kalabari Kingdom. It is so serious and frightful but this is not the time to apportion blames as ti the cause of this calamity, to dwell on that is tantamount to dereliction of duty, therefore, our demand now is basically damage control, cleanup total remediation and restoration.

    “We know that remediation will take some time, even years, but let it be in view.” the Regent said.

    Meanwhile, they called on governments at all levels and their agents to urgently send relief materials to the affected communities as a way to cushion the biting harsh effects of the disaster, which the residents are already going through.

    It cannot be ascertained at the time of filing this report however, the actual cause of the spill and the fire, meanwhile, the community are of the suspicion that it could have been caused by equipment failure, infraction by oil thieves and military air raid on illegal oil refinerying sites.

    Read Also: NDDC flags off project in Rivers community

    Speaking, the chairman Buguma oil spill Committee, Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji reiterated that the spill has affected rivers, farmlands and acquatic systems in the environment, ranging from Buguma, Bukuma creek, Ogaji-Ama, Keli-Ama, Abia-Ama, Angula-Ama, all fishing pots, Island and communities in the area are all impacted.

    Furthermore, the medical doctor highlighted some of the health and economic implications of the spill on to include, skin rashes, cancer diseases, acquatic inhabitants, economic losses, starvation, intense poverty/hardship since the fishing activities, which is the economic mainstay of residents have been suspended as the result of the development, among others.

    The community hence called on various government agencies saddled with the responsibility of protecting and preserving the environment, such as NOSDRA, Ministry of Environment among others to contact the community for collaboration to ensure proper investigation on the subject matter with the view of determing the cause of spill for immediate cleanup, remediation and restoration process.

  • Rivers, Chairborne Global, others back Niger Delta polo fiesta

    Rivers, Chairborne Global, others back Niger Delta polo fiesta

    Preparations for the forthcoming 2024 Port Harcourt polo tournament has received the full support of blue chip corporate giants, the state government and individuals for the prestigious polo festival  billed to blast off from January 12 at the old GRA Polo Ground in the Garden City.

    The motley of partners  led  by Chairborne Global Services Limited,  include Specialty Drilling & Fluid Ltd, Rivers State Government, Century Ports & Terminal Ltd, and Wilten Aviation, among others.  The list of the event’s sponsors both corporate and individuals that have already pledged or redeem their commitments include such traditional partners like SPDC, NDDC, OK Isokariai and members of the Port Harcourt Polo Club, among others.

    Captain of Port Harcourt Polo Club, Dr. Ikenna Nebolisa, is confident that more sponsors would come through as the countdown to the festival get underway.

    Dr. Nebolisa said that preparations to host the international polo event is ‘in fulfilment of the club to deliver the best and biggest Polo tournament that will place Rivers and Nigeria on  global reckoning for sports, tourism and business’.

    He continued: “While we appreciate our esteemed sponsors for this robust partnership and several others, we want to declare that the  tournament is still open for both local and international business partnership.

    “The 2025 polo tournament will portray Rivers State and indeed the Niger Delta Region in positive light and on our part, we will be ready to offer a lifetime experience to players, our sponsors and visitors alike.”

     The captain pointed out that  since assuming office, the management committee has been working round the clock to organise this great event.

    Read Also: West Ham appoint former Chelsea coach Graham Potter as new manager

    As part of the elaborate plans to host a befitting  tournament, the club has been consulting with stakeholders, corporate sponsors and benefactors of the foremost polo club that was established in 1972 as the premier polo club in the entire South East and South South regions of the country.

    He also noted that the tournament, apart from deepening the popularity of polo in the region, the week long-long event will also showcase and celebrate the cultural heritage and the peaceful nature of Rivers state and the Niger Delta.

    As one of the biggest polo tournaments in Africa and the most prestigious polo festival and the first polo event of the year in the country, enthusiasts are in for a special treat as players and horses match talents and wits in what promises to be a wee-long  of intense, invigorating polo at the highest level.

    Tournament Manager, Davis Sikpa , declared that the stage is set for a memorable event, assuring that Port Harcourt Polo Club has one of the best  pitches in Africa.

    He hinted that everything is being put in place for another unforgettable Niger Delta Polo fiesta in the Garden City as the lush green turf of the Old GRA Polo Ground in superb state and loaded music package, is loading for polo enthusiasts and tourists alike.

