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Rivers: INEC Suspends Polls In Eight LGAs …Police Confirm Four Dead, 24 Arrested

Rivers State Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Hon Damiete Herbert Miller (in front), queuing for his accreditation in Ward 17 Unit 1, Oguruama in Degema, during the rerun election on Saturday in
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Rivers State has announced the suspension of rerun elections in two more local government areas of the state, bringing the total number of local governments to eight.
The state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Elder Aniedi Ikoiwak, who made the announcement in his office at INEC headquarters in Port Harcourt, yesterday, said the two additional local government areas are Etche and Asari-Toru.
The REC explained that the suspension of the rerun elections follows irregularities and hitches which greatly jeopardized the conduct of the elections in the affected local government areas.
Ikoiwak stressed that the two local governments would join six others where elections had been earlier suspended on Saturday, including Khana, Bonny, Andoni, Tai, Gokana and Eleme, because of observed violence, irregularities and hitches in the distribution of electoral materials.
According to him, the decision to suspend the rerun elections in the affected local government areas was principally anchored on the need to protect the lives of staff and also ensure the safety of electoral materials.
The state INEC chief, who did not disclose any new date for the conclusion of the rerun elections, said that adequate consultations would be made, including strategic review of the March 19 rerun process before a new date is fixed.
“INEC is currently auditing personnel and materials sent to the field. We will also meet with critical stakeholders before a new date will be announced for rerun in the affected local government areas,” he said.
He regretted the level of violence during the exercise, and commended the commission’s staff as well as ad-hoc for their diligence and resilience, while extolling the doggedness and resolve of the men of the military and security agencies for standing firm, and repelling, in many instances, the various attacks on INEC officials.
It would be recalled that INEC conducted rerun elections in 22 of the 32 state House of Assembly seats, 12 of the 13 House of Representatives seats, and all three Senatorial District seats in the state.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command has confirmed that four persons died while 24 others were arrested during Saturday’s legislative rerun elections in the state.
The Assistant Inspector General of Police, Baba Adisa Bolanta, accompanied by other security chiefs in the state, disclosed this during a press briefing in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Bolanta said that four deaths were recorded with one in Buguma, two in Nonwa Tai, and one in Omuanwa.
On the arrested persons, Bolanta said that 24 suspects were already with the police, with 22 males and two females, adding that the suspects were presently undergoing interrogation on allegations of electoral fraud.
He emphasised that the massive deployment of security personnel drastically helped in reducing the electoral malpractices during the elections, and appealed for the support and cooperation of the electorate to enable the force discharge its mandate to the people of the state.
Earlier, the Public Relations Officer of the state command, DSP Ahmad Muhammad, told newsmen in Port Harcourt, that the command received report about the death of one person in Eleme, Eleme Local Government.
Muhammad said 10 people were arrested in Eleme while two were picked up on their way to Akinima, Ahoada West Local Government Area.
“The suspects committed election-related offences. They are being interrogated while investigation has commenced on the offences committed,” he said.
He also said the police did not know what caused the death of a middle-aged man in Eleme and that the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area received the report.
He said the command did necessary deployments to ensure credible elections in the state.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
News
Independence Anniversary: Nigeria Is A Failed Grandfather – Monarch
A first class traditional ruler in Rivers State, His Royal Majesty, King Aaron Ikuru, has described Nigeria at 65 as a grandfather who cannot provide leadership to other African Countries.
The monarch stated this in an interview at his palace in Ikuru Town, yesterday.
According to him, Nigeria would have been a developed country to set the pace in the whole of Africa, considering its numerous resources.
“Nigeria is a grandfather but not behaving as a grandfather. Our country, Nigeria, before and from the era of Independence was in the state of becoming a great country, but unfortunately is not becoming anything.
“We should be far ahead with what we have in the country. God blessed us, we have almost what it takes in terms of mineral resources, manpower amongst others that can drive speedy development in the country.
“If we’re able to harness all the things we have, even America by now would have respected us”, he said.
While blaming the past leaders of the country, the monarch called on the current leadership of the country to redouble efforts in order to narrow the differences in terms of development, exchange rate between naira and foreign currencies.
King Ikuru, who is also the Chairman of Andoni Area Traditional Rulers Council, however, lauded the efforts of the founding fathers, past leaders of the country for the achievements so far.
