The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Rivers

  • Ugochinyere has no right to speak for Rivers people, says Bob

    Ugochinyere has no right to speak for Rivers people, says Bob

    The member representing Abua/Odual and Ahoada East Federal Constituency of Rivers State, Solomon Bob (PDP, Rivers), has criticised Ikenga Ugochinyere, the spokesperson for opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives, for speaking on matters concerning Rivers State. 

    Addressing journalists on Wednesday, Bob accused Ugochinyere of exceeding his legal and legislative boundaries by neglecting his constituency in Imo State to focus on issues in Rivers, thereby creating unnecessary tensions. 

    Bob asserted that while Ugochinyere is a federal lawmaker, his position does not grant him the authority to speak on Rivers State matters.

    He emphasized that only lawmakers from Rivers, who are familiar with the state’s issues, have the legitimacy to represent its interests. 

    The Rivers lawmaker further alleged that Ugochinyere is being used by a Rivers indigene to carry out illegal activities and urged him to redirect his focus to Imo State.

    Bob highlighted the challenges in Imo, including the disruption of education and business activities on Mondays due to insecurity, as issues that demand Ugochinyere’s attention. 

    Read Also: JUST IN: PDP expels Reps member Ugochinyere over alleged anti-party activities

    He concluded by reminding Ugochinyere that a lawmaker’s primary responsibilities are representation, lawmaking, and oversight, rather than interference in the affairs of other states. 

    He said Ugochinyere could not engage in lawmaking, saying, “I’ve not seen him engage in any lobbying activity in the House of Representatives. He’s been here for a year plus now”.

    He said further that sections 49 and 72 of the Constitution tell you clearly that no federal constituency or state territories and by implication, you cannot speak for any place other than where you represent.

    “I have tried to put these issues before the House leadership, to call them to order. We as a caucus have written to the leadership and to the Speaker particularly, specifically, to take action on this.

    While questioning Ugochinyere’s rise to becoming the chairman of a major committee in the House as a first timer in the House, Bob asked the Speaker to remove him as chairman of a standing Committee of the House.

  • Loyalists, associates, friends plan to shut down Rivers on Wike’s birthday

    Loyalists, associates, friends plan to shut down Rivers on Wike’s birthday

    Staunch loyalists, associates, and friends of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, are reportedly planning to shut down Rivers State, particularly Port Harcourt, in a grand celebration of his birthday. 

    The occasion is being organized to make a bold statement about Wike’s undisputed political leadership in Rivers amidst the ongoing political crisis in the state. 

    Sources revealed that new political groups and movements will take centre stage on Friday at various locations across the state to mark the former governor’s birth anniversary.

    Leading the preparations is the NEW Associates, a political movement derived from the initials of Wike’s names: Nyesom, Ezenwo, and Wike. 

    Other groups such as Wikematic Youths, Wikematic Women, and the Rivers Ijaw Progressive Congress (RIPCO) are also mobilising for the event.

    Wike’s political allies and supporters, both within Nigeria and abroad, are expected to converge in Rivers to participate in the celebrations.

    The Convener of the New Associates, Senator George Thompson Sekibo, said numerous supporters of the minister were excitedly waiting to mark the day.

    Sekibo said a public lecture titled, Pragmatic Strides of a Visionary Leader and Contemporary Issues of Society would herald the celebration.

    Read Also: Wike praises Tinubu for support in discharging ministerial duties

    The former senator said the day would also be used to unveil the footprints of the minister in various political positions he had occupied from the state to the national level.

    He identified the Senate President as the Special Guest of Honour; a former President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), OCJ Okocha as the Special Guest of Honour and Guest Lecturer as Prof. Julius Ihonvbere.

    He said: “The forthcoming birthday is unique in the sense that despite all efforts of the betrayers, the minister has been able to keep our political family in Rivers intact. He remains the indisputable leader of Rivers politics.

    “He has survived all the machinations of the devil and our leader by the grace of God continues to wax strong. We are calling on the numerous supporters of our leader to attend the event”.

  • Rivers police kill notorious kidnap kingpin, ‘2Man’ in foiled abduction

    Rivers police kill notorious kidnap kingpin, ‘2Man’ in foiled abduction

    The Rivers State Police Command has neutralized a notorious kidnap kingpin and murder suspect, Nkem ThankGod, widely known as “2Man.”

    The 42-year-old, a native of Ogbologbolo Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area, was identified as a leader of the Greenlander Cult Group.

