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They Didn’t Believe We’ll Get To This Point – Fubara ….Says Rivers Is Nobody’s Enterprise

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that those antagonising his administration have continued to express frustration at seeing how firmly the affairs of State have been conducted, and the milestones achieved.
The Governor accused such people of being determined to lay hold on the soul of Rivers State to control it as their personal estate, but insisted that his administration has taken it already to secure it as commonly owned by all Rivers people.
Governor Fubara made the assertion at the Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service organised as part of activities marking the 64th Independence Day Celebration of Nigeria at St. Paul’s Cathedral of the Anglican Communion at Garrison Junction in Port Harcourt, last Sunday.
The Governor stated for the record in order to correct the wrong narrative peddled in some quarters, and explained that he signed the contractual sum of N200billion loan papers from Zenith Bank to fund the construction of the 50.15-kilometer dual carriage Port Harcourt Ring Road as project started by his administration.
He also stated that his administration is embarking on the construction of the actual Trans-Kalabari Road project worth N225.1billion, plus the General Hospitals together with the Psychiatric Hospital in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, among others, which nobody can lay claims to at all, adding that the projects were being funded without borrowing.
He said, “They even say, they don’t know what we are doing. Let me remind them, it is Fubara that signed the paper to borrow from Zenith Bank the N200billion for the construction of the Port Harcourt Ring Road. So, it is my project.
“It is Fubara that awarded the Trans-Kalabari Road that they couldn’t do. They did only a bridge from Krakrama, but I am the one doing it: the complete span, and it is N225billion. I didn’t borrow.
“It is this same Fubara that is building a General Hospital, which I also included a Psychiatric Hospital because they will need it very soon. So, tell them that what I did in 1 year is what they did in 8 years.
“It is only empty container that makes noise. If God has given you opportunity, eat your plantain and keep quiet. God will continue to give us the strength to do the best for our people, without fear.”
Governor Fubara insisted that if they continue to deride the grace of God on his life, they will continue to struggle for needless public recognition or approval that depicts how much they have fallen out of grace themselves.
The Governor explained that his policy in office is not to embark of mere jamboree of groundbreaking for projects but assured that any project started will be inaugurated and actually put to public use.
Governor Fubara said: “Very soon, you will see what we are doing. It is not about doing roads to your business interest. I don’t have any business interest. Whatever I am doing, I am doing it for the people of Rivers State.
“We will not take any decision that we cannot defend. We won’t be part of anything that will bring any form of disgrace to our dear State. This State is important to us. It is the only thing that we have.
“It is the beautiful pride. That is why they are struggling, coupled with the improvement in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) we have done. That is why they are struggling, we know. But, do it with modesty, you don’t need to destroy the house.”
Governor Fubara also said: “The frustration you are seeing in their faces today is about this point we have gotten to. So, please, be strong. All the Babylonians that we are seeing today, you will not see them again.
“God has a reason for allowing the devil or the evil one to stay long. It is not that He can’t take him or take them away but He gives them time to repent. And when they continue, He will come heavily, and then, they would say, it would have been better that they had left when they had time. That will be our story in this State.
“But, you see, anybody that is making noise for recognition, it is a sign that he has lost it. By the special grace of God, I don’t need introduction. I have the name, and I am the one standing here.”
Also, Governor Fubara said: “So, please, I will beg everyone of you, God has given us this opportunity, we must safeguard it. They are the ones looking for a way to destroy it.
“They didn’t believe we will get to this point, and I can tell you I had a reason for inviting all the candidates for the local government election for this service.”
Governor Fubara emphasised: “As a matter of fact, I am a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but I know that there will be election that I am conducting. So, I have to invite you to come and receive prayers. And little did I know, the Bishop gave you the prayers.
“For those of you that are going to participate in the election, please, I want the election to be peaceful, very important. When you emerge, our major concern is the people. Care for the people. We have taken Rivers State into a different driveway.”
Governor Fubara dispelled any fears lurking in the minds of Rivers people concerning the political crisis that erupted in the State, and assured that the most difficult stage of that experience had been overcome.
He said most of the decisions taken by his administration may not have been popular but added that they were necessary if the State must be protected from the detractors.
Governor Fubara urged everyone to join hands with his administration to tackle the big task of securing the soul of the State, and make it a proud place for all Rivers people.
