Court stops CBN from releasing allocation to Rivers
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday stopped the Central Bank of Nigeria from further releasing monthly financial allocations to Rivers State Government. The presiding judge held that the presentation of the 2024 budget by Governor Siminalayi Fubara before a four -member Rivers House of Assembly was an affront to the constitutional provision. She described the receipt and disbursement of monthly allocations since January this year by Fubara as a constitutional somersault and aberration that must not be allowed to continue. Justice Abdulmalik also held that Fubara’s action in implementing an unlawful budget smacked gross violations of the 1999 Constitution he swore to protect. She proceeded to restrain the CBN, Accountant General of the Federation, Zenith Bank, and Access Bank from further allowing Fubara to access money from the Consolidated Revenue and Federation Account.
PDP Chairman Lifts Suspensions, Calls for Party Unity
The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has lifted all recent suspensions of party members, signaling a move towards greater unity within the party. This decision comes after a meeting of the PDP Governors Forum held early Tuesday, where key issues affecting the party were discussed. In addressing the gathered governors, Mohammed acknowledged the presence of disputes among members but asserted that such challenges can be resolved through dialogue. The governors agreed to revert to previous arrangements, urging all factions within the party to set aside differences and work collaboratively for a stronger PDP moving forward. ReplyForwardAdd reaction
Rivers Political Crisis: Fubara’s Impeachment Imminent – Tonye Cole
Tonye Cole, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the 2023 Rivers State gubernatorial election expresses concerns about the potential impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Mr. hinges his concern about impeachment as the most probable outcome of the ongoing political crisis in the state. Cole’s warnings come after a recent Court of Appeal ruling upheld a Federal High Court decision that invalidated the 2024 budget presentation and approval for Rivers State. According to Cole, this ruling places Fubara in a precarious position that threatens the stability of his administration. He pointed out that by having to present the budget again, the Assembly led by Amaewhule is recognized as the legitimate body, increasing the likelihood of impeachment proceedings against Fubara. Cole highlighted the political fragmentation in Rivers, where the governor belongs to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), while the Assembly is predominantly APC, and local government structures are led by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APP). This situation has created a complex political landscape that is adversely affecting governance and development in the region. He criticized the ongoing political battles, stating that the residents of Rivers are the real victims of this conflict, with essential developments stalled. Cole argued that if the interests of the people were prioritized, the state would not be facing such turmoil. The ongoing disputes among political factions have overshadowed the needs of ordinary citizens, leaving many without the benefits of governance.
PDP Leadership Faces Internal Conflicts as Factions Suspend Key Members
Some observers however, express the view that these officials are merely puppets dancing to a drumbeat outside the PDP. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is experiencing a leadership tussle as factions within its National Working Committee (NWC) clash. The camp led by the acting National Chairman, Illiya Damagum, recently suspended two key officials—National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade. This action follows the constitution of a committee headed by Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja, to investigate alleged violations by the suspended officers. In response, the other faction, associated with Ologunagba, retaliated by suspending Damagum and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu. This group accused Damagum and Anyanwu of undermining the party’s position in a court case involving former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. They cited breaches of the party’s constitution and referred the matter to the National Disciplinary Committee for further action. The situation has escalated with new acting officials appointed: Ibrahim Abdullahi Manga as Acting National Publicity Secretary and Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha as Acting National Legal Adviser. The factions appear determined to consolidate power, indicating deeper divisions within the PDP as both sides prepare for further investigations and disciplinary proceedings. Meanwhile, some observers express the view that these officials are merely puppets dancing to a drumbeat by an active offset interested party. Those who express this view cite the squabble in the Labour Party, the second runner-up in the 2023 presidential election as evidence that a vested interest is masterminding these conflicts in order to weaken the opposition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
FCT Teachers Call Off Strike After Wike’s Intervention
The teachers are set to resume work today, October 8, 2024. Primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have called off their three-week strike following the intervention of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in the FCT announced the suspension after an emergency meeting of its State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) in Abuja. The teachers had initially gone on strike on September 18 over unresolved issues related to welfare, including the payment of allowances, minimum wage arrears, and salary adjustments. This recent action was part of ongoing efforts by the union to secure better conditions, following previous strikes in October 2023 and January 2024. The union acknowledged that Wike’s intervention included the release of 40 percent of the 25-month 2019 minimum wage arrears. They also appreciated his commitment to settling the remaining 60 percent by directing the FCT Treasury to use a portion of the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from the area councils. The union emphasized that they will continue pushing for the fulfillment of outstanding entitlements, such as peculiar allowances and salary reviews, to prevent future strikes.
