Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, has expressed concern over certain unprofessional practices within the surveying profession, urging practitioners to address issues surrounding the acquisition of Rights of Way and seismic operations in the State.

The governor also raised strong objections to what he described as threats to land ownership and title in the State through the alleged issuance of Federal Certificates of Occupancy by the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation and other affiliated federal agencies.

According to him, such actions are contrary to Section 1 of the Land Use Act, Cap L5, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, which vests all land within a state in the Governor as trustee on behalf of the people.

Fubara made the remarks while speaking as Special Guest at the National Conference of the Association of Private Practicing Surveyors of Nigeria (APPSN), a sub-group of the National Institute of Surveyors (NIS), held at the Obi-Wali Cultural Centre, Port-Harcourt, yesterday.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Benibo Anabraba, the governor also expressed concern over the problem of land grabbing through illegal survey plans and the payment of inadequate compensation to landowners during compulsory land acquisition for oil and gas exploration by licence holders, urging surveyors to uphold professionalism and fairness in their practice.

He said such illegal activities negatively affect the development of the State.

Fubara urged surveyors to promote ethical and sustainable planning practices that protect the environment, including the preservation of green spaces, marine areas, and forest reserves.

He described the role of surveyors as pivotal to the growth, development, peace, and orderly governance of any society.

According to him, the services of surveyors are critical to physical and urban planning, housing development, land administration, and the provision of infrastructure.

He stressed that surveyors play indispensable roles in land use and management, infrastructure provision, environmental management, and conflict resolution, noting that their presence in government ministries, departments, and agencies ensures adherence to best practices.

“The role of surveyors in governance is pivotal to the growth, development, peace, and order of society, particularly in land administration, infrastructure development, environmental management, and conflict resolution,” the governor said.

He noted that the conference theme, “Mapping the Future: The Vital Roles of Surveyors in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry,” was particularly significant to Rivers State, given its position as the hydrocarbon heartbeat of the nation.

The President of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), Surv. Pius Eze, urged all participants to optimize the opportunity provided by the conference for professional upgrading and networking, adding that the conference displays consistency of vision and dedication to the welfare of private practitioners.

The National Chairman of APPSN, Surv. Simepiriye Kalio, thanked leaders and members of the association for their sacrifices to achieving the successes recorded.

The Chairman of APPSN, Rivers State chapter, Surv. Andy Nwikinane, said that the association was working with relevant stakeholders to prevent the infiltration of quacks  in the profession.

Rivers State Government has launched Boat Ambulance Emergency Medical Services aimed at strengthening emergency healthcare response in riverine and hard-to-reach communities across the State.

The rollout, organised by the Rivers State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (REMSAS), took place at the Tourist Beach, Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Speaking at the event, the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, said the deployment of boat ambulances represents a practical response to longstanding healthcare access challenges faced by residents of riverine communities.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Prof. Justina Jumbo, the commissioner noted that difficult terrain and long distances have historically hindered timely access to medical care for many residents in coastal areas.

According to her, the initiative is designed to bridge that gap and ensure that geographical location no longer determines access to emergency medical services.

She added that the intervention reflects the commitment of the Rivers State Government under Governor Siminalayi Fubara to provide equitable healthcare access for all residents, regardless of location.

Also speaking, Vice Chairman of the Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism, Dr. Ayo Ipinmoye, commended the state government for prioritising healthcare delivery to underserved communities.

He described the initiative as a significant step toward ensuring equitable access to health services, particularly for people living in remote areas who often face barriers to timely medical attention.

Ipinmoye stressed the importance of collaborative efforts among government agencies, community leaders, development partners, and healthcare professionals to sustain improved healthcare delivery.

The Tide reports that the boat ambulance initiative is expected to enhance rapid emergency response across both land and water terrains, ensuring quicker medical intervention in critical situations.

John Bibor

The Senate has announced that it will hold an emergency plenary sitting tomorrow (Tuesday).

The announcement was made yesterday in a statement signed by the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, who said all senators have been requested to attend.

“The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has directed the reconvening of plenary for an emergency sitting on Tuesday, February 10th, 2026,” the statement read.

The session is scheduled to commence at 12 noon.

This comes just days after the Senate passed the amendment bill on February 4, but voted down Clause 60(3), which would have required presiding officers to electronically transmit results from polling units directly to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing portal in real time.

The rejected clause aimed to make the process mandatory.

The lawmaker replaced it with the current discretionary “transfer” of results, which allows electronic transmission only after votes are counted and publicly announced at polling units.

Civil society groups and opposition figures in the country have condemned the Senate’s decision, labelling it a setback for Nigeria’s democratic progress.

Senate President Akpabio has, however, defended the Senate’s actions, insisting during a public event that the Senate did not reject electronic transmission and vowing not to be intimidated.

Tomorrow’s emergency sitting could see the Senate reconsider the rejected amendment amid public outcry and potential legal challenges from figures such as lawyer Femi Falana, with possible implications for Nigeria’s democratic processes and the balance between incumbency protections and verifiable voting technology.