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Ariolu Assures Sustained Service, Improved Welfare Amongst Residents
Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Barrister George Ariolu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustain its service and improve welfare of people living in the area.
His administration, he said,was working out modalities and techniques to enable the people benefit from government and also reap the dividends of democracy.
Ariolu gave the assurance when he received members of the Rumurolu Council of Chiefs, who were on a courtesy visit to the Council Headquarters, Rumuodomaya.
He commended the Traditional Rulers and Council of Chiefs for sustaining measures to avert insecurity and bring about relative peace in Rumurolu community.
He urged them to redouble their efforts in sustaining peace in the community by ensuring that all stakeholders are carried along in the scheme of things.
Democracy, he pointed, was all about the people, urging Rumurolu leaders to include non-indigenes in their activities in order to pave way for further development.
Ariolu, who revealed that so much needs to be done to bring about development and improved welfare of people in the area, added that his administration was prudently managing the scarce resources available to develop the area, due to the paucity of funds.
Speaking further, he charged leaders of the community to educate their subjects on the importance of keying into the programmes and policies of the council and also support government in building a better society.
He continued that they should also enlighten the younger generations to embrace education, hardwork and entrepreneurship, which according to him, was the key to becoming successful in life.
He stated that the council will call for application for another phase of the Post-Graduate grants.
This, he said, was necessary to enable another set of students to be trained in PhD and Masters.
However, Ariolu while condemning the low inflow of taxes and levies, said despite the shortfall in revenue generation, he would consider the request for procurement of a brand new transformer by Rumurolu community.
While pointing out that it is the responsibility of state government through the UBEC and other agencies to handle the affairs of schools, he also disclosed that the council would weigh the options of completing the secondary section in Oro-Evo School, Rumurolu, to enhance learning and promote educational activities in the area.
Meanwhile, he has charged the people of Rumurolu to continue to garner support for Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, following an impressive run in his administration.
He added that the governor through his urban renewal programmes and infrastructuredevelopment has turned Obio/Akpor into an integral part of the state capital.
In his address, Paramount Ruler of Rumurolu Community, Eze G. N. Chukwumba, lauded Ariolu for his developmental strides, efforts in enhancing welfare as well as improving the standard of living and ease of doing business in the area.
The Eze Orlu Oro 1 of Oro-Evo Clan, Evo Kingdom, also expressed delight over Ariolu’s emergence as chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, while appreciating him for engaging Rumurolu people to work in his cabinet.
By: Nelson Chukwudi
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene