News
We’ll Deliver 12.5km Trans-kalabari Road, Fubara Assures
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration is determined to deliver the Trans-Kalabari Road project to stimulate socio-economic activities in benefiting rural communities for overall development of the State.
The Governor, therefore, advised the people to buy-in into the project and ensure that they ward-off any form of sabotage that may delay or frustrate timely completion of the project.
Governor Fubara spoke at the flag-off of the construction of the multi-billion naira Trans-Kalabari Road project, which was performed by Nigeria’s former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan at Nkpor-Aker Road Roundabout, Rumuolumeni community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area on Monday.
The Governor said he understands the difficult swampy terrain that the road will traverse, and the associated cost but has decided to embark on it, which signals the driving principle of his administration to put the wellbeing and advancement of the people first.
Governor Fubara maintained that there is fund saved from the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and federal allocations to fund the project to completion without borrowing, which is why 30 percent of the contract sum has already been paid to mobilise the contract to site in order to deliver on schedule.
He said, “When we went for campaign in the three local government areas of Kalabari Kingdom, we promised you that if you give us your votes and we succeed, we will embark on the Trans-Kalabari Road.
“And that is what we have come to do today. We are a government, when we make promise, we keep our promises.
“I understand the cost. I understand the difficult terrain and I also understand that somebody has to take this step. If it is not done by me, then another person can also do it. But within our time, it is proper for us to make a statement to our people.
“I don’t want to talk about politics on this project. I want us to look at the facts. It is a difficult terrain, it is going to be expensive, but we are equal to the task”, he said.
Governor Fubara also said: “Let me also say it for record purposes: We are not going to borrow to embark on this project. We have saved and we are using our savings to pay off the cost, which we have already done, the 30 percent initial advance payment. So, the contractor has no reason to delay, but to start off the project immediately.”
The Governor appealed to the Rumuolumeni people to give the contractor the necessary support to enable them take off without much ado while also urging the Kalabari Kingdom to give the necessary support so that the project will be delivered without any sabotage.
Governor Fubara said he heard the Amanyanabo of Abonnema when he spoke, alluding to the cost of building in the riverine, which is four times the cost of building in the upland, adding that when completed, the project would have helped to solve the problems associated with cost of property development in the riverine communities.
He noted, “This road will bring development to our people. This road will bring economic advancement to our people. So, we need your buy-in. Your buy-in is not just standing here with us today, but giving all the necessary support.
“You need to also cooperate with the contractor, your leaders and chiefs, so that there will be no sabotage.
“Let me also say it clearly, for those of you who are planning to sabotage it, it is your business. If we don’t do it in our own time, I wonder when you are going to get it. So, you need to buy-in into this project.
The advantage of this project is making life easy for our people.”
Governor Fubara emphasised: “For us as a government, our duty remains, people first. Those things that we know will make life easy for you, are the areas that we will pay attention to.
“So, please give us the necessary support so that this project will be achieved at a record time. This way, we can also look at other aspects of the state economy.
“We are not going to focus only on roads. But this particular road is important to the development of our State. That is why we are starting it now because of the time that is required to deliver it.”
Governor Fubara said the Trans-Kalabari Road project will have a lot of bridges, and will have deck-on-pile, being built on the swamp, adding that having started it early, it should be ready within the lifespan of his tenure for formal inauguration.
The Governor also thanked former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, for accepting to perform the flag-off of the project because he understood the magnitude of the project and the specific transportation needs that it will address.
Performing the flag-off, Nigeria’s former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, commended Governor Fubara for his vision, commitment and courage to take up the construction of such road that has numerous benefits of making movement easy, enhancing response time to security issues, promoting integration and economic growth.
He said, “When I was asked to come and flag-off this project, I felt that it is only a person who has vision, and the commitment to develop his people that can do this.
“Your Excellency, let me commend you for your vision and the courage to start this project. In fact, it is not going to be a tea party. If you must develop a nation, region or state, there are critical elements that count. These are good road network, airport, rail and water transport systems as well as security,” he said.
He said that by providing these enablers, development would thrive in the State, and thanked the Governor for daring to dream big, and venture into projects that previous administrations had avoided.
The former president, who commended efforts of some leaders who had intervened in the festering political crisis in Rivers State, also asked both Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Governor Fubara to ceasefire so that the crisis does not snowball into a bigger regional and national challenge with greater consequences.
The former president noted the problems associated with transition of governments in Nigeria, and crisis that it has come with.