Violence Erupts in Rivers State as Protesters Set Local Government Secretariat Ablaze
On Monday, unrest unfolded in Bori, Khana Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State, leaving one person feared dead after gunfire was reported. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, though it coincided with widespread protests across several LGAs, following a police directive to reopen all 23 council secretariats that had been closed since July. In Ikwerre LGA, demonstrators stormed the council headquarters in Isiokpo, setting a section of the building on fire, forcing staff and the newly appointed chairman to abandon the premises. Although authorities intervened to control the situation and extinguish the flames, some parts of the building sustained damage. In Emuoha LGA, protesters prevented the newly sworn-in chairman from entering the council headquarters. They voiced opposition to the election results, claiming the Action Peoples Party’s candidate was not popular enough to win. The demonstrators blocked access to the administrative building, insisting on the reinstatement of the previous chairman, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, whose tenure, they argued, was extended by the state House of Assembly. Earlier in the day, violence also broke out in Eleme LGA, where protesters set the secretariat on fire, destroying several structures and vehicles, including a police car. The police responded but were still assessing the extent of the damage.
Fubara Swears-in Newly Elected Council Chairmen
Governor Siminlaye Fubara of Rivers State has sworn-in the newly elected Chairmen of the 23 LGAs in Rivers State. The new helmsmen of the last tier of government emerged yesterday following fractious election that brought the state governmemnt on collision course with agencies of the Federal Government. At the end of the exercise yesterday, the Action Peoples Party (APP), the proxy party of Governor Fubara, won in 22 of the LGAs, while the Action Alliance won one of the LGs. Governor Fubara congratulated the newly sworn Local Government on their electoral victories The swearing-in ceremony took place at the at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt. Each elected Chairman was accompanied by a guest to the event which took place 4 pm. The newly elected chairmen will represent the 23 local government areas of Rivers State
Why well Meaning Nigerians Must Support This LGA Election.
By: Amaopusenibo Bobo Sofiri Brown Rivers State is one of over 10 States that had Local Government Caretaker Committees (CTC) in place by July 2024. Many of the States have conducted their LGA elections without undue interference by Abuja High Courts or Police directives. Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) whose members were picked and inaugurated by His Excellency, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike in his last days as the recognized Governor of Rivers State, announced in July that the elections would hold on October 5, 2024.RSIEC has since confirmed that every necessary step in the process has been put in place to achieve a free and fair election. Most of the functioning Political parties in Rivers State have come out in support of the LGA elections. This development is a salutary departure from our past experience with LGA elections or any other for that matter. And in a most dramatic and strategic initiative, a coalition of Civil Society groups addressed a Press Conference in Abuja to declare support for the LGA elections. They gave coherent and troubling reasons that suggest very strongly their patriotic effort to expose the monkey hands in Abuja that seem to conjure stormy weather for Rivers State since November 1, 2023,The things happening should show to all Nigerians that Rivers people are largely united in their common desire to make a firm break with the old political environment that was in place up to October 30 2023.It was an environment of “might is right”, oppression and monopoly of our State revenue by a few who surround one Strong Man. It has made our state poorer and kept Rivers people enslaved. For instance, by 1883, at least four City States had sprung up in the Eastern Niger Delta known as Oil Rivers Province then. They were proud centres of indigenous enterprise as international trading hubs in a place some Europeans framed as a dreaded “heart of darkness”.But by 2023 not one of the old City States in Rivers State had any indigenous engineered local economy to feed our people and give them capacity to grow competitive