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Five Rivers LG Bosses Honour Fallen Heroes, Give Hope To Families

No fewer than five local government councils in Rivers State have honoured the sacrifices of fallen military heroes and raised the hopes of their widows and surviving family members of better days ahead.
The LGAs include Ikwerre, Degema, Akuku-Toru, Tai, and Andoni where tangible commitments were made to the families of fallen heroes and members of the Legionnaires.
In Ikwerre Local Government Area, the Chairman, Engr. Samuel Nwanosike declared war against oil thieves and vandals over worsening situation of soot in Ikwerre LGA.
Nwanosike declared the war, last Saturday while speaking during the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration at the Ikwerre Council Secretariat, Isiokpo.
According to him, “When I say that we are in a war situation, you know we are in a war against oil thieves and vandals.
“So, if you don’t know as a government official, know that Rivers State Government and Ikwerre Local Government are at war with oil thieves and vandals because they are the enemies that are eating us up now”.
Nwanosike called on the entire people of the LGA to join in the fight against oil thieves and vandals, urging them not to trivialise the efforts of the state and local governments over the fight.
He lampooned the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government for failing to keep to its promises to Nigerians.
The Ikwerre Council chairman said, “And they are also aware that the Federal Government, through the Vice President of this nation, visited the Niger Delta severally, even in the first term and part of their second term, to promise the people of Niger Delta that they are bringing a technology called modular refinery that will end the issue of vandalisation of oil installations that has taken over our environment. Since the Federal Government has failed, like they have failed all the promises they had made to Nigerians that brought them to power.
“They have failed on the issue of restructuring. They have failed on the issue of infrastructure. They have failed on fighting insecurity. They have failed on fight against corruption. They have failed in making our lives and our properties safe. They have failed in improving our welfare.
“So, since they have been failing, and we have been calling on them all these while to come to fulfil the promises they made to the people of Niger Delta over modular refinery, the Government of Rivers State, led by the people’s face of democracy, Chief Nyesom Wike, declared the fight to save the people of Rivers State, those who live and do business here. Because this air that we breathe, you have no equipment to stop the air from coming”.
He attributed the recent mysterious deaths in the various communities of the LGA to soot due to illegal oil refining.
Nwanosike vowed to battle with those responsible for the soot, saying that, “We hear all the threats they have been making. We have their names, we know their houses, their relatives, and we know those that even buy their products from them”.
He stated that the security agents would continue to declare them wanted, and advised them to make themselves available to the state government or security agencies so as to prove their innocence.
“Nobody, no matter how highly placed is exempted from this fight. If you like, be the chairman of our party in the state or the chairman of our party in this local government or the chairman of our party in the ward or anybody, whether you are a security agent, you are a traditional ruler, as long as we identify that you have link to these activities, you will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the laws of Nigeria.
“We are not going to leave any stone unturned to see that we restore our environment”, the Nwanosike assured.
He commended Governor Nyesom Wike for the bold step he has taken in the fight against oil bunkering activities, saying that the people of Ikwerre LGA would support him.
Nwanosike assured the living and dead military heroes and their families that Ikwerre LGA would not forget their sacrifices, and continue to do its best to support them by improving their lives and welfare.
He noted that the council has redeemed its N1million pledge to the legionnaires, and promised the Ikwerre LGA Chapter another N1million to be used in running its offices and activities.
The Ikwerre Council boss also magnanimously gave 13 Back-to-School programme slots for WAEC and JAMB registration to the children of the fallen heroes across the 13 Wards of the LGA.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of Nigerian Legion, Ikwerre LGA Chapter, Major Anthony Ichem (rtd), commended Nwanosike for his magnanimity towards the legionnaires and fulfilment of all his promises to them, while assuring of their contributions in making the LGA more safe and habitable.
He, however, urged the council chairman to furnish the office he provided for them at the Ikwerre LGA Secretariat.
Highlights of the event include the laying of wreaths and parades.
Similarly, the Chairman of Degema Local Government Area, Hon. Michael Williams, has appealed to public spirited individuals in the society to support the welfare of serving, retired and fallen military heroes in the country.
Speaking at the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, which took place at the council headquarters in Degema, the chairman stated that by remembering the sacrifices of men of the Armed Forces, it would motivate those in active service to know that their efforts were well acknowledged, and would also encourage families of fallen heroes to know that the nation honours and remembers their loved ones.
“The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is a special day set aside to celebrate, honour and remember our heroes that risked their lives for us to be safe.
“Although some of them have passed on, yet some others are still here with us, either on retirement or in active service to the nation.
