News
Rivers Tops 2021 Fiscal Performance Ranking
Rivers State has grossed the top position in the 2021 Fiscal Performance Ranking, beating 35 others states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the State of States 2021 BudgIT Report.
A close look at the National Fiscal Outlook shows that Rivers State once again topped the overall 2021 Fiscal Performance Ranking despite COVID-19 induced fiscal shocks to its IGR, indicating that the fiscal fundamentals of the state, compared to other states, are more prudently managed.
Two states made it, as new entrants, to the Top 5 category in the overall 2021 ranking – Ebonyi State emerged in second position, up from sixth position in 2020, and Kebbi State emerged in fifth position, up from 11th position in 2020.
The entrance of Ebonyi and Kebbi states into the Top 5 category was driven largely by growth in both states’ IGR as recorded by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
In the 2021 Performance Ranking, two states dropped out of the Top 5 in overall ranking; Ogun State (now 19th) and Kano State (now 22nd), due to a sharp decline in their IGR in 2020.
A closer look at the report shows that the Top 5 States are Rivers (1), Ebonyi (2), Anambra (3), Lagos (4) and Kebbi (5), while the Bottom 5 are Bayelsa (36), Taraba (35), Benue (34), Katsina (33) and Adamawa (32).
The rest of the states are Kaduna (6), Gombe (7), Cross River (8), Edo (9), Kwara (10), Zamfara (11), Sokoto (12), Osun (13), Enugu (14), Abia (15), Nasarawa (16), Borno (17)and Plateau (18).
Others include Ogun (19), Imo ranked 20, Yobe in 21st position, Kano (22), Oyo (23), Akwa Ibom (24), Jigawa (25), Niger (26), Bauchi (27), Kogi (28), Ekiti (29), Ondo (30), and an oil and gas-producing state – Delta- at 31st position.
In fact, three oil and gas producing states – Bayelsa, Delta and Ondo – are in the Bottom 7 of the 2021 Fiscal Performance Ranking, showing shamefully frivolous management of scarce resources accruing to the states in the year under review.
In the States’ Comparative Viability Index, only three states in the country can meet their operating expenses obligations with a combination of their IGR and Value Added TAX (VAT) as measured in BudgIT’s States’ Performance Index Ranking: Lagos, Rivers and Anambra.
The States Performance Index ranked Lagos tops with a score of 0.70, Rivers second with a score of 0.81, Anambra third with a score of 0.99, Ebonyi fourth with a score of 1.08, and Cross River fifth with 1.21 score.
Kaduna scored 1.22 to emerge sixth, Kebbi scored 1.26 to emerge seventh, Osun scored 1.36 to rank ninth, Zamfara scored 1.45 to rank 10th, Plateau scored 1.48 to emerge 11th, Gombe scored 1.49 to rank 12th while Edo scored 1.54 to emerge 13th in the ranking.
Kwara ranked 14th with a scored 1.55, Enugu ranked 15th with a score of 1.66, Oyo ranked 16th with a score of 1.66, Sokoto ranked 17th with a score of 1.72, Imo ranked 18th with a score 1.76, Abia 19th on 1.78 score, Kano 20th on 1.82 score, Borno 21th on 1.99 score, Nasarawa 22nd, on 1.99 score, and Kogi 23rd on 2.09 score.
With a score of 2.18, Bauchi ranked 24th, Yobe scored 2.26 to rank 25th, Niger scored 2.30 to emerge 26th, Adamawa scored 2.33 to rank 27th, Ondo scored 2.33 to rank 28th, Akwa Ibom scored 2.34 to rank 29th, Katsina scored 2.41 to emerge 30th while Ekiti scored 2.47 to rank 31st.
At the Bottom 5 of the States Performance Index, are Jigawa which scored 2.47 to rank 32nd, Delta 2.51 score at 33rd, Benue 2.64 score to rank 34th, Taraba scored 3.23 to emerge 35th, and Bayelsa scored 5.32 to gross 36th.
The BudgIT report urged that states at the bottom of the Index A ranking need to do more to rapidly consolidate on any ongoing strategies to improve their IGR and by extension, their viability as federating entities.
In its ranking of States Performance on Index B which measured availability of public revenue to invest in capital infrastructure after fulfilling repayment obligations to lenders and their government’s operation expenses, the BudgIT report ranked Ebonyi tops with a score of 0.47, Rivers second with a score of 0.48, Kebbi third with a score 0.51, Anambra fourth with a score of 0.53, and Kaduna fifth with a score of 0.57.
States with less revenue left to invest in capital infrastructure for citizens, and also face greater risk of borrowing are Zamfara which scored 0.96 and ranked 33rd, Oyo at 0.98 and ranked 34th, Benue which scored 1.00 and ranked 35th, and Taraba, ranking 36th with a score of 1.19.