    It is gathered that over twenty teams are expected to vie for honours in the week-long polo extravaganza that will  climax with fanfare on Janaury18 with the Rivers State Governor expected as the Special Guest of Honour on the final day.

     Dr. Nebolisa said that the teams that would be converging in the Garden City for the festival include former champions, ambitious new comers, regulars and Port Harcourt based teams like the Nigerian Navy polo team and others from Jos, Bauchi, Kaduna, Katsina, Abuja, Kano, Minna and Yola.

    He revealed that major prizes to be won during the festival include King Diete-Spiff Cup which is the event’s biggest prize, OB Lulu Briggs Cup and T.Y Danjuma Cup, and King T.J.T Princewill Cup, among others.

    The fact that tourists from abroad and polo enthusiasts from across the continent attend this festival annually; attest to the immense tourism and social values of the exciting game of kings in the oil rich region and Nigeria.

  • Rivers: Is the law silent?

    Rivers: Is the law silent?

    Gone are the days that the law spoke from both sides of the mouth – unclear, confusing and misleading the public. Then, it spoke one language in peace time and another during war. Take peace for democracy and war for dictatorship. In the military era, Nigerians saw what happened as the junta used the obnoxious Decree 2 to silence critics and non-critics alike. That was our war time and two leaders best exemplified the period – Babangida and Abacha.

    The courts were silenced. They resorted to “blowing muted trumpets” on cases where their voices should have rung out loud and clear. It was that great orator Cicero, who noted in 52 BC that in the times of war, the laws are silent. That was centuries ago. The world has come a long way since then. Can the laws ever be silent in the world we are in now? They can never be. Happenings during the first and second world wars showed that might has no place in the global community, no matter how powerful a tyrant may be.

    No matter the sentiments of rights activists about the Nuremberg Trials that followed the world wars, the major takeaway from them is that there is no hiding place for tyrants. There can never be. No matter how far they run, they can never run faster than the law. The long arms of the law will catch up with them one day. Those behaving like tyrants today and treating court orders with contempt should remember that the day of reckoning is at hand. That day, ‘monkey go go market, he no go return’.

    The thing about the law is that it grinds slowly and steadily. Yet, it is no respecter of persons as Lord Atkin observed in the popular 1942 Liversidge v Anderson case in the United Kingdom (UK). Those trampling on the law today because they are governors will do well to study that case. There is a lesson in it for all men of power who turn tyrants, using their positions to oppress and suppress others. It was Atkin that turned Cicero’s saying on its head when he held in that case thus:

     “I view with apprehension the attitude of judges who… show themselves more executive minded than the executive… In this country, amid the clash of arms, the laws are not silent. They may be changed but they speak the same language in war as in peace…” These are immortal words. They speak to the situation we find ourselves in some states today as they did to the UK of Atkin’s day.

    Rivers stands out among the states where the law is being trampled upon by, even, judges who work hand in glove with the governor. Many of the judges of the state high court are in the pocket of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. They are helping him to wage war against their own constituency by undermining the Court of Appeal. It is unimaginable for a high court judge to overrule the Court of Appeal.

    It goes against the principle of hierarchy where the high court is below the appeal court. It is a cardinal sin for a lower court to overrule a higher court. Every judge knows the limit of his power. When they cross the line, they also know what awaits them. But many of them no longer care because of filthy lucre. It was a sad day for the judiciary on December 20 when Justice Sika Aprioku of the Port Harcourt High Court quashed the Court of Appeal’s verdict that the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led three-man House of Assembly is an aberration.

    Read Also: FG pledges adequate compensation for displaced Zungeru communities

    The appellate court had described the Oko-Jumbo assembly’s action in passing the state’s N800 million 2024 budget as a joke taken too far and ordered Fubara to re-present the proposal to the Martin Amaewhule-led 27-man assembly. The governor not only disobeyed the order, he on his own reversed it when he described the Oko-Jumbo group as the ‘authentic assembly’. The implication of his statement is not lost on the people, and that is, he will continue to deal with the Oko-Jumbo group, despite the appeal court’s decision.

