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Sylva Allays Fears On Alleged Disqualification

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2 years ago

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The Bayelsa State All Progressives Congress(APC) gubernatorial Campaign Council has re-assured citizens of the state of a landslide victory at the November 11, 2023 governorship elections, saying Sylva and his running mate, Great Joshua MacIver are the candidates who would beat at the polls.
This reassurance, The Tide learnt was coming on the heels of a judgement delivered by Federal High Court sitting in Abuja which allegedly disqualified  Sylva from contesting the forthcoming gubernatorial polls in the state.
A statement made available to Newsmen during the week by the Director, Media and Publicity of the Bayelsa State APC Governorship election campaign council, Mr  Perry Tukuwei, reassuring party faithful and supporters of the APC candidate reads in parts:
“Sections 29 and 84 of the 2022 Electoral Act states that only persons who contested primaries of a political party has the locus standi to file a pre- election  matter to challenge the qualification of the party’s candidate in any election, hence the suit filed by one Chief Demesuoyefa Kolomo who is not a member of the All Progressives Congress and didn’t contest our party’s governorship primaries do not have the locus standi to sue in the matter.
“Section 285 of the 1999 Nigerian constitution enjoins any aggrieved party to file an election matter within 14 days of the occurrence of the event, but this case was filed on the 13th of June 2023, whereas INEC published the names of the governorship candidates for Bayelsa, IMO and Kogi on the 12th of May 2023. Thus, the case was filed outside the constitutional prescribed 14 days thereby making the case statute barred.
” It is surprising to the party and Bayelsans that the court ignored the fact that the plaintiff lacked the locus standi to sue and went ahead to give judgement in their favour.
“Additionally, there is a practice directive by the Supreme Court that all pre-election matters be heard in the state where the primaries took place. To perfect their sinister act, the case was filed in Abuja. Is Abuja, Bayelsa?
“Subsequently, the Bayelsa All Progressives Congress can smell the coffee and sinister move by Governor Douye Diri to go through the back door which is his usual practice, having realized that our governorship candidate Chief Timipre Sylva is coasting home to victory, already following unrivaled acceptance in the eight local government areas of the state.
“The Party has briefed its lawyers to appeal the judgement and it is confident that the Court of Appeal will overturn the judgement of the Federal High Court.
“Our dear Bayelsans, fear not! This clandestine strategy by the PDP should not deter the resolve to elect Chief Timipre Sylva as the next Governor of Bayelsa State. We will win”.
Meanwhile, The Tide which had earlier monitored the flag-off of the party’s Governorship campaigns in Sagbama Local Government Area of the state on Monday prior to the Abuja Court ruling reports that the APC gubernatorial candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva and his running mate, Great Joshua MacIver, alongside their campaign  team and party faithful had visited traditional rulers of the area, and campaigned in the three state assembly constituencies of the council area, respectively.
Speaking in the trio communities of Sagbama town, headquarters of the Sagbama Local Government Area, which also doubles as headquarters of the Local Government’s constituency two, and Agbere, as well as  Ebedebiri communities, headquarters of constituency three and one, Sylva said he was willing to change the narrative of the people of the state for the better.
The former Minister of State, Petroleum Resources also noted that the incumbent Governor of the state, senator Douye Diri has brought untold hardship and abject poverty to citizens of the state, noting that upon his election, come November 11th he would put smiles on the faces of the people via job creation and employment generation, as well as reduce the worrisome poverty index of the state.
“I’ve been governor before, and have been Minister and so many other things. I’ve the experience to lead and change this state for the better.
“The poverty index of this state are too glaring, that’s because the current man in position as governor doesn’t have the requisite experience to govern the state.
“We’ll harness and explore our abundant gas to generate constant power supply. We’ll create jobs and opportunities for our people, and give all our citizens a sense of belonging”, Sylva said.
Earlier, the trio of the state chairman of the APC, Dr Dennis Otiotio, former Deputy Governor of the state, who also doubles as Deputy Director-General of the party’s Governorship campaign council for the state’s West Senatorial District, Chief Peremobowei Ebebi and the party’s state Vice Chairman, Barr. Francis Kolokolo described the APC candidate, Chief Sylva as an experienced and pragmatic leader who understands the problems and needs of the citizens of the state with a view to solving them.
They noted that Sylva was ready to right the wrongs in the state if elected as governor in the forthcoming elections, just as they promised to partner with all stakeholders to work assiduously towards the delivery of victory for the former Minister and his running mate, Joshua MacIver as Governor and Deputy Governor of the state, come November 11th, 2023.
In same vein, the people of  Ebedebiri community  have scored the APC guber candidate high, saying he was instrumental to the election of their Son, now acting Chief of staff to the governor of the state twice as former member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.
In another development, the campaign council of the Bayelsa State APC Gubernatorial candidate took their campaigns to Peretorugbene, Agoro and Toru-Ndoro communities of Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday.
Highlights of the campaigns were the receiving of defectors from other political parties to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
By Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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Association Seeks Government Intervention in Desilting of Canal 