    State Commissioner of Police, Mustapha Mohammed Bala, disclosed that the suspect was killed during an intelligence-driven operation while attempting to carry out another kidnapping.

    The remains of the suspect were paraded at the Police Headquarters in Port Harcourt, marking the end of a reign of terror attributed to “2Man” and his criminal network.

    “His gang members managed to escape with injuries, and efforts are underway to apprehend them”, Bala said.

    He said before his death, the suspect was responsible for a series of heinous crimes in Ahoada East and Ahoada West local government areas.

    He said the suspect was responsible for the killings of the Youth President of Okogbe Community, Mr. Christmas Ede, on December 21, 2021; multiple killings in 2024, including two PMF 48 personnel, three civilians, Mr. and Mrs. Rex Kiriki and Mrs. Abigail Victor, and a spare parts dealer after collecting ransom.

    He said Thankgod further murdered two Shell employees in Okogbe and stole their Toyota Hilux; shot SP Bello during a rescue operation in 2022 and killed two Rapid Response Team officers in early 2023.

    Read Also: Rivers police to crackdown on violent protesters

    Bala said Thankgod kidnapping and carjacking a red Toyota Camry from Dare Shola in October 2024; orchestrating several kidnappings and extorting ransoms before killing victims.

    He said the suspect was one of the economic saboteurs, who frequently vandalised oil pipelines and government installations in Ahoada West.

    The police boss named exhibits recovered from the suspect and his gang as two AK-47 rifles, Five magazines and 22 rounds of live ammunition

    “The Rivers State Police Command reaffirms its commitment to protecting lives and property and will continue working to dismantle criminal networks in the region”, he said.

  • Rivers pushes for Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo leadership, begins consultations

    Rivers pushes for Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo leadership, begins consultations

    Igbo people of Rivers State origin under the auspices of the Ogbakor Ndi-Igbo Na Rivers have expressed their readiness to lead the famous Igbo umbrella organisation, the Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo Worldwide.

    The stakeholders were said to have commenced nationwide consultations with critical Igbo leaders to back them in producing the next President-General of Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo.

    It was gathered that despite being a statutory member state of Ohaneze, Rivers had yet to lead the organisation.

    Rising from their meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the stakeholders in a communique signed by the Convener, Ogbakor Ndi-Igbo Na Rivers, Livingstone Wechie, insisted that it was the right of Rivers to produce the next President-General of Ohaneze.

    The communique was also signed by the President of Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo in Rivers, Dr. Lucky .A. Ekeji, Prof Steve Wordu

    Dimm Uche Okwukwu, Eze Fyneface Amaechi, Chief Jackson Omenazu and High Chief Igo Okparamma among others.

    The stakeholders said: “That pursuant to Article 11 of the Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Constitution, it is granted to Rivers State as of right, to produce the next President-General of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Worldwide come January 10, 2025.

    “This is in keeping with the constitutional rotation of the office of the President-General of the apex organisation of Ndi-Igbo among the seven states.

    “Rivers State is fully ready to take up this mantle to lead Ndi-Igbo Worldwide. Our sons and daughters are poised to actualize this statutory and historic assignment for the well-being and development of Ndi-Igbo all over the world.”

    The stakeholders listed Obio-Akpor, Port Harcourt City, Oyigbo, Ikwerre, Emohua, Etche, Omuma, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni, Ahaoda East, and Ahoada West as local government areas, which are direct members of Ohaneze in Rivers.

    “We have supported other states to produce the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Worldwide from Inception along with other offices and our allegiance has remained unshaken”, they said.

    They recalled that the Rivers State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Worldwide in the time past produced the Deputy Secretary-General, National Financial Secretary, Secretary-General, and the Deputy President-General of Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo among others.

    They said: “Now, therefore we appeal to Ndi-Igbo all over the world to stand by the Constitution of Ohanaeze and ensure that a free, fair, transparent, and credible election is conducted come January 2025 to elect National officers, President-General of Rivers extraction inclusive.

    Read Also: Ohaneze Ndigbo youths move to immortalise Iwuanyanwu

    “We strongly believe that a strict adherence to the Constitution will bring about a harmonious, peaceful, and prosperous Ohanaeze now and in the future, particularly now that we as Ndi-Igbo face existential threats by internal and external forces opposed to our unity, survival, and development”.

    Also, a Pan Igbo group, Anyi Anyi, proposed a symposium jointly with Ogbakor Ndi-Igbo na Rivers to discuss a wide range of issues bordering on the choice of a new leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo.