He added, “And I tell you, with due respect my Dean, when you said our National Anthem was changed, for me, I like this new one, more especially where it says – a nation built, where no man is oppressed – it is so unique.
“And if that is where I stand, you should understand, I can’t be a party to oppressing anybody. And for the fact that I can’t be a party to oppress anybody, by the special grace of God, nobody can oppress me. Please, we need to join hands together to sustain and develop our State.
“So, don’t be scared of anything, we have gone past the most difficult stage. That is the truth, we have gone past it. A few of our decisions might not be favourable but we have to move on as a family.
“Because at this time, what is important is to protect the soul of this State. It does not belong to anyone. Rivers State is nobody’s enterprise. So, you have to stand strong and fight.”
The Governor pointed to one of the greatest challenges facing the State, and indeed Nigeria, which is the issue of oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism that have taken a hard toll on the national economy.
Governor Fubara insisted that such acts of economic sabotage should not be allowed to continue, and urged traditional rulers to ensure they end such acts from happening in their domains.
He insisted on sustaining the process as a government to engage those youths and communities, including the security agencies to ensure the situation is salvaged.
He said, “The security agencies, they are doing their best. As a government, we are also planning to have a special committee to tackle this problem.
“We need to improve the level of our production. That is the only way that we can get out of this situation. The situation is bad. There is no two ways about it. But we must come together as one to support what the centre is doing, so our lives can change.”
Governor Fubara pointed to the fact that: “We must protect our national treasures. The only thing we have now is this oil. Rivers and Bayelsa are the flashpoints, and because of that, it is affecting the level of production, and in turn, affecting the output and the revenue we make.
“Nigeria needs money now, the only way we can save Nigeria from this situation is increased production. Please, I am begging everyone, more especially the leaders of the most impacted local governments: Degema and Emohua. The traditional rulers that are covering these areas, you must do something about it.”
Governor Fubara expressed delight for the opportunity of marking another Nigerian Independence Day Anniversary in office in a few days.
He recalled that about a year ago, he was in church on such day, and had sang a particular song that stated that: ‘from the beginning to the end, there is no place for argument, you are God and God by yourself.’
Governor Fubara said most people did not quiet connect to the spiritual meaning of the song because they had sang it as one of those regular songs sung in church but added that God started working in his favour from then, and had showed Himself mightily.
“So, we want to say that our marking this Independence Day is very special. Special, because we symbolise peace and our prayer for this State is peace. And in extension, because of our peaceful disposition, we strongly believe that things should be done right, and when it is done right, from here Nigeria will get better.
“This celebration today is for a purpose. It coincided with what happened last year. So, I assure you of our support to make all the plans come to reality. We will get there, and we are already there. God does not start and stop half way. He takes you to the end.”
Governor Fubara said he has always stood on the path of truth, and will not need anybody to apologize on his behalf for doing the right things for the good of the State.
He said: As a matter of fact, I belong to that school of thought that if I am the only person that needs to stand on that side of right, I will stand there. I don’t need anybody to stand with me.
“I cannot give my kidney or liver to anybody, I won’t. If that is the only reason for me to be loyal, I will not be. But, I will not do the wrong thing. I will stand for the side of right.
“I make bold to say it, there is no security agency in this State that I have called any day to go and do something wrong. I have never. I don’t need for it. But I know what they do, and they keep failing because God has left them.”
Preaching at the service on the topic: “Navigating the odds in our nation, Nigeria”, the Archbishop of Niger Delta Province, Most Reverend Blessing Enyindah bemoaned Nigeria at its 64th Independence anniversary, saying it seemed like a country under siege wherein its citizens are held up as captives with no hope brighter than noonday to expect.
Archbishop Enyindah, who is also the Bishop, Diocese of Ikwerre, and Dean of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, blamed leaders across sectors, particularly political leaders for the nation’s woes because, zccirding to him, instead of liberating the people from social, economical and political imprisonment, they accentuate poverty, economic hardship and soaring prices of goods.
The clergy man said if political leaders stop enacting irrelevant policies that exercipate chaos, resist the temptation of perpetuating themselves in office, and judicial officers breaking away from issuing conflicting judgments that promote miscarriage of justice, a new culture where everybody does what is right will emerge, and Nigeria will truly become the country it should be.
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Tinubu Commissions Afam 11 Power Plant …Urges Stronger Private Sector Partnership In Power Sector

President Bola Tinubu has restated the commitment of the Federal Government towards achieving sustainable electricity supply and industrialisation in Nigeria.
