Featured
Aftermath Of March 9 Guber, Assembly Polls: RSG Bans Public Protests …Rivers Women Tell INEC To Declare Wike, Gov-Elect …PDP Alleges Plan To Relocate Collation Centre
The Rivers State Government has placed a ban on all public protests in the state with immediate effect.
A statement issued in Port Harcourt yesterday by the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Barr. Emma Okah, directed security agencies in the state to enforce the ban and ensure that members of the public maintain peace and order.
He said the ban remains in force till further notice.
This is coming on the heels of several protests in the state by different groups since the suspension of the electoral process in the state by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Meanwhile, Rivers women from the 23 local government areas of the state have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conclude the collation process for the Governorship election, and declare Governor Nyesom Wike duly re-elected.
They also demanded that the Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC in Rivers State, Mr Obo Effanga be allowed to conclude the collation process, since he conducted the 2019 general election.
The Rivers women were dressed in white to signify peace and their commitment to the peaceful conclusion of the 2019 general election.
The women, who embarked on a peaceful march to the state Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force on Moscow Road and the Department of State Services (DSS) on Forces Avenue in Port Harcourt, warned the Nigerian Army to stop forthwith the intimidation of Rivers people.
The women, who were in their thousands, held placards with the following inscriptions: “Amaechi you cannot be governor for a third term “, “Nigerian Army should stop intimidating Rivers people”, “Leave Rivers REC alone”, and “INEC must conclude collation of Rivers Governorship Election results”.
The women also stated that the former Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi cannot govern the state for an illegal third term through the back door.
They stated that they overwhelmingly voted for Wike in across the state, and in most cases, they stayed at the collation centres to defend their votes, despite the threats by personnel of the Nigerian Army and F-SARS.
Leader of Rivers Women, Mrs Ukel Oyaghiri said that the process of collation and declaration of results must be concluded as unnecessary delay is no longer appreciated.
“We want our results to be declared. We don’t want further delays. The state is at a standstill because of the non-release of our results. This delay is becoming dangerous.
“The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Obo Effanga should be allowed to conclude the collation process. He was the one who conducted the elections. This is a process that should be concluded by him”, Oyaghiri said.
She urged the police to stand with the people by joining them to defend the votes of Rivers people, adding that the votes of Rivers people must count and there should be no further delay.
Another Rivers women leader, Chinyeru Agbaru noted that all results in the custody of INEC should be collated and declared.
She stated that there is no reason for the Resident Electoral Commissioner to be redeployed as being canvassed by the APC in Rivers State.
Also speaking, Women Leader of Rivers PDP, Mrs Victoria Allison appreciated the police for stopping the Nigerian Army’s invasion of the Rivers State Governorship Collation Centre on March 10.
Allison said that Rivers women were dressed in white to show that they support the peaceful conclusion of the 2019 general election.
She said that Rivers State successfully held the Governorship election and the votes of the people must count.
A female youth leader, Soibi Ibibo-Jack said that Wike has won the election and should be declared winner by INEC.
She warned the police against disrupting the Governorship collation exercise as currently being rumoured, stressing that the police are under obligation to be neutral.
Jack said that those calling for the transfer of the Resident Electoral Commissioner were doing so because he refused to be compromised, insisting that he should be allowed to complete the collation.
Responding on behalf of the Rivers State Police Command, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Betty Otimeye, said the message of Rivers women would be passed to the appropriate authorities for action to be taken.
At the DSS Headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers women said that they demand action on the declaration of all collated results within scheduled period.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised an alarm over alleged plot by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to move the collation centre for the governorship election from Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, to an undisclosed location.
It said the commission was planning to do so at the behest of African Action Congress (AAC) and some extraneous forces.
The state Chairman of the party, Bro Felix Obuah, said the party has it on good authority that INEC was acceding to the demands of a political party and some forces hell bent on scuttling the outcome of the March 9 election and setting the state on fire.
Obuah warned INEC not to allow itself to be used to precipitate constitutional crisis in the state.
However, reacting to the allegation, INEC washed its hands off any plot to change the collation centre.
But while reacting to the allegation, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, said: “I can tell you categorically that there is no truth in that claim. INEC collation centre in Rivers will not be moved. Please disregard the rumour.”
Meanwhile, INEC has assured it is going ahead with the planned collation of results of March 9 governorship election in Rivers State from April 2.
INEC’s National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education, Festus Okoye, reacting to a petition by the African Action Congress (AAC) in which the party asked the commission to shelve plans to collate results of the governorship election in Rivers State, dismissed such request as inappropriate.
