News
RSG To Establish Conflict Prevention, Peace Committee In 23 LGAs
The Rivers State Government has disclosed its plans to establish Community Conflict Prevention and Peace Building Committee (CCPPC) in all the 23 local government areas of the state.
The government noted that the state needs peace onward, adding that the move would provide an avenue for prompt response to conflicts that may arise in any part of the state as regard boundary issues.
The Deputy Governor of the State, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, disclosed this in Port Harcourt at a public enlightenment on Rivers State Boundary Commission, RSBC, with theme, “The Essence of Peace Building; the Role of the Rivers State Boundary Commission in the Peaceful Resolution of Boundary Disputes in the state.’
Odu, who is the Convener and the Chairman of RSBC, stated that boundary issue between communties, local government areas have been a source most crises in the state, adding that the government is taking proactive step to nip it on the bud.
She noted that peace stands as a cornerstone of progress, development and prosperity in any society, adding that the CCPPC would be a vital force that would propels harmonious co-exist in communities.
She commended the efforts of RSBC in addressing and resolving the contentious issues of boundary through dialogues, mediation, noting that the commission plays critical role as regards the rule of law, promoting understanding between conflict parties and paves the way for sustainable peace in the state.
The Deputy governor said: “The boundary that delineates our territories are not mere line on a map, they represent share histories, identities and the aspiration of the communities they encompass. When disputes arise over these boundaries, they not only threaten the peaceful co-existence of our people but also jeopardise the social fabric that binds us together.”
“In the spirit of the extant relevant laws on Boundary disputes, it is my vision that the present government of Rivers State under the distinguished leadership of His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara,, will embrace Community Conflict Prevention and Peace Building Committee, CCPPC, in all the 23 local government areas of Rivers State to ensure conflict prevention and introduce mechanism for quick resolution of conflict among communities.”
However, the Chairman of the Event, His Royal Majesty, King (Dr) Dandeson Douglas Jaja, noted that the current administration in the state has not contradicted its stand for any development in the state.
Jaja who was represented by His Royal Majesty, the Amanyanabo of Abonnema, King Disrael Bobo Bob-Manuel, noted that the RSCB is empowered to the National Boundary Commission to carry out awareness and enlightenment campaigns among the people in the state on the essence of boundaries in order to foster peace and harmony among the people.
He noted that it would be proper for the government to train members of RSBC on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to enable the staff members to oversee issues of conflict resolution and peace management affecting the LGAs.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of RSBC, Mr Lucky Atangsi Ikina, in his welcome address, noted that the conference was timely and unique, emphasizing that the state needs peace.
Ikina said: “Rivers State is desirous of peace. This enlightenment will bring to light the targets of the Commission, which includes carrying out campaigns to foster peace among communities. This commission is important because it defines and demarcates boundaries. Peace is better than war, as settlement is better than litigation.”
News
Be Patient With Us, Diri Tells Bayelsans … Inspects New 60mw IPP …Expresses Confidence In Technical Partners, BECL MD
The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene