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Nothing’ll Stop Governance In Rivers, Fubara Assures …Says We Won’t Allow Anyone Take State For A Ride
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will not leave any stone unturned to checkmate and frustrate anyone or group of persons attempting to stop government from delivering good governance to the good people of the State.
He also assured that with the strong support of the pillars and frontiers of the political class and leaders, particularly those who built the foundational structures of Rivers politics, his administration will not allow any detractor or shenanigan take the State and its people for a ride going forward.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance while addressing Rivers people at a 2025 New Year State Banquet in Government House, Port Harcourt.
He expressed confidence that with the strong organic support of former governors, Dr Peter Odili and Sir Celestine Omehia; former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Sir Austin Opara; former deputy governors, Sir Gabriel Toby and Engr Tele Ikuru; Senators John Azuta-Mbata, Lee Maeba, Andrew Uchendu, Adawari Michael Pepple; former national chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus; former transport minister, Dr Abiye Sekibo; Amb Orji Ngofa; and other former and current elected political office holders and leaders at all levels, with proven integrity and accomplishments, no detractor would stand on the way of the State Government in achieving the giant strides it has set for itself.
The Governor said this year, “We will ensure we protect the integrity of this state, at all cost. We won’t allow anybody take this state for a ride. It doesn’t matter the approach I will use. It’s not going to be a fight. We will follow the issues as we did with the case when they (detractors) started begging. Nothing will stop us from not achieving the purpose of governance in this State.”
With strong confidence and faith in God and the people, the Governor said, “We are not bothered about what they (opposition) will come with. God will always have a way to save us from them. They are going to come, but we are not worried. We are equal to the task. I honestly thank our leaders, from Dr. Peter Odili, Sir Celestine Omehia, Sen John Azuta Mbata, Sir Austin Opara, Prince Uche Secondus, Dr. Abiye Sekibo; to others, for the organic support you are giving to our government.
“A lot of persons would not understand what is really happening. This is not to say we did not have people that were with us and following us and fighting. But one of the troubles they (detractors) have where they are today is that they do not have any (strong) face (in Rivers politics) with them. The beginning and the end of politics in this State is Sir Peter Odili. And if he is sitting with us (here), and with these other persons, who do they have with them?
“This Dr. Odili is the right face and right image of our State. These are the frontiers of Rivers State politics. Men and women that have distinguished themselves are sitting with us (here). People who have contributed in several ways to make Rivers State what it is, not rented people they bring for dinner”, he added.
He recalled that the events of 2024, were a mix bag of daunting challenges, but quickly added that the year ended with his administration scoring more gains than losses, “2024 was not an easy year, but it was great for us in the end. About this time last year, we were not in a very pleasant mood, for fear of what might happen, because of the boasting of those who believe they control life”.
But while boldly projecting the 2025 outlook, the Governor said, “We will continue to put our trust in God as 2024 had been a wonderful year. We had our losses, and our gains. But the most important thing is that our gains surpassed the losses. We can boldly say 2024 was a good year for Rivers State. And year 2025, with your support, we are going to build on the gains of last year.”
He restated his administration’s determination to sustain the Rivers First policy, saying, “We will continue to protect the lives of our people and provide the required services in our State. We are not going to lower our guards. Rather, we will raise our bar because, what is speaking for us today is the achievements we are making in the face of obvious distractions.
“Therefore, raising the bar will be our own way of telling the world that no matter what is happening here, we mean well for the state and know what we are doing. It is not going to be easy. I know. God, at times, keeps evil people to live long to continue their evil, not because He does not know what to do but activities of evil people also keep the righteous people awake,” he stressed.
Governor Fubara commended everyone in the State for their organic support, and solicited for more support in 2025, emphasising, “We are not going to do it alone, because we have not made these gains alone. Whatever win we scored today, it is not myself alone, but the government and the support received from every one of you. I cannot pay you back for doing what is right for your State. It is our State, and at the end of the day, we are building a better future for those to take over after us. That is my own dream for the State.”
