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NBA Lauds Fubara’s Records On Governance, Infrastructure
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has lauded the giant strides the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara has recorded in the areas of good governance, restoration and maintenance of peace and unity, provision of massive infrastructure projects as well as promotion of economic prosperity in Rivers State.
The NBA made the commendation when a delegation of Chairmen and Secretaries of the various branches of the Association in the State had audience with the Governor at Government House in Port Harcourt, last Tuesday night.
The delegation, which was received in a closed door session, was led by Chairman of Port Harcourt Branch of the association, Mr Viktor Ibim Benibo.
Speaking with newsmen after a fruitful interaction with the Governor, Mr Benibo explained that the leaderships of NBA branches across the State were inspired to pay the visit by the level of peace and economic prosperity experienced within the short time that Governor Fubara has been on the saddle.
This, he attributed to the manner Governor Fubara has handled the affairs of the State with peaceful demeanour, maturity and wisdom, which have ensured that unity of purpose and progress permeated the entire State.
Mr Benibo said, as a result, key players in the economy and other service providers now enjoy some level of confidence because Governor Fubara has contained the monster of political crisis that erupted seven months ago, adding that the people were benefitting from the gains of peace and economic rejuvenation.
It is for these reasons that he said, “We are encouraged by the peaceful disposition of the Governor, and we have decided to say thank you to him for the peace he has given to this State.
“You know, the way he has handled the affairs of this State with maturity, the economic prosperity experienced within this short time, including the Port Harcourt Ring Road, the Trans-Kalabari Road, and other projects that impact the people positively are good signs for our people.”
Mr Benibo further said: “These are very massive projects which so many administrations had deliberately skipped from reaching the masses.
“But from the way he (Governor Fubara) is going, you understand, it seems we are in to see so many other good things in very short time. These are things the people have been expecting for years.
“So, we are here to say to the Governor, even though notwithstanding your age as a young man, you are doing what older ones could not do. So, we are saying thank you to him for what he has done, and to encourage him and his administration to remain focused in doing those good things lined up for the people of the State.”
Commenting on whether they were in Government House to felicitate with Governor Fubara on the celebration of his one year in office, Mr Benibo restated the apolitical nature of NBA, explaining that the visit had no political colouration but designed to appreciate the good works of the administration.
Mr Benibo, however, noted that the NBA observed at the State Banquet to celebrate the 57th anniversary of the creation of Rivers State, that a number of Rivers leaders with integrity who had hitherto been alienated from governance, voluntarily dedicated their time to associate with the government.
He stated that such display of friendship and brotherliness has erased the politics of bitterness that had characterised the State in recent past, adding that with such sense of purpose and direction, the State will emerge stronger politically, economically and otherwise.
He said, “Honestly, we didn’t have that at the back of our minds because we are not politicians, but inasmuch as we are here, we have come to show support and appreciation for the way he (Governor Fubara) has run the affairs of the State in a peaceful, inclusive and purpose-driven manner.
“This is because yesterday (May 27) was our 57th anniversary as a State, and we are also happy, particularly at the calibre of leaders across all spectrum of endeavours we saw during the State Banquet. It shows that the people of the State are more united now in support of the Governor and his Administration. That support is what we need to move the State forward.
“So, we saw many people that were before alienated politically, and I was happy to see them, and it tells you that just because we are enjoying peace, everybody has come around. That is governance. And we will continue to encourage them to come around because their coming together will help the State grow faster.”
Mr Benibo emphasised: “I am not a politician. I’m not APC, I’m not PDP. And I’m sure most of us here are also not politicians. But as lawyers, we are trained to talk the truth at all material times.
“So, we are here to encourage our dear performing Governor, to say: please, go ahead and provide leadership and good governance to the people of Rivers State,” he added.
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.