Rivers

Ogonis Endorse Dialogue On Oil Extraction Resumption

Published

11 months ago

February 10, 2025

Ogoni people in Rivers State have expressed their support for ongoing discussions between Ogoni leaders and the Federal Government regarding the planned resumption of oil extraction in Ogoniland.
This endorsement was contained in a communique issued following a congress attended by Ogoni sons and daughters in Bori, the headquarters of Khana Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers.
The Tide’s source recalls that President Bola Tinubu recently met with Ogoni leaders over the proposed resumption of oil activities, which had been suspended since 1993 due to unrest in the area.
The move is part of efforts to increase the nation’s oil production to over 2 million barrels per day before the end of 2025.
Prof. Don Baridam, Chairman of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee and signatory to the communique, welcomed the dialogue process.
He stated that residents across Ogoni local government areas, including Eleme, Gokana, Khana, and Tai, supported the dialogue process.
Ignatius Kattey, Archbishop of Niger Delta North, Anglican Church of Nigeria, and Co-Chairman of the committee, read the communique and described the discussions as a defining moment for the Ogoni people.
According to the communique, the Congress of Ogoni People supports the dialogue between the Federal Government and Ogoni leaders and acknowledges the commencement of Ogoni-wide consultations.
“We believe that continued engagement and constructive discussions will lead to lasting solutions that benefit our people and future generations”, he stated.
The communique also recognised the efforts of the facilitators coordinating the process and expressed confidence in their ability to ensure fairness, inclusivity, and transparency throughout the dialogue.
It commended President Bola Tinubu for granting the Ogoni delegation the opportunity for dialogue, saying, it ‘’marks a significant step towards addressing the concerns of the Ogoni people and fostering peace and development”.
It expressed gratitude to National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Governor of Rivers, Siminalayi Fubara, and other officials for their support.
It highlighted several confidence-building measures being implemented by the government.
“This includes the signing into law of the Federal University of Environmental Technology in Ogoniland, which is a landmark achievement for educational and environmental advancement in Ogoniland.
“The fast tracking of the completion of the critical East-West Road project from Eleme Junction to Onne Junction, which will enhance connectivity and economic development.
“The implementation of affirmative action to employ Ogoni sons and daughters in key federal institutions, ensuring greater inclusion and representation”, it stated.
The communique further acknowledged the ongoing interventions in infrastructure development, the inclusion of key Ogoni projects in the current national budget, and interventions by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
It noted that the steps demonstrated the government’s commitment to addressing developmental challenges in Ogoniland and Rivers state as a whole.
“The congress remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice, development, and inclusivity.
“We stand in solidarity with the government in this dialogue process and urge all Ogoni people to embrace unity and cooperation for the greater good of our land”, the communique affirmed.
It, however, reaffirmed the commitment to peaceful dialogue and constructive engagement to realise the Ogoni people’s aspirations for development, environmental justice, and economic empowerment.

Rivers

INEC Urges Peaceful Rivers Assembly Bye-elections

Published

18 hours ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged stakeholders to promote peace and ensure credible Rivers State House of Assembly bye-elections scheduled for February 21.

The state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Gabriel Yomere, made the appeal at a stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

Yomere said the poll was vital for voters in Ahoada-East II and Khana II constituencies, who had remained without representation at the state level.

He said INEC had begun preparations, including deploying trained personnel and ensuring timely distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive election materials.

“The bye-election will involve 112,950 registered voters across 14 registration areas and 242 polling units in the two Local Government Areas.

“We have commenced all necessary internal preparations towards a successful bye-election”, he said.

Yomere urged political parties and candidates to uphold internal democracy and responsibility during the primaries scheduled to hold by January 23.

“Elections should be contests of ideas, not battles marked by intimidation, destruction or violence”, he said.

He commended security agencies for professionalism and assured them of INEC’s continued collaboration to ensure a secure election environment.

Yomere also encouraged political parties, civil society groups and the media to support voter education, peaceful participation and counter misinformation.

He disclosed that INEC commenced the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise on January 5 across all registration centres in the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, Mr. Olugbenga Adepoju, appealed to stakeholders to ensure peaceful bye-elections, stressing that security remained everyone’s responsibility.