The Governor noted that it is not about power and what is done today, but sustaining a system that will be self-preserving, on which everyone can stand and be proud of the State, explaining, “I strongly believe that because of our desire to build, not our (private) supermarkets, or our hotels, but to build a (resilient) State, there is no way we will not succeed, because our interest is not for self, but the collective interest of our people.”
He assured that 2025 is going to be a year of all-round achievements, declaring that by February, 2025, his administration will embark on projects’ commissioning in other sectors, emphasising, “This time around, not roads. Our Fire Service, you can see what we are doing there. For over nine years, there was no functional Fire Service, but today, I can proudly tell you that we have bought all the vehicles, and we are remodelling the offices”.
The Governor added, “Education is the only instrument that can help our youths to avoid criminality and crime. Our State is behind in education, as our primary schools are shadows of themselves. You can see the provisions we made in our budget, and we are making sure education is given the required attention in this State.
“We have done much on health but we are going to spend more because you have to be alive to work. We are doing what we know is right, and doing those things that you can stand anywhere after our administration to defend us that our decisions were right. Nothing will stop us from achieving the purpose of governance in this State”, he vowed.
In his welcome remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, noted that the outgone year had been a wonderful one, and commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, for being focused as an emancipator of the State, saying no matter the antics of the enemies, their acts to distract the government will continue to fail.
While proposing the toast for the New Year, member representing Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon Awaji-Inombek Abiante, said that Governor Fubara’s leadership qualities are a testament to the success of the administration, and prayed for the peace, unity and prosperity of the State, urging the “prodigals” to return home to join in the rebuilding of the Treasure Base of the Nation for future generations.
Highlight of the event was the cutting the New Year Cake by the Governor, who was joined by his Deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu; Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Victor Oko-Jumbo; former governors Peter Odili and Celestine Omehia; Hon Austin Opara; Prince Uche Secondus; retired Justice Mary Odili (JSC); Chief Judge of the State, Justice Chibuzor Simeon Amadi; President, Customary Court of Appeal, Wilfred Ihemnacho Obuzor; Senators John Azuta Mbata, Lee Maeba, Andrew Uchendu, Adawari Pepple; Amb Orji Ngofa; and others.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State chapter, has uncovered an illegal artisanal refinery and illegal petrol station at Y-Junction, Nkwelle Ezunaka in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State.
In a statement released, yesterday, the Head Media and Tactical
NSCDC, Anambra State Command, Okadigbo Edwin, said the operation was carried out in a joint coordinated operation with the Nigerian Army and the Navy.
Edwin said the team conducted the raid on Saturday following a credible intelligence of suspected illegal dealings in petroleum products within the area.
He added that a suspect was arrested while others fled the scene, with couple of petroleum products intercepted and seized.
The statement read, “In a joint coordinated operation, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Navy have uncovered a massive illegal artisanal refinery and illegal petrol station at Y-Junction, Nkwelle Ezunaka ,Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State.
“The breakthrough was achieved following a credible intelligence of suspected illegal dealings in petroleum products within the area.
“Confirming the operations, the State Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Anambra State Command, Commandant, Maku Olatunde, said the team conducted the raid on the locations on Saturday at about 1:45pm.
“They intercepted and arrested a suspect while others fled the scene.
“While receiving the suspect and the exhibits; 49 kegs of 25 litres, suspected adulterated Automotive Gas Oil, four drums of 200 litres each, suspected adulterated Premium Motor Spirit, and one pumping machine recovered from the scene and handed over to NSCDC for prosecution.”
According to him, the command remains committed to free its areas of operations from all forms of illegal dealings on petroleum products and other related activities and commended the Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Army that supported the operations.
He added that the state Commandant warned operators and perpetrators of illegal oil refineries and fake PROTEAN actors to steer clear of Anambra State, vowing they would be tracked down and made to face the full wrath of law.
