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RSG Plans Against Impending Floods
The Rivers State Government says it has put in proactive measures to avert an impending flooding in the state.
The Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), Barr. Kenneth Kobani disclosed this in Port Harcourt shortly after a stakeholders meeting on flooding in the state, which was attended by Chairmen of Local government Areas, LGAs and Permanent Secretaries of Ministries incharge of natural disaster emergency management among others.
The SSG said the meeting was to evolve strategies of managing the disaster and avert untold consequences, adding that sensitization campaign would be carried out across the state on the issue.
Kobani, warned against indiscriminate dumping of refuse in water ways and canals which affect free flow of water in the drainages and other outlets.
He further disclosed that flood control committees would be set up in the flood-prone LGAs, as well as state Emergency Management Authority, which would supervise directly, matters relating to natural disasters.
He pointed out that the bodies would work in conjunction with relevant Ministries and agencies charged with the responsibility of managing flood disaster.
The SSG, also disclosed that the Rivers State Government will monitor the distribution of relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to avoid theft and diversion of the materials. He added that the Government will also check illegal dredging activities noting that defaulters will face the full wrath of the law.
Kobani restated the commitment of the state government to partner with relevant donor agencies such as Unital in the management of flood disasters.
The flood prone LGAs include; Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor, Abua/Odual, Degema, Asari Toru, Akuku Toru, Ahoada West, Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema/Ndoni LGAs.
It would be recalled that residents of most of these LGAs were displaced by a devastating flood few years ago.
Meanwhile, following imminent flood alert by the Nigerian Meterogical Agency (NiMET) the Rivers State government and local council authorities are currently synergizing and collaborating on how best to combat the devastating effects of the impending flood on lives, properties and farms.
While the state government team is headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Kenneth Kobani, the councils have their chairmen in the attendance with a view to averting the pitfalls witnessed during the 2006, 2007 and 2012 floods which devastated several communities with attendant hardship on the people.
The interface between the second and third tiers of government in the state, The Tide gathered was occasioned by the complaints by the councils that they did not have the financial capacity to handle such natural disasters.
Our Correspondents who visited Abua/Odual, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Ahoada East and West councils interviewed the council chairmen and a cross-section of the people and the lamentations were virtually the same: lack of funds and infrastructural facilities to cater for the victims of the impending flood.
Issues bordering on relief materials such as food stuff, medicals, (drugs and personnel) shelter, security, water-borne diseases and financial constraints topped the agenda of the councils, most of which are relying on schools, churches and other public buildings to accommodate the victims of the impending flood.
The Tide investigations revealed that most councils have inaugurated flood management committees to oversee matters relating to the flood when it eventually surfaces.
In the four flood-prone local government areas of ONELGA, ABOLGA, AWELGA and AELGA, the committees have set out for work, sensitizing the locals on the imminent flood and the need to go for early harvest of crops to avoid total destruction.
ONELGA Chairman, Augustine Ahiamadu told The Tide that the council has commenced full sensitization of communities in the area to create awareness but appealed to the state government to bail out the council from the impending disaster as it does not have the financial muscle to battle the menace.
Ahiamadu explained that the three Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) centres located at Omoku, Egbema and Eerema will be used as camps for refugees of flood victims but appealed to the state government to release funds from the State Ecological fund to battle the menace. He also called for the dredging of Orashi and Sombriero Rivers to avert over-flow of the rivers to communities and farmlands.
The council boss contended that the way to avert the mistakes of the 2012 flood disaster was to ensure that adequate food items, security, medicals and shelter were in place to ameliorate the effect on the people.
His counterpart and Chairman of Abua/Odual Local Government Area, Oyiekuoto Isaac Ukwe said the council has braced up for the flood as the issues of shelter, poor sanitary condition of camps, insecurity, personnel, which were hallmarks of the 2012 flood had been addressed.
On sensitization of the people and communities prone to flood, the Chairmen stated that the council held several meetings with traditional rulers, chiefs, farmers, community leaders and the youth of 27 communities to create awareness and also set up a 12-member flood management committee to address the flood issue.
He said over 12 camps will be used to shelter victims of the flood in Abua/Odual noting that evacuation of victims will commence as soon as the council witnesses the flood.
The Tide visited the Ahoada East Local government area, and observed that construction work was on-going at a permanent site for Internally Displaced Persons which will also be used for flood victims.
