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ONELGA People Back Council Dissolution …Why Others May Go – RVHA
The dissolution, last Wednesday, of the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Council by the Rivers State House of Assembly, has received commendation from the people of the local government area.
Speaking to newsmen, yesterday, Mr Nwabueze Stanley and Henry Emelike representing the Concerned Indigenes of ONELGA, described the dissolution of the council as a timely intervention to sustain the corporate existence of the state and the local government.
The organisation frowned at the administrative style of the deposed chairman, Mr Chris Okey Ochije, contending that instead of defending allegations of corruption level against him, he resorted to seeking legal cover and engaging in political bigotry that has put the local government area in a state of insecurity.
“Although there is nothing wrong for somebody to challenge his case in court, but the ex-council boss should have first of all defended the allegation of fraudulent practices leveled against him by the councillors.”
“Ochije should be bold enough to face investigations so that the world would know whether he is innocent or not. Public office holders should know that accountability is expected of them. He should defend himself rather than running to the courts to institute a case against Chief G. U. Ake who has no hand in his travail,” they said.
Thirteen out of the 17 councillors of the council had impeached Mr Ochije on allegation of misappropriation and embezzlement of council fund to the tune of over N2 billion.
Some of the allegations include the purported de-roofing of Okwuzi low cost housing unit valued at N95 million, the construction of Ebocha-Ndoni, Akabuka Roads at the cost of N16 million and N17 million contracts on the grading of Okwuzi-Ugada road at N29 million and N5 million.
The ex-council chairman is also accused of embezzling N24 million and the re-award of contract on over existing structures to the tune of over N15 million without budgetary approval.
When contacted, the ex-chairman, Mr Ochije said the allegations were non-issues and that he was not in the mood to give details on the situation.
Meanwhile, following the dissolution of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Council (ONENLGA) for security reasons, on Wednesday, the Rivers State House of Assembly has warned other councils in the state against unbecoming acts in governance that may attract the wrath of the law.
The dissolution of Hon. Chris Ochije-led ONELGA council followed a letter sent to the state House of Assembly by Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi requesting for the dissolution of the council.
Presenting the motion on the floor of the House, the leader of the House, Hon Chidi Lloyd stated that the governor’s request to the state legislature to dissolve the ONELGA council was in accordance with section 64(2) of the State Local Government Law, 1999.
According to him, “the law as amended by the House mandates the governor to take necessary steps against any defaulting council in accordance with the law and submit details of such misconduct to the state House of Assembly with a request for approval.
“The state House of Assembly, shall then consider the request, and if approved by two-thirds majority of the members, such council stands dissolved from the date of such approval,” he stated.
The House leader informed the lawmakers that the council chairman and the councillors were at war part and could no longer work together as a team noting that some newspaper reports had it that ONELGA councillors were lodged in an hotel in Port Harcourt for five months.
He therefore urged his colleagues to grant the request of the governor and dissolve the council so as to serve as a deterrent to other councils that disregard the law, adding that the ONELGA chairman and the councillors have all sinned and fallen short of glory.
In their own contributions, Hon Isaac Kamalu (Eleme), Henry Ogiri (Abua/Odual) and Ibim Ikumyi Onaji (Andoni) stated that the primary function of the legislature is to make laws that would promote peace and maintained law and order in the state.
The lawmakers had urged their colleagues to consider the request so as to avoid the extension of insecurity in ONELGA to other local government councils in the state.
However, in his own contribution, Hon Tamunosis Gogo-Jaja argued that as lawmakers, they are co-directors of the state and requested that the details of the report be given to them to enable them make proper debate on the matter.
In his ruling thereafter, the speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tonye Harry divided the House with 23 lawmakers voting in favour of dissolution of the council.
News
RSG Cancels ?134BN Secretariat Contract, Orders Refund Of ?20BN Mobilisation … Revalidates Four Projects
The Rivers State Executive Council has revoked the ?134bn contract awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for the renovation, retrofitting, and furnishing of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex by the State of Emergency Administration.
The council directed the immediate refund of the ?20bn mobilization fee already paid to the contractor.
Relatedly, the Council also approved the revalidation of the bidding processes for four contracts, consisting of the renovation of the State Secretariat Complex, construction of reinforced concrete shoreline protection and reclamation works in several riverine communities of Opobo/Nkoro, and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas. The projects earlier advertised for which bid documents were cancelled by the Emergency Administration and fees returned to the companies that had earlier purchased them.
The decisions were reached during the State Executive Council meeting held on Thursday at the Government House, Port Harcourt, and presided over by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Briefing newsmen, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart explained that the contracts had been awarded in a hasty manner without following due process. He said the council, therefore, approved the revalidation of the bidding process for all four contracts that were earlier advertised in national dailies on February 19, 2025.