He also expressed optimism that Nigeria would be great, calling on the opinion leaders to shun tribalism and political intolerance in the country.
“If Nigeria should experience rapid development in all sectors, it means we must shun tribalism and political intolerance, the interest of our country must be our priority.
“We need to fight corruption vigorously, and leaders must show good example of discipline and integrity”, he said.
The monarch used the opportunity to wish Nigeria happy independence anniversary.
By: Enoch Epelle
News
FG begins payment of N32,000 pension increment to retirees – PTAD
The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate has announced the start of implementation of the new pension increments for pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme, saying the adjustments will be reflected in the September 2025 payroll cycle.
In a statement signed by Management and posted on its X handle, PTAD said the increase package includes a fixed N32,000 payment alongside percentage increases of 10.66% and 12.95% for eligible categories, which will benefit about 832,000 pensioners under its management.
Recall that PTAD in August announced President Bola Tinubu approved a series of measures, including new welfare benefits for pensioners under DBS.
The approval follows a formal request by PTAD’s Executive Secretary, Tolulope Odunaiya, seeking an emergency budgetary allocation to implement pension reforms and welfare benefits for the scheme’s retirees.
The measures include a N32,000 pension increment, percentage increases for pensioners of defunct and privatised agencies, pension harmonisation for all DBS pensioners, enrolment into the National Health Insurance Scheme, and the settlement of long-standing unfunded pension liabilities.
In a statement yesterday, PTAD said the partial release of N820.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance from the emergency funding has made it possible for pensioners to begin receiving the enhanced payments immediately.
The statement read, “Further to the President’s approval of the emergency budgetary allocation for the payment of the new pension increment rates for Pensioners under the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (DBS) that was earlier published by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate on Friday, 8th August, 2025, the Directorate is delighted to announce the commencement of the implementation of the 832,000, 10.66% and 12.95% pension increment for eligible pensioners under the management of PTAD, in the September 2025 pension payroll cycle.
“This achievement has been made possible through the partial release of 820.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance, from the initial 845 billion emergency funding approval granted by the Federal Government.
“This milestone clearly reaffirms the Federal Government’s dedication to safeguarding the welfare and entitlements of DBS Pensioners in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The directorate thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the emergency allocation.
It also acknowledged the role of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun; the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Accountant-General of the Federation and key presidential aides and parliamentary committees for their “timely interventions” and support.
The statement also expressed appreciation to organised pension groups, including the Nigeria Union of Pensioners and the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria, for their cooperation during negotiations and implementation planning.
“We further assure all our DBS Pensioners and Stakeholders that the Directorate will continue to collaborate with the relevant authorities towards release of the outstanding approved funds and subsequent fulfilment of all future obligations relating to the pension increments and the landmark reforms,” the statement added.
The DBS covers pensioners who retired before the introduction of the Contributory Pension Scheme in 2004, including those from defunct public institutions, privatised agencies, and treasury-funded parastatals.
Over the years, many have faced irregular payments, delayed harmonisation, and inadequate healthcare access, challenges that the new reforms are expected to address.
News
Nigeria At 65: NOA urges citizens to foster unity, progress
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged Nigeria. citizens to remain united, peaceful to enhance development of the nation as it celebrates 65th independence anniversary.
Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, Director of NOA in Akwa Ibom, gave the charge in Uyo yesterday while addressing newsmen and stakeholders to mark the anniversary.
Mkpoutom said it was essential to recognise that the strength of Nigeria lay in its diversity
“With over 250 ethnic groups and an array of languages, the nation embodies a unique blend of heritage.
“This diversity should be seen not as a dividing line but as a unifying force that propels the country toward progress.
“As Akwa Ibom embarks on another year, it is crucial for all citizens to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose.
“Embrace dialogue, understanding and collaborate with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu in its efforts to addressing pressing challenges like poverty, security, education, and healthcare, thereby paving way for a brighter future for all.”
The state director, however, appealed to Nigerians from all walks of life to renew their commitment to a more prosperous, peaceful, and equitable nation.
“Let this anniversary serve as a reminder of the collective strength that lies in every citizen,” he said.
He urged everyone to contribute positively to the development of a better society.
Mkpoutom urged the people and all citizens to honour the labours of heroes past, as they celebrated the present, while working diligently toward a future filled with hope and opportunities for generations to come.
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