Featured

Rivers Governorship Poll: Assert Your Independence, PDP Tell INEC …Laments APC’s Justification Of Killings …Uncovers APC’s Fresh Plot To Concoct Results …Declare Unit, Ward Results, Rivers Monarchs Tell INEC

Published

7 years ago

March 13, 2019

The Rivers State PDP Campaign Council has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to use the case of Rivers State elections to assert her independence and not allow the military and FSARS to usurp her functions.
The State PDP Campaign Council made this call yesterday in a press statement issued by the Director of Information and Communications, Barr Emma Okah.
According to Okah, the INEC needs to be bold and independent and call the bluff of the defaulting security agencies and their collaborators in the APC who are bent on dragging the name of the commission in the mud.
“The integrity of the electoral process is the hallmark of democracy and development and if people can no longer trust the umpire, all the talks about civil rule is like blowing hot air,” Okah said, pointing out that time has come for Nigerians to review the role of the military in our elections.
Okah said a situation where security agencies determine the measure of INEC’s succeess in elections which are purely civil exercises spells doom for the nation and called for a rethink.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, says it is shocked at the reasons given by the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, justifying the killing of scores of Rivers people by the APC hired military and FSARS during the Presidential, National Assembly and Governorship and State Assembly elections respectively.
A statement by the State Chairman of the PDP, Bro Felix Obuah through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Jerry Needam said when PDP first raised alarm over the sinister plot by the APC to visit mayhem on the State if they were omitted on the ballot as witnessed during the Presidential and National Assembly elections, many did not believe it.
We’ve however been vindicated, the statement further noted, given the admission of one Chris Fynebone who still claims to be the spokesman of APC despite the supreme court judgement stripping him of all paraphernalia of office of the APC in the State that the onslaught unleashed on the hapless innocent Rivers people was a revenge of alleged killings in 2015 that saw the APC at the receiving end.
The State PDP boss said any other foolishness could be forgiven but for one to rejoice and celebrate the massive killing of his kith and kin to say the least, is the height of stupidity, describing Mr. Fynebone’s perception and justification of the killing of over fifty Rivers sons and daughters in Abonnema, over 10 in Ogoniland, about five in Andoni and scores of others elsewhere in the State as a useless life which in itself is early death.
“We are even shocked the more that Mr Fynebone in his passion to access power to legitimately showcase the animal in him but God forbid, boasted that he and his paymasters in the APC are satisfied with the 2019 general election killings in Rivers State” Bro Obuah regretted.
The State PDP Chairman was however quick to remind Mr Fynebone that passions whether for power or any other thing else are like fire, useful in a thousand ways and dangerous only in one through their excesses.
Bro. Obuah appealed to Rivers people to continue to trust in God who sees beyond the superficial and remains the final arbiter, and discountenance the misleading and many lies of the APC in an attempt to justify the massacre of ‘Our People’ as though they were mere animals.
The PDP he said, is rooted in God and service to the people and God willing, ‘though they gather and conspire’ but in vain they do so, reassuring that in the end the PDP will have the last laugh to God’s glory.
However, the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has just uncovered a grave plot by the chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and two other political parties to deceive and tele-guide the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fact-finding committee in the state with concocted and false election results supposedly obtained in the 23 local government areas of the state.
The PDP, in a statement, said the APC leaders in the state have also planned to coerce INEC officials that supervised the Governorship and State Assembly elections on Saturday, March 9, to admit the concocted results as authentic.
The fake results, the statement added, are to be presented to the fact-finding committee through FSARS Commander in the state, ACP Akin Fakorede, who right from the outset spearheaded the onslaught in Rivers State for the APC chieftains in the state.
The statement warned of the impending danger, if the perpetrators of the nefarious acts, do not refrain from their evil plot which was capable of causing crisis in the state as the PDP, and indeed, the masses of Rivers people will not accept any results other than the undistorted one that emanated from the March 9 Governorship and State Assembly elections.
The statement, however, thanked Governor Nyesom Wike for the peaceful disposition displayed to ensure that the state remains calm and peaceful.
“We urge and believe the INEC and the fact-finding committee will remain firm on what is right and save Rivers State from the turmoil being orchestrated by one man’s inordinate ambition to continue to rule the State through proxy.
“The Federal Government, all well-meaning Nigerians, the media, civil society organizations and the international community should please take note, and warn those unrepentant anti-democratic elements fomenting trouble in the state, and hold them responsible for any breach of the law and order their plot to concoct the governorship election results in the state may cause,” the statement stressed.
In a further development, the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare all verifiable results of the Rivers State Governorship Election of March 9, 2019, on units and ward basis.
The Rivers traditional rulers stated that only compromised results should be discountenanced.
The traditional rulers made their position known in a press conference addressed by their Chairman, the Amayanabo of Opobo, King Dandeson Douglas-Jaja.
“We urge INEC to declare all verifiable results and immediately look into only compromised results on units and wards basis, where boxes were snatched by thugs or military personnel.
“We cannot go through round of elections at a later date. INEC must ensure that collated results are declared and not tampered with by third parties”.
They expressed disappointment with the alleged involvement of the military and SARS personnel in the direct process of the 2019 elections in Rivers State.
They said: “What we have today is a few government appointees using federal apparatus, including men in uniform to cause chaos and breakdown of law and order.
“Our people who have attempted to resist such illegality have either been arrested or dealt with extra judicially”.
They regretted that Rivers communities have been militarised, with innocent people harassed, arrested and detained.
“We are sad to note that in many kingdoms and communities, the uniformed or military men were actively involved in giving cover to politicians and their thugs who are carting ballot boxes and result sheets.
“There are also allegations that some of these uniformed personnel are ‘fake soldiers’ but the real soldiers have not arrested any of the so-called fake soldiers involved in these dastardly acts.
“The Army has also come out on AIT today, 11th March, 2019, to state that the people in Army uniforms are fake. So, why are they not being arrested, if they are thugs in military uniforms”, they queried.
They described as deafening the silence of the National Peace Committee headed by General Abdulsalami Abubakar, and wondered why the committee has failed to call all parties and the military to order for breaching the peace.
They said that parties cannot be asked to accept results of elections that are brazenly rigged, manipulated and falsified in an atmosphere of Intimidation and violence.
“Last time we checked, the President and Commander-in-Chief has not given any such order, neither has the Chief of Army Staff or Chief of Air Staff ordered the full participation of the military in the electoral process in our various kingdoms.
“So, who has deployed the military, Army and Air Force in this number, even assaulting officials of INEC and taking over of premises when they were not invited by INEC”, the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers noted.
They wondered how come the military took over the Rivers State INEC Headquarters and even fought the police and attempted hijacking results from local government areas.
“We need peace in Rivers State. The people’s will must prevail. The military must remove itself from directly participating in our elections.
“The Nigerian Army must immediately identify and arrest the so-called political thugs in military uniforms”, they said.
The traditional rulers said that politicians who collaborated with the military or thugs in military uniforms would be cursed traditionally.
They called on the Federal Government and the international community to come to the aid of Rivers people.