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3 days ago

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December 8, 2025

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The Rumuokania 2 New layout Landlords Association in the Obio/Akpor local government area of Rivers State is seeking the intervention of the Rivers State Government in the desilting of the canal which transverses several  communities including Mgbaraja,Ogbogoro,Egbule,Elioparanwo,Ozuoba and other communities in the area.
The Association which said this at a media briefing in Port Harcourt also lauded Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the construction of the Rumuoke/pipeline internal roads.
The landlords said the canal impede the free flow of water from the affected communities thereby causing severe flooding whenever it rains in the area.
The Association also commended the governor for the ongoing construction and rehabilitation of road across the state, adding, the gesture has not only rekindled hope of Rivers people for a better tomorrow,but has bought prosperity across communities in the state.
According to a Press release made available to news men during the briefing,”We are gathered here today to express immense appreciation to His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State,Sir Fubara, GSSRS,for the construction of the Rumuoke/pipeline Internal roads.
“We also wish to use this medium to request the desilting of the Canal transversing the area and the construction of adjoining roads to the area.
“We acknowledge with profound gratitude the transformative governance going on in Rivers State under the purposely and impactful leadership of Governor Fubara.
“The visible impact of his administration across all sectors, particularly the rehabilitation and construction of new roads,has rekindled hope among the people and brought prosperity to our communities”The Association said.
The landlords particularly praised the Governor for the successful  completion of  the  Rumuoke Road from Okilton junction off Ada George Road to Road 9-2nd & 3rd Avenue, Road 10-2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue, and Pipeline Road upto the canal, expertly executed by Monier Construction Company (MCC).
They noted that,prior to the intervention of the Governor,the road was in an extremely deplorable state, impassable, and prone to flash floods whenever it rains.
“Most houses and business premises were often flooded as people could hardly leave or access the area,while economic activities were completely paralyzed.
“The newly constructed internal roads have completely eased traffic in the area, boosted economic activities, and improved the quality of life of residents of Rumuokania and Rumuoke communities”
The release which was jointly signed by pastor Joel Gbandi, chairman of The Association and Lucky Ashley Atiegoba secretary,on behalf of the Landlords also expressed gratitude to the Governor for the  construction of all internal roads in the area.
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It however drew the , attention of the Governor to an emerging issue which they said poses  threat to the durability of this critical road infrastructure.
According to the landlords,”at the terminus of the newly constructed pipeline road, the adjoining canal is severely blocked, impeding the free flow of water .
“The canal serves as a vital waterway, traversing several communities, including Rumuokania, Mgbraja, Ogbogoro, Egbelu, Elioparanwo, Mini-Orlu, Rumue-vorlu, Rumuokwachi, Ozuoba, Iwofe, Rumuolumeni, Rumuepirikom, and Mini-kete, among other communities.
“This obstruction has caused water to back up onto the surface of the newly constructed road, leading to accelerated erosion and hazardous conditions for surrounding buildings, motorists, and pedestrians alike within RumuokaniaRumuoke communities.
“It is against this backdrop that we respectfully request the kind intervention of our dear Governor in this regard:
” We humbly request the desilting of the canal to restore proper drainage and prevent water overflowonto the newly constructed internal roads and flooding within the communities.
“. We also request the construction of adjoining roads to the area to provide alternative pathways and improve overall accessibility in the area.
“Addressing these germane concerns will not only safeguard the investment of the state government in road infrastructure in the area but will also mitigate flooding, enhance safety, and further elevate the living standards of residents of Rumuokania and Rumuoke communities”the landlords said.
By: John Bibor
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Rivers Judges Begin Christmas Vacation Dec 23

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3 days ago

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December 8, 2025

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Judges of the High Courts of Rivers State will proceed on this year’s Christmas and New Year vacations on Tuesday, 23rd December 2025.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Registrar, State High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi, on behalf of the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Chibuzor Amadi, and made available to newsmen over the weekend.

