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Amaechi Bags Chieftaincy Title

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Activities in Government House continued in its usual note with the governor attending to state functions during the week. Penultimate Friday, the governor flagged off the Port Harcourt International Fashion week.
Governor Chibuike Amaechi had welcomed the international models and stars who featured at the occasion in a cocktail and listed opportunities  that abound in Rivers State in the culture industry.
Returning to the State on Tuesday, last week, Governor Chibuike Amaechi held an inter-governmental meeting during which policies and programmes of government were discussed.
But the peace being enjoyed in the state was disrupted on Tuesday afternoon by the Nigeria Police. It was learnt early on that day that the new Commissioner of Police, Mr Dan Bature, provided cover for Justice Daisy Okocha  and other judges who broke into the High Court premises for a meeting.
Attempt by journalists, staff workers and the general public to know what was going on in the court premises which had been under lock and key, was met with stiff resistance as the police shot canister of tear gas to disperse them.
Later in the day, on Tuesday, Commissioner for Information and  Communications, Mrs Ibim Semenitari addressed the Press on the development, saying it was a clear sign that the new commissioner of police was on assignment to destabilise the state.
She also described the police action as a precursor to plans by the police to provide security for six Assembly members to impeach Governor Amaechi, and therefore called on the Inspector General of Police, Abba Suleiman to call the police commissioner to order.
“We seek a non partisan, professional police in the state,” she said.
On Wednesday, the people of Emohua LGA paid a solidarity visit to the governor. They were led by chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the local government area, including Chief Andrew Uchendu, Hon Emmanuel Chinda and Vincent Uehendu. The group was received by the Deputy Governor, Engr Tele Ikuru.
After several speeches delivered at the reception held in Government House, Engr Ikuru said the Emohua people have through the visit affirmed that they have been liberated from deceitful politicians who have failed them.
The deputy governor thanked the people of Emohua for support to the Amaechi led administration, urging them to, “avoid any person who is coming to deceive you.”
Engr Tele Ikuru reiterated that APC is the party to beat in the State and the nation and lauded the people of Emohua for pitching tent with the party.
On Friday, Governor Ameachi was represented by the Chairman of Degema Local Government Area at the Independence Jumaat  Service in Bori Camp, Port Harcourt. He enjoined Nigerians to be steadpast in making the nation great.
On Saturday, the governor visited Emohua Local Government Area. He was given the title of Eze Ogugu I of Emohua by Eze VC  B  Okor.
On his part, the governor promised to elevate the stool of the paramount ruler of Emohua to a first class. He also promised to expand the 3 – kilometer Rumua Lunde / Rumuche Road and lauded the people for their support.

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Niger Delta

PDP Declares Edo Airline’s Plan As Misplaced Priority

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The Edo chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday condemned the state government’s reported plan to establish a state-owned airline.
The party, in a statement by its Edo State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Dan Osa-Ogbegie, described the proposal as a misplaced priority and evidence of poor, disconnected governance.
The Tide’s source reports that the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, unveiled the airline plan during a meeting with Aviation Minister, Mr. Festus Keyamo, in Abuja.
Osa-Ogbegie said the proposal showed a government out of touch with the pressing challenges confronting Edo State residents.
“At a time of decaying infrastructure and stalled projects, establishing an airline is unrealistic and profoundly insensitive”, he said.
He argued that airlines were capital-intensive and technically demanding, noting that similar state-owned ventures in Nigeria had largely failed.
According to him, Benin has become a shadow of what a modern state capital should be.
He decried poor roads, collapsed urban planning, neglected drainage systems and weak municipal services across the state capital.
“This is a crying shame for a city of Benin’s history, heritage and enormous potential”, he said.
Osa-Ogbegie said several inherited projects had stalled or deteriorated, eroding investor confidence and undermining economic growth.
He accused the governor of pursuing “white elephant projects that offer optics without substance.”
He also cited ongoing flyover projects in parts of Benin as examples of poor prioritisation.
Against this background, he described the airline proposal as diversionary and lacking economic sense.
“When roads are barely motorable and services overstretched, proposing an airline betrays an absence of judgment,” he said.
He urged the government to abandon the plan and focus on people-centred priorities that would improve living conditions and spur growth.
“Edo does not need an airline to fly above its problems. It needs a government ready to confront them on the ground,” he said.
He warned that failure to refocus would deepen perceptions of an administration lacking direction, competence and a coherent development agenda.
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Oji Clears Air On Appointment Of 15 Special Advisers By Fubara

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The Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Darlington Oji, has disclosed that about 15 Special Advisers to the governor were duly approved by the Rivers State House of Assembly before the current political crisis in the State.

Oji made the disclosure in a Television programme in Port Harcourt, recently, while reacting to issues surrounding appointments, the impeachment moves against the governor and his deputy, and allegations of financial mismanagement.

He clarified that the appointment of Special Advisers was carried out in strict compliance with constitutional provisions, and received the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, before the crisis began.

According to the Special Adviser, the appointments did not require any further screening, countering claims that the governor violated due process in constituting his advisory team.

On the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, Oji described the process as unfounded and lacking constitutional backing.

He said that several lawmakers who initially supported the impeachment move were now reconsidering their stance after discovering that the process had no legal basis.

Oji also attributed the impeachment plot to personal and political ambitions, saying it is not motivated by the interest or welfare of the people of Rivers State.

Speaking on the financial position of the State after the Emergency Rule, the Special Adviser disclosed that the governor met about ?600 billion in the state’s coffers upon assumption of office.

He explained that the availability of funds enabled the administration to continue governance smoothly without the need for a supplementary budget.

The governor’s aide also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement against the governor, and stressed that all allocations to lawmakers and constituency projects were transparently handled.

He maintained that the Fubara administration remained focused on development, stability, and good governance despite the political distractions in the State.

Oji expressed confidence that the impeachment moves would eventually be abandoned as legislators and the public become more informed, adding that the governor’s leadership has continued to reassure citizens and sustain political stability in the State.

 

King Onunwor

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Politics

Rivers Political Crisis: PANDEF Urges Restraint, Mutual Forbearance

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The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called for restraint and mutual forbearance over the recent political development in Rivers State.
The Forum has also set up a high level Reconciliation Committee chaired by a former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN).
This is contained in a press statement released in Abuja on Saturday.
The statement was jointly signed by PANDEF’s Board of Trustees Co-Chairmen, Chief Alfred Diete-Spiff, and Obong Victor Attah (a former governor of Akwa Ibom State), as well as PANDEF’s National Chairman, Chief Godknows Igali.

 

Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.

“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.

“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.

“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.

The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.

“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.

“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.

“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.

PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.

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