News
RSUST VC Wins Andy Briggs Report Award
The Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu, Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Prof. Barineme Fakae was among other people honoured by the Andy Briggs Report on people of courage whose lifestyle have inspired others in the society.
Prof Fakae received the award over the weekend at the Silverbird Galleries at former Obi Wali Cultural Centre, Port Harcourt.
Prof. Fakae blazed a trail since his days as a fresh professor in University of Nigeria Nsukka. The Peter Odili administration recognized his talents and recruited him to bail out the endangered Rivers State Polytechnic (RIVPOLY) in Bori, Khana LGA of Rivers State.
By the time he left Rivpoly at the behest of Governor Rotimi Amaechi, the demons of cultism and infrastructural decay that had troubled the institution had vanished considerably.
Those who had known Amaechi for quite a while were already used to seeing him take chances but he still managed to surprise a lot of people when he appointed Prof. Fakae as the new vice chancellor of Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RUST).
Fakae had only been a professor for just a few years and it seemed like a really big throw of the dice to appoint him as vice chancellor in a university where the academia had broken up into several camps and had been waging a war of attrition.
The place had its fair share of university dons with twenty or more years in the professorial chair who would have every reason to see the new vice chancellor as an upstart. But Fakae has proved since 2007 that Rotimi Amaechi knew exactly what he was doing when he appointed him to be vice chancellor of RUST.
Under Fakae’s watch, RUST became the first e-university in the Niger Delta with a coveted ITC Center, running examinations online even its post Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) screening test and results released with unprecedented alacrity.
The infrastructural upgrade is clear and present. Speaking to a group of journalists on the eve of the university’s recent convocation ceremony, the head of the university’s works department Mr. Chukwu summed it up thus: ‘
For the past four years there has been total transformation in the university, our facilities have changed, our structures are in good shape, you go around the university, you will find them’. It has not been as easy as a walk in the park.
Barineme Fakae has weathered a lot of opposition and remains undeterred in the path of innovation.
News
Court Congestion: High Courts Resume Sittings Today …As Special Court Panels Conclude Sittings in PH
High Courts in Rivers State will resume sittings today after a one-week suspension approved by the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi
The court suspension, which commenced on Monday, February 16, 2026, was approved to accommodate critical judicial engagements within the Port Harcourt judiciary complex and has now successfully run its course.
The directive was conveyed in an official statement signed by the Chief Registrar of the High Court, David D. Ihua-Maduenyi, Esq., and made available to the press in Port Harcourt, recently.
The temporary halt in regular High Court proceedings was necessitated by the setting up of Special Court of Appeal Panels by the President of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria to decongest the Port Harcourt Division of the appellate court, which had been grappling with a backlog of appeals.
The Special Court of Appeal Panels commenced sittings on Monday, February 16, 2026, within the Port Harcourt judiciary premises as part of a focused decongestion exercise aimed at accelerating the hearing and determination of pending appeals and restoring efficiency to the appellate process.
To ensure adequate courtroom space, smooth logistics coordination, and enhanced security arrangements for the special appellate sittings, regular High Court proceedings were temporarily suspended throughout the week.
Justice Amadi, in approving the suspension, had underscored the importance of institutional collaboration within the judiciary, noting that supporting the appellate court’s intervention was critical to strengthening the overall administration of justice in the state.
Beyond hosting the Special Appeal Court Panels, the one-week suspension also provided the opportunity for mandatory Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training for Judges, Learned Magistrates, and Legal/Research Assistants within the Rivers State judiciary.
The Chief Registrar explained that the ICT training forms part of ongoing judicial reforms under the leadership of the Chief Judge, aimed at enhancing digital competence, modernizing court processes, and improving case management systems across the state.
Legal practitioners and court users have been commended for their cooperation and understanding during the brief suspension, which the judiciary described as a strategic step toward strengthening appellate efficiency and advancing internal capacity-building reforms.
