Rivers

GDI Chieftain Wants General Hospital In Oyigbo

Published

2 years ago

March 15, 2024

A Chieftain of a grassroots mobilisation group in Rivers State, the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), Oyigbo Chapter, Hon. Loveday Okere has appealed to Rivers State Government under the watch of Governor Siminalayi Fubara to build a General Hospital in the local government area to critically address the health needs of the ancient community.
Speaking with newsmen recently in Port Harcourt on the non-availability of health facilities in the area, Okere decried the absence of good health facilities in the area over the years, stressing that since the State was created in 1967, the local government had not benefited from the state budgetary allocation for health.
He regretted that in the 27 communities of Oyigbo LGA, which were created over 100 years ago by the colonial administration, none had continued to benefit from the government of recent times, instead is suffering from neglect by a successful government in the state.
According to him, “Our people are crying on a daily basis because they need good health facilities to attend to their needs. We have recorded many casualties because we don’t have good health facilities, among other demanding necessities. “When we have serious cases of health, we are forced to rush to neighbouring communities in Khana Local Government Area and or Ukwa-East in Abia State. At times, before our people get there, things have gone bad.
Hon. Loveday Okere, Deputy Coordinator of GDI in the LGA, said that several appeals had been made to the state government to upgrade the Primary Health facilities in Oyigbo to a general hospital, and provide other demanding amenities for the well-being of the people.
The political gladiator also drew the attention of the Rivers State Government (RSG) to the deplorable condition of internal roads, saying that during rainy seasons, some parts of Oyigbo, particularly Umuihueze 1, comprising of Obunku-Ndoki, Egberu-Ndoki, Umuosi, Obeakpu, Mgboji, Afam-Ukwu and Afam-Nta, respectively. Others are, Umuagbai-Ndoki in Umuokobo up to Obete-Ndoki, among others were usually cut off, thereby making life unbearable for the people in these communities.
Okere lauded Governor Fubara for his developmental initiatives and strides in the past nine months, and charged Rivers people to support the Governor and his team to be able to consolidate on his developmental agenda for the masses for posterity.
Meanwhile, Hon. Loveday Okere has advocated judicious spending of scarce resources among political office holders towards effective delivery of dividends of democracy to the masses.
He maintained also that it is imperative for political leaders to hearken to the yearnings and aspirations of the governed, especially, on issues pertaining to governance for possible symbiotic relationship.
Okere, said that detractors’ disagreement with Governor Fubara was unconnected with the aborted impeachment plot against him. He, however, enjoined those aggrieved in the state polity to join forces with the Governor and his team to deliver the expected dividends of democracy to the people, instead of working against them.

By: Bethel Toby

Rivers

INEC Urges Peaceful Rivers Assembly Bye-elections

Published

3 days 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

3 days 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

3 days 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