News
N’Assembly Okays Emergency Rule In Rivers …Proposes National Reconciliation Committee For Rivers Crisis
The two chambers of the National Assembly yesterday approved the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday.
The Senate took a resolution to support the emergency rule at a closed-door session where legislators deliberated on the declaration and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and other elected officials in the State.
The session was announced after Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, read a letter from Tinubu at plenary.
Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, subsequently moved a motion for a closed session under Order 135 of the Senate rules.
The motion was seconded by the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro.
During the session, Akpabio called for a voice vote, and the lawmakers approved the request.
Announcing the outcome, Akpabio stated that the Senate had exercised its powers under Section 305(2) of the Constitution to endorse the president’s proclamation.
“We hope that the President’s declaration will foster peace and resolve the ongoing impasse in Rivers State,” Akpabio remarked.
Additionally, the Senate urged Tinubu to establish an ad hoc committee composed of “eminent” Nigerians to mediate between the warring factions in Rivers State.
The lawmakers also decided that the President should review or terminate the state of emergency at any time, but no later than six months from now.
Furthermore, the Senate agreed to authorise the formation of an ad hoc committee, with members from both chambers of the National Assembly, to oversee the situation in the State.
In the same vein, the House of Representatives also approved the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The seal of approval for the president’s proclamation came via voice vote during plenary, yesterday.
On Wednesday, the House in plenary failed to form a quorum, making it impossible for it to debate the letter of proclamation sent to it by the President.
However, more lawmakers attended yesterday’s plenary as Speaker Abbas announced that every item on the Order Paper for the day had been stepped down to consider President Tinubu’s request to approve emergency rule in Rivers State.
House Leader, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, who moved the motion for the consideration of the letter, urged his colleagues to stand up to be counted on the side of history.
He said, “We have our own biases, I have mine. But on this issue, let us all step on the precipice and assist Mr President in having a better solution to this issue. Let’s begin to work from the ground up to create the processes, conversations and negotiations necessary to bring about sustainable, credible and inclusive peace in Rivers State.”
According to Section 305(2) of the Constitution, for the emergency rule to take effect, Tinubu’s proclamation must be approved by at least two-thirds of both chambers.
This translates to 240 votes in the House of Representatives and 73 in the Senate.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, who presided over the plenary, called on members to make their contribution during the consideration of the general principles of the President’s report.
As the debate was about to begin, the member of the Labour Party representing Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Abia State, Hon. Obinna Aguocha, emphasized the need for a quorum, urging the Speaker to verify attendance before proceeding with the exercise.
“For us to continue, Section 305 (6b) requires the House to have two-thirds of members present in the chamber. Let us know our attendance because this will guide whatever we are going to do here,” he said.
Similarly, a representative of Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Bayelsa State, and a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, Hon. Frederick Agbedi, urged Speaker Abbas to demonstrate his leadership by sticking with the rules as stipulated in the Constitution.
He said, “The issue we are debating right now in second reading, is a constitutional matter, and the Constitution has prescribed what to do. It is in the integrity and interest of this House that we do the right thing.
“Please, announce the quorum so that Nigerians will know that we are not circumventing the constitution. This is not about supporting or opposing what Mr President has said, but because of your impeccable leadership, we should comply strictly with the Constitution by first transparently announcing the quorum as it is now for us to go into this debate.”
Responding, Speaker Abbas assured the lawmakers that all proceedings would strictly comply with the Constitution.
In his contribution, Deputy Spokesman of the House, Hon. Philip Agbese, urged his colleagues to place the interest of Rivers people first in arriving at a solution to the crisis.
He proposed the formation of a national mediation committee to interface between Gov Fubara and the State Assembly to help bring about peace.
“We saw in the past when this country was at the point of a precipice, national committees were set up. In the past, even when there were no constitutional provisions, the doctrine of necessity was invoked, to give life back to the country.
“I want to recommend that we set up a national committee of eminent Nigerians, comprising members of the executive and the parliament like we had not long ago with Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd) and His Eminence, Bishop Hassan Kuka.
“This committee will mediate to ensure that there is peace in Rivers State, so that within the period of the emergency rule, the parliament, working with executive and other eminent Nigerians, will ensure that we all work together to make sure that the things that led to the emergency rule in Rivers State do not resurface again,” he said.
Also contributing, the Deputy Minority Whip, Hon. Ali Isah, said though the emergency rule was declared for six months; the House should recommend to the President that it can be cut short if the peace moves are successful.
“With strong commitment, the matter in Rivers can be resolved within the shortest period of time. I believe the matter can be resolved by next week. If the President shows commitment, and everyone else, we don’t need to wait for a longer period of time. Within a short time, the matter can be resolved. The President should be able to review the state of emergency at any given time,” he said.
