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LG Bosses Seek Total Adherence To Executive Order 21
Chairmen of three local government councils in Rivers State have called for total adherence to the principles and objectives of the Executive Order 21 issued by the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, last Friday.
The chairmen – Engr Samuel Nwanosike; Barrister George Ariolu; and Dr Enyiada Cookey-Gam – of Ikwerre; Obio/Akpor; and Opobo/Nkoro local government councils, said that the total adherence to the executive order would ensure violence-free electioneering campaigns, and credible 2023 elections in the state.
Speaking in Isiokpo, the Ikwerre Local Government Area headquarters, Nwanosike, called for strict compliance to the Executive Order 21, and directed all political parties and candidates wishing to use the facilities of public schools for political activities to obtain permission from the state Ministry of Education two weeks prior to the date of the event.
Nwanosike, while issuing the directive, charged all traditional rulers and security agents to ensure that political parties and candidates making use of public school facilities within their jurisdictions obtain permission from the Ministry of Education as mandated by the Executive Order 21.
He stated that the enforcement was with immediate effect, warning that the full weight of the law would fall on those who are culpable.
Nwanosike stressed that the Rivers State Executive Order 21 was not intended to witch-hunt anyone political party or individual, but aimed at securing public school facilities and maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the event of clash of activities.
Similarly, Ariolu directed members of the public to adhere strictly to the Executive Order 21 with immediate effect across communities in Obio Akpor.
This, he said, is in compliance with the state government’s directive, which states that political parties and candidates seeking to use premises of public schools should obtain a written approval from the Ministry of Education, two weeks before the date of the event.
In a statement, Ariolu urged traditional rulers and security agencies in area to ensure strict compliance to the order.
He also stated that any community that fails to report any breach, traditional rulers of such communities shall be made to explain to government, adding that the full weight of the law shall be brought upon anyone or political party, candidate or group found culpable in contravention of the order, irrespective of how highly placed the person might be.
Ariolu said the early warning was to avoid name calling and breakdown of law and order in the event of any disruption of unauthorised gatherings.
Speaking further, he said that the order was intended to sustain the peace prevalent in the local government area at the moment.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, DrEnyiada Cookey-Gam, reminded political parties, candidates, and their supporters of the enforcement of the Executive Order 21 signed by the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, last Friday, prohibiting the use of public schools for political campaigns without the approval of the state Ministry of Education.
The ONOLGA boss warned political parties and candidates must follow the guidelines of the order in obtaining permission from the Ministry of Education not less than two weeks before the date of the rally, in addition to payment of a non-refundable security fee of N5million.
The chairman said political parties and candidates must submit proof of payment and permission from the state Ministry of Education to the council for final clearance.
He said the use of public school buildings, structures and premises for political rallies was lawful only when there was compliance.
Cookey-Gam vowed to enforce the Executive Order 21, and warned that any political party or candidate who dares violate the rules would face the full wrath of the law.
He urged the security agencies, local vigilantes, and traditional rulers to implement the order across the 11wards in the area.
Cookey-Gam noted that the adherence was inline with his administration’s commitment to ensure safety of lives and property in the area.
He enjoyed political parties and candidates for the 2023 general election in the area, to avoid conduct that may trigger fracases that may lead to political tensions during and after the campaigns.
By: Nelson Chukwudi
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.