Tinubu gave the declaration during the commissioning of the newly constructed 180 megawatts Afam 11 Power Plant located in Afam, Oyigbo Local Government Area in Rivers State on Wednesday.
He said the completion of the project within just 16 months was a key achievement in the power sector.
The President who addressed Nigerians virtually during the event, emphasized that the project, which is a landmark partnership between Crescendough Nigeria Limited (CNL) and Sahara Power Group, underscored the tenacity of his administration to promote success in private sector partnership and development, adding that the feat will increase industrialisation and economic growth in the country.
The president commended the Rivers State Government, the contractors, Sahara Energies and Crescendough Nigeria Limited (CNL) for the successful delivery of the project on record time.
While urging stronger collaboration among stakeholders to achieve a more globally competitive Nigeria, Tinubu said achieving sustainable power supply remains an unwavering goal under his administration
The President described the project as a testament to the blossoming investment opportunities fostered by his administration’s well-structured policies, which prioritize national development and private sector participation.
He emphasized that the Afam II Plant will not only bolster Nigeria’s power generation capacity by adding 180MW to the national grid but also energize businesses, industries, healthcare facilities, and households, igniting hope for a brighter economic future.
“The completion of the Afam II Plant within just 16 months reinforces our capacity to overcome challenges through collaboration, tenacity, and unwavering commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” President Tinubu stated. “Achieving stable power supply remains a top priority for this administration. I have directed the Honourable Minister of Power and all stakeholders in the power value chain to work collectively towards our declaration to light up Nigeria.”
“We solicit the support of all Nigerians as we implement reforms and strategies to transform the power sector. Our administration will continue to enforce policies that attract investments—both local and foreign—to achieve this critical goal,” he affirmed.
In his remarks, the Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), hailed the project as a product of visionary leadership and private sector empowerment.
He noted that President Tinubu’s enabling policies have spurred bold investments across key sectors, including power, agriculture, oil and gas, education, and transportation.
“This power plant reflects the long-standing vision of successive Rivers State administrations to expand energy infrastructure beyond oil and gas, driving industrial growth,” Vice Admiral Ibas said. “Beyond boosting electricity supply, this project has created jobs and skills development opportunities for youths in Afam. I commend the host community for their cooperation, proving that peace and development go hand in hand,” he said.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, described the Afam II Plant as a commendable milestone showcasing the private sector’s pivotal role in enhancing power generation within a conducive business environment.
Similarly, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, applauded Rivers State’s sustained investments in energy infrastructure since 2011, culminating in the Afam II Plant’s success.
Speaking at the event, the Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, Kola Adesina, highlighted that the partnership reinforces Sahara’s position as Nigeria’s largest private-sector electricity provider, contributing 20% of the nation’s power supply and driving sustainable development.
He described the project as a celebration of collaboration, intentional strategic and sustainable partnership that make Nigeria an industrial hub.
He commended President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, while also thanking the host communities for their support.
The Tide reports that the Afam II Power Plant stands as a beacon of progress, underscoring Nigeria’s resolve to achieving energy security, economic growth, and industrial transformation under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Taneh Beemene
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Tight Security As Muslims Celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, Today

As Muslim faithful celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir today, security agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps, National Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Nigerian Police have deployed over 50,000 personnel to secure shopping malls, prayer grounds, motor parks, markets, recreational centres and various government buildings for the celebrations.
The FRSC, in a statement by its spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, on Wednesday, stated that over 36,000 personnel, including regular and special marshals, will be deployed across the country.
This is as he disclosed that the FRSC has commenced a nationwide special patrol operation in preparation for the Eid el-Kabir celebrations slated for today.
The operation will be supported by 750 patrol vehicles, 120 ambulances, 25 tow trucks, and more than 200 motorbikes.
The initiative, which runs from June 5 to June 11, aims to ensure road safety and manage traffic flow during the festive period.
The statement read in part, “Pursuant to the declaration of Friday, 6 June 2025 as the day of Eid el Kabir in Nigeria, the Federal Road Safety Corps has commenced massive Mobilisation of its personnel and operational equipment for the Sallah special patrol aimed at ensuring safer road environment, before, during the festive period and beyond.