On his part, Delta lawmaker, Hon. Benedict Etanabene, pledged his support for any initiative aimed at restoring peace in Rivers State.
He, however, argued that Section 305 of the Constitution cannot be read in isolation of Section 11 which gives the National Assembly the powers to take over the role of a State Assembly that is unable to function as is the case with Rivers State House of Assembly.
He said, “Section 305 cannot be read in isolation of Section 11 (4) of the same Constitution. If any House of Assembly of a State is unable to perform its function, by reason of the situation prevailing in that State, the National Assembly may make such laws for the peace, order and good government of that State.
“The bottom line here is, I listen to Mr president’s proclamation, where he said that the Sole Administrator will be reporting to the Federal Executive Council. Mr Speaker, I disagree. The position Section 11 (4) of the Constitution should take precedence.”
All three recommendations were approved through a voice vote as Speaker Abbas disclosed that 243 lawmakers signed the attendance register.
A Professor of Human Anatomy, with specialty in Physical and Forensic Anthropology at the University of Port Harcourt, Prof Gabriel Sunday Oladipo, has expressed delight over the successful delivery of the 207th Inaugural Lecture of the university, describing it as a significant milestone in his academic career.
This is even as he commended the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Owunari Georgewill for his tremendous support in achieving the feat.
Speaking in an interview following the lecture in Port Harcourt, the scholar said presenting an inaugural lecture represents one of the highest achievements in a university career, particularly after attaining the rank of professor.
“I feel good. It is a form of achievement. An inaugural lecture is one of the peaks of an academic career in the university, especially after becoming a professor. By the grace of God, I was able to achieve that and also let the world know my area of specialization and what we have been doing over the years. It makes me feel elated,” he said.
Prof Oladipo, who was elevated to the rank of professor in 2018, noted that the journey to the inaugural lecture was built on years of focused research and dedication to his field.
Tracing the motivation behind his research trajectory, he explained that his interest was sparked and rekindled as far back as 1998 during his undergraduate studies.
According to him, he observed that much of the data used in his area of medical research were sourced from foreign populations.
“I noticed as a medical student that most of the data we used were foreign data. I felt we needed local data that are ethnicity-specific. That was the genesis of the whole journey,” he explained.
He said the realization guided his academic pursuits through his master’s and PhD programmes, as he consistently worked towards generating research findings relevant to local populations.
On the reception of his inaugural lecture, the professor expressed satisfaction with the feedback from colleagues and attendees.
“I was happy because I was able to drive home my points, and people clearly understood my presentation. I also received very encouraging commendations from some colleagues,” he said.
The academic also acknowledged the support of the university’s leadership, describing the Vice Chancellor as “highly supportive” of his aspirations and professional growth, saying, “the way the university system runs, if the Vice Chancellor does not approve your inaugural lecture, you cannot present it.”
Inaugural lectures at the University of Port Harcourt provide a platform for newly appointed professors to formally present their research contributions and academic journey to the university community and the wider public.
Prof Oladipo, however, clarified that the Head of Department(HOD) of the Department of Anatomy at the University of Port Harcourt currently functions in acting capacity, in the person of Dr J S Hart.
The Africa Global Development For Positive Change Initiative (ADIAfrica), in collaboration with Stephen Igwe and Judith Igwe International Educational System, has concluded a free eye screening outreach for residents of Rivers State.
The outreach, which was flagged off in Port Harcourt, targeted more than 300 individuals with various eye conditions. Speaking at the event, the International President of ADIAfrica, Prince Dan Mbachi, said the initiative was designed to provide access to essential eye care services for underserved communities.
According to him, the first phase of the exercise commenced in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area and is expected to extend to Etche and Ikwerre Local Government Areas, while the second phase will cover other parts of the state.
Mbachi described the outreach as part of the organization’s commitment to promoting quality healthcare, equity, human dignity, and sustainable development. He emphasized that vision challenges go beyond medical concerns, noting their impact on education, economic productivity, and family wellbeing.
“At ADIAfrica International, we recognize that vision is not merely a medical issue; it is also economic, educational, and social. A child who cannot see clearly struggles to learn. A trader with impaired vision struggles to work. When sight is compromised, opportunity is limited,” he said.
He explained that the exercise provided eye tests, medications, visual field assessments, eyeglasses, contact lenses, and related accessories, stressing that the intervention was aimed at transforming lives rather than serving as a mere charitable gesture.
Mbachi further noted that the initiative aligns with ADIAfrica’s broader mission of advancing sustainable development through practical and people-centered solutions.