By: King Onunwor
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has urged members of the Nigerian judiciary and political class to place legacy and justice above personal interests, saying the true measure of leaders lies in how their service ends.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi, made the call during a state banquet in honour of Justice Obietonbara Owupele Daniel-Kalio, held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, last Wednesday.
Justice Daniel-Kalio retired from the Court of Appeal, Asaba Division, recently.
Addressing a gathering of jurists, government officials, traditional rulers and other dignitaries, the governor stressed the need for high standards in public service, noting that despite challenges, excellence can be restored through collective resolve.
“It is about us coming together, believing in setting a standard and not allowing our personal interest to over-ride the standards, that is the only way that we can restore the good old days,” he said.
The governor who described the retired jurist as a model, charged the younger lawyers and politicians, to always uphold the primacy of truth and integrity in their career and every other endeavour in life.
“The message tonight is about how a career ends. The conclusion of Justice Daniel-Kalio’s service brings honour to the state. It is a lesson for the upcoming young ones, and those of us in politics.
“When we leave the stage how would our story be told? It is not about us winning now, it is how did it end? We must strive to do the right things to defend the most important thing, and that is justice. Always stand on the side of truth so that at the end, you will be remembered for what is right,” he said.
The governor remarked that though Justice Daniel- Kalio may have retired, he was not tired but still strong enough to contribute to the development of Rivers State.
He said the state government would seek further ways to tap from his wealth of knowledge and experience, and urged him to be available whenever the state calls on him to share in his expertise.
Fubara expressed appreciation to the guests for their presence during what he described as a significant period for his administration, and acknowledged their support when it mattered most.
“Our vision and desire here is to ensure that Rivers State continues to grow from strength to strength. It hasn’t been easy, but I feel very humbled and opportune to say that those of you that are here today, celebrating one of your own are very special to us in Rivers State. We can’t pay you for doing that, but God will reward you,” he said.
In her welcome address, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, Vera Sam-Dike, said the event was designed to honour an illustrious son of the State and a jurist of exceptional integrity who served with loyalty, fairness and commitment to the rule of law.
She described Justice Daniel-Kalio’s retirement as both the end of an era and a celebration of a career that upheld justice while impacting many lives.
Mrs Sam-Dike praised the retired jurist’s courage, wisdom and intellect and said the banquet was a token of appreciation and a wish for a peaceful retirement.
Responding, Justice Daniel-Kalio thanked the governor for what he called a rare show of love and candour in organising such a state reception in his honour.
He described his years on the Bench as deeply rewarding and stressed that the judiciary remains a stabiliser of any sane and progressive society.
Justice Daniel-Kalio is the immediate past Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Asaba Division.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that the country would win the fight against insecurity.
The President gave the assurance at the Argungu International Fishing Festival in Argungu town, Kebbi State, on Saturday.
He noted that the relative peace currently being enjoyed in Kebbi and neighbouring states was the result of sustained investments in security intelligence, coordination among security agencies, and community engagement.
Tinubu assured farmers and fishermen of sustained federal support to guarantee food security and safety across the country.
“The peace we are witnessing today is not accidental. It is the outcome of deliberate and sustained efforts. I assure you that the fight against banditry, insurgency, and insecurity will be won.
“Our farmers, fishermen, traders, and families will go about their lawful activities without fear,” he assured.
The President commended the organisers of the festival for sustaining the cultural event for decades, noting that it had endured for 83 years despite social and security challenges.
Describing the Argungu festival as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence, Tinubu stated that it reflects the richness of the country’s culture and the opportunities to harness its natural and human resources for national growth.
He said, “Today, this festival stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence among our people.
“It reflects the richness of our culture, the strength of our traditions, and the opportunities inherent in harnessing our natural and human resources for national development.”
The President was received by a large crowd of residents, traditional rulers, fishermen, tourists, and government officials from across the country.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth and women empowerment, irrigation development, rural electrification, and agricultural productivity.
Earlier, the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, said his administration was determined to elevate the Argungu Fishing Festival to full international standards while pursuing aggressive development across critical sectors of the state.