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We’ve Given Priority To All Arms Of Govt, Sectors In Rivers -Wike …Fayemi Flags Off Magistrates Court Complex In PH

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has explained that no arm of government and sector in the state has been treated poorly in terms of allocation of funds and distribution of infrastructure.
The governor made the explanation at the flag-off of construction work on the Magistrates Court Complex that was performed by the Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, yesterday, in Port Harcourt.
Responding to an allusion made by one of the speakers at the event who cited a question that a friend asked him about so much attention paid to the Judiciary, Wike said, that such person must be a mischief maker.
Wike said so much money has been spent in the health sector, which cannot be compared to what has been spent in the Judiciary.
He said this is the last project his administration would be executing for the Judiciary before his tenure ends, and assured that it would be completed within the next eight months.
Other projects that are already ongoing, he said, include the state Judicial Institute, the Federal Judicial Service Commission for the South-South, allocated to Rivers State.
The governor, however, took a swipe at the state Judiciary about the lack of space and courtrooms in the High Court premises that make magistrates and judges share courtrooms.
Wike queried what they have been doing with their capital budget released to them in the last six and half years.
According to him, they cannot receive such money and still wait for the Executive to provide offices for them, effect repairs on existing offices, and also make the air conditional in the courtrooms functional.
“Let me say something I find very disturbing because it is self-indictment. You said that people sit in the morning; people sit in the afternoon because of no space.
“The question now becomes what has the Judiciary been doing with their capital budget? Because I’m surprised, all these (projects) that are being done are done by the Executive. We release your capital budget as at when due.
“Again, why do you recommend for the appointment of new magistrates when you know there is no court for them. Why? As I speak today, we are not owing the Judiciary any dime.”
Wike stated that when the new magistrate court complex would be completed, it would be fitted with all modern facilities and would help decongest the State High Court.
Performing the flag-off, Governor Kayode Fayemi commended Wike for the transformational work, not just in the Judiciary alone, but in every sector in the state.
Fayemi observed that what was happening to the magistracy in Rivers State and the on-going construction of campus of Nigerian Law School in Port Harcourt were also worthy of commendation.
According to him, even if he was not a lawyer, he was educated enough to know the importance of this arm of government, and particularly the importance of the magistracy to the administration of justice in the country, adding that what Wike has done was going to make a fundamental difference.
“From the statistics I’ve seen, 70percent of matters relating to criminal justice administration are handled at the magistracy. And that contributes immensely to addressing our long-standing problem of awaiting trial detainees in our prisons.
“So, if we provide a conducive environment for our magistrates to function, it goes without saying that they would deliver their responsibilities a lot more swiftly, and also cover a lot more grounds in order to address that challenge.”
Fayemi said issues raised about the Judiciary by Wike were serious, and said it was the aspiration of the federating states in the country to have a truly independent Judiciary.
“What we look forward to as states, is that time that we would also have state courts that are not just autonomous but that are wholly driven from the state, not ones driven from the National Judicial Council (NJC), that is the vision of state and that is what we look forward to.”
On his part, the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi said the construction of the magistrate courts complex has come at an auspicious time most desired.
According to him, it would decongest the State High Court Complex where Magistrate Court was currently being housed.
In his address, the Rivers State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor said the stability, peace and order of any society depends largely on the administration of justice.
The magistrates courts, he noted, were the component of the court system that discharges crucial responsibility in upholding the sanctity of the law, particularly the criminal law and the magistrate courts handles over 70percent of criminal cases which make the project also important.
Speaking for the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Okey Wali, SAN, stated that Wike has the hindsight of understanding the peculiar problems of the Judiciary, and was deliberately addressing them in order to also strengthen democracy.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Projects, George Kelly-Dax Alabo explained that the complex sits on a 10.150 squares metres of land and contain 24 courts in two-storey of four buildings that would have six courts each.
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Rivers A Strategic Hub for Nigeria’s Blue Economy -Ibas …Calls For Innovation-Driven Solutions

The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ibas, has emphasized the need for innovation-driven strategies, strategic partnerships, and firm policy implementation to fully harness the vast potential of the blue economy.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by participants of Study Group 7 of the Executive Course 47 from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) at Government House, Port Harcourt, on Monday, Ibas highlighted the importance of diversifying Nigeria’s economy beyond oil by leveraging maritime resources to create jobs, enhance food security, strengthen climate resilience, and generate sustainable revenue.
The Administrator, according to a statement by his Senior Special Adviser on Media, Hector Igbikiowubo, noted that with coordinated efforts and innovative solutions, the blue economy could serve as a catalyst for inclusive growth, economic stability, and long-term environmental sustainability.
“It is estimated that a fully developed blue economy could generate over $296 million annually for Nigeria, spanning fisheries, shipping and logistics, marine tourism, offshore renewable energy, aquaculture, biotechnology, and coastal infrastructure,” he stated.
“We must transition from extractive practices to regenerative, inclusive, and innovation-driven solutions. This requires political cohesion, intergovernmental collaboration, robust infrastructure, and institutional capacity—all of which must be pursued with urgency and intentionality,” he added.
Ibas urged sub-national governments, particularly coastal states, to domesticate the national blue economy framework and develop tailored strategies that reflect their comparative advantages.
He stressed that such efforts must be guided by disciplined planning, regulation, and investment to maximize the sector’s potential.
Highlighting Rivers State’s pivotal role, the Administrator outlined its strategic advantages as follows:
•Nearly 30% of Nigeria’s total coastline (approximately 853km)
•Over 40% of Nigeria’s crude oil and gas output
•More than 33% of the country’s GDP and foreign exchange earnings
•416 of Nigeria’s 1,201 oil wells, many located in marine environments
•Two of Nigeria’s largest seaports, two oil refineries, and the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) terminal in Bonny Island—one of Africa’s most advanced gas facilities
Despite these opportunities, Ibas acknowledged challenges such as pollution, coastal erosion, illegal oil refining, unregulated fishing, inadequate infrastructure, and maritime insecurity.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to institutional reforms, coastal zone management, and inter-agency collaboration to build a governance structure that supports a sustainable blue economy.
“Sustainability must be embedded in our development models from the outset, not as an afterthought. We are actively exploring partnerships in maritime education, aquaculture development, port modernization, and renewable ocean energy. We welcome knowledge-sharing engagements like this to refine our strategies and enhance implementation,” he said.
He urged the NIPSS delegation to ensure their findings translate into actionable recommendations that address the sector’s challenges.
Leader of the delegation, Vice Admiral A.A. Mustapha, explained that the visit aligns with their strategic institutional tour mandate on the 2025 theme: “Blue Economy and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges, and Opportunities.”
The group is engaging stakeholders to deepen understanding of policy efforts and institutional roles in advancing sustainable development through the blue economy.
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INEC To Unveil New Party Registration Portal As Applications Hit 129