He said no political party can stop it from carrying out its constitutional responsibility.
Insisting that no party can order the commission around, Okoye said there is no changing of plans in the April 2 collation of results decision.
He said: “No party or individual can stop us from carrying out our constitutional responsibility. We will commence collation of election results from April 2, we are going ahead with that.”
He added “Our advice to all the parties is to work with INEC to conclude the exercise.”
It would be recalled that the AAC governorship candidate in Rivers State, Biokpomabo Awara, had last Tuesday, told newsmen in Abuja that he had submitted a petition to INEC, demanding the stoppage of the collation of the governorship election results scheduled to kick off on April 2.
Rather than go ahead with the collation of the results, he urged INEC to conduct a fresh governorship election in Rivers.
Awara’s AAC is backed by the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi and a faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
The deputy governorship candidate of the party, Akpo Bomba Yeeh, last weekend, resigned his membership of the party and joined the PDP.
Just last Wednesday, the deputy chairman of the AAC, Prince Amezhinim Atuma also resigned his membership of the party and decamped to the PDP.
In the same vein, thousands of leaders and members of 85 registered political parties, yesterday, marched through the streets of Port Harcourt, celebrating the re-election of Governor Nyesom Wike in the March 9 governorship election.
They also urged INEC to diligently conclude the official collation and declaration of the state governorship election results.
Leaders and members of the registered political parties, who gathered under the aegis of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), at the Isaac Boro Park, in Port Harcourt, at about 7:30a.m., declared that the peace walk was aimed at telling the world that Rivers people, irrespective of political affiliations, voted overwhelmingly for governor Wike on March 9.
They sang pro-Wike songs as they marched through the streets, insisting that on no account should the votes of Rivers people be manipulated.
Also, IPAC passed a vote of confidence in the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Rivers, Obo Effanga.
The protesters displayed several placards indicating their preference for governor Wike, and the need for the collation process to be concluded as outlined in the timelines of INEC.
In his address, IPAC Chairman in Rivers State, Precious Baridoo, said the political parties were calling on INEC to continue with the collation and declaration of the governorship election results.
He said: “Let the election process continue in Rivers State. We are telling INEC to go ahead with the process. We condemn, in totality, calls, by a few persons, for the removal of Effanga. We want him to continue and conclude his job.”
In a related development, thousands of leaders and members of 85 registered political parties, last Wednesday, marched through the streets of Port Harcourt, celebrating the re-election of Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike while urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to diligently conclude the official collation and declaration of the state Governorship Election results.
The leaders and members of the registered political parties, who gathered under the aegis of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) at the Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt by 7. 30am, declared that the peace walk was aimed at telling the world that Rivers people, irrespective of political affiliation, voted overwhelmingly for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on March 9, 2019.
They sang pro-Nyesom Wike songs as they marched through the streets, insisting that on no account should the votes of Rivers people be manipulated.
They passed a vote of confidence on the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Rivers State, Obo Effanga.
The Rivers people on peaceful march displayed several placards indicating their preference for Wike and the need for the collation process to be concluded as outlined in the timelines of INEC.
Some of the placards read: “Army Stop Disrupting the Collation Process in Rivers State”, “Army Please Allow INEC Conclude the Collation Process”, “Rivers People Overwhelmingly Voted for Governor Wike on March 9”, “We Shall Continue to Defend our Votes” and “Obo Effanga is a Professional and we are confident in his capacity to deliver”.
Other placards read: “Amaechi leave Rivers State Alone”, “Federal Might has failed woefully in Rivers State”, “Prosecute Major General Jamil Sarham for attempting to rob Rivers Mandate” and “We condemn APC elders for their illegal letter to President Muhammadu Buhari”.
The peaceful march moved to the Rivers State Police Command where the leaders of the 85 political parties relayed the position of the people.
In his address, Chairman of IPAC Rivers State, Sir Precious Baridoo, said that the political parties were calling on INEC to continue with the collation and declaration of the Governorship election results.
Baridoo said: “Let the election process continue in Rivers State. We are telling INEC to follow through with the process. We condemn in totality, the calls by a few persons for the removal of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Obo Effanga. We want him to continue and conclude his job”.
The chairman of IPAC Rivers State noted that nothing should be done outside the law because the INEC process is constitutional.
He said: “INEC process is constitutional and must be allowed to take place. It should be done normally for the peaceful co-existence of Rivers State”.