With the revalidation process now on, Dr. Ezekiel-Hart stated that a fresh bidding will be advertised in newspapers for competent and experienced contractors to prequalify and submit both technical and commercial bids.
He listed the projects to include, “The construction of 4.8km reinforced concrete shoreline protection and reclamation of Queenstown, Epellema, Oloma, and Minima communities in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area in Rivers State. The construction of 2.5km shoreline protection and reclamation in Ndoni-Onukwu, Isikwu, and Aziazagi communities in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area.
“The construction of 2.5km shoreline protection and reclamation in Utuechi, Obiofu, Isala, Ani-Eze, and Odugri communities in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area. The renovation, retrofitting and furnishing of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex,” he added.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr. Azibaolanari Uzoma-Nwogu, announced that the council approved the constitution of a committee to develop a proposal for the creation of Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centres and ICT Laboratories across the three senatorial districts of the state.
She explained that the initiative is in line with the Federal Government’s directive that beginning in 2026, all examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) will be computer-based.
The committee, chaired by the Deputy Governor, has the Secretary to the State Government, Permanent Secretaries from the Ministries of Education, Works, Information and Communications and Commissioner for Energy as members. Dr. Uzoma-Nwogu said the move will prepare Rivers youths for a digital future and improve the quality of education across the state.
On issues of employment, the Commissioner for Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment, Dr. Chisom Gbali, said the council reviewed ongoing efforts to create jobs for Rivers youths. He disclosed that his ministry has been directed to develop a framework for job creation and economic empowerment, noting that the government is determined to open up more opportunities for the young population.
“We want to assure Rivers youths that there will be a rising tide of employment and steady waves of economic empowerment,” Dr. Gbali said. “We know our Governor, when he makes a promise, he ensures it is fulfilled.”
On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Sirawoo, said council also deliberated extensively on the recent flash floods experienced in some parts of the state. He said the council directed immediate remedial intervention to address the situation, and cautioned residents against the indiscriminate disposal of waste into drainage channels and building on waterways, which worsens flooding.
Dr. Sirawoo further noted that Governor Fubara remains deeply committed to the development of Rivers State and determined to accelerate the pace of governance despite time lost. He added that the administration’s renewed focus and energy will soon place Rivers State firmly back on the path of sustainable growth and progress.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the completion of the 62.650km Port Harcourt Ring Road project, despite the setbacks that have slowed its progress.
The Governor gave the assurance during an on-site inspection tour of the project on Monday, where he emphasised that the state government remains resolute in its determination to deliver the massive infrastructure for public use.
Addressing journalists at the Eneka Flyover axis of the project, Governor Fubara stated that his visit was to verify the level of compliance and commitment shown by the construction firm, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
Governor Fubara noted that discussions with the contractor had been ongoing to ensure that work resumes at full capacity after a period of financial challenges that affected the project’s continuity.
“You are aware that this project was, I won’t say abandoned, but somehow, for lack of funds, the contractor withdrew from the site. We have been discussing with them, and they gave me their word that although we have not finished all the discussions, they have already moved back to site, and I’m here to confirm that.”
The Governor described the Port Harcourt Ring Road project, which traverses six local government areas, as one of the most significant infrastructure undertakings in the state’s history, noting that its completion would not only ease traffic congestion in the capital city but also stimulate economic activities across multiple local government areas.
Governor Fubara reiterated his administration’s resolve to continue prioritising infrastructure development as a foundation for economic growth and social progress.
“I want to make this promise to our good people of Rivers State,” the Governor declared. “This project that we started, by the special grace of God, we are going to complete it. We owe our people a responsibility to deliver on our commitments, and this project will not be an exception,” he added.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the 2025 Batch B, Stream II National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members deployed to the State, to use the NYSC skill acquisition training programme to build capacity.
Governor Fubara gave the charge on Tuesday when he declared closed, the 2025 Batch B Stream II orientation exercise in the State.
Represented by the newly sworn-in Secretary to the State Government and Chairman NYSC State Governing Board, Hon. Benibo Anabraba, Governor Fubara enjoined the Corps members to embrace skill acquisition wholeheartedly in order to elevate themselves as wealth creators and employers of labour.
“Take Rivers State as your home. Be assured of the warmth, hospitality, and accommodating disposition of the good of our people at all times.
“Take the skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development post camp training very seriously and equip yourselves with the capacity to compete favourably in the nation’s huge economic space,” he stressed.
The Governor called on the Corps members to see their mobilization into the NYSC Scheme as a fundamental way to provide humanitarian services.
“Remember that you owe it to yourself, family, and the nation, the responsibility to serve selflessly and honourably,” he admonished.
In his farewell address, the State Coordinator of NYSC, Mr. Moses Oleghe appealed to the Corps members to use the opportunity of the service year to discover their true purpose.
He further encouraged them to embody selfless service and empathy in serving the people.
The colourful ceremony witnessed a vibrant parade.