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Rivers Assembly Seeks Overhaul Of Constitution …Passes 17 Bills, 66 Motions
The Rivers State House of Assembly has said that if states must develop, then, the Constitution of the country must be reviewed.
The Minority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Benibo Anabraba, came out with this at a special session of the House to commemorate Rivers State Golden Jubilee celebration.
He particularly wanted labour matters transferred to the concurrent list so as to enable states legislate on them, since according to him, the state assembly was being inundated with petitions of either discrimination against Rivers citizens or outright denial of employment by most IOCs, or firms
“It is our hope as a state assembly, especially in a state like Rivers State, that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria allow us to perform more functions, remove some of the things in the exclusive list and put them in the concurrent list.
“Mr Speaker, for instance, the issue of labour, which has always come before this house where our citizens would complain of discrimination from IOCs and other firms operating in Rivers State, complaining that they have either refused to employ them or do not engage them or do not carry out their corporate social responsibilities.
“If labour is brought into the concurrent list where the state assembly can legislate on it, we would be able to regulate the employment and industrial actions in our state because even the resources we have are in the exclusive list, and if we cannot control our natural resources, surely, we should be able to be part of the exploration or the industrial actions being taken on these natural resources”, he argued.
Also at the same event, the Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Martin Amaewhule, who chronicled the achievements of the 8th Assembly since its inauguration in June, 2015, noted that the house has passed 17 laws and taken resolutions on 66 motions.
He expressed their resolve to ensure that the current administration is supported through legislation, “and we are doing just that” he said, noting that they would not relent in ensuring that they meet the expectations of their constituents and the state.
On his part, the Speaker of the assembly, Rt Hon Ikuinyi Owaji Ibani, assured that the 8th Assembly would continue to accommodate all people and shades of opinions not minding political differences or religious affiliations.
“It is this that would serve as the focus for this assembly to launch itself beyond the 50th anniversary of Rivers State” he noted, adding that the assembly was now poised to look into the future “to see where we can be 50 years after. Today, we have known where we are but in 50 years, where are we going to be?”.
He also added that since democracy is about the people, the 8th Assembly would not fail in living up to the task of adequately giving true representation, noting that they would not allow the labour of the founding fathers of the state go in vain.
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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