News
Amaechi Berates Oil Firms …For Not Investing In N’Delta
Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has said that the lack of interest by multinational oil companies operating in the Niger Delta in investing in the region, is affecting the economic growth of the region.
Speaking at a one-day meeting of the Forum of Niger Delta Bishops of the Catholic Church in Port Harcourt, Wednesday, Amaechi noted that any investment, no matter how little, had the capacity to produce a multiplier effect on the economy. He berated oil firms for refusing to invest in the Niger Delta economy so as to boost its performance and therefore urged the oil firms operating in the Niger Delta region to be proactive to the needs of their host communities to engender a conducive business climate.
He stated that the excuse made by oil companies concerning the Petroleum Industry Bill, that has not been passed into law, could not be taken in this regard since it was not yet operational, and called on companies like Shell Petroleum Development Company to invest in the state.
The State Chief Executive noted that the recent assessment which put the state as the biggest market for cement was based on the level of construction work going-on in the state, which is facilitated by construction activities of the state government.
Governor Amaechi attributed the wave of kidnapping, which started from the Niger Delta region, to poverty, pointing out that on assumption of office, he confronted the insecurity challenge with the realisation that without peace, no development could take place.
The governor also identified three critical areas that affect Nigeria as a country, namely, insecurity, instability in government and the lack of constant power supply, describing them as critical factors in attracting foreign investments.
He used the opportunity to intimate the clergymen that positive changes were coming into the governance of the country, particularly in Rivers State where modest achievements had been recorded and called on the church to play its role by making government do what would improve society.
In a lecture, Monsignor Matthew Hassan Kukah, said the Church needed to reclaim its role as teachers, noting that the country had gone through a period of moral meltdown, which required the tackling of the frustrations of the people.
Monsignor Kukah, urged the Church to teach the people positive engagements by renewing its role as builders of society, adding that free and fair elections alone could not guarantee good governance in the country.
In his remarks, the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Chris Cooter said leaders should be responsible to their people, and re-stated his country’s readiness to partner with Nigeria in the areas of health and power generation, while commending Governor Amaechi for his interest in the development of education.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Niger Delta Catholic Bishops Forum, Archbishop Joseph Ukpo, lauded Governor Amaechi for his positive attitude to governance and urged him to remain upright to serve the people better.
News
Be Patient With Us, Diri Tells Bayelsans … Inspects New 60mw IPP …Expresses Confidence In Technical Partners, BECL MD
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
-
Sports5 days agoAFCON ’25: Osimhen Not Worried By Yekini Comparison, Pressure
-
Politics5 days agoYou Have No Power To Drop Me, Ekiti PDP Candidate Tells INEC
-
Sports5 days agoRemo Stars set for Ikenne return
-
Sports5 days agoOgoni Nation Cup : Coach Praise Players In spite 2-0 Loss
-
Sports5 days agoSoname Calls For NPFL referees demotion
-
Sports5 days agoTackling age falsification among athletes In Nigeria
-
Sports5 days agoChelsea Set To Part Ways With Maresca?
-
Politics5 days agoObi Joins ADC, Advocates Unity, Competent Leadership For Nigeria