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Forum Deploys Threat of Impeachment, Political Instability In Rivers state  ….Seeks For Truce

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4 months ago

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The One million professional forum,a Port Harcourt based Multidisciplinary Coalition of legal practitioners and Economists has deployed the regular threats of impeachment and political instability in the state.
The group which said this at a press release made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt said the situation was capable of affecting investment especially in the oil and gas sector of the state.

According to the group, Rivers state which is the hub of the oil and gas industry in the country has an estimated GDP of  #28 trillion worth of investment in the sector, but it’s impact is far from being felt by the people of the state as a result of political instability.

“Today Nigeria has deployed 69 rigs for oil exploration from a paltry of 15 rigs two years ago, with Rivers state accounting for over 40 percent and support logistics operation for most of the other rigs in operation”it said.
The release further said the “the threat of impeachment has sent shockwave through the investment community”adding “analysts estimate that political instability in Rivers state causes a loss of nearly 30 percent of potential growth annually, wiping out billions in public and private sector investment”
It said the group intervention was informed by the negative impact of the instability on the economy of the state

“We, the One Million Professionals Forum, a multidisciplinary coalition of legal practitioners, economists, technocrats, and policy analysts, issue this statement as independent observers and stakeholders concerned with constitutional order, economic stability, and institutional integrity in Rivers State.

“Our intervention is informed by a simple but critical reality, sustained economic growth cannot coexist with prolonged political instability.

“Recent legislative actions,marked by recurring impeachment threats and governance disruptions,have moved beyond ordinary political contestation and now pose material risks to the state’s economy and investor confidence.

 

The group further said “By prioritizing impeachment over the deliberation of the 2026 Budget, the Assembly is holding the state’s recovery hostage.

“This budget is designed to fund healthcare, education, and human capital; every day it is delayed, a child goes without a desk and a hospital goes without medicine.
-“Rivers people did not vote for a permanent state of crisis.

“This is not the “payback” our citizens expected for electing their representatives. Instead of legislative synergy, the people are being served a “social burden” of increased tension, uncertainty, and a lack of focus on the very issues jobs and securitybthat affect their daily lives” it said.

The release which was signed by Alabo Edwin Harcourt Wokoma,Convener/National Coordinator regretted the lack of consultation among the law makers from their constituents especially on the issue ?10.5 billion in constituency project funds which according to it average about ?350 million per legislator released in September 2025.

It said impeachment should never be used as a tool for personal vendetta as , Assembly members have a moral and representative duty to consult their constituents before embarking on a process as consequential as impeachment.
“The absence of broad-based consultation undermines the democratic legitimacy of such proceedings.

“Furthermore, given that the Assembly leadership, the Governor, and the Deputy Governor are members of the same political party, the failure to explore internal party dispute-resolution mechanisms at state or national levels before invoking impeachment reflects a lack of proportionality and institutional restraint.

It commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for demonstrating han unmatched focus on the state’s development.
” Following his return to office, the Governor transitioned seamlessly into a high-impact developmental phase.

10 Landmark Projects, between December 10 and December 23, 2025, the Governor success

 

John Bibor

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Rivers

2026 Boy Child Day: Association Seeks Intentional Mentoring 

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6 days ago

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May 18, 2026

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As the world marked the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child last Saturday, the Rivers Secondary Schools Old Boys and Girls 1983 Set Association has called for deliberate investment in raising boys who will become responsible heads of homes.
In a press release signed and issued by the Secretary-General of the Association, Dr. Ibinabo Ogolo, to commemorate the day, the Association said the future stability of Nigerian families depends on how intentionally boys are raised and guided.
Speaking on behalf of the Set, President of the Association, Barrister Tubokomba Mcdonald Harry, she said the theme of this year’s global celebration, “Boys to Men: Adopting Good Habits and Attitudes”, must move beyond slogans to daily practice in homes, schools, and communities.
“For years, advocacy has rightly centered on the girl child. That work must continue. But we cannot ignore the other side”, Barrister Harry stated.
“A boy who grows up without guidance, emotional literacy, and responsibility often becomes a man who struggles to lead, provide, and protect. If we want stable homes in 2040, we must invest in boys now”, he said.
He emphasized that being “head of the home”  is about stewardship, not power: “The man who leads a home well is emotionally responsible, financially disciplined, morally upright, and a true partner to his spouse. These qualities are learned from childhood, through what boys see, hear, and practice.”
The Association noted that many boys currently learn manhood by default from peers, social media, and entertainment that equate masculinity with aggression and silence about pain.
To change this, the 1983 Set urged fathers and mentors to be present and active, schools to integrate life skills such as conflict resolution and financial literacy, and communities and faith groups to establish mentorship programmes where older men guide younger ones.
The press release also linked the issue to Africa’s wider goals, noting that the 2026 Day of the African Child focuses on water, sanitation, and hygiene.
“A boy trained to solve real problems becomes a man who ensures dignity for his family and community”, Harry said.
The Association concluded with a call to mothers, fathers, and boys themselves to take ownership of the task of raising responsible future leaders.
International Day of the Boy Child is observed globally on May 16. It is a day that focuses on the well-being, mental health and positive development of boys.
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Ogoni Landlords Seek Inclusion In Planned Oil Resumption Process 