    Fubara is fast becoming a tyrant in his determination to stamp his authority on Rivers. He can do that without being contemptuous of the court. He is carrying his fight for the leadership of his party in the state too far by treating the court with contempt. Lest he forgets, he cannot take on the judiciary and win. The earlier he realises this, the better for him and those benefiting from his impunity, lawlessness and rascality. How can he discard the judgment of the Court of Appeal stopping him from dealing with a three-man assembly and obey that of a high court which gave a contrary order?

    Fubara can fight his estranged godfather Nyesom Wike, and the Amaewhule-led assembly for as long as he likes, but he should be mindful of dragging the judiciary into it. Why make the judiciary suffer collateral damage in a political dispute that it knows nothing about? It is the more worrisome that a section of the judiciary too is openly flirting with him by overreaching itself.

    Fubara will lose nothing more than his position if he goes down in his fight with Wike and the Amaewhule group, but Justice Aprioku risks losing all if he joins a political fray that he knows little or nothing about. How can he explain it that he overruled the Court of Appeal in a matter? No wonder his judgment was shrouded in secrecy for over a week before it was made public after Fubara’s so-called presentation on December 30 of the 2025 budget to Oko-Jumbo and co.

    How can he be so audacious as to present the 2025 budget of N1.19 trillion to the same Oko-Jumbo assembly despite the subsisting appeal court’s order that it is not a properly constituted law making organ? Fubara’s position is that the Amaewhule group has defected from PDP to APC and so they can no longer be members of the assembly. That should be an issue for the court to determine and not for him to exercise a judicial power that he does not have.

    It is a slap in the face of the judiciary for him to use a court, a lower court for that matter, to justify his unjustifiable action of presenting this year’s budget to an assembly already found to be improperly constituted. Rather than advise him, those who should know better are hailing him for his contemptuous action. Let us assume that the governor acted in ignorance, but that cannot be said of the judge who should know his law inside-out.

    But then Fubara did not act in ignorance, he intentionally did what he did. It is left for the judiciary to respond in kind so that these governors will stop seeing themselves as being above the law.

  • JUST IN: Seven injured as three-storey building collapses in Rivers 

    Seven people have been rescued from a collapsed three-storey building under construction at Aboga along the Igwuruta-Etche road in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

    The incident, which occurred around 1:30 pm on Saturday, marks the fourth building collapse in the state within three months. 

    While no fatalities were reported, seven of the nine workers present at the site sustained varying degrees of injuries.

    Authorities said that investigation on the cause of the collapse is ongoing. 

    A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Getting here I saw the building collapsing, while some of the workers were able to jump out others could not as the building collapsed on them.

    “They were able to rescue everybody but many were injured, the last person was rescued towards the night with serious injuries, he was rushed to the Hospital in an ambulance”.

    Another source also said: ,”I heard a loud sound while I was in the house, when I rushed out I saw the building collapsing, some persons from this area and passersby started using axe to break through the debris to rescue the victims before the Government and Police came to join the rescue effort”.

    The rescue was reportedly  made possible through the joint effort of people from the neighbourhood, the authority of Ikwerre Local Government Area and officials of the Rivers State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development as well as the Ministry of Special Duties, which deployed excavators, fire truck and an ambulance for the rescue operation.

    The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development Evans Bipi confirmed the development in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Emeka Kalu.

    He said  it was  unfortunate beginning the year with incident of building collapse and attributed it to the use of substandard materials by the developer.

    Read Also: Fubara to Mbata: you have shown courage in defence of Rivers

    He said: “It is unfortunate that we are beginning the year with this tragic incident, though no life was loss. This is the 4th building collapse we are witnessing in the State since I assumed office” 

    “Preliminary investigation at the scene of the incident shows that the building may have collapsed due to the use of substandard materials by the builder”. 

    “Specifically, the use of 12mm rods for decking a building is a clear violation of construction standards. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident, as similar cases of building collapses in the State have been linked to the same cause – the use of inferior materials.” 

    Bipi also accused the developer of building without government-approved plan. 

    He said the Ministry had sealed the property pending investigation into the cause of the collapse and had asked the property owner to report to the Ministry for investigation.  

    He said: “As a government we are not happy with the repeated causes of building collapse in the State that have claimed life, injured several persons and caused avoidable damages and losses to developers in the State”.

    “Let me warn that we will no longer condone a situation where some builders will continue to violate the building code including building without government-approved building plan and compromising safety standards by using substandard materials in a bid to save cost.”