Also speaking at the event, a chief from Rumueme Kingdom in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Chief Livingston Akaninwo, commended the organisation and its partners for supporting vulnerable members of society. The traditional ruler expressed concern that many people with eye conditions suffer silently due to poverty and limited access to healthcare.
He called on the government and well-meaning individuals to support ADIAfrica’s efforts to enable the outreach to reach more communities across the state.Some beneficiaries, including Mrs. Veronica Peters Olera Pere, expressed gratitude to the organizers for the initiative and appealed for the programme to be extended to other parts of Rivers State to benefit more residents.
By: John Bibor
A three-day intensive training programme aimed at empowering adolescent girls with knowledge, life skills, and advocacy tools to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and promote their wellbeing has ended at Okogbe Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The programme, which held from February 26 to February 28, 2026, was organised by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation. It brought together adolescent girls aged between 10 and 19 years drawn from five communities in the area, including Ubeta, Okogbe, Okaki, Akinima, and Akoh.
The training was designed to reactivate and strengthen girls’ clubs across Ahoada West, Abua/Odual, and Emohua Local Government Areas, with a strong focus on ending harmful traditional practices and equipping participants with knowledge to improve their health, safety, and social wellbeing.
Throughout the three days, facilitators engaged the girls in interactive sessions covering a wide range of topics such as menstrual hygiene, puberty education, communication skills, gender-based violence, child rights, personal hygiene, emotional intelligence, and the importance of empathy and peer support. Particular attention was given to the dangers and long-term consequences of FGM, which experts described as a serious violation of the rights of women and girls.
One of the facilitators, child protection advocate, Inyingi Irimagha, specifically of the Child Protection Network(CPN), emphasised the need to challenge harmful cultural practices that negatively affect girls, noting that culture should evolve when it threatens human dignity and health.
UNICEF Desk Officer at the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Victor Iseberetonma, also stressed that empowering young girls with knowledge and confidence remains one of the most effective strategies for eliminating FGM.
He attributed the successful organisation of the programme to the doggedness and commitment demonstrated by UNICEF, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Lauretta Davies-Dimkpa, and others in making sure that no stone was left unturned for the smooth take-off of the programme, and particularly thanked UNICEF for the great work it is doing in the State.
Other facilitators, including Mr Unah Uchenna and Miss Lucy Uzodinma shared similar sentiments, and called for total elimination of FGM in the society.
Many of the participants described the training as enlightening and transformative, saying, it exposed them to important life lessons they had never received before. One of the girls said the programme helped her understand not only the dangers of FGM but also how to support others emotionally.
“It has educated us about what is wrong, especially about FGM and other issues affecting girls.
“We learned how to talk to people, how to empathise, how to console someone, and how to make others feel relaxed and understood,” Morrow Onisokien Burebure said.
Another participant explained that the programme went beyond discussions on harmful practices to include personal development and daily living skills.
“We learned about our values and how we should live our lives,” she said. “They taught us about menstrual hygiene, how to use sanitary materials properly, how to keep our bodies clean, wash our hands, and how to be friendly even with people we don’t know,” said Dowel Victory Bakewari of Community Secondary School, Akinima.
The participants also pledged to become advocates for change in their communities. One of them stated that she would share the knowledge gained during the training with others back home.
“I will tell people about the effects of FGM and how to stop it.We need to create awareness so that people will understand why it should not continue,” Ake Beauty enthused.
Another participant noted that the training gave her a better understanding of her body and the responsibilities that come with adolescence.
“It is good because we were taught what we need to know about our bodies as girls,” she said. We learned things we should do and things we should not do, and the dangers of FGM. I will tell people in my community that they should stop practising it,” Ebere Testimony Kenneth of Akala-Olu Community Secondary School, Ula-Upata said.
Some participants also expressed appreciation to the organisers for bringing the programme to their in communities, describing it as a life-changing opportunity. One of them simply said, “We thank the organisers for what they have done so far. They have helped us learn things that will protect our future.”
Facilitators at the programme explained that FGM remains deeply rooted in cultural traditions in some communities, which makes sustained awareness and community engagement essential. They noted that while culture plays an important role in society, harmful practices must be abandoned once they are recognised as dangerous.
According to the organisers, the programme successfully met its objectives by equipping participants with practical knowledge, leadership skills, and the confidence needed to speak out against harmful practices. They emphasised that the girls trained would serve as peer educators and change agents within their communities.
The organisers furthermore reaffirmed their commitment to continuing advocacy in efforts, strengthening girls’ clubs, and expanding grassroots awareness campaigns across Rivers State.
As the programme came to a close, the atmosphere was filled with optimism and determination. For the young participants, the training was not just an educational exercise but a call to action — one that has placed them at the forefront of effort to protect the rights, health, and future of girls in their communities.
By: Donatus Ebi
