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‘APC ’ll Sustain Good Governance In Rivers’
L-R: Governor Mukhtar Yero of Kaduna State, Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku and Deputy Governor, Amb. Nuhu Bajoga, during a town hall meeting as part of National Good Governance Tour in Kaduna recently. Photo: NAN
Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, says his administration will sustain the trend of good governance and service delivery in the State in the All Progressive Congress (APC).
Governor Amaechi said this during the inauguration of the Eleme Local Government chapter of the Save Rivers Movement (SRM) in Nchia in Eleme Local Government Area of the State.
Represented by his deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru, Governor Amaechi, who is also the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), assured that “we will continue to do those things that make each and every one of you happy,” explaining that his decision to defect to the APC is borne out of the need to protect the interest of the State.
He noted that the Save Rivers Movement (SRM) was being used as a platform to drive the development agenda of the current administration by mobilizing the grassroots for the next phase of politicking in the State, commending the SRM for volunteering its services for the good of Rivers people.
Earlier, the Senator representing Rivers South-East and Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Senator Magnus Abe, had lamented the use of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) by unscrupulous politicians to undermine the Nigerian Constitution in the State, regretting that the refusal to reopen the State House of Assembly complex by the Police is illegal.
Also speaking, interim Chairman of the APC, Rivers State, Chief Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, thanked the people of Eleme for supporting Governor Amaechi, noting that APC has seen the developmental strides of the current administration in the State and welcomes him and his supporters into the party, describing the Governor as “a champion”, praising his courage, doggedness and sincerity.
Speaking on behalf of the State House of Assembly members, the member representing Port Harcourt constituency 2, Hon. Irene Inimgba-Somiari, reiterated the support of the State lawmakers for Governor Amaechi, pointing out that their support was based on his developmental strides and pursuit of policies, programmes and projects that will secure the future of the State.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Eleme Local Government Area, Mr. Oji Ngofa, noted that the Eleme people “accept and endorse the campaign of Save Rivers Movement,” adding that “as a people, we welcome Save Rivers Movement. We endorse your programmes and we say that the people of Eleme will stand by you, because we hope the campaign that you have accepted to start is on the right path. It’s a campaign of justice. It’s a campaign of positive ideology. It’s a campaign of change. It’s a campaign that will make Rivers State what we want it to be”.
Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, says Total Exploration and Production (Total E & P) remains a worthy friend of the State due to its proven commitment to the peace, growth and development of the State.
Governor Amaechi said this on Saturday during the 2013 Sainte Barbe Party: An Evening with Total organized by the oil multinational at Presidential Hotel in Port Harcourt.
Represented by his deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru, Governor Amaechi, who is also the Chairman, Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), expressed delight over the company’s favourable disposition towards the State and the people of Egi in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), in particular.
He recalled that “some few years ago, the security challenge in this part of the country was so terrible that several companies and establishments who professed to be our friend ran out of this place. But, if there was one company that stood by us, sat down with us saying what can we do to bring back normalcy, it is Total.”
He assured the company of his administration’s continued support and sustenance of an enabling environment for the company’s operations, asserting that the state Government “will always stand by Total. We will always be with you in good times and in bad times”.
Earlier, the Deputy Managing Director of Total E & P, Port Harcourt District, Mr. Nicholas Brunet, said the Sainte Barbe Party was an evening when the company takes stock and shares its feelings and experiences with stakeholders, partners, business associates, colleagues in the industry, government functionaries and representatives of its host communities.
He said Total in Nigeria was expanding and adjusting its frontiers and moving beyond business as usual in compliance with current global trends pointing out that, “in the year 2013, we have put a lot of emphasis on safety campaigns in all worksites in our company,” and “Total has continued to support healthy living and sustainable development in our host communities and operational areas”.
The Hausa Community in Rivers State has dissociated itself from media reports credited to one MaiwadaAdamu that the Arewa Community in Rivers State has appointed Alhaji Musa Saidu as the acting SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt, following the inability of the former SarkinHausawa, Alhaji Isa Madaki to carry out his functions.
MaidawaAdamu, who is also the spokesman of the Arewa Initiative for Peaceful Co-existence, had briefed journalists on the change, but in a swift reaction, the Office of Alhaji Isa Madaki, has come out to say that the only recognised body which has the powers to appoint the SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt is the Council of SarkinHausawa in PortHarcourt headed by Alhaji Isa Madaki.
The statement also said Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki is the only recognisedSarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, adding that his appointment follows the proclamation and endorsement by the council members of SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The statement further called on the general public and all authorities concerned to give Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki maximum co-operation and support,as he discharges his duties as SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt.
The Suspended Rivers State Commissioner for health, Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, has described as baseless allegations in some quarters that she was responsible for the purported disruption of the Nigerian First Lady’s empowerment program in Port Harcourt.