  • Nothing ‘ll stop my government, says Fubara 

    Nothing ‘ll stop my government, says Fubara 

    Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara has boasted that nobody or group of persons will stop his government in the State.

    The Governor assured that with the strong support of the pillars and frontiers of the political class and leaders, particularly those who built the foundational structures of Rivers politics, his administration would not allow any detractor take the state and its people for a ride.

    Fubara in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, spoke  at a 2025 New Year State Banquet in Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday night. 

    Fubara expressed confidence that his administration would defeat its detractors with the support of former Governors Dr Peter Odili and Sir Celestine Omehia; former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Sir Austin Opara; former Deputy Governors Sir Gabriel Toby and Tele Ikuru; Senators John Azuta-Mbata, Lee Maeba, Andrew Uchendu, Adawari Michael Pepple; former national chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus; former Fransport Minister, Dr Abiye Sekibo and Amb Orji Ngofa among others.

    He said he also has the support of other former and current elected political office holders and leaders at all levels, with proven integrity and accomplishments.

    Fubara insisted that no detractor would stand on the way of the State Government in achieving the giant strides it had set for itself.

    The Governor said: “We will ensure we protect the integrity of this state, at all cost. We won’t allow anybody take this state for a ride. It doesn’t matter the approach I will use. It’s not going to be a fight. 

    “We will follow the issues as we did with the case when they (detractors) started begging. Nothing will stop us from not achieving the purpose of governance in this State.

    “With strong confidence and faith in God and the people, we are not bothered about what they (opposition) will come with. God will always have a way to save us from them. They are going to come, but we are not worried. We are equal to the task. 

    “I honestly thank our leaders, from Dr. Peter Odili, Sir Celestine Omehia, Sen John Azuta Mbata, Sir Austin Opara, Prince Uche Secondus, Dr. Abiye Sekibo; to others, for the organic support you are giving to our government.

    “A lot of persons would not understand what is really happening. This is not to say we did not have people that were with us and following us and fighting. But one of the troubles they (detractors) have where they are today is that they do not have any strong face in Rivers politics with them. 

    “The beginning and the end of politics in this State is Sir Peter Odili. And if he is sitting with us here, and with these other persons, who do they have with them?

    “This Dr. Odili is the right face and right image of our state. These are the frontiers of Rivers State politics. Men and women that have distinguished themselves are sitting with us here. People who have contributed in several ways to make Rivers State what it is, not rented people they bring for dinner”.

    Fubara said that the events of 2024 were a mix bag of daunting challenges, but that the year ended with his administration scoring more gains than losses.

    “2024 was not an easy year, but it was great for us in the end. About this time last year, we were not in a very pleasant mood, for fear of what might happen, because of the boasting of those who believe they control life”,.he said.

    Speaking on 2025, he said: “We will continue to put our trust in God as 2024 had been a wonderful year. We had our losses, and our gains. But the most important thing is that our gains surpassed the losses. We can boldly say 2024 was a good year for Rivers State. And year 2025, with your support, we are going to build on the gains of last year.”

    He restated his administration’s determination to sustain the Rivers First policy.

    He said: “We will continue to protect the lives of our people and provide the required services in our State. We are not going to lower our guards. Rather, we will raise our bar because, what is speaking for us today is the achievements we are making in the face of obvious distractions.

    “Therefore, raising the bar will be our own way of telling the world that no matter what is happening here, we mean well for the state and know what we are doing. It is not going to be easy. I know. God, at times, keeps evil people to live long to continue their evil, not because He does not know what to do but activities of evil people also keep the righteous people awake,” he stressed.

    Fubara commended everyone in the state for their organic support, and solicited  more support in 2025.

     He said: “We are not going to do it alone, because we have not made these gains alone. Whatever win we scored today, it is not myself alone, but the government and the support received from every one of you. I cannot pay you back for doing what is right for your State. It is our State, and at the end of the day, we are building a better future for those to take over after us. That is my own dream for the State.”

    The governor noted that it was not about power but about  sustaining a system that would  be self-preserving, on which everyone could stand and be proud of the state.

    He said: “I strongly believe that because of our desire to build, not our private supermarkets, or our hotels, but to build a resilient state, there is no way we will not succeed, because our interest is not for self, but the collective interest of our people.”