    The National Coordinator of Anyi Anyi, Mr Anthony Okolo, said: “This fact must not under any circumstance be compromised or undermined as doing so will eclipse the Igbo identity in Rivers State”

    Okolo proposed that the symposium should take place on December 7, 2024, and advocated wide sensitisation and consultation in the buildup to the symposium.

  • Activists seeks end to Rivers crises, release of allocations

    Activists seeks end to Rivers crises, release of allocations

    Niger Delta group, South-South Renewed Call 4 Resource Control (SSRC-4RC), yesterday urged President Bola Tinubu to resolve the crises in Rivers State and restore its federal allocations.

    It emphasised the role the Federal Government can play in bringing peace to Rivers.

    “We call on the President, National Assembly, governors, PANDEF, and Nigerians, to support this call for restoration of Rivers State federal allocation and enactment of the enabling laws for resource control,” the group said.

    In a statement by Director of Strategy, Dr. Omereji Amadi, the group lamented ‘‘the unjust denial of the people of Rivers State what is due to them from the federal purse”.

    It added: “Rivers and its people have provided Nigeria with oil wealth for over half a century. Still, the people are being denied what is theirs: their federal allocation.

    “We do not think it is suitable for the people of Rivers to suffer such deprivation…

    “Well-meaning Nigerians who followed the genesis of this problem had thought wise counsel would prevail; that narrow-minded political gamesmanship would not be allowed to overshadow the interest of a strategic state.

    “A time like this calls for statesmanship in leadership; the interest of the nation must prevail over any interest.

    Read Also: Foreign Reserves’ $40.8b highest in three years

    “The question begging for an answer is this: how can a state that is a significant contributor to the wealth of our nation be denied its share of that wealth?

    “This is injustice that should not be allowed to stand…”

    SSRC-4RC said what is due the state should be released to it not to hinder development and people’s welfare.

    “We appeal to President Tinubu to intervene to avert a crisis that may degenerate into nightmares, such as the political imbroglio of the 1960s…”

    The group recalled it took the late President Musa Yar’ Adua, working in concert with others, to bring the destructive chapter of the region to an end through Amnesty Programme.

  • Rivers: Drawing far-fetched parallels

    Rivers: Drawing far-fetched parallels

    Until the federal government learns to put its foot down, the threats against the republic will not abate. Responding to the court judgement withholding the monthly allocations to Rivers State, some political actors in and outside the state have been threatening fire and brimstone, of course against both the federal government and the judiciary, and warning that democracy could collapse. From all indications, the threateners wish their prophecies to come true.

    As part of the disingenuous ploys to influence public opinion on the revenue allocations controversy, other commentators have also suggested that the Federal High Court judgement mirrored the case of the withheld allocations to Lagos local governments in 2004 during the Olusegun Obasanjo presidency, insinuating in addition that the governor who fought that case is now the president ‘enabling’ the current ‘anomaly’ against Rivers State. It is perverse logic; but taking a position in these parts is seldom about logic or law. As a matter of fact, positions are often taken according to which part of the ethnic, political or religious divide the commentator or politician belongs.

    Read Also: Concerns as silent rage of hazardous pollution threatens air quality

    Has it occurred to those condemning the government and the courts that the real problem is the inability of Rivers State to convince any court, except a few state courts, that the governor has acted according to the law in any of the controversies he has got himself embroiled in? And have they attempted to interrogate the actions and political decisions of Governor Sim Fubara who has consistently been outmanoeuvred by his enemies? Apart from ignoring the law and accusing the courts of constituting a threat to democracy, the governor’s supporters and state elders prefer to see the Rivers crisis from the cracked prism of pro-Wike or pro-Fubara.

    The Rivers imbroglio is a reflection of the quality of both leaders and the led in Rivers as well as in Nigeria as a whole. It’s an African thing: full of raw emotions and rage rather than the substance of the case and logic, and full of pigheaded and Trumpian determination to get one’s way at all costs.

  • Court stops CBN, AG-F from releasing allocation to Rivers

    Court stops CBN, AG-F from releasing allocation to Rivers

    • Fubara: we will continue working

    The Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday restrained the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation from further releasing funds to the Rivers State Government pending when a lawful appropriation act is passed by a validly constituted House of Assembly.

    The court barred banks from allowing the Rivers government and Governor Siminalayi Fubara to withdraw from the state’s accounts.

    Justice Joyce Abdulmalik issued the orders in a judgment on a suit filed by the Rivers State House of Assembly and Martins Amaewhule (as Speaker).

