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NCSU Lambasts Rivers LawmakersOver LG Reforms

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2 years ago

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Apparently taking a cue from some opposition members in the House of Representatives, the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) has vehemently opposed the moves by some members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, to veto and override the assent of Governor Siminalayi Fubara on controversial bills to reform local government administration in the State, as well as extend the tenure of serving Council Chairmen and Councillors in the State.
The union said the action of the lawmakers is unknown to any extant law in the country and therefore is condemnable and unacceptable.
The Rivers State Chairman of NCSU, Comrade Chukwuka Richman Osumah, who gave the indication in an interview in Port Harcourt, said the lawmakers must now tread with caution in order not to incur the wrath of Rivers people who have risen stoutly in defence of the Governor in the wake of the current political crisis in the State.
According to him, the action of the lawmakers is a recipe for chaos, anarchy and lawlessness, and goes contrary to the peace accord brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He noted that in spite of the fact that Governor Fubara had taken steps to abide by the terms of the peace accord, and has continued to preach peace, the lawmakers and their co-travellers have rather continued to stoke the ambers of chaos, violence and needless bloodletting in the State.
Osumah, therefore, opined that if the lawmakers fail to retrace their steps and give peace a chance, the union would without hesitation, in conjunction with other labour unions in the State mobilise workers across the country to storm Rivers State, in order to call the legislators to order.
He regretted that the lawmakers have in a hurry forgotten that by virtue of their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP), they had ceased to be elected members of the State House of Assembly, and advised them to purge themselves of the tendencies of taking the laws into their own hands.
He said the time has come for the National Assembly to take over the functions of legislating for the Rivers State House of Assembly since majority of the state lawmakers had lost the mandate and legitimacy to continue to perform their legislative functions for their constituents and the State, by virtue of their defections.
While describing the moves by the lawmakers to amend the Local Government Law of the State without recourse to the Governor’s assent as legislative rascality, Osumah said civil servants in the State can no longer fold their arms and watch while some individuals take pleasure in insulting the Governor with impunity and denigrating the office of the Governor.
He maintained that the civil servants are united in their unalloyed support for the Governor Fubara administration and would continue to support the Governor to succeed in office as one of their own. This is even as he called on all civil servants in the State to continue to support and pray for the Governor and be prepared to march out whenever they are called upon.
Osumah also appealed to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to take keen interest in what is happening in Rivers State, particularly when one of its members in the person of Governor Fubara is being haunted and maligned.
He called on the Governors to rise up in defence of their colleague, by sending a strong message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The Governors should be reminded that there is an adage that says, ‘wetin reach old pot must surely reach the new pot’. If this rascality is allowed to thrive, any one of them could be the next victim. Folding their arms and sleeping while one of them is being maligned is dangerous. It could spell disaster”, he said.
Osumah also condemned the recent call by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Governor Fubara to publicly face the press, describing the comments by the Minister as infantile, unnecessary and frivolous.
According to him, Governor Fubara should be left alone and be allowed to concentrate on governance.
The labour leader expressed optimism that Governor Fubara would put smiles on the faces of civil servants in the State as Christendom prepares for this year’s Easter celebrations.

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Rivers

2026 Boy Child Day: Association Seeks Intentional Mentoring 

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1 week 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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1 week 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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1 week 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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