    He assured that 2025 was going to be a year of all-round achievements, declaring that by February, 2025, his administration would embark on projects’ commissioning in other sectors.

    He said: “This time around, not roads. Our Fire Service, you can see what we are doing there. For over nine years, there was no functional Fire Service, but today, I can proudly tell you that we have bought all the vehicles, and we are remodelling the offices.

    “Education is the only instrument that can help our youths to avoid criminality and crime. Our state is behind in education, as our primary schools are shadows of themselves. You can see the provisions we made in our budget, and we are making sure education is given the required attention in this State. 

    “We have done much on health but we are going to spend more because you have to be alive to work. We are doing what we know is right, and doing those things that you can stand anywhere after our administration to defend us that our decisions were right. Nothing will stop us from achieving the purpose of governance in this State”, he vowed.

    Read Also: With my ‘red biro’, I will deal with my political opponents, says Fubara

    In his welcome remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, noted that the outgone year had been a wonderful one, and commended Fubara for being focused as an emancipator of the state, saying no matter the antics of the enemies, their acts to distract the government would continue to fail.

    While proposing the toast for the New Year, member representing Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon Awaji-Inombek Abiante, said that governor Fubara’s leadership qualities were testament to the success of the administration, and prayed for the peace, unity and prosperity of the state.

    He urged the “prodigals” to return home to join in the rebuilding of the Treasure Base of the Nation for future generations.  

  • Tax reform: Lagos, Rivers to suffer loss in VAT sharing

    Tax reform: Lagos, Rivers to suffer loss in VAT sharing

    • Kano, Zamfara, others to get higher revenue

    • Senate leader gives more insight into Bills

    The proposed Value Added Tax (VAT) model will guarantee more income for states in the North and a reduction for Lagos and Rivers, according to data on the plan.

    Adjustment in the sharing formula of the VAT is part of the four Tax Reform Bills before the National Assembly.

    Some lawmakers, such as Senator Ali Ndume, are opposed to the Bills, especially the aspect of VAT, with the claim that it puts states in the North at a disadvantage.

    But making available details from some of the data accompanying the Bill, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said in a statement yesterday: “As credible data have shown, for instance, the new model recommends 6.17 per cent to Kano compared to 0.89 per cent currently due to it.

    “It recommends 1.21 per cent for Zamfara compared to 0.05 per cent.

    “Currently, Lagos gets 80.26 per cent, but the new model only recommends 15.28 per cent, representing an 81 per cent decrease.

    “Under the new model, also, Rivers’ share will decline from 7.74 per cent to 4.6 per cent, accounting for a 41 per cent loss.

    Read Also: CAN to FG: prioritise food security

    “With these figures, the narrative around the new derivation model is utterly incorrect and unfounded.”

    Giving more insight into the content of the Bills, Bamidele said: “Amid the debates about the Tax Reform Bills, as Christ, our Lord has taught us and as the parliament of the people, we shall never pursue any agenda outside our oath of allegiance or undertake policy initiatives adversarial to or conflicting the interest and welfare of all our constituents and indeed our Fatherland.

    “We have taken due note of public concerns about these initiatives. We are, as well, looking deeply into the areas of public concern.

    “Our duty, as democrats, is not just to listen to our constituents, but also give effect to policy initiatives that will positively impact their lives.

    “For the record, the Tax Reform Bills, when finally enacted, utterly exempt all employees earning N1,000,000 annually or N83,000 monthly.

    “The Bills exempt start-ups, shared services and technologically driven services from taxation and recommend zero VAT on essential services and consumptions.

    “Even though it reviews the derivation formula to 60 per cent, this proposal is guided purely by the principles of equity, fairness and justice.”

    Felicitating Nigerians on Christmas, Bamidele added: “As we celebrate His faithfulness and goodness in our homes, we must also remember the needy in our neighbourhoods and consciously minister to them as Christ would have done.

    “We need to reflect on the travail of the vulnerable nationwide and rekindle enduring hope in their hearts.

    “We must reach out to those in troubled areas and show them the care of Christ our Lord.

    “In this season and beyond, we must likewise remember Nigeria, our Fatherland and the only country of our common heritage.

    “With the zeal of our Lord, we must offer our timeless prayers for the renaissance of our Fatherland, for the restoration of her economy, for the stability of her polity, for the cohesion of her people across the Niger and the manifestation of her glory in the league of nations.

