Rivers

Fubara, New Spirit In Rivers – Cleric

Published

2 years ago

January 17, 2024

Following the political disagreement between the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, and the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, a South Africa-based cleric, Dr Pikibo Ngeri Rowlands, has described Governor Fubara as a new political spirit amongst Rivers people.
He described the Governor as awakening a new spirit among the Rivers people, a spirit that openly and boldly challenged the former Governor’s political structure.
Rowlands, who stated this to The Tide during an exclusive interview in Port Harcourt, noted that establishing a political structure in the state by the incumbent Governor “is never a crime”.
The Okirika born politician and researcher at University of Johannesburg, South Africa, said, “I believed Governor Fubara has the right to establish his own political structure if he desires.
“In the spirit of democratic governance, it is crucial for each governor to serve their people independently”.
The Sociologist, who commended the FCT Minister for his developmental strides in the state, during his tenure.
“I hold great respect for Barrister Nyesom Wike’s contributions to Rivers State during his tenure.
“In my perspective, a Governor is fundamentally a privileged servant of the people, the voice representing their interests in local affairs”, he said.
He also said the Governor is an integral part of the Rivers people that democratically elected him, rather than an agent of the Federal Government.
He continued that while maintaining loyalty to the people of Rivers, Governor Fubara may advocate for their needs, even if it conflicts with the political structure coming down from the federal level.
“It is within this context that I observe Governor Fubara awakening a ‘new spirit’ among the Rivers people”, he said.
Dr Rowlands stated that Rivers Community in South Africa has also embraced this new spirit.
”I can confidently affirm that the Rivers community in South Africa has also embraced this new spirit, aligning with the sentiments of the Rivers people”, he stated.
On the defections of 25 lawmakers from peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state and the resignation of commissioners from Governor Fubara’s cabinet, the university teacher said, he sees potential in absorbing them back into the fold if they embrace the new spirit prevailing in Rivers State.
“I may not fully align with President Tinubu’s peace plan, but I see potential in absorbing them back into the fold if they embrace the new spirit prevailing in Rivers State.
“I think Governor Fubara will be open to collaboration if they align with the common interests of the Rivers people.
”I must warn that their continued defiance, however, will jeopardise the aspirations of Rivers people for a fresh approach to governance”, he noted.
H admonished the political class and stakeholders in the State to eschew violence and embrace peace in the common interest of the State.
“I endorse the prevailing spirit among the people of Rivers State. Governor Fubara should be given the freedom to serve the broader interests of the state with a political structure that is loyal to his vision.
“He must bravely resist any structures undermining his authority and oppose elements of peace plans that do not align with the people’s interests.
“In the spirit of defiance, Governor Fubara should akin to St. Peter’s defiant spirit in his days when he said, ‘Shall we obey God or man’.
“No one can deny that the new spirit that moves Rivers people reflects a divine force guiding the people”, he concluded.

By: Chinedu Wosu

Rivers

Group Seeks Police Support to Tackle GBV

Published

23 hours ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Multi-Stakeholder Action Committee on the Prevention of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), a non-profit organization dedicated to combating gender-based violence in the State, recently paid a courtesy visit to the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, to seek his support and partnership for a planned sensitization programme for Police GBV Desk Officers.

The delegation was led by the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Lauretta Davies Dimpka, alongside the Committee’s Coordinator, Barr. Evelyn Membere Asimiea.

Speaking during the meeting, the Coordinator explained that the committee comprises various stakeholders, including FIDA, the media, security agencies, and traditional and religious institutions.

She noted that the initiative is funded by ActionAid Nigeria with support from the Ford Foundation, with the goal of strengthening efforts to eliminate gender-based violence in Rivers State.

“We have carried out several engagements, including community advocacy programmes and the training of female cultural influencers, among other activities,” she said.

In his response, the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, pledged his full support for the initiative and assured the committee of the Police Command’s readiness to collaborate in strengthening GBV response mechanisms across the state.

Members of the delegation also included heads of sub-committees within the group: Barr. Ere Boma (Advocacy); Dr. Mary Obisike (Response); Martha Igbiks ( Information and Awareness); and Brown Musa Afonyagha (Religious/Traditional).

