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Amaechi Signs 4 Bills Into Law …Orders Overhaul Of State Land Survey
Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi has assented to four new bills passed by the state House of Assembly.
The bills include the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Amendment Bill 2012, the Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board Bill 2012, the Rivers State Governor and Deputy Governor Pensions and Fringe Benefits Bill 2012 and the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission Amendment Bill 2012.
Governor Amaechi thanked members of the state House of Assembly for working so hard for the bills signed into law.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Hon. Otelemaba Amachree and other members of the House presented the bills to the governor.
Meanwhile, Governor Chibuike Amaechi, has promised to implement the resolutions reached at the State Land Summit which ended yesterday with a view to achieving a paradigm shift in land administration and management across the State.
Governor Amaechi made this pledge yesterday in his closing remarks at the end of a two-day summit held at the Auditorium of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Port Harcourt.
Represented by his deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru, Governor Amaechi said “this summit ushers in the process of unlocking the wealth of Rivers State and we are glad we have started it,” expressing optimism that “the implementation of the resolutions reached here will move the State forward,” assuring that “we will ensure that we change the way land is being administered and managed in the State”.
The State Chief Executive thanked the participants and resource persons for their patience, genuine contributions and positive disposition towards issues raised during the summit, stating that these would “make things to work as we embark on this journey to change things in our State”.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Barrister Ezemonye Ezekiel-Amadi, had declared that “those who think it’s business as usual in the way we administer land in the State should be ready to witness some surprises,” reiterating the resolve of the State Government through his Ministry to drastically reduce the timeline for issuance of certificates of occupancy (C of O) in the State, appealing to the public to key in to the new drive.
He disclosed that the process of identifying, mapping and allocation of land in the State has now gone digital, pointing out that the analogue system of cadastral mapping constituted a very serious challenge, expressing happiness that “we have beyond that stage now.
Everything is now being done in line with global best practice across the world,” commending the discussants, resource persons and participants for their contributions during the summit.
Also speaking, one of the resource persons and Project Coordinator, Federal Land Information System (FELIS) in the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Venerable Andrus Ukaejiofo, expressed delight on the summit, saying “it is the way to go,” lauding Governor Amaechi and his deputy, Engr. Ikuru, for “their commitment to change the system of land administration and management. They are doing a great work and am proud to be part of this”.
possible to give auted Lands Administration System: the Rivers State Experience at a Land Summit organised by the State Ministry of Lands and Survey on Monday in Port Harcourt.
He disclosed that following the fresh compilation and computerization of land records, the body was able to identify about 11,200 certificates of occupancy so far approved since 1978,’’ but we have been able to integrate survey, registration, mapping based on information available to us ‘’.
On the other hand, he said that there were still challenges stemming from local region since no mapping exists outside the city centre.
He therefore recommended for special local region mapping for a comprehensive land inventory in the state.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said the 33.5-kilometre Elele–Umudioga–Egbeda–Ubimini–Ikiri–Omoku dual carriageway is nearing completion and will be ready for inauguration by early May.
Speaking after inspecting the project last Wednesday, the governor disclosed that the N80.8 billion road project, currently at about 90 per cent completion, is on track for delivery before the end of April.
The project, which links Ikwerre, Emohua and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government areas, was awarded to Craneburg Construction Company with a 24-month completion timeline.
Fubara expressed satisfaction with the pace of work, describing the road as a landmark achievement of his administration.
He noted that beyond infrastructure, the project symbolises progress and purposeful governance.
Highlighting its economic and security value, the governor said the road serves as a vital link to Omoku, a major gas hub, and would significantly enhance business activities in the area.
He recalled that the corridor was previously notorious for kidnapping and armed robbery but said the ongoing development had transformed the security outlook.
According to him, improved accessibility will enable security agencies to respond swiftly to emergencies, effectively curbing criminal activities that once plagued the route.
Fubara commended the contractor for adhering to the project timeline, expressing confidence that the road will soon be completed and opened to the public.
Recall that the governor had, during the flag-off ceremony in May 2024, disclosed that the project is funded from the State’s internally generated revenue savings.
Nigerians were among more than 140 residents injured after Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles at the United Arab Emirates, at the weekend.
This raised fresh fears for thousands of Nigerians living and working in the Gulf nation.