The statement stated that judges will commence the yuletide vacation from Tuesday, 23rd of December 2025, and resume on Monday, January 12, 2026.

According to the statement, the directive is in compliance with the provision of Order 49 Rule 4(C) of the High Court of Rivers State Civil Procedure Rule, 2023.

The statement added that during the period of the vacation, all judicial divisions of the High Court of the State shall remain closed, while a vacation judge shall be designated to entertain only urgent applications and matters filed during the vacation.

 By: Akujobi Amadi 

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Govt-Approved Land Authority Emerges In Alesa To End Land Grabbing

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3 days ago

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December 8, 2025

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Land grabbing and crisis of fraudulent land sales may soon be a thing of the past as Rivers State begins experimenting the community land development committee system.

The experiment saw the light of day in Alesa Eleme where the Alesa Land Development Commiittee (ALDEC) was inaugurated last Friday by the paramount ruler of Alesa, Emperor J.D. Mkpe.

The Alesa community where the Port Harcourt refineries are situated has implemented the recommended formula with the strong support of the paramount ruler said to be a respected leader known for his commitment to peace, education, community development, and support for law enforcement, often advocating for better infrastructure and governance in his area.

 

Inaugurating the committee headed by a businessman, Mr. Emmanuel Olaka, the paramount ruler recounted the contributions of his community to economic development of the nation.

 

“Alesa is one of the 10 communities in Eleme and we are the first community in Nigeria that has refineries. The Port Harcourt Refinery (1&2) that has a lot of pipelines surrounding us. We have done a lot of contribution in making sure Nigeria stands great among all nations.

 

“We are made up of about 13 communities due to expansion. When I say 13 communities, Alesa is a community that has embraced other people. You can see here some people from the northern community. All the communities are here. That is why Alesa is known as a cosmopolitan community.

 

“Because we have got a lot of information about sale of land, and because we now have a situation whereby other persons will go into another person’s land and sell without the owner’s notice. We have also got information about minors who are not qualified to sell landed property, now selling land without letting their elders know.

 

“And that is why today, we are going to inaugurate a land development committee whose duty is to see into all these issues and bring up report about them. This will make both buyers and sellers feel very free in Alesa.

 

“We seize this opportunity to warn thus: if you sell any land to anybody without this committee’s knowledge or consent, you are doing it at your own risk. If you are buying any land from Alesa, this committee will know. By this, we will track those selling the land to you so that you don’t buy land from a wrong person. We also do not want you to buy land from an under-aged persons (children) who will sell land and run away.

 

According to him, we are also partnering with the Rivers State government on the project because those who buy land in Alesa with due process would be backed all the way to acquisition of certificate of occupancy (CofO).

 

“We are duly registered and we hereby show the world our certificate of registration and recognition. This is not a shabby arrangement. We have the registration and the authority which we have here as a body approved by the government to go into this development. This also is the registered constitution of the body.

 

 

“We will also make sure that whatever land you buy here, will be registered with the government of Rivers State through the office of the Surveyor-General and the Ministry of Land and that of Housing. This is to permanently stop land grabbers,

 

“We want you to buy and develop, not to keep for decades. Failure to develop your land after five years, the land will be forfeited to the government of Rivers State as a ‘waste land’ that you do not want to develop. So we are here not to maltreat any individual, we are not here to punish anyone, but to make sure your money is safe.

 

“We are optimistic that this strategy will work for us all. One of the greatest persons who has been able to identify with us is the Mayor of Housing. He has been friendly to us and to our aspirations.

 

Speaking immediately after the inauguration, the chairman of Alesa Land Development Committee, Mr. Emmanuel Olaka, vowed never to betray his community.

 

“I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the Alesa Council of Chiefs, the women, the youths, for nominating me to be the chairman of the Alesa Land Development Committee. I want to say this afternoon that I, Emmanuel Olaka, a bonafide son of Alaka, from Uwueke community, I will never disrespect this community. I will always do what is right, so that my God will always stand by me. I will not be biased.”

 

Also speaking, the Mayor of Housing, My-ACE China, who is behind the Alesa Sustainable Green Smart City, commended the community for leading the way and the war against land grabbing and land fraud.

 

He said the development would augur well for the green city being initiated in the area and other projects coming to Alesa.

 

He urged other communities in Rivers State and beyond to move fast and inaugurate such committees to put an end to land grabbing.

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