Represented by CSP James Njoku, Adepoju emphasised collaboration between security agencies and the public for a credible electoral process.

“Security agencies cannot do it alone without your contribution. We appreciate your efforts towards the safety and security of our state”, he said.

Adepoju warned against electoral violence, describing it as any act intended to intimidate, harm or abuse electoral stakeholders.

He urged stakeholders to educate relatives and party members on the dangers of electoral violence and its consequences.

Adepoju appealed to youths, religious, community and political leaders to encourage followers to shun violence and promote peace.

He assured that security agencies would work together to safeguard lives and properties for the conduct of free and fair elections.

The Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Dr. Nnanna Onyekere, praised INEC’s proactiveness, saying it boosted confidence in a credible election.

“We assure you there will be no violence. There will be peace across the state”, Onyekere said.

He commended INEC for moving voter registration to ward level, noting it would ease access for prospective voters.

Onyekere called on political parties to collaborate with INEC and expressed confidence that the bye-elections would be peaceful and successful.

Rivers

PH To Host 2026 NBA Conference

Published

18 hours ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) says Port Harcourt will host its 2026 Annual General Conference with an ambitious theme: “Beyond Limits.”

Its President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, disclosed this at its National Secretariat on Friday.

The theme, the President said, serves as a strategic mandate for legal practitioners to shatter traditional constraints and pivot toward innovation in justice delivery and governance.

Osigwe emphasised that bringing the flagship event to the South-South region is a calculated move to foster national inclusion and ensure that the association’s activities resonate deeply with members across every geographical zone.

Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Abdul Mohammed, SAN, assured the legal community that early preparations are focused on delivering a high-caliber experience that aligns with international organisational standards.

The day’s proceedings also took a significant turn toward professional development with the inauguration of a new co-working space for young lawyers.

Located at the National Secretariat, the facility is a direct response to the structural and economic hurdles facing early-career practitioners.

It offers a professional setting for client consultations and collaborative research, ensuring that junior members remain vibrantly engaged in active practice.

The co-working initiative, spearheaded by the NBA Welfare Committee, was personally funded by its chairman, Chief James Onoja, SAN, and coordinated by Welfare Secretary, Mr. Auta Nyada.

In a tribute to professional excellence, the space was named after former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, whose legacy of mentorship and ethical advocacy served as the inspiration for the project.

While urging local branches to establish similar hubs at their respective bar centers, the NBA also confirmed that registration for the 2026 conference is now officially open, with more details on the speaker lineup and session schedules to follow.

By; Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Wobodo Pledges Support For Ex-Service Men, Others

Published

18 hours ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

The Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Charles Wobodo, said he would not renege on his administration’s commitment to support ex-servicemen and other security personnel within the Local Government area.

Wobodo made this known during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration held in Isiokpo, the Headquarters of Ikwerre Local Government.

He said the event provided an opportunity to honour men and women who paid the supreme price in the defence of Nigeria’s unity and sovereignty.

The council chairman described fallen servicemen as national heroes whose sacrifices must never be forgotten by government and citizens alike.

According to him, his administration remains committed to strengthening the local security architecture to enhance peace and safety across Ikwerre communities.

He disclosed that the council has provided operational vehicles and other forms of support to security agencies operating in the area.

The Kelga Council Chairman noted that beyond serving officers, the local government is also focused on the welfare of retired and disabled security personnel.

He also assured that widows of fallen servicemen would not be neglected, stressing that they would be included in the council’s social welfare programmes.

The chairman further emphasized the need for continuous collaboration between the local government and security stakeholders to sustain peace and development.

As part of activities marking the remembrance event, Wobodo made a cash donation to members of the Nigerian Legion in the area.

He urged the legionnaires to maintain a cordial relationship with the local government and to continue supporting peace initiatives.

One of the Ex-service men, Major Joseph Wonuma, stated that the Armed Forces Remembrance Day was a significant occasion and appealed to the Council chairman to prioritise welfare, employment and empowerment programmes for ex-servicemen and their families.

By: King Onunwor