business enterprises, dignity and a decent future.Rivers people who by the 1880s were celebrated in Europe for generating public wealth, who invested in education and enterprise-building through international commercial undertakings in their local economies and widely acclaimed fame for human dignity, have been reduced to beggars who now sleep under flyovers!Is that the life we want for ourselves and our children? Let nobody be faint-hearted about this LGA election. Let’s go forth with the fear of God and commitment to build good governance, not “turn by turn” looting.God said to Moses that He would harden Pharaoh’s heart to fulfill His own purpose.Pharaoh’s stone heart, made the world to know that there is God.Rivers people and Nigerians are going through the same experience today.We will not fear Pharaoh’s well-fed amorphous Army. They threaten and seek to drown us in the Red Sea. The LGA elections is their latest battle field.Pharaoh and his Army live in luxury with gold plated chariots for Judges and Security officials who do Pharaoh’s bidding.They are allegedly paid in handsome currencies, from the looted wealth of Rivers State that for years have kept our State poorer.But God’s words ring true. His judgment will come upon Pharaoh and his Army of oppression and exploitation.Then they will know that Jehovah’s might is the ultimate (Exodus 14 v 4 & 14).See how confused Pharaoh and his Army have become over Rivers State, which they want to control at all cost? They keep failing with every step they take. More Stakeholder groups across Nigeria are joining hands to stand with Rivers people and our Governor, His Excellency Amaopusenibo Sir Sim Fubara!Isn’t God wonderful?I hear people worry about Pharaoh’s next move.We will not fear!For the God of Jacob is our refuge and strength. Let us be still and watch what He will do to Pharaoh (Psalm 46 v 10-11).He has set us free from bondage and will continue to do wonders before the eyes of all Nigerians, as He leads us along. Yes, His name is Jehovah (Joshua 24 v 17-18). Amaopusenibo Bobo Sofiri Brown Manager Public Affairs- East, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC), Pioneer Head of PR, later Manager PR & Communication, NAFCON, (a MW Kellogg of Houston JV project)
LG Elections: Explosion Rocks APC Secretariat
A loud explosion occurred at the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat in Rivers State, causing widespread destruction. The incident took place along Aba Road in Port Harcourt, just hours before the scheduled Local Government Council elections. Dynamites were reportedly used in the attack, which severely damaged the secretariat’s structure, pulling down the gate and destroying doors, windows, and other property. The blast caused panic in the surrounding area as residents fled for safety. Further updates on the situation are expected.
‘We are sorry,’ Fubara’s kinsmen apologise to Wike
The Elders Forum of the Peoples Democratic Party has apologised to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for the ongoing rift between him and his successor, Siminalayi Fubara. The elders, led by the Executive Director of Finance at the Niger Delta Development Commission, Boma Iyaye, apologised to Wike on Saturday at the Rivers State Ijaw Peoples Congress organised in his honour in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. Iyaye stated that the Ijaw people were sorry for the embarrassment and public display of disregard for the minister by Fubara. He said, “On behalf of our people, we are apologising to you for what our son is doing to you. We are sorry. We are sorry because it is not in our nature to pay evil for good. You have done well for us, and we will continue to say thank you. “Your Excellency, do not, because of this bad behaviour of our son, run away from us. Continue to be our brother. Continue to have us in mind. We have never set our feet on the number one seat of Rivers State. You made it possible for us to become the governor of Rivers State.” The Chairman of the Elders Forum, PDP Rivers State, Ferdinard Anabraba, berated the Fubara government, saying that the Ijaw nationality would not forget Wike. “The aberration we are seeing in the administration of Rivers State is only a demonstration of lack of political discharge of an individual, and by no means the opinion of Ijaw people. “We, the Ijaw, see you as the light of Rivers State. You are indeed a notable strategist in Nigeria’s contemporary politics. And without doubt, you are the most celebrated Ijaw politician of national recognition,” he said.