Featured

PANDEF Hails Tinubu For Lifting Emergency Rule In Rivers

Published

2 weeks ago

September 19, 2025

The Tide

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has hailed the lifting of the State of Emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

In a statement signed by Board members and National Executive Committee members, yesterday, PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu for rectifying what they described as an anomaly.

The statement was co-signed by Co-Chairmen, PANDEF Board of Trustees, Alfred Diette-Spiff and Obong Victor Attah, National Chairman Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, and National Secretary, Beks Dagogo-Jack.

Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State on the 18th of March, 2025, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, and members of the state House of Assembly for six months in the first instance.

In place of the governor, the President appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) as Sole Administrator.

However, Tinubu announced the suspension of the Emergency Rule on Wednesday, stating, “It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State shall end with effect from midnight today (Wednesday).”

The Forum commended Fubara’s unwavering perseverance and “faith in the divine will of Almighty God,” while also commending the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension.

“The Board and National Executive Committee of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, the apex socio-political organisation representing the South-South geopolitical zone, joins millions of Nigerians in welcoming the lifting of the state of emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

“While PANDEF had expressed strong reservations regarding the erstwhile emergency rule, we commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for taking this bold step to rectify the anomaly.

“We welcome Governor Siminalayi Fubara back to his elected office and salute his unwavering perseverance and faith in the divine will of Almighty God. We extend similar commendations to the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Oduah, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension,” the statement read.

Addressing Rivers people, the forum declared, “Light has returned to the state and a new glorious dawn has come. A moment in which the bitter pains of the past months will inspire all to rededicate themselves to true mutual forbearance, new alignments and forward movement.”

They urged political leaders and citizens to put the past behind them and work towards the collective good of the State, while pledging to support Rivers’ developmental trajectory under Fubara.

“All hearts and hands must therefore be joined together to put the past behind us and work towards the collective good of the state.

“We look forward to the State’s return to normalcy and the resumption of its developmental trajectory under the leadership of Governor Fubara and his team. PANDEF reiterates its commitment to supporting the government and people of Rivers State in their pursuit of progress and development,” the statement added.

Featured

RSG Approves Full Rehabilitation of State Secretariat …Unveils Housing Scheme for Civil Servants, Honours Veterans

Published

3 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Eteh Ibas (Rtd), has approved the complete rehabilitation and modernization of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex to enhance efficiency and productivity in the civil service.

Ibas made the announcement at the 2025 Civil Service Week Gala and Awards Ceremony held at Banquet Hall, Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday,.

He disclosed that “initiative is designed to transform the secretariat into a modern, efficient and conducive work environment, directly supporting the civil servants who form the backbone of the state’s governance.”

The Administrator also approved the provision of 106 housing units for civil servants in the State.

Ibas paid glowing tribute to retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, describing them as the bedrock of the state’s administration.

