Featured
Guber Polls: N’Delta Militants Issue Warning To FG …Over Military Interference In Rivers
Amid the violence and eventual suspension of the governorship and state’s House of Assembly polls in Rivers State, militants under the aegis of Amalgamated Niger Delta Volunteer Force has threatened to unleash fresh attacks on oil installations across the Niger Delta region if the federal government does not desist from depriving its people their fundamental rights to vote and elect leaders of their choice.
In a statement signed by one Comrade Orunene Alagbarigha and made available to journalists, the agitated group lamented that the Niger Delta region has suffered deaths and desecrations the federal government bid to foist upon its people an undemocratic government. The statement titled, “Operation Red Warning: Desist or We March Force with Force”
“We are pained at the current developments in the Niger Delta especially in Rivers State in the last 72 hours where our mothers, young girls and innocent children have been raped, killed at point blank, brutalised and entire community forced out of their homes into the forest, swamps and exposed to all manner of harm and danger; traditional institutions and shrines brazenly desecrated all in an attempt to foist upon the people alien and undemocratic governance process of selection thus depriving our people their fundamental rights to vote and elect leaders of their choice at all levels as enshrined in our constitution.
“As peace-loving people, we deemed this action as evil, wicked and unprovoked attack on our people and can therefore no longer consider these undemocratic developments as fair play and to fold our arms and watch while an army of uncivilised occupation is unleashed on our people. We are equally aware of the plans by the federal government to instigate crises as an excuse to declaring a state of emergency and unleashing more mayhem on our people. We are too civilised to allow this to happen in this 21st century.
“As a people whose resources is the mainstay of the nation’s economy and on whose resources and accommodating nature and lifestyle the country’s armed forces have magnanimously benefited from since colonial times by the procurement of hard ware for the entire military and their welfare to turn and use same equipment upon the people who have borne the brunt of economic deprivation, hardship and environmental devastation spanning decades is to say the least evil as it goes against all norms of human decency, dignity and equity.
“By the Nigerian government actions, it is manifestly clear that war has been declared upon us and we hereby put the international community on notice that as a peaceful people, we are not afraid and never cowards.
“We promise to respond in a swift way and manner to reciprocate this gesture of wickedness by the national government of Nigeria. ‘We are sure our capacities to respond swiftly to unprovoked and unwarranted attacks on our people and communities, is not in doubt.
We have proven that times without number and are ready to completely prove that again at the shortest possible time by making sure that we cripple all hydro carbon activities in the entire region as our cells in all the region are now on red alert to respond immediately and swiftly.
“By this, all international oil companies operating in the region are hereby put on alert as we will not be held accountable for any harm that may befall their people and facilities should this undemocratic actions by the Federal Government of Nigeria in the guise of election security continue.
“We will meet them force to force and will not fail nor falter in our quest to liberate our land from an army of occupation and oppression.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the State Executive Council.
Under the new disposition, Barrister Christopher Green, who until now served as Commissioner for Sports, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Justice as the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
This is contained in an official statement signed by Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications.
According to the statement, Barrister Green will also continue to coordinate the activities of the Ministry of Sports pending the appointment of a substantive Commissioner to oversee the ministry.
The redeployment, which takes immediate effect, was approved at the last State Executive Council meeting for the year 2025, underscoring the Governor’s commitment to strengthening governance, ensuring continuity in service delivery, and optimising the performance of key ministries within the state.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration will ensure the delivery of developmental projects and the prevalence of peace in all parts of Rivers State.
The Governor emphasized that the achievement of these lofty ideals can only occur through the unwavering contributions of all Rivers stakeholders.
Speaking during the commissioning of the 10.7-kilometre Egbeda–Omerelu Road constructed by his administration, the governor said Rivers State can only move forward when its people choose unity over division.
He assured Rivers people that development projects would reach every part of the State but cautioned that progress cannot thrive where conflict persists.
Reflecting on the project, Governor Fubara recalled that the road was a promise he made during the inauguration of the first phase about a year ago.
“We made a promise that we were going to do this project, and today I am happy that the government has fulfilled that promise made to Emohua people, Egbeda community and Omerelu people,” he said.
He noted that the essence of governance is service to the people, adding that responding to their needs is a core responsibility of any administration.
“We decided to do this because you know where we are coming from, and if we don’t tell our story, many won’t know what we are doing. Even in the face of tribulations, we have remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We will continue to serve our people with respect and honour,” he affirmed.
Governor Fubara also reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to back all groups working towards securing the President’s victory in 2027.
Giving technical details of the project, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, explained that the contract was awarded on October 27, 2024, to Messrs Johnson Roadworks Limited.
He said the road links communities in Emohua and Ikwerre LGAs and shortens travel time for motorists commuting from Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Omoku through Egbeda to Owerri in Imo State.
He added that the infrastructure features a 12-metre clearing width and an 8-metre asphalt surface, comprising a 50mm binder course and a 40mm wearing course. It is complemented by 24 kilometres of drainage channels with a 1.05m² cross-sectional capacity to ensure durability and efficient water flow.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, described the road as a crucial link for surrounding communities, significantly easing movement for residents.
He praised the governor for demonstrating continuity and consolidation and prayed for God’s strength to enable him to achieve even more for the people.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers State remains the best investment destination for investors in the oil and gas sector.
Governor Fubara stated that since the economic development of Rivers State is closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry, his administration has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government and host communities to protect natural assets in the sector.
The Governor stated this during the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he pointed out that since the economy of Nigeria relies substantially on the oil and gas sector, his administration will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ramp up production.
“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90% of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State, home to numerous national and multinational oil and gas companies, is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40% of the country’s revenue.
“?Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry. That is why, since the beginning of this administration, we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets in collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders, and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.
“Furthermore, we have established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State as part of a strategic plan to stimulate our economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of our citizens.
“We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he stressed.?
Governor Fubara affirmed that Nigerian-funded companies can only succeed and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic prosperity when challenges that limit the nation are effectively tackled, and expressed his administration’s stand to support indigenous organisations such as the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation.
Declaring the roundtable open, the Governor assured the Nigerian-Owned companies in the oil and gas sector, that “we are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State.”
The Founder of the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation, Mr Emeka ugwu-Ozu, disclosed that the summit, held only in an oil and gas producing place, is a forum for all in the industry to brainstorm and suggest best practices for local players.
“This roundtable discussion takes place in only oil and gas producing states, and it is intentional. And that is to make sure that sooner, it becomes like what we say is the equivalent of Houston in the United States of America.
“I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he said.