Goodluck Ukwe/Taneh Beemene
A group of Eminent persons from the Niger Delta region under the aegis of The Niger Delta Watch Dog has warned the Federal Government against yielding to the call to decentralize pipeline surveillance in the region.
The Eminent persons who said this in a press release made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt said those calling for decentralization of pipeline surveillance are ignorant of the dangers it poses to the peace and stability of the Niger Delta.
.They argued that the proposal poses significant risk to the peace security and economic stability of the region.
According to the release” While decentralization is often perceived as a means of promoting inclusivity and local participation, in this specific context it poses significant risks to peace, security, and economic stability.
It further said”evidence from community dynamics across the region suggests that decentralization will cause more harm than good, leading to increased conflict, fragmentation of authority, and heightened threats to critical national infrastructure.
“By contrast, the centralized model currently implemented by Tantita Security Services under the leadership of Government Ekpemupolo Tompolo has demonstrated measurable success in stabilizing the region, reducing conflict, and safeguarding Nigeria’s economic lifelines”
While describing the Niger Delta region as the backbone of Nigeria oil and gas, it added that any changes in policy will lead to crisis in the region.
“The Niger Delta region remains the backbone of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, hosting extensive pipeline networks that are vital to national revenue and economic sustainability.
“Given the sensitive nature of this infrastructure, the framework through which pipeline security is managed must prioritize stability, coordination, and conflict prevention.
“Any policy shift particularly toward decentralization must therefore be carefully evaluated in light of the region’s socio-political realities”
It said
The release jointly signed by Chief Idowu Asonja ,Ellington Pokumo the Public Relations officer of the group Comrade Douye kojo Isoun and others,
said decentralization will lead to escalation of Inter-Community land dispute, intensifies rivalry between groups as well as heightens the struggle against Territorial control among others.
“Decentralizing pipeline security will likely intensify existing disputes between neighbouring communities as many communities in the Niger Delta have been involved in conflicts over Land ownership and territorial boundaries as well as Control of natural resources and
“Claims over oil pipelines passing through their territories” adding
“Such instability not only disrupts social harmony but also directly endangers pipeline infrastructure, increasing the risk of vandalism, sabotage, and production losses”
It said the gains recorded so far by the present centralization policy should be preserve as any shifts could wrecked havoc in the region.
“Any policy shift must preserve these hard-earned gains. At this time, decentralization presents a significant risk, while the current system continues to offer stability, security, and economic assurance for the nation.
“It is therefore strongly advised that the Federal Government of Nigeria carefully scrutinize and ultimately disregard calls for the decentralization of pipeline security contracts. “Available evidence and prevailing realities suggest that such calls may not be driven by the broader national interest, but rather by narrow, self-serving agendas that could reignite conflict within the region, this we know the Government does not need” the group said
The Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency (RSIPA), Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, has used the platform of the revived BRACED Commission to unveil investment opportunities and plans in Rivers State.
The BRACED Commission just bounced back and has already held a roundtable in Port Harcourt preparatory to an economic summit in the near future.
The roundtable featured the investment promotion agencies of the cooperating states: Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo, and Delta states.
Dr Peterside not only chaired the roundtable but made presentations for Rivers State economic landscape.
He hailed the rebound of the BRACED Commission which did well at the onset. “The governors of the region were one and united for one cause. Then, politics came and everything scattered. The agenda is simple, to integrate the economy of the region into one strong bloc.”
He admitted that Rivers State’s investment promotion agency is very young, plus six months in the limbo of state of emergency. “This thus is a very unique opportunity to get resurgent momentum.”
He listed the achievements of RSIPA in the short period since its establishment, saying it has received numerous investment proposals.
“We’ve engaged actively with the private sector, both those currently operating in the state and those intending to invest. We do realize the fact that investment begins from domestic investors. and you have to guide them.
“Through outreach programmes and establishment of a One-Stop-Center (OSC), we have created a streamlined system for addressing investor needs, supporting their business operations. For the first time in Rivers State, prospective investors and small and medium enterprises now have a centralized hub that can address their challenges and find solutions that enable them to thrive.”
He outlined the plans ahead thus: “One of our cardinal focuses at RSIPA is to enhance the operating climate and improve the ease of doing business.
“We are committed to creating a vibrant and business-friendly environment that attracts and retains investment. We are also working closely with other ministries, departments, and agencies to harmonize our activities.
“Collaboration for us is key; we see Rivers State as a single ecosystem where all stakeholders work together to support investment inflow and build a favorable environment for businesses to flourish.”