“Occasions like this therefore gives us an opportunity to remember and appreciate their gallantry and selfless sacrifice, and for those fallen heroes, it is incumbent on us to remember their widows, children and loved ones they left behind, and give them the little support we can, to encourage them, as well as motivate those still in service,” he said.
The council boss, who donated the sum of N1million to the Legionnaires in Degema LGA, also motivated other principal officers of his administration, councillors and other stakeholders to make compassionate donations towards the welfare of the ex-servicemen in the LGA.
He encouraged the Legionnaires to continue to believe in the country they sacrificed to keep united and make judicious use of whatever is given to them, adding that their sacrifices would not go in vain.
He added that his administration, just like that of Governor Nyesom Wike, believes in the unity of Nigeria, and would continue to support the security operatives, who put their lives in the line to secure the territorial integrity of the country.
Earlier, Chairman of the Legionnaires in DELGA, Soye Duke, had in his address, commended the council chairman for his massive support to the Legionnaires, both at the state and LGA levels.
Duke, who is also the chief security officer (CSO) to the council chairman, also thanked Williams for his compassionate disposition towards the Legion, adding that they had never been so cared for in the past.
He bemoaned the lackadaisical and non-chalant attitude of Nigeria towards men of the Armed Forces, who sacrificed their all for the peace and security of the nation, calling for an attitudinal change in that regard.
“To tell ourselves the bitter truth, it does appear that this is the only period we talk about the sacrifice made by these fallen heroes, who laid down their lives for all of us.
“It is rather unfortunate that these great heroes, being referred to as fallen heroes and the veterans; these gentlemen who actually paid the ultimate price, are not genuinely respected and appreciated.
“It is sad and painful that the same society they died for have suddenly turned against them at a time like this.
“It is with this regret in our hearts that we are appealing to the general public to change their perception about the veterans, fallen heroes and their dependents, because these groups of gentlemen need your care, love and support,” Duke stated.
Highpoint of the ceremony was laying of wreath by the council chairman, alongside heads of other military and paramilitary agencies in the LGA.
The event was well attended by dignitaries and stakeholders, Commander of 103 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Major Ayuba; Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Friday Eboka; represented by the Police Area Commander, ACP Lawal Adamu Shinkafi; and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Degema, SP Hamza.
Others include; representatives from the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS); Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS); Department of State Services (DSS); Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC); Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC); Nigeria Customs Service (NCS); National Youth Service Corps (NYSC); Legionnaires, as well as widows of ex-servicemen.
The rest were, Head of Local Government Administration (HLGA) in DELGA, directors in the various ministries/departments and traditional rulers and chiefs of the Degema Traditional Rulers Council.
Also in attendance were, the Vice Chairman of DELGA, Mrs. Maureen Harry; Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in DELGA, Disciple Peter Abbey, as well as top functionaries and other appointees of the administration.
In the same vein, the Akuku-Toru Local Government Area Chairman, Hon Rowland Sekibo expressed solidarity and appreciation for the meritorious services and sacrifices made by the Nigerian military and the nation’s fallen heroes who paid the supreme price so that the country may remain united.
Sekibo honoured the fallen heroes when he performed the wreath-laying ceremony at the cenotaph, with a 21 gun salute in commemoration of this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in the council secretariat, Abonnema.
While acknowledging the sacrifices made by members of the military in defence of the nation, Sekibo decried the deplorable condition of servicemen across the nation.
The council boss reiterated his administration’s commitment to the welfare of security personnel serving in the LGA, and pledged to support the Legion with monthly stipends for 30 legionnaires.
He also promised to provide prosthetics for the disabled ex-servicemen as part of the council’s contribution and appreciation for the selfless services rendered to the nation.
“There’s nothing one can give that can measure up to the sacrifices made by our military in the service of humanity and the nation. We are, therefore, inclined to partner with the Nigerian Legion, AKULGA chapter in alleviating the miserable condition ex-servicemen find themselves after giving so much in the service of the nation”, he said.
It would be recalled that the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration is a day of sober reflection held annually on January 15 in honour of members of the Armed Forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the nation.
Also, the Chairman of Tai Local Government Council, Sir Mbakpone Okpe donated the sum of N1million for the welfare development of retired officers of the Nigeria military in the LGA.
The chairman made the donation while performing the wreaths laying in remembrance of the fallen Nigeria Armed Forces officers in Saakpenwa, the Tai Local Government Headquarters, last Saturday.
Okpe explained that his administration was providing monthly stipends to members of the Nigeria Legion in the LGA because their tremendous contribution to the security of the country cannot be underestimated.
The chairman also asked that the data of the wives of the fallen heroes (widows) be collated so that the council can also provide little stipends to support their monthly welfare needs.