“Our sights are set on individuals and groups using unwholesome covers for oil-related wrongdoings, and those brazenly committing crimes and criminalities in oil, gas and energy sectors of the economy; if they fail to change, the command is resolute and will take more decisive actions against you in Anambra State” he said.
“The Commandant assured the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army and members of the public of thorough investigations and prosecution of the suspect, and his accomplices at large in court.
“This collaboration with sister security agencies showcases our united fronts against crime in Anambra State. NSCDC as the lead agency in the protection of critical national, state and local government assets and infrastructure, and checkmating illegal dealings in petroleum products and untowards profiteering, is warning economic saboteurs to stay clear of Anambra state, our operational mechanisms are in place to smoke them out,” he added.
No fewer than 78 Nigerians rescued from human traffickers in Cote D’Ivoire have arrived in Lagos.
The victims, comprising 73 females, two males, and three babies, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, around 11:00 pm on Saturday.
The Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Binta Bello, received them at the airport.
In her speech, Bello said that the return of the victims reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to the fight against human trafficking.
“This is a momentous occasion a day that marks not only the safe return of our beloved daughters but also a reaffirmation of our unwavering commitment to the fight against human trafficking.
“To the young women and girls who have just returned, we say welcome home.
“You were taken far from the safety and dignity you deserve, but today, you are back on Nigerian soil, and you are not alone. You are home, and this country stands with you.
“Your courage, your survival, and your return symbolise hope for thousands of others who may still be in the shadows.
“And to those who have perpetuated this evil, let today be a reminder that Nigeria will never relent in pursuing justice,” she said.
The NAPTIP boss said that some of those responsible for the heinous trade had been apprehended and would face the full force of the law.
According to her, the agency will profile and chat with the survivors for necessary measures in line with its mandate, which included counseling and skill acquisition training.
“We thank the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for its constant support and political will in the fight against trafficking in persons, the support has been instrumental in enabling NAPTIP to carry out this noble mandate.
“We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Air Peace Airlines for their generous and patriotic assistance in facilitating the safe return of these victims free of charge.
“Your partnership is a shining example of how the private sector can contribute meaningfully to national efforts.
“To all our local and international partners, thank you. Your collaboration continues to empower us, and today’s success is one we share with all of you,” she said.
Bello urged the public to raise awareness, report suspicious activities, and stand together against the grave violation of human dignity.
Narrating her ordeal, a 24-year-old pregnant victim said that a friend lured her into prostitution.”
“One of my friends told me that she is running a supermarket, that she would love me to come and work and earn like N300,000 a month.
“She said that I should not worry about the transport that she is going to pay for me, which she did.
The victim said that the moment she got there, she discovered that there was no supermarket.
“She said that she paid N3 million for my transport and that I must sleep with men for me to pay her back.
“I told her I cannot, but she threatened to either kill or cut my hair and take it to a herbalist to make me run mad.
“For fear of the unknown, I started sleeping with different men,” she said.
According to her, she is four months pregnant and needs help to take care of herself and her unborn baby.
“When I discovered I was pregnant, she asked me to abort, I told her I cannot because the baby is already big.
“She started mistreating me, hitting me with sticks on my tummy. Sometimes, she sends some men to kick me in my stomach in order to lose the pregnancy.
“When I could no longer bear the torture, I went to report to the police,” she said.
In the same vein, another victim, a 17-year-old girl, said that she met a lady who compelled her into a commercial sex act.
“A lady approached me, she said she would like to take me to Cote d’Ivoire to work in a restaurant and I will be paid 1.5million cfa monthly.
“I and six other girls accepted, she told us not to tell our parents.
“When we got there, she and her gang dumped us in a forest where men came to pick us up for sex,” she said.
The victim said that after undergoing a series of abortions, the lady did a five-year family planning for her.
According to her, some of her colleagues died in the process.