“The Operations Order states that not fewer than 36,000 of the FRSC regular, special marshals, and about 750 patrol vehicles, 120 ambulances, 25 tow trucks and over 200 Bikes would be on the road during the special operation that would commence from 05 to 11 June 2025.”
The statement noted that the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed that the special patrol was designed to facilitate free vehicular movement, enable prompt rescue operations, and promptly clear road obstructions.
Mohammed stressed the corps’ commitment to reducing road traffic crashes through effective patrols and public enlightenment.
The statement read in part, “To ensure the effectiveness of the operations, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, directed commanding officers operating across various formations nationwide to ensure that the 52 corridors are properly manned throughout the operations.
“He, however, appealed to motorists to obey all traffic rules and regulations and cooperate fully with the FRSC and other law enforcement agencies that would be deployed for traffic management duties, saying mobile courts would be in session across the country for prompt dispensation of justice to recalcitrant traffic violators.
“The Corps Marshal also directed that the operatives pay first-rate focus on effective traffic control, wrongful overtaking, use of phone while driving, driver licence violation, lane discipline, removal of rickety vehicles on the road, driving with expired/worn-out tyre and those without spare tyre etc.”
The statement added that commanding officers have been instructed to ensure full coverage of 52 key corridors across the country, including major highways such as Akwanga-Lafiya-Makurdi, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano, Sagamu-Mowe-Lagos, and Jos-Bauchi-Gombe, among others.
The corps also stated that it had equipped its officers with radar guns and breathalysers to monitor speed and deter drunk driving.
It urged all road users to cooperate with enforcement officers and to advocate for responsible driving habits during the festivities.
In the same vein, The Lagos State Police Command has rolled out a robust security plan to ensure a safe and peaceful Eid el-Kabir celebration across the state.
This was contained in a statement yesterday, by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, issued on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh.
According to the statement, the CP has ordered the deployment of various tactical and conventional police teams across the State to preempt and prevent any form of criminal activity during the festive period.
The statement partly read, “The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has ordered the immediate deployment of conventional police personnel, the Rapid Response Squad, the Eko Strike Force, and other tactical squads of the Nigeria Police Force to all strategic locations across the length and breadth of Lagos State.
“Special anti-crime prevention teams have also been deployed to identified black spots, criminal hideouts, and other flashpoints to prevent crimes and criminality throughout the state, build public confidence, and dispel the fear of crime from the minds of all Lagosians and visitors alike, to guarantee safety and ensure a hitch-free Eid el-Kabir Sallah celebration during this festive season and beyond.”
It added that to strengthen operational coverage, the commissioner also deployed highly trained officers from the Force’s elite units.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police has deployed strike forces of the NPF and tactical squad officers from the Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Intelligence Department, Anti-Bomb Squad, and conventional teams across the state, with Armoured Personnel Carriers and other vehicular patrol teams, to focus strictly on providing security and protection at all Eid praying grounds, mosques and religious facilities, venues of gatherings and celebrations, and other areas of recreation, in order to ensure the safety and security of Muslim faithful and other non-Muslims who will be joining in the celebrations”, the statement further stated.
The command also assured Lagosians that key public areas would be closely monitored, stating, “Particular security attention is focused on recreation centres and other public spaces where large gatherings are anticipated. These spaces will be thoroughly policed to ensure effective crowd control, traffic management, and ease of movement across Lagos State.
“Additional proactive measures are being implemented to prevent crimes, ensure prompt detection of criminal activity, and address any emerging security concerns across the state.”
The statement further added that maintaining peace throughout the celebration remains a top priority for the Lagos Police Command, stating, “The maintenance of public order before, during, and after the festivities remains the utmost priority of the Command.
Meanwhile, the NSCDC in Lagos has also mobilised 2,150 officers across the state.
A statement by the Lagos Civil Defence Public Relations Officer, Oluwaseun Abolurin, indicated that the officers are to ensure adequate security and prevent unscrupulous elements from vandalising critical national assets and infrastructure in the state.
The statement quoted the Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr Adedotun Keshinro, as assuring that operational strategies had been put in place to help rid the state of criminals and eradicate the nefarious activities of vandals and other criminal elements that take action inimical to the economic growth and development of the state.
“The officers and men across all formations of the command have been charged to bring the right and appropriate impetus on board to protect all strategic locations, points, facilities, right of ways, oil pipeline installations, religious and worship centres, parks and gardens and all assets belonging to the local, state, and Federal Government of Nigeria and more in the state,” the statement read.
