Rivers

PANDEF, LEADERS OF ETHNIC NATIONALITIES HAILS TINUBU FOR REAPPOINTING SAM OGBUKU AS MD, NDDC,OTHERS

Published

2 years ago

November 13, 2023

The Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities comprising of Pan-Niger Delta Forum PANDEF and Leaders of Ethnic Nationalities has hail President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Dr. Sam Ogbuku as Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC and others from the extraction

The Ethic Nationalities also applauded Mr President for repositioning the Board of Commission

The Ethnic Nationalities thanked Mr President for retaining the Management Team of the Commission led by Samuel Ogbuku which had exhibited notable competency within the short period; prior to its dissolution.

The Regional Ethnic Nationalities stated this in an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, thanking him for key appointments of their sons and daughters

They commended the President mostly for reappointing the Managing Director, NDDC, Dr Sam Ogbuku and Chairman, NDDC Barr. Chiedu Ebie

The Open letter was signed by the National Chairman, PANDEF, Senator Emmanuel Bok Essien, President Ijaw National Congress INC, Prof Benjamin Okaba and Leader, Coalition of Niger Delta Women, Lady Annkio Briggs and made available to Newsmen in Port Harcourt

The critical stakeholders applauded the President for appointing men of proven records and caliber’s of persons into the board

“It behooves on us, as appreciative Niger Delta people, to express our profound gratitude by publicly thanking you Mr. President, for your kind gestures”.

“It is also worthy of mention how elated we are for the caliber of individuals you assembled for the new board. This has given us high hopes in the future of the Niger Delta”

The Open letter described the Chairman, NDDC Board, Barrister Chiedu Ebie as a man with enormous wealth of experience, key player in the oil and gas sector with credible antecedents, one who cares about the development of the region.

It’s further noted that the reappointment of Sam Ogbuku as Managing Director, NDDC had changed the narratives in the commission and the region at large

The letter noted that Dr Samuel Ogbuku reappointment would bring sustainable partnership, engender global best practices and corporate governance in a bid to reposition the Commission for global business acceptability, robust public-private partnership, such as partnership with Chevron and other multinationals towards citing tangible projects in the Niger Delta, partnership with KPMG for global best practices, corporate governance, signing of a pact with NLNG to maximize impact of development in Niger Delta

The Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities said Dr Samuel Ogbuku’s reappointment has demonstrated that he is a round peg in a round hole and has been deepening stakeholders’ engagement in line with his commitment to the President and the people of the region, promoting federal government’s developmental agenda on one hand, rekindling the hope and confidence of the people, as well as uniting ethnic nationalities towards regional cohesion.

“On the personalities on the new Board, we can categorically say, we have a good team in the saddle as they look flawless to us and we pray they don’t yield to the trappings, niceties and the appurtenances of the office and other negative corrupt influences in the future.

“We therefore, thanked you, Mr. President, for giving the Niger Delta people, and indeed the Niger Delta region, a purposeful Board and Management team.

“We recognize the support and cooperation of the Senate President, our own Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, who with an uncommon precision made the screening process seamless but with dexterity”

“Your Excellency, posterity will not pardon us, if we fail to draw your attention to the unremitted funds due the Commission over the years from both the public and private sector, as this has greatly hindered the Commission from achieving its set objectives hence, we solicit your kind intervention in this regard”.

The regional leaders thanked Tinubu for appointing credible personalities from the region as Ministers and others into positions.

The stakeholders solicited for more appointments for other qualified and dedicated sons and daughters from the region to positions of trust in his cabinets

By: CHINEDU WOSU

Rivers

INEC Urges Peaceful Rivers Assembly Bye-elections

Published

13 hours 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

13 hours 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

13 hours 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