“Some of my colleagues who were picked up for sex never returned. Some were killed and dumped on the road,” she said.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced the release of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja last Friday, Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, revealed that the board withheld the results of 39,834 candidates out of the over 1.9 million applicants that sat for the exam.
“A total of 39,834 results remain unreleased. Of these, 1,426 results are under scrutiny and processing,” Oloyede said.
According to the JAMB boss, out of the figure, 96 candidates’ results were withheld over exam malpractices, a decrease from 123 in the previous year.
Oloyede said the Board remained resolute in its commitment to eliminating any form of examination malpractice, adding that 1,957,000 candidates were verified to sit for the exam, while 71,705 were absent.
According to him, 2,157 candidates experienced fingerprint rejections due to suspected registration infractions, a figure, he said, was far above acceptable margins and currently under investigation.
“The 2025 UTME showed the prevalence of some particular types of infractions, which suggests systemic vulnerabilities or gaps in registration and examination administration and/or monitoring.
“The new trends observed were in the Registration and Examination processes and they were mainly in the following categories: Identity Fraud, and Biometric Fraud of Combined Thumbprint of Candidate,” he said.
Other infractions, he said, were impersonation at the point of registration with the active involvement of a few CBT Centres, double registration, and attempted substitution of self by candidates.
Oloyede added that 244 candidates were caught engaging in “WhatsApp runs,” subscribing to rogue groups promising leaked questions.
He said their results had also been withheld to set a stern example.
In some cases, he said, the entire syndicate colluded with CBT centres to register using multiple fingerprints.
According to him, as a result of this, 3,656 candidates with “extraneous fingerprints” have had their results withheld, and some CBT centres implicated will face sanctions.
He identified the centres as Tigh Technologies Limited, Sascon International School, Maitama, Abuja, Wudil Computer Information Technology. Wudil, Kano State and Penta M &Amp; Centre 2, Tambuwal LGA, Sokoto, Sokoto State.
Oloyede added that 80 suspects were being interrogated by the police for their involvement in the examination malpractices and most of them would be prosecuted.
“The Board has identified the presence of extraneous fingers in the registration details of some of these candidates. This raises concerns regarding potential strategies for impersonation.
“A total of 3,656 candidates fall within this category. Consequently, the results of the candidates have been withheld.
Speaking on underage candidates, he explained that following the Ministry of Education’s decision to enforce a minimum age of 16, an exception was granted for “exceptionally gifted” underage students.
The registrar said that of the 41,027 underage candidates who registered, only 467 met the high-performance criteria, with one disqualified due to examination malpractice.
He said that the Board remained committed to providing the necessary support for persons with disabilities aspiring to pursue tertiary education.
He said that for the 2025 UTME, a total of 501 candidates were successfully examined by JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) across 11 centres nationwide.
According to Oloyede, the results are also being released but sadly, one of them was also involved in impersonation.
The registrar also said that due to substandard performance, four centres had been delisted and blacklisted for technical deficiencies.
He listed the centres as: Adventure Associate, Behind Sheshe Supermarket, Kano, Saadatu Rimi College of Education, Zaria.
Others are Soronara Ventures Nigeria Limited Foundation Road, Umudagu Mbieri, Mbaitoli, Imo State and HSS Amazing, Holy Saviour School 30/32, Old Ota Road, Adeleye, Aparadija, Isunba, Lafenwa, Itele, Ogun State.
He, therefore, said that a list of those blacklisted for fraudulent practices would soon be made public with details of their nefarious activities.
Oloyede maintained that despite challenges, the 2025 UTME had been hailed as one of the most successful in recent years.
He reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to a zero-tolerance stance on malpractice and pledged continued innovation to protect the credibility of public examinations.
On how to check the UTME results, Oloyede said: ” To check the 2025 UTME results, candidates should send by text message ‘UTMERESULT’ as one word to 55019 or 66019 using the same phone number they had used to register during the registration process. Result printing will be available later.”