The UAE Ministry of Defence disclosed last Saturday that its air defence systems intercepted several missiles and drones fired from Iran, describing the attack as a major escalation in the ongoing regional tensions.
In a statement posted on its official X handle, the ministry said its air defence units engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 drones during the latest assault on March 14.
It added that the attacks left six people dead and 141 others injured, including foreign nationals.
“The UAE air defence systems on March 14 engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 UAVs launched from Iran,” the ministry stated.
“Since the onset of this blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 294 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,600 UAVs launched from Iran,” UAE added.
According to the ministry, those killed in the attacks included citizens of the UAE as well as foreign nationals from Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.
“Although the authorities did not specify the exact locations where the casualties occurred, the ministry said the injured victims were from several countries, including Nigeria.
Others affected include residents from Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
The list also included Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Türkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia and Sweden.
The Tide reports that this development has sparked concern among Nigerian communities in the UAE, where thousands of citizens live and work in sectors such as construction, hospitality, logistics and trade.
Data from Nigeria’s diaspora commission shows that the UAE remains one of the largest destinations for Nigerian migrants in the Middle East, particularly in the emirates of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
The Nigerian government had in recent years raised concerns over the safety and welfare of its citizens in the country following diplomatic tensions and visa restrictions affecting Nigerians.
Saturday’s attacks have now heightened anxieties within the diaspora community, especially as the Gulf region faces growing military confrontations.
In its statement, the UAE Ministry of Defence said the country remained fully prepared to confront any threats to its security.
“The Ministry of Defence remains fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats and will firmly confront any attempts to undermine state security in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty, security and stability, and safeguards its national interests and capabilities,” the ministry said.
In a separate update, the ministry noted that its defence systems were still actively intercepting missiles and drones.
“UAE air defences are dealing with Iranian ballistic and cruise missiles and drones,” it said.
Regional media reports indicate that the attacks form part of a wider escalation of hostilities between Iran and Western-backed forces in the Middle East.
According to Al Jazeera, Iran has continued sustained missile and drone strikes across the Gulf despite protests from neighbouring states.
The strikes were said to be in retaliation for military operations launched by the United States and Israel against Iranian positions in the region.
Tehran targeted several Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, late on Friday and into Saturday.
The attacks also caused infrastructural damage in parts of the UAE.
Meanwhile, Iran’s elite military wing, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, warned that US interests in the UAE would remain legitimate targets.
Iranian state media reported that the group issued the warning after US forces attacked Iranian-controlled islands.
The IRGC specifically mentioned ports, docks and military installations linked to the United States as potential targets.
It also urged residents in the UAE to evacuate areas around ports and military facilities to avoid civilian casualties.
Security analysts say the growing exchange of threats and strike across the Gulf could destabilise the region’s economic and aviation activities if the conflict escalates further.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the five new commissioners sworn-in last Wednesday to put in their best for the development of the State.
Fubara gave the charge during the swearing-in of the commissioners at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House, Port Harcourt, last Wednesday.
This followed the successful screening of the five commissioners by the Rivers State House of Assembly, last Tuesday.
The five commissioners are Tonye Bellgam, Prof. Temple Nwofor, Dr. Peters Nwagor, Mr. Lekue Kenneth, and Sir Amairigha Edward Hart.
The Tide reports that the governor had sent nine commissioner-nominees to the Assembly for screening, but the Assembly confirmed only five nominees and rejected the nomination of four over various allegations.
Those rejected by the Assembly are Prof. Dantonye Alasia, Mrs. Charity Demua, Mr. Tamuno Williams, and Otonye Amachree.
The governor congratulated the new commissioners on their appointment, noting that their thorough screening by the Rivers State House of Assembly was a proof of their capabilities.
He urged them to deploy their wealth of experience in various fields and put the State on a fast lane of development.
“Ordinarily, I am supposed to charge you on your responsibilities and how to operate. But that has been taken care of by the screening at the Assembly.
“I believe that going through one of the most rigorous screenings, it is enough to say that for those of you who succeeded, you are fit and ready to deliver to our dear State.
“So there is no further charge. The screening was the charge, so I wish you the best as I don’t expect anything less than the best from you,” Fubara said.