Okpe used the medium to announce a bounty of N1million to any individual who can provide useful information on sites where crude oil was illegally refined within the LGA.
The Tai Council boss explained that his administration has carried out surveillance on every nook and crannies of the LGA but could not find any forest where crude oil was illegally refined.
He said that to satisfy his curiosity, he has directed that anyone who can identify persons, communities and forests where such illegal activities were going on should report to his office at Saakpenwa and claim the N1million bounty.
However, the chairman warned that people who want to present or have such sensitive information should ensure that it was true and verifiable, and not aimed at getting back at individuals who may not be in good terms with them.
In the same token, the Chairman of Andoni Local Government Area, Barrister Erastus Awortu, has assured the Legionnaires and families of fallen military heroes of the council’s support at all times as their supreme sacrifices for the unity and survival of the nation will not be in vain.
Awortu also assured the Legionnaires that his administration would ensure their inclusion in the council policies and programmes, especially as it concerns the security architecture of the LGA, where their wealth of experience and expertise would be much needed.
The chairman made the pledge, last Saturday, during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration at Ngo, headquarters of the LGA.
He said the services off the Legionnaires were needed now more than ever before because of the daunting security challenges facing the area, especially as it relates to the activities of artisanal refinery operators, and charged them to work in concert with the council authorities to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of the crime.
In his speech, the chairman of Nigeria Legion, Andoni Chapter, Andoni LGA, called on all to reflect on the essence of the day and their responsibilities to honour and remember the nation’s gallant fallen heroes who died in active service so that we may live.
He further called on all government agencies, captains of industry and corporate bodies to remember the families of military fallen heroes and veterans living in these harsh economic times.
To this end, he pleaded with the Andoni council boss, to consider the welfare of Legionnaires and their loved ones.
The programme came to a climax with the inspection of the guard of honour for the 2022 the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration and the laying of wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier by the council Chairman, Barrister Erastus Awortu.
By: Nelson Chukwudi
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INEC To Unveil New Party Registration Portal As Applications Hit 129

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it has now received a total of 129 applications from associations seeking registration as political parties.
The update was provided during the commission’s regular weekly meeting held in Abuja, yesterday.
According to a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, seven new applications were submitted within the past week, adding to the previous number.
“At its regular weekly meeting held today, Thursday 10th July 2025, the commission received a further update on additional requests from associations seeking registration as political parties.
“Since last week, seven more applications have been received, bringing the total number so far to 129. All the requests are being processed,” the commission stated.
The commission revealed the introduction of a new digital platform for political party registration. The platform is part of the Party Financial Reporting and Auditing System and aims to streamline the registration process.
Olumekun disclosed that final testing of the portal would be completed within the next week.
“INEC also plans to release comprehensive guidelines to help associations file their applications using the new system.
“Unlike the manual method used in previous registration, the Commission is introducing a political party registration portal, which is a module in our Party Financial Reporting and Auditing System.
“This will make the process faster and seamless. In the next week, the commission will conclude the final testing of the portal before deployment.
“Thereafter, the next step for associations that meet the requirements to proceed to the application stage will be announced. The commission will also issue guidelines to facilitate the filing of applications using the PFRAS,” the statement added.
In the meantime, the list of new associations that have submitted applications has been made available to the public on INEC’s website and other official platforms.
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Tinubu Signs Four Tax Reform Bills Into Law …Says Nigeria Open For Business

President Bola Tinubu yesterday signed into law four tax reform bills aimed at transforming Nigeria’s fiscal and revenue framework.
The four bills include: the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill.
They were passed by the National Assembly after months of consultations with various interest groups and stakeholders.
The ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa, yesterday.
The ceremony was witnessed by the leadership of the National Assembly and some legislators, governors, ministers, and aides of the President.
The presidency had earlier stated that the laws would transform tax administration in the country, increase revenue generation, improve the business environment, and give a boost to domestic and foreign investments.
“When the new tax laws become operational, they are expected to significantly transform tax administration in the country, leading to increased revenue generation, improved business environment, and a boost in domestic and foreign investments,” Special Adviser to the President on Media, Bayo Onanuga said on Wednesday.
Before the signing of the four bills, President Tinubu had earlier yesterday, said the tax reform bills will reset Nigeria’s economic trajectory and simplify its complex fiscal landscape.
Announcing the development via his official X handle, yesterday, the President declared, “In a few hours, I will sign four landmark tax reform bills into law, ushering in a bold new era of economic governance in our country.”
Tinubu made a call to investors and citizens alike, saying, “Let the world know that Nigeria is open for business, and this time, everyone has a fair shot.”