He stated that the awards ceremony was a symbol of deep appreciation for decades of sacrifice, resilience, and commitment.

“These interventions are designed to not only recognize your service, but also to improve your welfare in tangible and lasting ways,” the Administrator stated.

“We must build an administration that is efficient, effective, and truly citizen-centric,” he added.

The Administrator urged serving officers to draw inspiration from their predecessors and strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of citizens.

He emphasized the importance of embracing innovation, technology, and continuous training to build a civil service equipped for the future.

The Acting Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyingi Brown, in her welcome address, described the civil service as the “engine room of government” and expressed profound gratitude to the Administrator for his unwavering support and commitment to its modernization.“

“A society that does not honour its heroes is not worthy of emulation,” Dr. Brown remarked, lauding the retirees as torchbearers of discipline and loyalty.

She pledged to build on their legacy through reforms and innovation, projecting that the Rivers State Civil Service would become a model of efficiency and transparency by 2030.

Speaking on behalf of the retirees, President of the Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries, Sir Promise Njowhor,

expressed heartfelt appreciation for the historic recognition.

“For once, since the creation of the State, we are being honoured,” Njowhor said, adding, “Our morale has been lifted.”

He pledged the association’s continuous support for government programmes, describing the body of experienced retirees as a resource available to contribute to state development.

The rehabilitation of the State Secretariat and the new housing scheme represent a major investment in the infrastructure and dignity of public service in Rivers State, signaling a new era of support for the civil servants who drive the government’s policies and programmes.

The Tide reports that the Administrator also conferred awards of meritorious service on retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries in the State

Featured

Rivers LG Poll: APC Wins 20 chairmanship seats, PDP Clears Three

Published

4 weeks ago

September 1, 2025

The Tide

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has won 20 out of the 23 local government areas in the just concluded local government election in the State, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clinched three local governments.

According to the results released by the Rivers State independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), yesterday, the APC won the chairmanship seats in Abua/Odual, Andoni, Opobo Nkoro, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Khana local government areas.

APC also won in Gokana, Tai, Oyigbo, Bonny, Eleme, Etche, Omuna, Akuku Toru, Asari Toru, Degema, Ikwerre and Emohua local government areas.

The Commission, however, said the PDP won in Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor, and Ogba Egbema Ndoni local government areas.

Chairman of the Commission, Dr Michael Odey, who announced the results at the Commission headquarters in Port Harcourt, said Ofori Owolabi of the APC scored 28,755 votes to emerge winner of the election for Abua Odual while Solomon Ochomma, also of the APC, emerged chairman elect for Ahoada East after scoring 54,509 votes.

Odey said Eugene Epelle also of the APC scored 84,125 votes to emerge winner in Ahoada West, while Bob Fubara was elected the chairman-elect for Akuku Toru after scoring 63,593 votes.

Similarly APC chairmanship candidate Lucky Otuo Promise emerged chairman-elect for Andoni after scoring a total of 126,181 votes, APC’s George Onengiyeofori emerged winner in Asari Toru after scoring 56,383 votes, while Pepple Blessing Abinye garnered 13,543 votes to emerge winner in Bonny Local Government Area.

Other APC candidates elected include Michael John Williams who scored 16,536 votes to emerge chairman-elect for Degema Local Government; Obarlllormate Ollor (77,452) for Eleme; Dr Chidi Julius Lloyd (114,380) for Emohua; Njoku Boniface (100,649) for Etche; Confidence Deekor (96,478) for Gokana, while Wobodo Charles got 62,746 votes to emerge winner in Ikwerre Local Government Area.

Other APC winners from the APC include Akuro Tobins (32,285 votes) for Okrika; Hon Obasi Uchechukwu (38,530) for Omuma; James A James (38,822) for Opobo Nkoro; Vincent Nemieboka (36,374) for Ogu/Bolo; Hon Mbakpone Okpe (70,080) for Tai LGA, while in Oyigbo, Okechukwu Akara scored 101,495 votes to emerge winner.

Meanwhile, the RSIEC chairman announced Dr Gift Worlu of the PDP with 328,823 votes to emerge winner in Obio Akpor; Shedrack Ogbogu, also of the PDP, scored 51,051 votes for Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area, while in Port Harcourt City, Sir Alwell Ihunda garnered 235,054 votes for PDP to emerge winner.

The APC also cleared the councillorship seats in Abua/Odual, Andoni, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Khana, Oyigbo, Bonny, Eleme, Etche,Tai, Khana Opobo/Nkoro and Degema local government areas.

Similarly APC councillorship candidates also emerged winners in Asari Toru, Degema, Akuku Toru, Gokana and Khana while PDP cleared the councillorship seats in Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt city, and Ogba Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Areas

Meanwhile, the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions has passed a vote of confidence on the just concluded local government election in the State.

National Chairman of the forum, Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, said this in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt.

Eri said all the chairmen across the country were in Port Harcourt to monitor the election as well as gain experience in an election under emergency rule.

John Bibor & King Onunwor