    “This is the season never to shy away from eternal responsibilities God Almighty has committed to our hands.

    “This is the season to renew our resolve to faithfully stand with the political leadership for the renewal of hope.

    “This is the season to halt the search for pastures that are never green, but the time to join hands together to build our nation with conviction and rebrand her for the ceaseless inflow of global capitals and the endless troupe of global tourists.

    “This is the spirit behind key legislations and reforms we have promoted in the 10th National Assembly.

    “From the Tax Reform Bills 2024 to the National Minimum Wage Act, 2024, Investment and Securities Act, 2024 and National Ranches Commission Establishment Bill 2024, among others, we are simply committed to building an environment where businesses can operate seamlessly; where investors will never think twice before they bring in their capital; where our compatriots can freely breathe without undue burden and where the next generations will be proud of at all times.

    “We are pursuing each of these reforms purely in the love of our countrymen as Christ our Lord has commanded.”

    Faleke: bills will harmonise taxes

    The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, Dr. James Abiodun Faleke, said some provisions of the Tax Reform Bills were misunderstood.

    He spoke in Lagos while educating members of his Ikeja Federal Constituency on the benefits of the bills.

    According to him, all states will get benefits.

    He said: “There is no justification for the misgivings about the Tax Reform Bills, especially VAT.

    “The proposal will harmonise the various taxes.

    “Besides, more than 90 per cent of what affects the ordinary Nigerians has been exempted from taxation.

    “VAT is what I call the rich man’s tax.

    “Items such as food, education, public transportation, and medicals that affect the common man have been exempted from VAT, which is consumption tax for as long that such products are not taken to hotels and big restaurants to sell. 

    “Many of those saying that VAT will impoverish one region do so out of ignorance.

    “It is to redistribute revenue so that no state has undue advantage on the others.”

    Archbishop faults over-reliance on oil

    Also yesterday, the Archbishop of the Anglican communion of Kaduna province, Timothy Yahaya, gave his support to the Tax Reform Bills.

    He said states should be more concerned about boosting production rather than what is shared from the centre.

    He told reporters: “The bills will stimulate the economy, but the sharing of money is not the best for this country.

    “Go to America, some states are known for oranges, some for apples. So, what is each state in Nigeria known for?

    “Some states should be known for the production of cocoa, rubber, plantain, ginger or rice, which we can export.

    “Leaders must think outside the box and think of creating wealth, instead of thinking of sharing what we extracted from the ground.”

    The cleric urged Nigerians to remain steadfast amid economic challenges.

    “My message to Nigerians on Christmas day is like the Angel that came on the day of Christmas and said, ‘fear not, for today is born unto you a child and there is great joy in the whole world’.

    “So I tell Nigerians, fear not. The God that has been with Nigeria since creation is still the God that is there today.

    “With all that we are going through, it will come to pass, it will be over, and I believe that after this storm, there will be a better and greater Nigeria.

    “So I don’t want Nigerians to lose heart, I want them to be encouraged,” Yahaya said.

  • Rivers crisis: Don’t fight back despite provocation, Fubara urges loyalists 

    Rivers crisis: Don’t fight back despite provocation, Fubara urges loyalists 

    Rivers state governor, Siminialayi Fubara, has appealed to his people in the state to resist the temptation of fighting back even in the face of provocation.

    Fubara spoke on Thursday when he led the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V, to inaugurate the newly built palace of the chairman of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Majesty, Eze Chike Worlu Wodo, the Eze Ohna of Apara Kingdom in Rumuigbo, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of the state,  

    The governor insisted that in all circumstances his supporters must maintain the peace in the state.

    Fubara acknowledged that at the end of the crisis, some of them would be taken to court and charged for some offences, but he asked them to remain strong because his government would be with them.

    He said: “The only thing I will ask in return is continue to support this administration, be law abiding that is the only way we can get more progress and bring more development into your community. 

    “No matter the level of provocation, try to control your temper. You don’t use fight to resolve fight. We need peace applied with Artificial Intelligence methods to defeat trouble. 

    “I know that when we finish this thing, some of you will be taken to court tomorrow and some of you will be charged for one offence or the other. But just be strong, we will be there for you.”