However, BudgIT cautioned that “all Nigerian states still need to work hard to build economic prosperity and create more jobs in their states to ensure that there is more money in circulation and economic activities that can be taxed to improve their IGR”.
On the Subnational Debt Outlook, the BudgIT report said that, “Cumulatively, the 36 states total debt burden increased by N472.63billion or 8.78percent from N5.39trillion in 2019 to N5.86trillion in 2020. This increase in total subnational debt was driven largely by exchange rate volatility which saw the value of the Naira jump from N305.9/$1 in 2019 to N380/$1 as at December 31, 2020.”
Its report on the Spending Priorities shows that “based on each state’s 2020 revenue, five states prioritized investment in infrastructure by spending more on capital expenditure than operating expenses. The states are Ebonyi, Rivers, Anambra and Cross River states in the South and Kaduna State in the North.”
The BudgIT report also gave a detailed breakdown of Rivers State’s growth indices over the five-year IGR earning trend from 2016 through 2020, with N85.29billion in 2016, N89.48billion in 2017, N112.78billion in 2018, N140.40billion in 2019 and N117.19billion in 2020.
It showed that gross FAAC revenues stood at NN104.93billion in 2016, N138.15billion in 2017, N172.87billion in 2018, N169.13billion in 2019 and N149.75billion in 2020.
The state’s Year-On-Year Growth rate 2019 through 2020 shows that IGR declined by -16.53percent, Gross FAAC was -11.46percent, while Capital Expenditure was -24.14percent.
Also, the Structure of State of States Recurrent Revenue for 2020 reported N117.19billion in IGR value, representing 43.90percent, against N149.75billion Gross FAAC value, representing 56.10percent.
On the 2020 Spending Priority Index, Rivers State reported a Capital Expenditure of N168.36billion, or 59.70percent against N113.65billion Operating Expenses or 40.30percent.
The BudgIT report also gave an analysis of Rivers State’s Per Capita for 2020, which stood at N14,005 IGR Per Capita; N20,120 Capital Expenditure Per Capita; and N36,291 Total Debt Per Capita.
BudgIT report indicates that “Rivers State’s IGR was still the second highest in the country and accounted for 9.65percent of the total N1.21trillion in IGR generated by all 36 states; it was surpassed only by Lagos State, with an IGR of N418.98billion in 2020″.
By: Nelson Chukwudi
News
Rivers DPOs Receive Awards For Outstanding Performance In Crime Prevention …As Students, Media Group Honour CSP Worgu, CSP Yusuf
Two Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in Rivers State have been honoured by separate groups for their contributions to security, crime prevention and improved community-police relations in their respective areas of responsibility.
The beneficiaries are the DPO of Afam Police Division, CSP Endurance Worgu and his counterpart at Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf.
CSP Worgu was honoured by a group of students under the aegis of Rivers State Graduate Students Associations for what they described as his commitment and outstanding performance in the discharge of his duties.
The students, led by Chidi John Enyie, Esq. said CSP Worgu was selected based on his track record and status as one of the longest-serving young DPOs of Rivers State origin.
According to the group, CSP Worgu has made significant contributions to the protection of lives and property in the area since assuming office following the #EndSARS period.
The students said they were particularly impressed by the improvement in community-police relations under his leadership, noting that professionalism had remained a key feature of his service.
Enyie represented by Comrade Briggs Soku, said the students community was pleased to identify with a Rivers indigene who had distinguished himself in the police force.
He said the students considered it necessary to encourage and celebrate CSP Worgu because of his achievements as a young Rivers man excelling in a profession that many people from the state were often reluctant to join.
Receiving the award at his office in Afam, CSP Worgu expressed gratitude to God and the students for finding him worthy of the honour.
The DPO said the recognition had boosted his morale and encouraged him to sustain his efforts towards maintaining peace and security in the area.
He said he least expected the honour, particularly because it came from the students, adding that the recognition would further motivate him to serve the people better.
CSP Worgu assured residents of Afam that the police would sustain the existing peace in the area.
He appealed to members of the public to support the police by providing credible and timely information, stressing that useful information from residents would make the job of security personnel easier.
Meanwhile, the Ikwerre/Etche Media Association has also honoured the DPO of Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf, for his efforts in tackling criminal activities in the area.
The media group presented the award following the swift tracking and arrest of five suspected kidnappers who had allegedly terrorised residents of the Kom-Kom axis and other parts of Oyigbo.
The group commended CSP Bello for what it described as his determined efforts to restore confidence and security in the affected communities, particularly Kom-Kom and Obeama.
According to the group, the arrest of the suspects demonstrated the DPO’s commitment to tackling criminality and safeguarding residents.
The media association said residents had received the development with relief, noting that the police action had sent a strong message to criminal elements operating in the area.
Responding, CSP Yusuf appreciated the group for the recognition and reaffirmed that there would be no room for criminality in Oyigbo.
He also commended the media for its role in disseminating credible information to the public, saying the media had remained supportive of the police in the fight against crime.