In Katsina, the State Police Command said it had deployed adequate security measures to protect lives and property during and after Sallah celebrations across the state.
This was contained in a statement by the Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq and made available to newsmen in Katsina, on Wednesday.
According to the statement, “The Katsina State Police Command under the able leadership of CP Bello Shehu, is pleased to announce that given the forthcoming Eid-el Kabir festival, it has put in place adequate security arrangements to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free Sallah celebration throughout the state. To achieve this, the command has deployed adequate personnel and assets to strategic locations across the state.”
It warned against reckless and unlawful horse riding, dangerous driving, unlawful gathering, substance abuse, etcetera, which may cause chaos and endanger the lives of good people of the state.
In Delta, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, ordered massive deployment of personnel from Area Commands, Tactical formations, and divisions to provide adequate security in all Muslim prayer grounds and strategic locations across the state.
The commissioner also directed all Divisional Police Officers to intensify raids of criminal hideouts and black spots within their areas of responsibility.
This was contained in a signed statement by the police public relations officer for Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the police boss has assured the public, particularly the Muslim faithful, of adequate security and free flow of traffic in the state during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
The Commissioner of Police noted that “in recognition of the significance of the sacred occasion, the Command will be working in close synergy with other sister security agencies which include the Military, DSS, NSCDC, Road Safety, etc to ensure that the activities of all unfriendly forces such as kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists, etc are nipped in the bud.”
In Kwara State, the NSCDC assured all residents and visitors of a peaceful and well-secured festive season across the state.
The State Commandant, Mohammed Umar, ordered the deployment of 2,900 officers and men across all 16 local government areas to ensure full coverage of critical infrastructure, prayer grounds, recreational centres, and other high-traffic locations.
A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Ayoola Michael, on Wednesday, said, “All area Commanders, Divisional Officers, and Tactical Units have been directed to remain on high alert and sustain proactive engagements with communities.”
Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory Command of the NSCDC has “deployed 4,500 personnel across the nooks and crannies of the FCT” ahead of the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
Commandant Olusola Odumosu, who heads the FCT Command, announced the deployment as part of efforts to ensure public safety and the protection of critical national assets before, during, and after the festivities.
According to a statement signed by the command’s spokesperson, Monica Ojobi, on Wednesday, the deployment spanned specialised units, including the Female Strike Force, Arms Squad, Operation Adkasu, Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Unit, and the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives Unit.
The statement revealed that officers had been stationed at key public locations considered vulnerable, such as shopping malls, prayer grounds, motor parks, markets, recreational centres, the City Gate, the Three Arms Zone, amusement parks, and various government buildings.
Odumosu emphasised the importance of full personnel deployment and warned that lapses would not be tolerated.
Residents of the FCT were urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest security agency. The command assured the public of its readiness to provide a safe environment throughout the celebration period.
Odumosu also warned criminals and vandals to steer clear of critical infrastructure, noting that covert security personnel are actively monitoring the city and will take swift action against any offenders.
“My personnel are ready to ensure you have a peaceful celebration, you have a part to play too by being proactive,” he stated.
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Federal High Court begins annual vacation July 28

The Federal High Court (FHC) of Nigeria will on July 28 begin its annual vacation.
The Chief Judge (CJ) of FHC, Justice John Tsoho, made this known yesterday in a statement by the court’s Director of Information, Dr Catherine Christopher, in Abuja.
The statement is titled “Notification of Federal High Court Annual Vacation for the Year 2025 and Roaster for Vacation Judges.”
Tsoho said the announcement was by virtue of the provisions of Order 46, Rule 4 (d) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019.
“The vacation will commence from Monday, the 28th day of July 2025, to Tuesday, the 16th day of September, 2025.
“The court shall resume sitting on Wednesday, the 17th day of September, 2025.
“During the vacation period, the core Divisions; Abuja, Lagos and Port-Harcourt Judicial Divisions will remain functional for cases of extreme urgency.
“Consequently, the litigating public will be at liberty to approach ONLY the above listed Courts located nearest to them,” he said.
The CJ said the vacation judges are Justice Emeka Nwite and Justice Musa Liman for the Abuja division while Justices Deinde I. Dipeolu and Musa Kakaki would serve for the Lagos division.
The CJ said Justices P. M. Ayua and A. T. Mohammed will serve as vacation judges for the Port- Harcourt.
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