Also speaking, immediate past Chairman of IPAC Rivers State and Chairman, Independent Democrats (ID), Pastor Samuel Ihunwo, said Rivers people no longer want the militarisation of the polity because Rivers people were slaughtered by soldiers on March 9, 2019 because some persons wanted to rig the elections.
He reiterated the position of the 86 registered political parties that Rivers people want the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Obo Effanga, to conclude the 2019 Governorship election collation process.
“Effanga is a professional and should be allowed to conclude the process. We condemn the few APC elders who want to place the state in jeopardy while their children are studying abroad. We urge the President to ignore their letter”, he said.
He said Rivers people have voted for Wike and their votes will count as the collation process was brought to a logical conclusion.
Responding on behalf of the Rivers State Police Command, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Victor Erewere commended the members of IPAC for their peaceful conduct.
He said that he would convey their message to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.
The procession later moved to the Rivers State Headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS) where they reiterated their demands for the conclusion of the collation and declaration of the Governorship Election results of Rivers State.
They also re-affirmed their position that the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Rivers State be allowed to conclude the collation process.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
The Rivers State Government has distributed science equipment and materials to all senior secondary schools across the state to support students during the ongoing West African Examinations Council exams and to strengthen practical learning.
Flagging off the distribution at the Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board premises in Port Harcourt, on Monday, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, said the move demonstrates Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s commitment to improving education standards in the State.
Nwagor said the materials were approved and provided by the state government specifically to boost the teaching and learning of science subjects, describing science education as the foundation for technological advancement, innovation, and national development.
“No society can compete globally without deliberate investment in science and technology,” the Commissioner stated.
He commended the governor for consistently prioritising the education sector by providing tools needed for effective teaching and hands-on learning.
The Commissioner directed principals to ensure that the equipment are used strictly for practical lessons in their schools, warning that any principal or administrator found diverting, hoarding, or selling the materials wil face disciplinary action under public service regulations.
Nwagor also warned against examination malpractice, saying any principal found aiding or encouraging malpractices will be decisively sanctioned.
“We must collectively restore the dignity and credibility of our educational system,” he said.
Also speaking, Chairman, Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board, Tony Egwurugwu, urged school heads to make judicious use of the materials for students’ benefit.
He thanked the State Government for providing the resources, and assured that monitoring mechanisms would be put in place to ensure the materials serve their intended purpose.
In his own remarks, a Board Member for Technical Education, Nwisabari Bani Samuel, expressed appreciation to the governor for prioritising education and acknowledged the Commissioner’s role in advancing education development in the State.
He said the distribution covers all senior secondary schools in the State and is intended to improve students’ performance in both internal and external science examinations.
Akujobi Amadi
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has commended workers in the State for their resilience, dedication, and invaluable contributions to development in the State.
Fubara gave the commendation during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration at Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt, last Friday.
Represented by his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, the governor noted that Workers’ Day, which originated from the struggle for an eight-hour workday in the United States, has evolved into a global event recognising the contributions of workers to national growth and development.
He described workers as the backbone of sustainable development, saying no society can thrive without their efforts.
Fubara commended Rivers workers for their loyalty and commitment to service, noting that workers play vital roles across key sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure and industry.
He noted that their contributions have enhanced access to quality education and healthcare, supported job creation, and stimulated economic activities across the State.
While acknowledging the economic challenges faced by many workers, including the rising cost of living, Fubara assured that the the State Government remains committed to implementing policies that will enhance workers’ welfare and overall well-being.
The governor also hailed the bold and daring economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu which, he said, have stabilized the economy, enhanced foreign exchange liquidity, lowered inflation, and achieved significant growth in the nation’s gross domestic product.
He noted that, in addition to raising the minimum wage, the President recently approved new welfare incentives for federal civil servants.
“Our economy is on an unstoppable positive path under our President, and it can only improve further for the nation and everyone. Let us continue supporting the policies and programmes of Mr President,” he said.
Fubara highlighted the importance of workers in revenue generation and governance, noting that taxes paid by workers enable government to provide security and essential social services.
He reaffirmed the State Government’s recognition of labour as a critical partner in achieving its development blueprint, appreciating workers’ daily contributions to building a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Rivers State.
The governor urged the organised labour to use the occasion to reaffirm its commitment to the progress of the State, while continuing to advocate for democracy, social justice, and improved welfare for workers.
He also expressed gratitude to workers for their service to the State and the nation, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their contributions to development.
In his address, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, commended Fubara for his steadfastness, genuine commitment, and passion for workers in the State.