For the region, he lamented the situation whereby “the carpet is shifting under our feet. The IOCs (international oil corporations) have moved offshore. The issue before us now is how should the region act now. We should target big ticket investment proposals. This is because some proposals will involve other states. There is thus need to collaborate.”
He gave examples of projects that cannot be for one state. “Railway system is not for one state. At the moment, there is no railway line that links Benin to Port Harcourt to Calabar. BRACED can push this agenda.
“There is an oil route from Opobo to Akwa Ibom where Sterling Oil is operating. It’s a route of interest. Governor Sim Fubara wants us to synergise with other states economically. The best time is now because all the governors are now in one political party.”
He called on all the agencies in the BRACED states to sell the idea to their governors.
“Let the governors know that BRACED task is not a competition but as a collaboration. We have the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the South-South Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (SSCCIMA), the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines, and Agriculture (NDCCITMA), etc. This is the ripest time to strike the iron.”
The Director General of the Bayelsa Investment Promotion Agency (BIPA), Mrs. Patience Ranami Abah, also shook the floor when she presented what she termed ‘Closing the Value Capture Gap’.
She showed how the states will win bigger by playing together to present an economic front.
David Franklin, a deputy director, who represented the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Abuja, said investment in people is the beginning of prosperity.
“The South-South is the hub of power of Nigeria due to the hydrocarbon industry, blue economy, agriculture, tourism, etc.”
The Director General, BRACED Commission, Amb.Joe Keshi, in his welcome remarks, said the roundtable was themed around synchrosnising investment frontiers in a strategic framework for south-south economic integration.
The roundtable ended with a communique that recommended setting up a monitoring committee, and other organs to drive integration and investment.
Some of the key resolutions in the Communique issued at the end of the two-day symposium included the call for a BRACED Investment Promotion Charter with a harmonized Regional Investment Promotion Framework and a roadmap.
The Communique called for infrastructure alignment, uniform economic reforms, human capital development plan, and a technical oversight group.
The communique urged state governments, investors, and development partners to collaborate in transforming the BRACED states into a beacon of economic dynamism.
The Defence Headquarters has placed troops on nationwide alert ahead of the Easter celebrations, assuring Nigerians of tightened security.
The DHQ also reaffirmed that ongoing support from the United States is strengthening counter-terrorism operations, with a visible impact expected in the coming weeks.
Addressing journalists during the end-of-the-month briefing on Tuesday in Abuja, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Michael Onoja, assured citizens of heightened vigilance by troops during the Easter celebrations.
Onoja said the Armed Forces had already placed personnel on alert nationwide to prevent any security breach during the holiday period.
He added that similar measures were implemented during previous festive seasons, including Christmas and Eid-el-Fitr, and would be sustained.
“We know that festive seasons usually have heightened security activities. The military command gives instructions to ensure all personnel are on alert. This time will not be different,” he said.
He emphasised that security agencies would not relax despite the celebrations, noting that adversaries often attempted to exploit such periods.
“I can assure you that we will always be on alert, particularly at this period of festivities, because we know that the threats expect us to relax.
“But we are not going to relax. Everything will be okay for this Easter,” he added.
Speaking on the ongoing collaboration with the US forces, Onoja said the impact of the collaboration may not be immediately visible due to the nature of military engagements, but expressed confidence that the benefits would become evident in the coming weeks and months.
He said the U.S. support to Nigeria’s operations had been significant, particularly in the areas of intelligence sharing and training, noting that the assistance was being provided on favourable terms to strengthen ongoing counter-threat operations.
According to him, “You are aware that they are bringing intelligence and training support to us, which we need. They are giving that to us on very favourable terms. There are lots of things I cannot say because of confidentiality.”
He added that the intelligence being provided included information on the location of threats and hostile elements, stressing that Nigerian troops would act accordingly.
“All we can say is that these things take time. There is a gestation period when we are conducting military operations.
“You will not see it immediately, but in the next few months or weeks, you will feel the difference in the impact of the assistance that the U.S. is providing,” Onoja stated.
On February 16, 2026, DHQ confirmed the arrival of approximately 100 US military personnel and equipment at Bauchi Airfield.
According to the military high command, the personnel, who are not combat troops, were in Nigeria strictly for technical assistance, training, and advisory roles in counter-terrorism efforts.
However, insecurity has continued to surge in several parts of the country since their deployment, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the collaboration.