He explained that even at the centre, where presidents have taken over from presidents, it has been better managed, but regretted that it is worse at the state level, warning that it is not the best.
The former president emphasised that outgoing governors and incoming ones must know that they have to work together for the collective interest of the citizenry of their states, urging them to address their minds to the need for such mutual acceptance.
He added, “In this case of Rivers, Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara must work together for the development of the land and the people of Rivers State. The tension will not help us.
“Rivers State is very critical in this country. Rivers State is the heart of the Niger Delta. If Rivers State is destabilized, the whole Niger Delta will be destabilized, and it will not end within the Niger Delta alone because I am from this part of the country, and I know how the system works. We don’t want any crisis in Rivers State.”
The former president said: “Leaders most know that nobody takes 100 percent. You most learn the principle of give and take. So, our political actors most work together if you love Rivers people.
“And, I join the leaders of Rivers State and well-meaning Nigerians who have been calling for truce, who have been calling for ceasefire, to also re-emphasize that there is the need for a ceasefire. Let us do things that will rather project this State positively.”
Speaking further, the former president stated: “There is this common saying that when two elephants fight, the grass suffers. Both the Governor and the Minister are young people, very young people but they are powerful, and if you continue to fight, Rivers people will suffer. We don’t want the Rivers people to suffer.
“So, we are calling on them to embrace themselves. One hand does not clap. It takes two hands to clap. So, we want them to work together for the collective interest of Rivers people.
“Whatever has happened, has passed. Let us move to a new phase for the interest of the State, for the interest of the Niger Delta, and indeed, the interest of the country,” he added.
In his description of the project, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Engr Atemea Briggs, said Governor Fubara was making true his commitment of providing infrastructure that promote socio-economic growth and urban expansion.
Engr Briggs explained that the project that will link Kalabari land by road to the metropolis is 12.5Km long, has four concrete bridges measuring 576meters, 288meters, 360meters and 108meters, separately.
He said, “The road commences from the Port Harcourt Ring Road at the Aker-Nkpor Road junction where we are currently seated, and extends through the swampy area behind Ignatius Ajuru University of Education.
“The road will include a series of bridge crossings, leading to Oguru-Ama, Bakana, Bukuma and Tombia. The first phase of the project is 12.5kilometer long, and it is expected to be completed within 32 months.
“The road features are 7.3meter carriage way, 2.5meter surface concrete shoulders and solar street lighting. It also consist 100 millimeter asphaltic to concrete surface scene, 150 millimeter crush granite base course and a 200 millimeter cement stabilizer sub-base.
“Additionally, the road includes 4 pre criss-crossed concrete bridges measuring 576 meters, 288 meters, 360 meters and 108 meters as well as 3 pre-stress deck-on-piles measuring 700 meters, 520 meters and 450 meters, respectively.”
He said it will begin from the Port Harcourt Ring Road section of Aker-Nkpor junction through the swampy area by the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) fence for a river crossing bridge unto Oguru-Ama, Bakana, Bukuma and Tombia communities.
In his remarks, Managing Director of Lubrik Construction Company Limited, Engr Hadi Shihadi, said they have already mobilized to site, and are confident to deliver the project on schedule with the cooperation of host communities.
Highlights of the event were prayers for the Governor and Rivers State Government by traditional rulers from Rumuolumeni and Kalabari communities as well as the conventional turning on of the grader’s ignition to signal the commencement of construction work on the project.
News
Presidency Faults US Visa Restrictions On Nigerians, Demands Fair Treatment
The Presidency yesterday faulted the United States Government over its claim that Nigeria failed to reciprocate its five-year, multiple-entry visa policy.
It also dismissed reports claiming that President Bola Tinubu cancelled the issuance of five-year multiple-entry visas for United States citizens, describing such claims as “misinformation and fake news.”
The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made these remarks yesterday in a statement titled ‘President Tinubu Never Stopped The 5-year Non-immigrant Visa For Us Citizens.’
He said “We want to reiterate that the US government’s claim of reciprocity as the reason for its current visa policy towards Nigeria does not accurately reflect the actual situation.”
The Presidency clarified that Nigeria continues to grant five-year non-immigrant visas to US citizens under existing bilateral agreements and reciprocal arrangements.
It also accused online sources of misrepresenting the current visa regime.
“Contrary to misinformation and fake news circulating online, President Bola Tinubu has never stopped issuing 5-year multiple-entry visas for US citizens, in accordance with the principle of subsisting bilateral agreements and reciprocity,” the statement read.