He described the bills as not just technical adjustments but a direct intervention to ease burdens on struggling Nigerians.
“These reforms go beyond streamlining tax codes. They deliver the first major, pro-people tax cuts in a generation, targeted relief for low-income earners, small businesses, and families working hard to make ends meet,” Tinubu wrote.
According to the President, “They will unify our fragmented tax system, eliminate wasteful duplications, cut red tape, restore investor confidence, and entrench transparency and coordination at every level.”
He added that the long-standing burden of Nigeria’s tax structure had unfairly weighed down the vulnerable while enabling inefficiency.
The tax reforms, first introduced in October 2024, were part of Tinubu’s post-subsidy-removal recovery plan, aimed at expanding revenue without stifling productivity.
However, the bills faced turbulence at the National Assembly and amongst some state governors who rejected its passing in 2024.
At the NASS, the bills sparked heated debate, particularly around the revenue-sharing structure, which governors from the North opposed.
They warned that a shift toward derivation-based allocations, especially with VAT, could tilt fiscal balance in favour of southern states with stronger consumption bases.
After prolonged dialogue, the VAT rate remained at 7.5 per cent, and a new exemption was introduced to shield minimum wage earners from personal income tax.
By May 2025, the National Assembly passed the harmonised versions with broad support, driven in part by pressure from economic stakeholders and international observers who welcomed the clarity and efficiency the reforms promised.
In his tweet, Tinubu stressed that this is just the beginning of Nigeria’s tax evolution.
“We are laying the foundation for a tax regime that is fair, transparent, and fit for a modern, ambitious Nigeria.
“A tax regime that rewards enterprise, protects the vulnerable, and mobilises revenue without punishing productivity,” he stated.
He further acknowledged the contributions of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, the National Assembly, and Nigeria’s subnational governments.
The President added, “We are not just signing tax bills but rewriting the social contract.
“We are not there yet, but we are firmly on the road.”
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Senate Issues 10-Day Ultimatum As NNPCL Dodges ?210trn Audit Hearing

The Senate has issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) over its failure to appear before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts probing alleged financial discrepancies amounting to over ?210 trillion in its audited reports from 2017 to 2023.
Despite being summoned, no officials or external auditors from NNPCL showed up yesterday.
However, representatives from the representatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and Department of State Services were present.
Angered by the NNPCL’s absence, the committee, yesterday, issued a 10-day ultimatum, demanding the company’s top executives to appear before the panel by July 10 or face constitutional sanctions.
A letter from NNPCL’s Chief Financial Officer, Dapo Segun, dated June 25, was read at the session.
It cited an ongoing management retreat and requested a two-month extension to prepare necessary documents and responses.
The letter partly read, “Having carefully reviewed your request, we hereby request your kind consideration to reschedule the engagement for a period of two months from now to enable us to collate the requested information and documentation.
“Furthermore, members of the Board and the senior management team of NNPC Limited are currently out of the office for a retreat, which makes it difficult to attend the rescheduled session on Thursday, 26th June, 2025.
“While appreciating the opportunity provided and the importance of this engagement, we reassure you of our commitment to the success of this exercise. Please accept the assurances of our highest regards.”
But lawmakers rejected the request.
The Committee Chairman, Senator Aliyu Wadada, said NNPCL was not expected to submit documents, but rather provide verbal responses to 11 key questions previously sent.
“For an institution like NNPCL to ask for two months to respond to questions from its own audited records is unacceptable,” Wadada stated.
“If they fail to show up by July 10, we will invoke our constitutional powers. The Nigerian people deserve answers,” he warned.
Other lawmakers echoed similar frustrations.
Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) insisted that NNPCL’s Group CEO, Bayo Ojulari, must personally lead the delegation at the next hearing.
The Tide reports that Ojulari took over from Mele Kyari on April 2, 2025.
Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi (Ebonyi North) said the two-month request suggested the company had no answers, but the committee would still grant a fair hearing by reconvening on July 10.
Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) warned the NNPCL against undermining the Senate, saying, “If they fail to appear again, Nigerians will know the Senate is not a toothless bulldog.”
Last week, the Senate panel grilled Segun and other top executives over what they described as “mind-boggling” irregularities in NNPCL’s financial statements.
The Senate flagged ?103 trillion in accrued expenses, including ?600 billion in retention fees, legal, and auditing costs—without supporting documentation.
Also questioned was another ?103 trillion listed under receivables. Just before the hearing, NNPCL submitted a revised report contradicting the previously published figures, raising more concerns.
The committee has demanded detailed answers to 11 specific queries and warned that failure to comply could trigger legislative consequences.
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