News
LG Bosses Seek Total Adherence To Executive Order 21
Chairmen of three local government councils in Rivers State have called for total adherence to the principles and objectives of the Executive Order 21 issued by the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, last Friday.
The chairmen – Engr Samuel Nwanosike; Barrister George Ariolu; and Dr Enyiada Cookey-Gam – of Ikwerre; Obio/Akpor; and Opobo/Nkoro local government councils, said that the total adherence to the executive order would ensure violence-free electioneering campaigns, and credible 2023 elections in the state.
Speaking in Isiokpo, the Ikwerre Local Government Area headquarters, Nwanosike, called for strict compliance to the Executive Order 21, and directed all political parties and candidates wishing to use the facilities of public schools for political activities to obtain permission from the state Ministry of Education two weeks prior to the date of the event.
Nwanosike, while issuing the directive, charged all traditional rulers and security agents to ensure that political parties and candidates making use of public school facilities within their jurisdictions obtain permission from the Ministry of Education as mandated by the Executive Order 21.
He stated that the enforcement was with immediate effect, warning that the full weight of the law would fall on those who are culpable.
Nwanosike stressed that the Rivers State Executive Order 21 was not intended to witch-hunt anyone political party or individual, but aimed at securing public school facilities and maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the event of clash of activities.
Similarly, Ariolu directed members of the public to adhere strictly to the Executive Order 21 with immediate effect across communities in Obio Akpor.
This, he said, is in compliance with the state government’s directive, which states that political parties and candidates seeking to use premises of public schools should obtain a written approval from the Ministry of Education, two weeks before the date of the event.
In a statement, Ariolu urged traditional rulers and security agencies in area to ensure strict compliance to the order.
He also stated that any community that fails to report any breach, traditional rulers of such communities shall be made to explain to government, adding that the full weight of the law shall be brought upon anyone or political party, candidate or group found culpable in contravention of the order, irrespective of how highly placed the person might be.
Ariolu said the early warning was to avoid name calling and breakdown of law and order in the event of any disruption of unauthorised gatherings.
Speaking further, he said that the order was intended to sustain the peace prevalent in the local government area at the moment.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, DrEnyiada Cookey-Gam, reminded political parties, candidates, and their supporters of the enforcement of the Executive Order 21 signed by the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, last Friday, prohibiting the use of public schools for political campaigns without the approval of the state Ministry of Education.
The ONOLGA boss warned political parties and candidates must follow the guidelines of the order in obtaining permission from the Ministry of Education not less than two weeks before the date of the rally, in addition to payment of a non-refundable security fee of N5million.
The chairman said political parties and candidates must submit proof of payment and permission from the state Ministry of Education to the council for final clearance.
He said the use of public school buildings, structures and premises for political rallies was lawful only when there was compliance.
Cookey-Gam vowed to enforce the Executive Order 21, and warned that any political party or candidate who dares violate the rules would face the full wrath of the law.
He urged the security agencies, local vigilantes, and traditional rulers to implement the order across the 11wards in the area.
Cookey-Gam noted that the adherence was inline with his administration’s commitment to ensure safety of lives and property in the area.
He enjoyed political parties and candidates for the 2023 general election in the area, to avoid conduct that may trigger fracases that may lead to political tensions during and after the campaigns.
By: Nelson Chukwudi
The ECOWAS Parliament has adopted a budget of 19,636,030 Units of Account (UA) (26 million dollars) for the 2026 fiscal year, and announced plans to commemorate its 25th anniversary in November.
The Speaker of the Parliament, Hadjia Memounatou Ibrahima, who announced this, said the development followed the recent conclusion of its 2025 Second Extraordinary Session in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
She said the budget was adopted by the Parliament during plenary, stressing that, beyond being a mere accounting act, it was the engine of parliament’s commitment to West Africans.
”It will enable us to carry out our priority missions, including implementing the conclusions of the seminar on AI, while ensuring virtuous and transparent management of public funds entrusted to us.
”This budget represents a five per cent increase compared to the 2025 fiscal year budget, reflecting an upward adjustment of UA 939,233 from last year’s UA 18,996,897.
”Out of the budget of UA 19,636,030 for 2026, the sum of UA19, 368,394 representing 98.64 per cent is expected to be financed through the proceeds from the Community Levy, while UA257,636, equivalent to 1.36 per cent, will accrue from other sources,” Ibrahima said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ECOWAS Community Levy is a mandatory 0.5 per cent tax imposed on goods imported into ECOWAS member states from non-ECOWAS countries.
Member states are under statutory obligation to pay the community levy, which is the main source of funding for ECOWAS institutions and their activities.
Ibrahima, however, expressed dismay that some members of the community were still defaulting on the payment of the levy, and warned that, going forward; such would be met with sanctions.
She also said that the commemoration of its 25th anniversary in November would highlight the ECOWAS Parliament’s achievements in deepening regional democracy, cooperation and growth, amid formidable challenges.
The Speaker described the forthcoming anniversary as “a chance to showcase resilience and chart a more innovative, youth-focused future for the community”.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
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