This follows recent adjustments by the United States to its non-immigrant visa policy for Nigerians.
Recently, the US government revised its visa policy for Nigerian citizens, reducing most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visa categories—such as B-1/B-2 (tourist/business), F (student), and J (exchange)—to single-entry, three-month validity.
This marked a sharp departure from the previous two- to five-year multiple-entry visas that Nigerians were eligible to receive.
The changes took immediate effect, although existing visas issued before July 8 remain valid until their original expiration.
The U.S. Embassy in Abuja explained the decision as part of its global visa reciprocity policy, which aims to ensure that visa treatment of U.S. citizens is mirrored by the host countries.
According to the embassy, Nigeria does not currently offer U.S. citizens visa terms equal to those previously granted to Nigerians, prompting the adjustment.
The U.S. stressed that reciprocity, not retaliation, was the basis for the change.
However, the Presidency said the notion that the Tinubu administration halted the policy is incorrect.
“Immediately after assuming office, President Tinubu’s administration issued a service-wide directive that Nigeria implement all bilateral agreements with other nations and adhere to the principle of reciprocity in diplomatic relations,” the statement stated.
The presidency also addressed recent confusion surrounding Nigeria’s introduction of a 90-day e-visa, clarifying that the shorter visa validity applies only to the newly introduced digital visa-on-arrival system, and not to standard visa categories.
“The 90-day single-entry visa validity period only applies to the newly introduced e-visas, a short-term visa category for tourists and business people who may not wish to undergo the standard visa application process and wait.
“The e-visa replaces the now obsolete visa-on-arrival, which was inefficient and often used as a means of extortion,” the presidency explained.
It argued that the e-visa, which is delivered online within 48 hours, aligns with Tinubu’s broader push to boost trade, tourism, and ease of doing business in Nigeria.
However, it noted that the US has yet to reciprocate Nigeria’s e-visa policy.
“Although Nigeria has an e-visa policy for citizens of the US and several other countries, the US has not reciprocated this gesture for Nigerians,” it said.
The Presidency affirmed that Nigeria remains committed to resolving the issue through diplomacy.
It said, “In the spirit of cooperation, mutual understanding, and partnership that have characterised the relationship between Nigeria and the United States over the decades, the Tinubu-led administration will continue to dialogue and engage with US authorities to resolve any issues that have led to the recent developments.”
News
Tinubu, Govs Forum Congratulate Okpebholo On S’Court Victory …As Obaseki Expresses Disappointment
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on the affirmation of his election by the Supreme Court, yesterday.
Tinubu urged him to unify the state and accelerate the delivery of good governance.
This was contained in a statement issued yesterday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
“President Bola Tinubu congratulates Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on the affirmation of his election by the Supreme Court.
The Tide reports that the Edo State governorship election took place in September 2024, and Governor Okpebholo was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The Supreme Court, as the final arbiter, upheld the election of the governor yesterday.
Following the conclusion of all legal challenges regarding the 2024 election, Tinubu called on the governor to embrace all citizens of the state, irrespective of political affiliations.
“President Tinubu encourages Governor Okpebholo to be magnanimous in victory and rally the citizens of Edo across divides towards a singular vision of advancing the state’s development,” the statement read.
With the legal battles now behind, the President advised the governor to intensify his governance agenda.
“The President advises that now that the governor has cleared the legal hurdles, it is time for him to accelerate the delivery of exceptional services and good governance to the people of Edo State, which he has already begun to do,” the statement added.
Tinubu also congratulated members of the ruling All Progressives Congress in Edo State for the legal victory.
Meanwhile, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, has also hailed the Supreme Court’s affirmation of Okpebholo as Governor of Edo State, describing it as a well-earned victory.
Abiodun, who stated this in a statement issued on behalf of the forum in Abeokuta, Ogun State, yesterday, said the verdict had laid to rest any insinuation that the victory of Okpebholo, who won the September 21, 2024, governorship election with 291,667 votes, defeating his closest challenger, Asue Ighodalo, who garnered 247,655 votes, was a fluke.
He said that with the apex court’s verdict, the Edo State Governor now has the opportunity to devote full attention to actualising the agenda for which the Edo electorate gave him an overwhelming mandate, without any political distractions.
Abiodun stated, “On behalf of my brothers in the Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF), I heartily welcome the verdict of the Supreme Court today, Thursday, affirming what Edo State people and Nigerians had known all along, namely that on September 21, 2024, Edo State voters gave Governor Monday Okpebholo a mandate to pilot their affairs for the next four years.