He highlighted key achievements of the administration, including the implementation of the National Minimum Wage Act, the renovation of the State Secretariat, the reopening of the Rivers State Transport Company (RTC), and the consistent payment of end-of-year bonuses to public workers.
Comrade Agwanwor noted that workers, as drivers of productivity, understand the challenges involved in building a prosperous Rivers State, stressing that they are well-equipped to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the State.
“We have resolved not to continue complaining and lamenting while challenges persist. Instead, we must take the initiative, step out of relative obscurity, and rediscover the mission and destiny of our dear state,” he said.
Featured
Fubara Pledges Support For Corporate Organisations In Rivers …Says PPP Business Model Responsible For NLNG’s Success
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has pledged the continued support of his administration for the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited.
Fubara gave the assurance while receiving the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NLNG, Mr Adeleye Falade, who paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt.
He assured that his administration would continue to contribute its own quota in support of the NLNG.
According to him, the success of the organisation is equally the success of the government of Rivers State and the success of the Federal Government.
“Our duty is to make sure that we support whoever is operating in our state. We are the ones here. If we don’t support you and you don’t succeed, we also will not succeed and Mr President will also not succeed.
“So, the success of your establishment is the success of our state, and overall success of Nigeria. So you can count on our support. Wherever you think we need to come in to support you, please do not hesitate to call upon us.
“You just mentioned here that your predecessor left a handover note showcasing the level of support that he got from the state. It is not going to be different in your own case. I can assure you that. I will also ensure that other units of the government will liaise with you when necessary. So even if you can’t get to me, you can always get to them and if there is anything we can do to help your establishment succeed, we will do it for you,” he said.
The governor attributed the success of the NLNG to the Public Private Partnership ( PPP) business model adopted by the Federal Government and the multinational oil companies.
The NLNG is jointly owned by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) with 49%, Shell Gas B.V. with 25.6%, Total LNG Nigeria Ltd with 15%, and Eni International with 10.4%.
The partnership model allows for shared risks, costs, and expertise in the LNG sector.
The governor noted that the NLNG has not only survived the difficult business environment but has made sustained progress in the nearly three decades of its existence.
According to him, the decision of the Federal Government to allow the multinational oil companies who have the needed expertise to run the establishment while government plays a supervisory role over it has largely been responsible for its success.
“I’m very proud to say that if there is one establishment that has shown resilience, that has survived in the face of all the political issues prevalent in this country, it is the NLNG. And what is the reason? The reason is very simple. Government has no business in business. That is the truth. Leave the business for those people who can operate it. Let the government play its supervisory role to ensure that there is compliance with the laws; ensure that standards are maintained and also ensure that the right people with the needed expertise are at the helm of affairs. That’s all. I think that is the reason why we still record a lot of successes in NLNG,” he said.
In his opening remark, the new NLNG boss, Mr Adeleye Falade, who led other top officials of the company on the visit, expressed appreciation to the governor for granting them audience, and appealed to the State Government to continue to support the organisation.
“We appreciate the opportunity to meet with you and deepen this important relationship.We deeply value the support the Rivers State Government continues to extend in fostering an enabling operating environment for businesses. NLNG remains deliberate in its contribution to Nigeria’s development, and Rivers State, our primary host, continues to be central to that commitment,” he said.
Falade said the company has continued to work with its host communities to strengthen their capacity to identify, prioritise, and deliver sustainable development initiatives that create lasting impact.
According to him, communities including Amadi-ama, Abua, Ekpeye, Okrika, Kalabari, and Emohua have continued to benefit from this model.
He said that beyond community infrastructure, the NLNG has sustained investments in economic empowerment through initiatives such as Vocational Innovation and Business Empowerment Scheme (VIBES) and Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) schemes.
These, he said, were designed to support small businesses, build capacity, and stimulate local enterprise across the state.
Among officials of the company who accompanied the Managing Director were General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Dr Sophia Horsfall; Manager, Government Relations, Mr Abdul Umar; Manager, Community Relations, Dr. Yemi Adeyemi; Head of Government Relations, Mr Mike Igoni; Head of Community Liaison and Engagement, Chief Ifeanyi Umeh.
Others are Technical Assistant to Executive Leadership, Mr Hassan Saleh; Senior Media and Publicity Advisor, Mr Emma Nwatu; Government Relations Advisor, Miss Homa Nmegbu; Senior Government Relations Advisor, Mrs Kate Allison, and Audio -Visual Advisor, Mr Dawood Ahmed.