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it has now received a total of 129 applications from associations seeking registration as political parties.
The update was provided during the commission’s regular weekly meeting held in Abuja, yesterday.
According to a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, seven new applications were submitted within the past week, adding to the previous number.
“At its regular weekly meeting held today, Thursday 10th July 2025, the commission received a further update on additional requests from associations seeking registration as political parties.
“Since last week, seven more applications have been received, bringing the total number so far to 129. All the requests are being processed,” the commission stated.
The commission revealed the introduction of a new digital platform for political party registration. The platform is part of the Party Financial Reporting and Auditing System and aims to streamline the registration process.
Olumekun disclosed that final testing of the portal would be completed within the next week.
“INEC also plans to release comprehensive guidelines to help associations file their applications using the new system.
“Unlike the manual method used in previous registration, the Commission is introducing a political party registration portal, which is a module in our Party Financial Reporting and Auditing System.
“This will make the process faster and seamless. In the next week, the commission will conclude the final testing of the portal before deployment.
“Thereafter, the next step for associations that meet the requirements to proceed to the application stage will be announced. The commission will also issue guidelines to facilitate the filing of applications using the PFRAS,” the statement added.
In the meantime, the list of new associations that have submitted applications has been made available to the public on INEC’s website and other official platforms.
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Tinubu Signs Four Tax Reform Bills Into Law …Says Nigeria Open For Business

President Bola Tinubu yesterday signed into law four tax reform bills aimed at transforming Nigeria’s fiscal and revenue framework.
The four bills include: the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill.
They were passed by the National Assembly after months of consultations with various interest groups and stakeholders.
The ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa, yesterday.
The ceremony was witnessed by the leadership of the National Assembly and some legislators, governors, ministers, and aides of the President.
The presidency had earlier stated that the laws would transform tax administration in the country, increase revenue generation, improve the business environment, and give a boost to domestic and foreign investments.
“When the new tax laws become operational, they are expected to significantly transform tax administration in the country, leading to increased revenue generation, improved business environment, and a boost in domestic and foreign investments,” Special Adviser to the President on Media, Bayo Onanuga said on Wednesday.
Before the signing of the four bills, President Tinubu had earlier yesterday, said the tax reform bills will reset Nigeria’s economic trajectory and simplify its complex fiscal landscape.
Announcing the development via his official X handle, yesterday, the President declared, “In a few hours, I will sign four landmark tax reform bills into law, ushering in a bold new era of economic governance in our country.”
Tinubu made a call to investors and citizens alike, saying, “Let the world know that Nigeria is open for business, and this time, everyone has a fair shot.”
He described the bills as not just technical adjustments but a direct intervention to ease burdens on struggling Nigerians.
“These reforms go beyond streamlining tax codes. They deliver the first major, pro-people tax cuts in a generation, targeted relief for low-income earners, small businesses, and families working hard to make ends meet,” Tinubu wrote.
According to the President, “They will unify our fragmented tax system, eliminate wasteful duplications, cut red tape, restore investor confidence, and entrench transparency and coordination at every level.”
He added that the long-standing burden of Nigeria’s tax structure had unfairly weighed down the vulnerable while enabling inefficiency.
The tax reforms, first introduced in October 2024, were part of Tinubu’s post-subsidy-removal recovery plan, aimed at expanding revenue without stifling productivity.
However, the bills faced turbulence at the National Assembly and amongst some state governors who rejected its passing in 2024.
At the NASS, the bills sparked heated debate, particularly around the revenue-sharing structure, which governors from the North opposed.
They warned that a shift toward derivation-based allocations, especially with VAT, could tilt fiscal balance in favour of southern states with stronger consumption bases.
After prolonged dialogue, the VAT rate remained at 7.5 per cent, and a new exemption was introduced to shield minimum wage earners from personal income tax.
By May 2025, the National Assembly passed the harmonised versions with broad support, driven in part by pressure from economic stakeholders and international observers who welcomed the clarity and efficiency the reforms promised.
In his tweet, Tinubu stressed that this is just the beginning of Nigeria’s tax evolution.
“We are laying the foundation for a tax regime that is fair, transparent, and fit for a modern, ambitious Nigeria.
“A tax regime that rewards enterprise, protects the vulnerable, and mobilises revenue without punishing productivity,” he stated.
He further acknowledged the contributions of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, the National Assembly, and Nigeria’s subnational governments.
The President added, “We are not just signing tax bills but rewriting the social contract.
“We are not there yet, but we are firmly on the road.”
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