News
‘IGP’s View On Mbu, No Threat To Rivers Peace’
The position of the Inspector General of Police, Muhammed Abubakar not to re deploy the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Mr Mbu Joseph Mbu contrary to the resolution of the National Assembly will not stop the two Chambers from ensuring that peace returns to Rivers State ,Senator Wilson Asinobi Ake has stated.
Senator Ake representing Rivers West in the National Assembly said if the Inspector General Of Police still allows the Rivers police boss in the state till after the recess, then the police boss may be seeking to make history on his job.
The lawmaker, who spoke with journalists in Port Harcourt recently, said it is up to the Police boss to consider what majority of Rivers people are yearning at but if he thinks that allowing Mbu in Rivers State will maintain peace against the advice of the 439 persons representing every nooks and cranny of the country, ,then it is a wrong move.
According to him, keeping Mbu in Rivers State is like keeping him in contention with Governor Chibuike Amaechi who was elected and have the mandate to protect the interest of his people.
‘’Ordinarily, the Governor of a state has right to request for the change of a Commissioner of Police if he sees that the Commissioner is not assisting him in doing the job in the state as chief Security Officer. The Governor has the right to request for a replacement .The Governor has done that severally and other Rivers people have also join their voice to say so, ’’he said .
He described the current political crisis in the state as unfortunate in our life and the political history of Rivers State , adding that , the development in the state is shocking to many people outside the state.
‘’Too many people outside Rivers State believed that the people are too civilized and educated to act the way they are currently doing in the name politics,’’ the senator said.
Ake who is the Chairman Senate Committee on Labour and Employment condemned a comment credited to the factional chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP),Brother Felix Obuah in which he was quoted to have summoned Governor Amaechi to his Palace for a peace talk, describing such comment as one from an uninformed person without a true knowledge of the protocol of the Governor.
He reminded Obuah that Governor Amaechi is the first citizen of Rivers state and whether anybody likes it or not, he still remains the father of the state and anybody addressing him should address him properly and in a respectful manner.
Senator Ake cautioned the Minister of State for Education not to allow his political ambition to threaten democracy and peace in the state.
He regretted that some persons in the state have allowed themselves to be used to aggravate hostility and tension in the state, adding that it is also incumbent on indigenes of the state to show interest in what’s happening and see how it could be resolved.
News
Be Patient With Us, Diri Tells Bayelsans … Inspects New 60mw IPP …Expresses Confidence In Technical Partners, BECL MD
The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene