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Niger Delta

Obuah Lauds Wike On Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo Road …Receives 1,000 APC Decampees To PDP

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8 years ago

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The Rivers State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bro. Felix Obuah has commended Governor Nyesom Wike for matching his words with action on the Ogoni/Andoni/Opobo Unity Road following the historic drive he made into Opobo Town, last Thursday, with his entourage.
Obuah, who was speaking at Opobo Town, in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State during the sensitisation rally/reception of defectors from All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP, described the development as a triumphant entry as he was on hand to receive over 1,000 APC defectors to the PDP.
Recalling that the idea of constructing a road linking Ogoni/Andoni/Opobo was conceived and started in 1999 by former Governor Peter Odili, the state PDP chairman stated that the project would have been long completed had Amaechi given it the desired support during his eight-years of rule as governor.
He called on the people of Opobo Kingdom to show appreciation to Wike for making the road project a reality, adding that the completion of the road wouldboost socio-economic activities in the town.
“How else can a governor demonstrate unconditional love and affection for a people than to give them something they have yearned for for centuries, a link into the world outside to give them a new lease of life”, said Obuah while urging them to reciprocate the gesture by giving their maximum support to the administration of Wike.
Obuah said he was piqued at the revelation by Commissioner for Education, Dr Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja, that it was Chibuike Amaechi who as then Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly in 1999, on the floor of the House objected to the Ogoni/Opobo/Andoni Unity Road project which was initiated by the then Governor Peter Odili.
The state PDP boss stated that because of that contrived mindset by Amaechi to execute the project, the former governor for the eight years he superintended the affairs of the state, paid deaf ears to calls by well meaning Rivers people, especially those of the Rivers South-East Senatorial District extraction to grant them that needed request.
Obuah regretted that Amaechi wasted eight years he would have used to complete the road which was started by former Governor Peter Odili, adding that the defeated APC Governorship Candidate at the 2015 Governorship Election, Dr Dakuku Peterside, who is a son of Opobo, even as then commissioner for works could not support the completion of the Ogoni/Opobo/Andoni Unity Road.
The PDP chairman urged people of the area to take advantage of the ongoing Permanent Voter’s Registration exercise to get registered and support the PDP during the election.
In his speech, Commissioner for Education, Dr Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja called on President Muhammadu Buhari to sack Chibuike Amaechi as minister of transportation, saying his call was premised on the fact that Amaechi has outlived his usefulness having served as governor for eight years without any meaningful impact on the people, and that his position as minister was of no benefit to the people of the state.
He regretted that as member of the Rivers State House of Assembly with Amaechi in 1999, Amaechi stood vehemently against the construction of the Ogoni/Andoni/Opobo Unity Road when former Governor Odili brought it for the approval of the lawmakers.
“Beyond Amaechi’s glaring poor performance, we believe Mr President would have nominated someone else to occupy his position if he truly loves Rivers people.
“That Amaechi also took the position of a kingmaker without allowing anyone to become king clearly shows he does not love those he is lording over.
“A kingmaker does not become king. Amaechi is now both a kingmaker and a king”, the commissioner argued.
Among those who decamped from APC to the PDP were Ngerebia Emmanuel, APC state ex-officio member and President, Nkoro Solidarity Forum; Ibim Clement Ogolo, APC youth leader in Opobo/Nkoro from Ward 3 in Opobo, same ward with the defeated APC Governorship candidate, Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside; Dimeari Bellgam, APC Ward 4 coordinator and Effort Dappa, APC Ward 8 coordinator.

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Niger Delta

Court Declares DESTMA Activities Unconstitutional

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7 days ago

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January 12, 2026

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The Delta State High Court sitting in Warri has declared the power of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA) to arrest traffic offenders and impose fines as illegal and unconstitutional.
In a judgment delivered on Wednesday in Suit No. W/348/2016: Chuks Christian Ofili v. Attorney-General of Delta State & Anor, Hon. Justice Ejiro Emudainowho struck down Section 18(1) of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority Law, 2013, holding that it conflicts with the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The court held that DESTMA and its officials lacked the legal authority to impose fines, penalties or sanctions, or to confiscate vehicle number plates without first charging and securing a conviction before a competent court.
Justice Emudainowho ruled that the seizure of the claimant’s number plate and the imposition of a N30,000 fine without trial amounted to a “flagrant violation” of the claimant’s right to fair hearing and freedom of movement under Sections 36(1) and 41(1) of the constitution.
Among other reliefs, the court set aside the “Notification of New Traffic Offences and Penalties” issued against the claimant, ordered the refund of N30,000 paid for the release of the number plate, awarded N500,000 as legal costs and N300,000 as damages, with 10 percent interest per annum.
Reacting to the judgment, the claimant’s counsel, Olukunle Ogheneovo Edun, said the ruling affirms constitutional supremacy.
“The court was clear that only a competent court of law can impose penalties. Administrative agencies cannot assume judicial powers”, he said.
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Niger Delta

COAS Praises Bayelsa On Military Welfare … As Diri Hands Over Residential Quarters To Army Chief

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7 days ago

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January 12, 2026

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The Nigerian Army has commended the Bayelsa State Government for promoting the welfare of its officers and men as part of efforts to enhance peace and security in the state.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, gave the commendation on Thursday when he led other senior military officers on a courtesy/condolence visit to the State Governor, Douye Diri, in Government House, Yenagoa.
Gen. Shaibu praised the Bayelsa government for constructing and handing over residential accommodation to the Nigerian Army 16 Brigade at Elebele.
The army chief noted that the initiative would greatly ease the brigade’s accommodation challenges.
Shaibu, who explained that he was on a maiden operational visit to the state to assess the combat readiness of men and officers of the Command, also commiserated with the governor and the Ewhrudjakpo family on the passing of the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
“My reason for coming here are two-fold. We are here for my maiden operational visit to the 6th Division area of  responsibility, which also covers Bayelsa State.
“I’m also here with a heart of gratitude and appreciation for what you have done for the 16 Brigade, which is the construction and completion of apartments  made up of nine units of three bedroom flats for non-commissioned officers and two blocks of nine units of two bedroom apartments for non-commissioned officers.
“This gesture will go a long way in mitigating the accommodation challenges that the Brigade is facing. It will be a great relief for the Nigerian Army”, he said.
Responding, Diri thanked Gen. Shaibu for acknowledging the modest contribution of the state government towards improving the safety of lives and property of the citizenry.
He lauded the various security agencies for exhibiting a high sense of professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
 “I like to use this opportunity to commend the Nigerian Army and other armed forces for what you are doing to ensure that Nigeria is safe and secure. For us in government, we all appreciate and understand that you are making sacrifices for our public safety.
“I implore you to continue to do what you are doing very well at all times. We are always here to support you in whichever form that we can, so that you will also have a conducive environment to enable you discharge your duties creditably.
“l’m equally happy that we were able to start and complete those buildings. We know that, like you rightly said, it will ease the accommodation demands of the officers in the 16 Brigade”, he said.
By; Ariwera  Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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Niger Delta

Eno Inaugurates Committees On TSA, International Airport Status 

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7 days ago

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January 12, 2026

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Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has inaugurated two inter-ministerial committees to supervise the implementation of the International Airport Status for the Victor Attah International Airport, and for the Treasury Single Account for Internally Generated Revenues.
While inaugurating the committees at the Government House, Uyo, Eno expressed confidence in the competence of the members of the committee to achieve the mandate.
“The committees’ establishment marks another strategic step in the administration’s drive to strengthen governance systems.
“It will also ensure the fast-tracking and the completion of major development projects in the state”, the Governor said.
He further said the members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on International Airport Status Implementation include Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Enobong Uwah, who would serve as the Chairman.
Others are the Commissioner for Finance/Special Duties, Mr. Emem Bob; the Managing Director, Ibom Air, Mr. George Uriesi; and Mr. Ephraim Udosen, Permanent Secretary for Special Duties, among others.
“The Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Implementation of TSA-IGR has Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Emem Bob, as Chairman.
“Others are the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Uko Udom, SAN; Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy, Dr. Frank Ekpenyong; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs,  Mr. Frank Archibong; Commissioner for Lands, Dr. Ubong Inyang, among others.”
The Governor noted that the members’ expertise would contribute significantly to the state’s infrastructural growth and financial stability.
He urged them to intensify efforts and ensure that all preparatory works remained on schedule.
“I charge the committee on the state’s airport with the responsibility of ensuring accelerated progress and meeting all required benchmarks ahead of the facility’s operational kick-off in April, 2026.
“I expect this committee to work tirelessly to ensure the realisation and commencement of full operations at the international airport by the first week of April 2026″, he said.
Eno emphasised the need for transparency, fiscal discipline and effective coordination across government agencies, saying that no agency of government was permitted to operate a single independent account.
He reaffirmed the termination of contracts for consultants on revenue generation, adding that all revenue must be generated and expended through a unified treasury account.
The Governor urged all MDAs to work with the Inter-Ministerial Committee, headed by the Commissioner for Finance to ensure that the expected results were achieved and on time.
He maintained that tenement rates would be paid into the treasury single account and urged full compliance from homeowners across the state.
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