    The plaintiffs alleged unauthorised withdrawal of funds from the Rivers State Consolidated Revenue Funds Account by Fubara.

    But Fubara said he was not bothered by the judgment, and that governance would continue.

    He said efforts by detractors to frustrate his administration would continue to fail.

    CBN, the banks, the Accountant General of the Federation, the governor, 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 are the defendants in the suit FHC/ABJ/CS/984/2024.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Nigeria’s 28 Chiefs of Army Staff since 1966

    Justice Abdulmalik noted that the legality of the budget passed by four members, which Fubara assented to, was invalidated 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 on October 10, Justice Omotosho found that Amaewhule was the authentic Speaker.

    Justice Abdulmalik held Fubara’s decision to present the 2024 Appropriation Bill before only four lawmakers grossly violated sections 91 and 96 of the 1999 Constitution.

    Justice Abdulmalik said: “Where there is a 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.”

    Justice Abdulmalik granted all the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs, including:

    • A declaration that the first 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 second defendant 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 first, second and third defendants (CBN and the banks) 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 seventh defendant) for any purpose whatsoever until an Appropriation Law has been duly Made by the House of Assembly of Rivers State.

    Judgment least of my problems, says Fubara

    A defiant Fubara dismissed the judgment, describing it as “the least” of his problems.

    Fubara spoke during a special thanksgiving service he organised to celebrate his administration’s resilience amidst rising political crises in the state.

    He said despite the order, contractors and workers would be paid, and councils would get their allocations.

    Fubara said those who ruthlessly attempted to end his administration undemocratically boasted they would boot him out of office within one week but failed woefully.

    The governor said his administration was forging on strongly.

    At the event, which was held at the Main Bowl of Alfred Diette-Spiff Civic Centre along Moscow Road in Port Harcourt Old Township, were thousands of residents, the clergy and gospel singers.

    Fubara said: “If you were not with us, if you had not stood with us, we wouldn’t be here at this hour.

    “A lot of you might not understand what happened on the 30th of October, 2023. It was an assassination to the people of Rivers State, indirectly and an assassination of me directly.

    “Since they can’t kill every one of you, they need to kill one person so that everybody will be declared dead.

    “But somehow, somewhere, by the special grace of God, they failed. And the God that we are thanking today, what they meant for evil, God turned it to good.”

    Fubara slammed his detractors, saying despite their antics, his administration had demonstrated transparency and accountability.

    He said such public financial diligence attracted commendations from BudgIT, a civic-tech organisation, that assessed Rivers as maintaining the number one spot in the 2024 Fiscal Performance Ranking among the 36 states of the Federation.

    He said: “I can tell you, they said we are not going to last for one week, we are here. We have done one year plus. We are also doing the first anniversary of their attack.

    “They said those buccaneers will not leave as local government chairmen. Today, we have the 23 local government chairmen sitting here with us.

    “They said their commissioners should resign so that we will be crippled. Today, we have more than 23 commissioners.”

    “We have shown prudence that we are not here to steal your money; that we are here to be accountable.

    “And yesterday (Tuesday), we saw it, it was declared by BudgIT that Rivers has shown transparency and accountability and has ranked us first.”

    Fubara urged all Rivers people to brace up and be strong as the challenges would be surmounted.

    He said: “So, you don’t need to bother about the stories on social media. That one is the least of your trouble. By tomorrow (today), I am still going to pay my contractors.

    “By tomorrow (today), those of you who have not gotten your salaries, your alert will also come to you.

    “Local Government Chairmen, they have had their JAAC, your money is coming to your accounts.

    “Who is the loser? We are not doing luncheon here to celebrate loss or failure. We are praising God because He is taking us to a higher position.”

    Fubara explained that he sincerely implemented the details of the Presidential Peace Accord, including withdrawing suits, while the other party violated the accord by not withdrawing theirs.

    He said: “If there is any advantage that was taken over us, it is because of our genuine interest in peace.

    “We went to Abuja and Mr President, knowing the importance of peace in Rivers, brought out some conditions.

    “First, we did everything that has to be done with those conditions. We went to court immediately and withdrew our matters, but they did not.

    “And you call yourself honourable when you cannot even obey simple instructions, and you blame it on Fubara.

    “How is Fubara the problem? Fubara is not the problem! It was because we withdrew our matter, even the matter you filed, and we said we didn’t want to continue: you took advantage of it and went and got judgment. Is it not fraud?”