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6 days ago

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May 18, 2026

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Flemotongha Miebi/Fortune Wokeh/Akpos David/Esuuk Oyet/Edughom Suotor
Landlords in Ogoni, under the aegis of Gokana,Tai, Eleme, and Khana United Landlords Association  (GOTEKA) have called for inclusion in the ongoing negotiation over the planned resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.
The landlords,who made the call during its formal inauguration recently in Port Harcourt, also called for proper compensation, clear legal agreements, and inclusive dialogues in the entire process
Chairman of the Association, Professor George Ema, said any resumption of oil exploration in ogoniland without proper consultation with host communities and land owners will be resisted.
George said, while the association expressed support for the planned return of oil activities in ogoniland under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,  key historical issues must be addressed to avoid a repeat of earlier conflicts that led to the suspension of oil operations in the area.
According to GOTEKA, past disagreements between oil companies, political leaders, and host communities caused crises, court cases, and long-term disruption of oil production in Ogoni land, adding that these problems were responsible for the high level of poverty warranted by economic stagnation, social unrest, pipeline vandalism, and many legal battles in the area.
The landlords also referenced the struggles led by late environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), which opposed Shell’s activities in Ogoni land, resulting in years of unrest and court cases.
They stressed that the renewed plan for oil exploration must be guided by proper Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), fair compensation, and the direct involvement of landlords in negotiations to prevent cheating and conflict.
The group also raised concern over what they described as a repeated “divide and rule” approach in handling oil compensation in Ogoni. They said there is a lack of proper MOUs between oil companies and landlords, while compensation often goes to political leaders and traditional rulers instead of the real landowners.
GOTEKA added that land in Ogoni is owned by individuals and families, not the entire community.
According to the group, “under traditional land rules, owners have full rights over their land and can decide how it is used, including selling or leasing it. So, there must be proper agreement spelt out in the MOU, which must be signed by all the parties involved to avoid legal battles.
The group urged government, oil companies, and political leaders to respect traditional land ownership and adopt honest dialogue and peaceful negotiation in resolving issues.
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Police Warn Rivers Students Against Cultism, Drug Abuse

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6 days ago

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May 18, 2026

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The Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) of Rumuodomaya Police Station, CSP Dindara Dadamu, has warned students in Rivers State against involvement in cultism and other criminal activities, stressing that such acts could lead to imprisonment and destruction of their future.
He gave the warning recently during an anti-cultism and drug abuse sensitisation programme organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at Den-Bec Group of Schools in Port Harcourt.
Dadamu stated that the law does not exempt minors from punishment, noting that children from the age of 12 could still be prosecuted for criminal offences.
According to him, many young people are lured into cultism through peer pressure and bad company. He urged the students to be mindful of the friends they associate with.
The DCO stressed that ignorance of the law would not protect anyone from facing the consequences of unlawful conduct.
Also speaking, a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Ejiofor Ifeanyi, described cultism and drug abuse as destructive habits capable of ruining academic ambitions and promising careers.
He advised the students to avoid negative influences and remain focused on their education and personal development.
A mental health expert, Mr. Victor Akeni, noted that cultism and illicit drug use contribute significantly to emotional instability, fear and poor academic performance among youths.
He explained that cult members often live under constant fear of attacks and reprisals, making it difficult for them to concentrate on their studies or live peacefully.
The sensitisation programme brought together security agencies, mental health professionals, teachers and students as part of efforts to discourage social vices among young people.
The Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who spoke through a representative, Mrs. Anna West, encouraged the students to take advantage of opportunities provided through education and technology rather than engaging in unlawful activities.
Ogbuku also warned that cultism and drug abuse could result in imprisonment, violence and untimely death, and urged the students to embrace discipline, hard work and positive values.
By: King Onunwor

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