    The governor asked the people of the area to protect the new palace describing it as a legacy and warning them against fighting inside the edifice.

    He said: “We came, we saw and we conquered positively for you. protect this palace;  it is a legacy for you. When you are fighting don’t come and fight inside here, do that outside, knowing that when the Eze finishes another person will also come and operate from here. So it is a legacy of the Kingdom and it belongs to everyone, it doesn’t belong to the present Eze, so protect it.”

    The governor said he discovered the palace was still under construction and decided to swiftly complete it to allow the current chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers to host his events in the palace without bringing such programmes to Government House.

    “We know what happens in other places when you have meetings of traditional rulers and you go to other states you see wonderful palaces of the traditional rulers. So, I think it is right for us to start beautifying our traditional rulers so that people will see them and respect them”, he said.

    Fubara said his administration would construct and upgrade all the internal roads in the area to reciprocate their support.

    He said his love for the people could be felt by all in many ways adding that his administration was building a general hospital and upgrading the Neuropsychiatric Hospital to a modern one to withstand the challenges ahead. 

    He said: “We are not just ending there, we are building a palace for the Royal Highness of Akpor Kingdom maybe by the grace of God by February we shall also inaugurate it. It is showing love and the importance that I attach to the Obio/Akpor. So continue to support our administration and we will also continue to do better and well for you.”

    Fubara said he invited the Obong of Calabar, a first class king in Cross River State to inaugurate the project because he knew the importance 

    “So, he understands what we are doing that is why I invited him so that he would come and commission it, so that the memory and the strategies that they are using over there he will share with our Eze to enable him apply it here and this Palace will stand forever”, he said.

    Inaugurating the project,  His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V, the Obong of Calabar, urged Fubara to remain focus amidst the ongoing political turbulence in the state.

    Declaring his solidarity with Fubara, he asked the governor to continue to defend the mandate freely, willingly, peacefully and resoundingly given to him by the people.

    He said: “Do not let them distract you, shut out the noise, and focus on delivering the dividends of democracy to the generality of the good people of Rivers State, who combined together to be your employers and your bosses.”

    The governor commended Fubara for  all the projects he had either initiated or completed since he assumed office. 

    He said: “This is what we expect of successive administrations to realize that they are running a relay race to develop any institution where they find themselves at any given time. Your Excellency you have done well and I must say we are proud of you.”

    The King hailed Fubara for turning his attention to traditional institutions and regretted that many government officials paid lip service to such institution.

    He expressed happiness that successive administrations in Rivers had continued to develop infrastructures for traditional institutions recalling that he once joined others to witness the inauguration of the Secretariat built for the state Council of Traditional Rulers.

    He said: “For initiating and completing this project. Let me also use this opportunity to call on other governors and politicians to emulate what you have done. And I am sure you will continue to do well in Rivers State for the traditional institution as well as other timeous and people-oriented projects.”

    The Obong of Calabar congratulated the Chairman of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Majesty Eze Chike Worlu Wodo Eze Ohna Apara kingdom on his new palace.

    Governor Fubara had on Wednesday declared that God had a way of punishing persons, who are determined to demarket Rivers.

    He spoke when he led Alabo Senator Adawari Michael People to inaugurate Kalaibiama Road in Opobo-Nkoro Local Government Area of the state.

    Read Also: Rivers crisis: We have conquered political challenges, says Fubara

    Pepple used the occasion to reply the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, over his weekend’s statement questioning the political philosophy of the state governor.

    Fubara said Rivers belonged to everyone of them and vowed that he would not create dangerous media war in the state.

    He, however, described as barbaric people from the state coming out openly to declare that there mission was to run down Rivers.

    Fubara said: “I want to assure everyone especially our leaders, Rivers State belongs to everyone of us. The best we can do is to contribute our own quota to better Rivers State. Rivers State as at today even in the face of wonderful things we are doing that people are beginning to see, I will not create dangerous media war. 

    “We had a session with the Joint Tax Board and they were asking is this Rivers State that we hear about a if you are moving they will shoot you? This is our state, what we owe this state is wherever we found ourselves, wherever God has placed us contribute to the betterment of Rivers State not to run it down. 

    “But God also has a way of punishing those  people who have decided to be evil. I will leave the punishment to God, let Him continue to punish them the way He likes.”