Observers described the engagement as a significant step toward enhancing coordination and improving the response to gender-based violence in Rivers State.

Rivers

Youth Body Condemns Killing Of Member … Demands Immediate Suspension Of Bike Operation

Published

23 hours ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

Youths from Igwuruta Community in Rivers State have condemned the killing of the Secretary of Omuolu-Omunwei Community in Igwuruta, Mr. Nchelem Samuel Festus, describing the incident as tragic and unacceptable.

In a communiqué issued on February 12, 2026, the youth body said Mr. Festus was allegedly murdered on Tuesday February 10, 2026, by commercial motorcycle operators identified as “Aboki bike riders” within the community.

The group expressed sadness and outrage over the development, stating that the killing has heightened tension in the area and disrupted the peace for which Igwuruta has long been known.

According to the communiqué, the incident is part of what the community described as a growing wave of criminal activities, including rape, kidnapping and other violent crimes allegedly perpetrated by the same group.

The youth body said Igwuruta has historically maintained a reputation as a peaceful and hospitable community where residents and visitors carry out their daily activities without fear.

It, however, noted that recent events and what it termed as “escalating violence” have created fear among residents and necessitated urgent intervention.

The communiqué called for the immediate suspension of all motorcycle operations by the group within Igwuruta.

It also demanded the closure of scrap-dump sites in the community allegedly operated by the said individuals.

Furthermore, the youth body urged security agencies to ensure the arrest and prosecution of those involved in the killing of Mr. Festus and perpetrators of other alleged crimes in the area.

It also called on cattle herders to vacate farmlands in Igwuruta and urged herdsmen to stay away from bushes within the community with immediate effect.

While pledging to uphold the rule of law and refrain from self-help, the youth body gave security agencies a 48-hour ultimatum to act on some of its demands, particularly the suspension of motorcycle operations and closure of scrap sites.

The communiqué appealed to security agencies, local government authorities and other stakeholders to treat the matter with urgency and collaborate with the community to restore peace and ensure justice.

As at the time of filing this report, the Police has not issued any official statement about the incident.

By: King Onunwor

Rivers

NDDC, REA Seal Pact On Sustainable Electricity Expansion In N’Delta

Published

23 hours ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to expand access to reliable and sustainable electricity across the Niger Delta region.

The agreement, signed at the headquarters of the REA in Abuja, is intended to strengthen institutional collaboration in accelerating development in underserved communities in the region.

A statement by the Director, Corporate Affairs of the NDDC, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, said the pact underscores renewed efforts by the two federal interventionist agencies to deepen cooperation and fast-track infrastructure delivery.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, described the MoU as a strategic step towards realising the Commission’s vision to “light up the Niger Delta” in line with national priorities on distributed energy expansion.

Ogbuku said “the agreement represents a shared institutional responsibility to deliver reliable energy solutions that will enhance livelihoods, stimulate local economies and create broader opportunities across the nine Niger Delta states.”

According to him, electricity remains a critical enabler of national development, support for job creation, healthcare delivery, education and inclusive economic growth.

He noted that the collaboration would help unlock the economic potential of rural communities while advancing broader national development objectives.

The NDDC boss added that the Commission has consistently adopted partnership-driven approaches in executing projects in the region and is prepared to support the implementation of the MoU by leveraging its community presence and infrastructure development capacity.

He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to working closely with the REA to ensure the timely and effective execution of the agreement.

The NDDC delegation at the event included the Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai; Executive Director, Corporate Services, Otunba Ifedayo Abegunde; Director, Legal Services, Mr. Victor Arenyeka; Director, Finance and Supply, Mrs. Kunemofa Asu; and Director, Liaison Office, Abuja, Mrs. Mary Nwaeke.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of the REA, Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, described the MoU as a natural collaboration between two agencies with complementary mandates, reflecting a shared commitment to expanding access to sustainable electricity in rural communities.

“The Niger Delta remains central to Nigeria’s economic fortunes and must be supported by infrastructure capable of driving productivity, enterprise and improved living standards”, Aliyu said.

He adding that the partnership signals readiness to deliver stable power to communities that have long awaited reliable electricity supply.