“The verdict shows that, as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and earlier validated by the Election Petitions Tribunal, the Court of Appeal, the legitimacy of Governor Okpebholo’s mandate cannot be questioned.
“No doubt, this victory is great news for democracy in Nigeria, for the people of Edo State, for our great Party the All Progressives Congress, and for good governance and the development of our dear country.
“Democracy may be imperfect but it represents the best form of government available to us as a people, and there is no doubt that this victory further consolidates and strengthens it Nigeria.
“Significantly, the victory represents the arrival of good things for the great people of Edo State and Nigeria as a whole.
“I have no doubt in my mind that the expectations of the people will be fully met by the pro-people, focused and dynamic government of my dear brother, Governor Monday Okpebholo.”
However, the ex-governor of the State, Godwin Obaseki, expressed disappointment over the Supreme Court’s judgment.
In a statement issued via X shortly after the verdict yesterday, Obaseki thanked the people of Edo State and Nigerians for their support, while insisting that the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, won the governorship election held on September 21, 2024.
“I am profoundly grateful to the good people of Edo State and Nigerians for their overwhelming support for the victory, which we believe our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, won,” Obaseki stated.
The former governor noted that the PDP pursued legal redress through all available judicial channels, beginning with the Election Petition Tribunal, then the Court of Appeal, and finally the Supreme Court, due to their conviction that the results were manipulated.
“But unfortunately, and most surprisingly, all the courts have ruled against us,” he said.
Obaseki acknowledged the binding nature of the verdict despite strong disagreement.
“Although we strongly disagree with the decision of the Supreme Court, but as adherents to the rule of law, we are bound by their verdict,” he said.
He warned, however, that the manner in which the election was conducted and judicially validated could endanger Nigeria’s democracy.
“We want to caution that the iconic manner in which the Edo election was manipulated, coupled with the judicial validation it has received, portends grave danger for Nigeria’s democracy,” he added.
The governor concluded by urging faith and perseverance.
“As people of faith, we leave our matter in God’s hands, trusting that only He knows the appropriate time and manner to deliver divine justice and redemption to our people. I encourage our people to keep hope alive as we persist in the struggle to redeem our fatherland,” he said.
The Supreme Court, yesterday, upheld the election of Okpebholo, dismissing the appeal filed by PDP’s governorship candidate, Ighodalo.
A five-member panel of the apex court, in a unanimous decision delivered by Justice Lawal Garba, ruled that the appellants failed to prove their claims of over-voting, non-compliance with the Electoral Act, and other electoral irregularities.
The court held that Ighodalo failed to substantiate his allegations, challenging results from only 395 of the 4,519 polling units and calling 19 witnesses whose testimonies failed to aid his case.
Justice Garba stated that there was no convincing evidence to overturn the decisions of the Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal, which had both affirmed Okpebholo’s victory.
News
2027: I Stand With Southern Presidency -Ortom

As the battle for the 2027 presidency gets underway, the immediate past governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has kicked against a Northern presidency.
The former governor reaffirmed his support for the retention of Nigeria’s presidency in the South in 2027.
Ortom who made this known at a media interaction in Makurdi, the state capital, yesterday, insisted that the region must be allowed to complete its eight-year term before power returns to the North.
He said, “Till today, I, Ortom, believe in southern presidency, even if my party (PDP) is producing a candidate for presidency in 2027, the candidate must be from the South. South should be allowed to complete eight years.
“So, for me, I am not supporting a northern candidate.”
Ortom, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party and member of its Board of Trustees, also commended President Bola Tinubu for some of the economic reforms initiated under his administration.
“Tinubu administration is doing well; he is ensuring that the rule of law prevails, and this is good for our country.
“The oil industry had been a place where a few cliques siphoned our common wealth, but with the removal of subsidies, there is a lot of money in all the states.
“The president even stated this during his visit to Benue at the height of the killing of our people in Yelwata, where he said that no state would say it doesn’t have money to pay salaries.”
Ortom also lauded the ongoing tax reforms, describing them as steps in the right direction for economic growth.
However, Ortom criticised the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, saying Buhari’s administration took the country from “top to bottom.”
Ortom said he is not part of the newly formed coalition.
He added, “I remain a member and leader of Peoples Democratic Party; I am even a board member of my party and I don’t believe in coalition but where there’s need for strategic partnership, you will see me there.”
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