CSP Yusuf warned criminal elements operating in Oyigbo to leave the area or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.
He assured residents that the police would continue to pursue criminals and work to dismantle their hideouts, regardless of where they might be operating.
News
College Of Bishops Endorses Tinubu, APC Candidates For 2027 Polls
The 5000 Achievers Christian Forum and Colleges of Bishops, Archbishops and Apostles, a Christian interdenominational organisation, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State for the 2027 general elections.
International President of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, disclosed this during the ordination and consecration of three new Bishops, as well as an award ceremony held in Port Harcourt.
Aroh said the performance of the APC-led Federal Government had endeared the party to the organisation, prompting the forum to declare its support for President Tinubu and other APC candidates in Rivers State.
He said the forum would support all APC candidates in the state during the 2027 elections and urged Nigerians to vote for the party.
Aroh, who is also the General Overseer of Caring Peoples Church, Port Harcourt, charged the newly consecrated Bishops to see their new positions as a great responsibility and dedicate themselves to the advancement of the kingdom of God.
He cautioned them against conduct capable of bringing their offices into disrepute, stressing that their activities would be closely watched by members of the public.
“As Bishops, the eyes of the public are on your activities. You must therefore conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of your calling,” he said.
Also speaking, the International Coordinator of the forum, Bishop Saint Robinson, urged the newly consecrated Bishops to work diligently towards winning souls for the kingdom of God.
Robinson, who was the guest speaker at the event, stressed that the activities of Bishops must at all times be guided by godly principles.
He also called on members of the church to support and cooperate with the newly consecrated Bishops in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The Secretary of the College, Apostle Elizabeth Ayadi Abaye, said the organisation was established to advance the kingdom of God and promote spiritual development.
According to her, the forum has organised several crusades, conferences, prayer meetings, ordinations, consecrations, enthronements, empowerment programmes and other spiritual development activities across the country as part of efforts to win souls for Christ.
Abaye said the organisation has members across the world and disclosed that more programmes had been scheduled to promote the spiritual development and wellbeing of humanity.
The three Bishops consecrated at the ceremony were Prince Alban Chike, Testimony Omenihu Shedrach and Prince Ifemena.
Among those honoured at the event were the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Abali Community, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Manuchimso Prince Lemmy Wopara, and Clifford Oko Jaja, Coordinator of the 5,000 House-to-House for President Tinubu.
By: John Bibor
News
Police Arrest Fake Soldier, Others For Armed Robbery, Kidnapping
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 49-year-old suspected fake soldier, Andrew Atausi, and several other suspects in connection with various criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, one-chance robbery and the alleged murder of police officers.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this in Port Harcourt, recently during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, where he said the arrests formed part of the operational achievements recorded by the Command between June and August 2026.
Adepoju said Atausi was arrested on August 10 by police operatives along Ada George, Port Harcourt, while dressed in military uniform and driving a Toyota Hilux painted in Army colours.
The Commissioner said investigation revealed that Atausi was not a member of the Armed Forces, adding that he was suspected to be a serial car snatcher, with three suspected stolen vehicles recovered from him.
He said the recovered vehicles included three Toyota Hilux vehicles without registration numbers and a Toyota Corona Premio with registration number BNY 380 ES, noting that the chassis and engine numbers of the vehicles had allegedly been tampered with.
Adepoju added that an axe and military accoutrements were also recovered from Atausi, as investigation continued into the circumstances surrounding the vehicles and other items recovered from him.
On the June 29 attack on police officers at Aluu Division, the Commissioner said three members of the gang allegedly responsible for the incident had been arrested by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU-AKU.
The suspects, identified as Maduabuchi Emeka, 34, alleged gang leader; Doctor Chinedu Owhor, 42, and Kamachi Joe, 28, alleged armourer, reportedly led operatives to their hideout at Omagwa where two AK-47 rifles stolen during the attack were recovered.
Adepoju recalled that two police officers were killed during the Aluu attack, while others were wounded and one officer had his leg amputated, stressing that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fourth suspect.
On kidnapping, the Commissioner said five members of a suspected kidnapping syndicate were arrested in Oyigbo Local Government Area, adding that they allegedly confessed to operations in Kom-Kom, Railway, Obeama and Afam communities.
He said two other suspects from the same network, Anele Ogbogu, 35, alleged to be the gang’s armourer, and Kenneth Eke, 38, were arrested on July 27, with one AK-47 rifle and one SMG rifle recovered.
The Commissioner further disclosed the arrest of suspects in connection with alleged firearm offences, armed robbery, cultism and one-chance robbery, with firearms, ammunition and other exhibits recovered during the operations.
Adepoju assured residents that the Command would sustain intelligence-led, proactive and community-oriented policing in collaboration with other security agencies, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information that would assist the police in combating crime across Rivers State.
By; King Onunwor
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