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MOSOP-USA Demands Autonomous State For Ogonis 

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A socio-ethnic movement in the Niger Delta, the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People USA (MOSOP-USA), has demanded for the creation of an autonomous state out of Rivers State, to be known as Bori State.
The demand was contained in a memorandum signed by the President of MOSOP-USA, DineBari Augustine Kpuinem, and submitted to the Senate Committee on Constitution Review.
The movement, in the memorandum, said that in view of the economic viability of Ogoniland, the people of Ogoni deserve an autonomous state and should be constituted into a state to be called Bori State with Bori as its capital.
Kpuinem argued that the Ogoni people are economically viable, resourceful and independent ethnic entity that can sustain themselves if granted a political autonomous state in the country.
According to the group, the resources derived from Ogoniland would be better managed optimally for the benefit of the Ogoni people if they have the full control and management of their resources as a state.
MOSOP-USA, therefore, demanded that Section 8(1a, b, c and d) of the 1999 Constitution that pertains to the process of state creation be amended to include economic viability, ethnic and cultural distinctiveness and marginalisation as the dominant criteria for the creation of new states.
It also demanded that Section 3(1) of Chapter 1, Part 1 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) should be further amended by including Bori State as among the states in the federation.
The memorandum also sought the amendment of the First Schedule, Part 1 of the Constitution to include the five local government areas of Eleme, Gokana, Khana, Oyigbo and Tai in the present Rivers State as component units of Bori State.
“It is the view of MOSOP-USA that Section 8 (1a, b, c and d) that pertains to the process of state creation should be amended to include economic viability and ethnic and cultural distinctiveness and marginalisation as the dominant criteria for the creation of new states.
“Following these criteria, MOSOP-USA demands that the distinct and marginalised indigenous people of Ogoni, who have been so recognised by the United Nations, should be constituted into a state to be called Bori State with Bori as the capital”, the memorandum read in part.
MOSOP-USA lamented that no Ogoni has been elected a governor in any state or region since independence, adding that the people of other ethnic nationalities are always imposed on them.
“The Ogoni people had been denied elective position into the office of the governor since independence. It is a known fact that a Yoruba man will elect a Yoruba man to govern them in a Yoruba state. Likewise the Ibos, Hausas, Fulanis, and other major ethnic nationalities.
“The Ogoni people have no state of their own; people of other ethnicities are always imposed on us. No Ogoni man has ever been elected as a governor in any state or region since independence”, MOSOP-USA said.
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Rivers Diaspora Lauds Fubara Over Credible LG Polls

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The Rivers people in diaspora have commended the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for successful conduct of local government elections across the State.
The President of the group, Mr Churchill West Jack made the commendation in a press release made available to The Tide, stressing that the elections were fair and transparent.
He averred that the elections were described as the best local government elections in the State,  and urged those who won to be magnanimous in victory.
“Warmest congratulations to the newly elected chairmen and councillors of our dear State. We sincerely thank the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission ( RSIEC ) for standing firm and conducting the fairest and most peaceful election in the history of our State.”
To our humble governor, a man of few words with so much action, who has continuously shown that God prepared him for this moment, to save the good people of our dear State from the hands of greedy men.” Finally, we want to say a big thank you to the Chief of Staff to the Governor, the Secretary to the State Government, the honourable speaker  of the Rivers State House of Assembly, the Mayor of Port Harcourt, the chairman of Obio/Akpor, Alhaji Asari Dokubo, and many more for their doggedness, and resilience in fighting side by side with the governor to save the soul of the State.
God bless the governor and God bless the good people of Rivers State.”

Akujobi Amadi

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Rivers

Former Guber Candidates Hail LG Polls …Congratulate Winners

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The Forum of Ex-Governorship Candidates in Rivers State from 2011-2023 has scored the just-concluded Local council elections in Rivers State.
Chairman of the forum, Prof. O. T. Gillis Harry; Secretary, Hon. Chinesum David Godwin; and Publicity Secretary, Hon Deekae Richards, in a statement on Saturday said the election has demonstrated that it is possible to conduct elections across much of the country without relying on Nigerian security agencies.
“It highlights the notion that these agencies may be a significant barrier to achieving transparent, free, fair, and credible elections. Moving forward, the Civil Defence Force should be utilised for all our elections nationwide to ensure integrity and public confidence in the electoral process”, they stated.
The forum also described the elections as the most peaceful ever conducted in the State’s history.
In their words, “it is clear that love and integrity can guide our electoral processes, demonstrating that the fear of God can lead to a harmonious outcome. As the scripture says, ‘When the righteous rule, the people rejoice’, and today, we have witnessed that truth in action’.
They also observed that the absence of police during the election did not hinder the process, but rather highlighted the remarkable organization and coordination of the event.
Commending Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for their near perfect logistics, the forum noted that the early arrival of electoral materials across all three Senatorial Districts, covering all 23 local government areas was commendable.
They emphasised the need for unity and collaboration among all stakeholders to sustain this positive momentum.
”The election has proven that good can indeed triumph over evil, and the collective effort of the people of Rivers State has been instrumental in achieving this peaceful outcome.
“Let us celebrate this milestone and continue to foster a spirit of unity and progress in our great state. God bless Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and God bless the good people of Rivers State”, the forum further said.
Congratulating the winners of the election, the Forum described the victories as a testament to the trust and confidence reposed in them by Rivers people.
“We urge you to hit the ground running, consolidate the good efforts of the Governor, and replicate his exemplary leadership in your respective Local Government Areas”, they charged the winners.
They urged the new leadership at the local government levels to improve the lives of the grassroots, and make a positive difference.
They also commended the Governor for what they called his “visionary leadership”.

Kevin Nengi

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Rivers

New Omuma LG Boss Promises Fresh Lease Of Life

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Newly sworn-in Chairman of Omuma Local Government Council, Hon. Promise Reginald, has pledged to continue providing sustainable development in the area.
Reginald, who won the local government chairmanship elections on Saturday, expressed appreciation to the people of Omuma for their massive participation in the elections, noting that his victory was affirmation that the area is ready for a new lease of life.
Speaking to newsmen about his plan to transform the area, he said, “this is a ticket for us to continue what we have started. And as we have done before, we will continue to empower our people”.
He also promised to key into the policy objectives ofthe Staye Governor, Siminalayi Fubara’s administration by ensuring development and human capital development.
Hon. Reginald won the Chairmanship under the flag of All People’s Party (APP) and assured that he would never fail the confidence reposed on him by Omuma people.
In a similar vein, Vice Chairperson of the LGA, Mrs. Regina Princewill, pledged to give new lease of life to Omuma women.
She told newsmen after casting her vote at Ward 10 Unit 8 in Omuma that the welfare of the womenfolk will be her priority.
She also promised to support the Chairman in giving advice and any other responsibility that maybe required of her office.
“I will be a team player and provide the needed support for the transformation of Omuma LGA”, she promised.

Kevin Nengia

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