Rivers

Crisis Hits HOSTCON As Factional Leaderships Emerge

Published

4 years ago

February 9, 2022

The Rivers State Chapter of Host Community of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOST CON) has been thrown into crisis following the emergence of two factions.
The two factions include that of Eze Robinson Jonathan which pledges its loyalty to Dr. Mike Emuh and Alfred Diete-Spiff-led National Board of Trustees and the one led by Levi Azuazu, which is loyal to the Prof. Jasper Jumbo-led National Executive.
It would be recalled that 11 oil producing states including Anambra State had in a national conference last month in Port Harcourt, dissolved the King Alfred Diete-Spiff and Dr. Mike Emuh-led National Board of Trustees and nominated Prof. Jasper Jumbo to lead the body at the national level.
Speaking in an interview with newsmen shortly after the inauguration of the local government chapters of the body in Elelenwo Eze Robinson Jonathan reaffirmed his loyalty to the King Alfred Diete-Spiff-led Board of Trustees and Dr. Mike Emuh’s led National Executive of HOSTCON.
He said he remains the state chairman of the body, describing others as interlopers.
Eze Jonathan said the body has no other executive than his own and warned members of the public including multinational companies to desist from doing business with any other faction of the body.
He also told newsmen that he has charged local government executives for them to be fair and just to all as well as work with the traditional institutions to ensure that oil and gas producing communities benefit from the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
In his reaction, Prof. Jasper Jumbo said by the Corporate and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), King Diete-Spiff and Dr. Mike Emuh are no more Chairman, HOSTCON Board of Trustees and National chairman respectively.
Jumbo said as a national chairman, the only recognised executive of the body in Rivers State is the one led by Mr.Levi Azuazu.
He said an Abuja High Court is already adjudicating on the matter.
He also alleged that one Dr. Sanipe is fomenting trouble in the organisation.
Jumbo accused king Alfred Diete-Spiff of allegedly removing Rivers State, Cross River, Edo, Abia and Imo States from the Board of Trustees of HOSTCON as well as exclusion of Rivers State from the gas penalty fund.
“Diete-Spiff and Mike Emuh were no longer part of the board, we are calling for fairness, equality and inclusiveness.
The congress met last Tuesday and invalidated what Mike Emuh did.
“Robinson has no locus”.
He also alleged that the Robinson Jonathan-led executive is extorting money from people in the name of registration and warned Dr. Mike Emuh and Eze Sir Robinson Jonathan against impersonation.

However, when contacted, one of the alleged factional leader, Mr. Levi Azuazu said he abides by whatever chief Professor Jasper Jumbo said.

However efforts to reach king Alfred Diette Spiff, Mike Emuh and Dr. Sanipe were all abortive as the reporter could not get their telephone contacts.

By: John Bibor & Oribim Ibama

Rivers

INEC Urges Peaceful Rivers Assembly Bye-elections

Published

2 days ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged stakeholders to promote peace and ensure credible Rivers State House of Assembly bye-elections scheduled for February 21.

The state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Gabriel Yomere, made the appeal at a stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

Yomere said the poll was vital for voters in Ahoada-East II and Khana II constituencies, who had remained without representation at the state level.

He said INEC had begun preparations, including deploying trained personnel and ensuring timely distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive election materials.

“The bye-election will involve 112,950 registered voters across 14 registration areas and 242 polling units in the two Local Government Areas.

“We have commenced all necessary internal preparations towards a successful bye-election”, he said.

Yomere urged political parties and candidates to uphold internal democracy and responsibility during the primaries scheduled to hold by January 23.

“Elections should be contests of ideas, not battles marked by intimidation, destruction or violence”, he said.

He commended security agencies for professionalism and assured them of INEC’s continued collaboration to ensure a secure election environment.

Yomere also encouraged political parties, civil society groups and the media to support voter education, peaceful participation and counter misinformation.

He disclosed that INEC commenced the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise on January 5 across all registration centres in the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, Mr. Olugbenga Adepoju, appealed to stakeholders to ensure peaceful bye-elections, stressing that security remained everyone’s responsibility.

Represented by CSP James Njoku, Adepoju emphasised collaboration between security agencies and the public for a credible electoral process.

“Security agencies cannot do it alone without your contribution. We appreciate your efforts towards the safety and security of our state”, he said.

Adepoju warned against electoral violence, describing it as any act intended to intimidate, harm or abuse electoral stakeholders.

He urged stakeholders to educate relatives and party members on the dangers of electoral violence and its consequences.

Adepoju appealed to youths, religious, community and political leaders to encourage followers to shun violence and promote peace.

He assured that security agencies would work together to safeguard lives and properties for the conduct of free and fair elections.

The Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Dr. Nnanna Onyekere, praised INEC’s proactiveness, saying it boosted confidence in a credible election.

“We assure you there will be no violence. There will be peace across the state”, Onyekere said.

He commended INEC for moving voter registration to ward level, noting it would ease access for prospective voters.

Onyekere called on political parties to collaborate with INEC and expressed confidence that the bye-elections would be peaceful and successful.

Rivers

PH To Host 2026 NBA Conference

Published

2 days ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) says Port Harcourt will host its 2026 Annual General Conference with an ambitious theme: “Beyond Limits.”

Its President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, disclosed this at its National Secretariat on Friday.

The theme, the President said, serves as a strategic mandate for legal practitioners to shatter traditional constraints and pivot toward innovation in justice delivery and governance.

Osigwe emphasised that bringing the flagship event to the South-South region is a calculated move to foster national inclusion and ensure that the association’s activities resonate deeply with members across every geographical zone.

Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Abdul Mohammed, SAN, assured the legal community that early preparations are focused on delivering a high-caliber experience that aligns with international organisational standards.

The day’s proceedings also took a significant turn toward professional development with the inauguration of a new co-working space for young lawyers.

Located at the National Secretariat, the facility is a direct response to the structural and economic hurdles facing early-career practitioners.

It offers a professional setting for client consultations and collaborative research, ensuring that junior members remain vibrantly engaged in active practice.

The co-working initiative, spearheaded by the NBA Welfare Committee, was personally funded by its chairman, Chief James Onoja, SAN, and coordinated by Welfare Secretary, Mr. Auta Nyada.

In a tribute to professional excellence, the space was named after former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, whose legacy of mentorship and ethical advocacy served as the inspiration for the project.

While urging local branches to establish similar hubs at their respective bar centers, the NBA also confirmed that registration for the 2026 conference is now officially open, with more details on the speaker lineup and session schedules to follow.

By; Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Wobodo Pledges Support For Ex-Service Men, Others

Published

2 days ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

The Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Charles Wobodo, said he would not renege on his administration’s commitment to support ex-servicemen and other security personnel within the Local Government area.

Wobodo made this known during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration held in Isiokpo, the Headquarters of Ikwerre Local Government.

He said the event provided an opportunity to honour men and women who paid the supreme price in the defence of Nigeria’s unity and sovereignty.

The council chairman described fallen servicemen as national heroes whose sacrifices must never be forgotten by government and citizens alike.

According to him, his administration remains committed to strengthening the local security architecture to enhance peace and safety across Ikwerre communities.

He disclosed that the council has provided operational vehicles and other forms of support to security agencies operating in the area.

The Kelga Council Chairman noted that beyond serving officers, the local government is also focused on the welfare of retired and disabled security personnel.

He also assured that widows of fallen servicemen would not be neglected, stressing that they would be included in the council’s social welfare programmes.

The chairman further emphasized the need for continuous collaboration between the local government and security stakeholders to sustain peace and development.

As part of activities marking the remembrance event, Wobodo made a cash donation to members of the Nigerian Legion in the area.

He urged the legionnaires to maintain a cordial relationship with the local government and to continue supporting peace initiatives.

One of the Ex-service men, Major Joseph Wonuma, stated that the Armed Forces Remembrance Day was a significant occasion and appealed to the Council chairman to prioritise welfare, employment and empowerment programmes for ex-servicemen and their families.

By: King Onunwor