Dr Oreh, who said this in a statement personally signed by her and a copy made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt also described the allegation as a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers
According to Dr Oreh, “they are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord”
In her words,”the allegations levelled against me, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, regarding the supposed disruption of the First Lady’s empowerment programme on Friday 2nd May, 2025, are entirely unfounded, completely false, and a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers and conflict entrepreneurs.
“They are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord.”
The suspended commissioner challenged those behind the allegation, especially the Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation to show proof of its assertion adding “It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I challenge the “Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation” (assuming such a body really exists) to provide tangible proof to support their assertions.
“It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I have neither sponsored nor will sponsor any activities aimed at embarrassing or disrupting the activities of the administration appointed by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to oversee the affairs of Rivers State following his declaration of a state of emergency on Tuesday, 18th March, 2025, and have rather spent the time of my suspension from office focused on other endeavours and my doctoral studies.
“I reaffirm my commitment to working tirelessly for the progress and development of Rivers State.
“Furthermore, I believe that it is crucial for all stakeholders to promote a culture of truth, integrity, and respect in public discourse.
“Unsubstantiated wild claims undermine trust and hinder constructive engagement, and this is not what the state needs at this difficult and delicate time.
“I urge everyone to focus on issues that unite us and foster a positive, solution-driven dialogue for the betterment of our State, and urge everyone to work together to build a brighter future for Rivers State, grounded in truth, transparency, and collective effort,”she said.
By: John Bibor
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has called on key regulators, asset owners and other stakeholders to continue to support the agency toward the goal of remediating the Ogoni environment and restoring the livelihoods of the people and building structures for peace.
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who made the call during the Project’s first quarter meeting with regulators, asset owners and stakeholders in Port Harcourt, urged the stakeholders to remain resolute in supporting HYPREP’s work.
“We particularly expect each regulatory agency and asset owner to deepen their involvement and continue to provide strategic support to the project”, he said, stressing that the quarterly meeting platform remains instrumental in providing a structural avenue for regulators, asset owners, and implementation partners to offer feedback to HYPREP on project performance and deliberate on ideas that move the project forward, as well as strengthen collaboration, deepen synergy and reinforce collective responsibility.
Zabbey disclosed that the socio-economic study of Ogoni has started, as HYPREP has contacted the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organisation(WHO) to commence in the next quarter a three-year human health biomonitoring in Ogoniland.
He noted that work on several fronts of the cleanup project is progressing steadily, adding that as key project partners, the insights and shared experience of the regulators and asset owners have always enriched HYPREP’s operations.
He said the policy thrust of HYPREP for 2025 is clear, as the Project is intensifying efforts to complete within stated timelines, the various ongoing projects, including remediation works and mangrove restoration, potable water facilities, the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, the Ogoni Power Project, Ogoni Specialist Hospital, and Buan Cottage Hospital, among others.
Zabbey, however, announced that HYPREP would commence new set of shoreline cleanup, mangrove restoration and livelihood projects, to sustain the momentum of implementing the Ogoni cleanup, adding that the agency would also conduct detailed site characterisation of the high-risk complex sites, leading to remediation works at the sites.
He noted that HYPREP’s collaboration with Rivers State Ministries of Health, Power and Environment, and civil society organisations remains vital, stressing that the technical and administrative support of all relevant government agencies and funding partners is indispensable in helping HYPREP overcome operational bottlenecks, especially those encountered in interfacing with host communities.
He further indicated that “the people of Ogoni and the nation are looking to us with hope and expectation, and expect tangible results from the remediation initiative”, assuring the participants that the Project Coordination Office is committed to delivering positive results.
“We must, therefore, continue to work with diligence, transparency, and a renewed sense of purpose”, he declared, saying, “ the completion and commissioning of projects this year must reflect not only our technical ability but also our collective commitment to environmental sustainability and sustainable development in Ogoni.”
During the interactive session, the Project Coordinator briefed the participants on the progress made so far by HYPREP to conclude the distribution of starter packs to the 5,000 Ogoni trainees, and called on contractors who had already collected huge chunk of money for the project, to deliver without further delay.
In all, the regulators, asset owners and stakeholders commended HYPREP for the good works it is doing, and urged it to do more.
The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency(NOSDRA) was represented at the event by Deputy Director, Oil Field Assessment, Dr Abam Komommo Omini, while Dr Vincent Nwachukwu, Director of Medical Services, represented the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
The Rivers State Ministries of Water Resources, Power and Environment were represented by Dr Bealo Brownson; Engr K. J. Osele; and Mr James Ordu respectively, while the Society for Women and Youth Affairs (SWAYA); and the Stakeholder Democracy Network(SDN); among other civil society organisations were also at the event.
By: Donatus Ebi