    Fubara said such dishonourable persons should not come to the public to demand that people listen to them.

    He insisted that he acted honourably, believing that the agreement would be binding.

  • BREAKING: Court stops further release of financial allocation to Rivers

    BREAKING: Court stops further release of financial allocation to Rivers

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from further releasing financial allocations to the Rivers State Government pending when a lawful appropriation act is passed by a validly constituted House of Assembly.

    Justice Joyce Abdulmalik issued the order on Wednesday in a  judgment on a suit filed by the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Martins Amaewhule.

    Read Also: Three-storey building collapses in Rivers  

    Justice Abdulmalik held that the decision by 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.

    Details shortly…

  • APC will take over Rivers, Ganduje declares

    APC will take over Rivers, Ganduje declares

    The national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has expressed confidence that Rivers state will soon be under party’s control. 

    Speaking at an event in Abuja, Ganduje emphasised that the party’s chapter in Rivers state would be “rebuilt and repositioned” to establish a stronghold in the state. 

    Ganduje made this statement when Dr. Dawari Ibietela George, the 2023 governorship candidate of the Action Alliance (AA), officially rejoined the APC.

    During their discussion, the leaders focused on rebuilding the party’s Rivers state chapter and making it a platform to effectively serve the people of the state and the country. 

    Ganduje highlighted the party’s commitment to embracing diverse interests while ensuring fairness. 

    He described George as a “big fish” and commended his political acumen, expressing confidence in his ability to strengthen the party’s influence.

    “Rivers State will be completely APC,” Ganduje declared, underscoring his expectations from George’s return to the party. He welcomed George and assured him that a robust structure would be established to accommodate him and other returning members. 

    “You are now equal members with every other member of the party. We are bent on widening democracy in the country,” Ganduje added.

    The event at the APC national headquarters saw the attendance of several prominent party figures, including members of the National Working Committee, such as Chief Hon Victor Giadom, Vice Chairman South-South, Hon Titsi Ganama, the 2023 APC Deputy Governorship Candidate in Adamawa State, and several former colleagues of Dr. George in the House of Representatives. 

    Among them were Hon Bimbo Daramola, Hon Bello Ibrahim, Hon Nadu Karibo, and Hon Robinson Uwak. Barr. Tonnie Anierohwom, AA’s 2023 Deputy governorship candidate in Rivers state, was also officially received into the APC. 

    Read Also: Ganduje, APC governors rally support for Aiyedatiwa

    The party leaders from Rivers state gathered to witness and welcome George and his team back to the party.

    Earlier, Dr. George paid a thank-you visit to the National Chairman of the Action Alliance, Chief Ken Udeze, to officially inform him of his decision to return to the APC. 

    Udeze appreciated the visit, commending George for the courtesy of updating the party on his political moves. 

    He remarked: “The respect and cordiality we share will remain positively memorable for both of us.”

    Udeze also commended George and his team for their dedication and contributions to the growth of the Action Alliance, noting that their efforts in the party’s development would leave an indelible mark.

  • Gunmen kill two more in Rivers cult war

    Gunmen kill two more in Rivers cult war

    The cult war continued on Monday at Ahoada East, Rivers State, following the killing of two more persons at Odiokwu junction in Ula-Ehuda,in Igbu Akoh-Kingdom.

    The bloodshed occurred  barely 24 hours after five persons were killed in Edeoha Community, Upata kingdom in Ahoada East.

    The Public Relations Officer of Igbu-Akoh kingdom, Hector Chinem  on Monday  disclosed that on Sunday night, residents observed movement of some persons dressed in military raincoats.

    He said they woke up on Monday and discovered two dead bodies riddles with bullets.

    Chinem lamented that  the killing came barely 24 hours after five persons were killed in Edeoha community.

    He called on the Rivers Commissioner of Police,CP Mohammed Mustapha to as a matter of urgency strengthen security of the area.

    Read Also: Gunmen ambush, kill DPO in Delta

    He  pleaded with youths of the LGA to lay down their arms and allow peace to reign.

    It was gathered on  Monday afternoon that there was heightened tension in the LGA as some natives had started fleeing their homes.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Grace Iringe Koko was yet to respond to the Monday killing.

    Koko on Sunday confirmed  the killing at Edeoha saying it was cult related adding  that the Commissioner of Police,CP Mohammed Mustapha had directed the Ahoada Area Commander and the Divisional Police Officer(DPO) of Ahoada Police Division to commence investigation