Mixed reactions greet end of emergency rule in Rivers

The lifting of emergency rule in Rivers by President Bola Tinubu has triggered mixed reactions from stakeholders in the state. Tinubu on Wednesday announced the end of emergency rule in Rivers, and reinstated Gov. Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu and members of the state assembly after six months of suspension. A Niger Delta activist, Ms Ann-Kio Briggs, described the announcement as expected but raised concerns over the uncertainties surrounding Fubara’s return to full constitutional duties. She said that Rivers people were expecting Fubara to return as governor and perform his constitutional duties without being gagged. “Until the governor is allowed to freely carry out constitutional responsibilities, we cannot say exactly what the lifting of suspension portends,” Briggs said. The activist said that the six months period of emergency rule was characterised by project abandonment, poor performance and undemocratic practices. Briggs further stated that the suspension of democratic rule in Rivers inflicted incalculable losses on the people. She said that Rivers people would demand accountability for the period the state was governed under emergency rule. Darlington Nwauju, a factional Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers, commended Tinubu for lifting the emergency rule, and reinstating Fubara. READ ALSO: Fubara resumes today as Tinubu ends controversial emergency rule in Rivers state Nwauju however, said that the state witnessed unprecedented poor governance and mismanagement of resources during the six months period. “Rivers was poorly managed during the past six months. The sanitary condition alone reflected absence of governance. Workers experienced delayed salary payments,” he said. He said that the emergency rule period had left Fubara with the huge tasks of restoring confidence, improving infrastructure, and re-establishing investor confidence. “The state did not attract any foreign direct investment during the emergency rule period, but we must move on now that democracy is back in action,” he said. PLEASE READ: People, privations and public policy priorities Prof. Benjamin Okaba, the President, Ijaw National Congress, said that although the emergency rule had been lifted, the state was taken several years backwards. He claimed that no fewer than 10,000 jobs were lost during the six months of emergency rule in the oil-rich state According to him, suspending the governor, his deputy and the legislature handed absolute power to a sole administrator and undermined  democratic principles. Analysts say that although the lifting of emergency rule has ended uncertainties, questions remain concerning the political climate that awaits Fubara as he returns to office. They suggest that sincere reconciliation between the governor and other political stakeholders will determine the pace of recovery.

APC hails Supreme Court over Rivers State judgement

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers has welcomed the Supreme Court’s judgement nullifying the local government council elections held on Oct. 5 and ordering the re-presentation of the 2024 budget. In a ruling delivered by Justice Jamilu Tukur, the Supreme Court declared the election invalid due to gross violations of the Electoral Act. In a separate judgement on Friday, Justice Emmanuel Akomaye dismissed the cross-appeal filed by Gov. Siminalayi Fubara challenging the legitimacy of the House of Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule as speaker. READ ALSO: Rivers LG: Supreme reserves ruling on suit seeking sack of Chairmen The apex court directed Amaewhule to resume sitting immediately with other elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. It mandated Fubara to re-present the 2024 appropriation bill to the Amaewhule-led Assembly. Reacting to the rulings, APC Publicity Secretary in Rivers, Mr Chibike Ikenga, hailed the Supreme Court’s decision in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday. According to Ikenga, the judgements represent a victory for the people and a step towards the entrenchment of democracy in the state. He urged Fubara to comply with the ruling without delay to restore peace and foster development in Rivers. READ ALSO: Arewa and the burden of truth “We call on all democrats and people of goodwill to prevail on Gov. Fubara to quickly retrace his steps and take the necessary actions for the progress of our dear state. “We commend the Supreme Court for its decision to bring an end to the political crises that has plagued the Executive and House of Assembly in the state,” Ikenga stated. He assured that as the main opposition party in Rivers, the APC would continue to serve as a watchdog, advocating for good governance and ensuring effective service delivery to the citizens. 

Wike rules out reconciliation with Fubara

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, stated there would be no reconciliation with Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara.  Wike criticized Fubara for not following directives from President Bola Tinubu during a peace meeting meant to resolve their differences.  Wike explained that Fubara and his team failed to act on President Tinubu’s recommendations, further worsening the political conflict between them. Wike also addressed the ongoing infrastructure development in Abuja, emphasizing its positive impact on local employment.  READ ALSO: Council Chairman pays WAEC fees for 1,794 students He mentioned that over 200 people in areas like Kwali are benefiting from infrastructure projects, asserting that these are not government jobs but real work opportunities. On the issue of streetlights, Wike confirmed that areas like Kuje and Kwali would have streetlights installed.  He assured that new roads flagged off would have lights by mid-year. In his commitment to efficient land administration, Wike announced that his team has issued 7,000 Certificates of Occupancy in two years, surpassing the previous government’s efforts.  He warned officials against inefficiency and promised to remove any unproductive staff. Wike also addressed the growing issue of vandalism in Abuja, particularly attacks on the power supply. He declared that those involved in damaging transmission lines and cables would be charged with economic sabotage.  The power outages have severely affected parts of the city, leaving over 60% without electricity. Wike urged residents to report suspicious activities to help tackle these disruptions.

Rivers APC Opposes Fubara’s Budget Presentation, Warns of Growing Tensions

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s recent budget presentation, calling it illegal.  The Governor presented the ₦1.18 trillion 2025 budget to only three members of the state assembly loyal to him, which the APC says violates legal and procedural norms.  According to APC Chairman Tony Okocha, this move goes against a court ruling in January 2024, which recognized the Martins Amaewhule-led Assembly as the legitimate legislative body for such matters. READ ALSO: Tinubunomics: Have We Crossed The Rubicon? Okocha expressed disappointment that the governor, with his experience in finance and governance, bypassed the full 30-member assembly, presenting the budget in a session that a court had deemed unlawful.  He described the event as a “forum of friends” rather than a legitimate legislative gathering, pointing out that it undermines the governance process in Rivers State.  He also criticized the governor for fostering division instead of promoting peace, noting that this could increase political tensions in 2025.  READ ALSO: Uniabuja Appoints Prof Aisha Maikudi Vice Chancellor Despite these challenges, Okocha emphasized that none of the 27 lawmakers who support former Governor Nyesom Wike have joined the APC, affirming their continued loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

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)

Rivers LG Election: Armed Gunmen Disrupt Polls in Wike’s Ward

Tensions have escalated in the Rumuepirikom community, Rivers State, as gunmen disrupt voting in the ongoing LG election. Rumuepirikom is the home of Chief Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory who is opposed to the election taking place. Observers say that voting could not take place as heavy gunfire rings out during election day.  Further reports indicate that earlier, unknown individuals warned residents to stay indoors, discouraging them from participating in the polls.  As electoral officers approached the voting station in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, armed assailants arrived and launched an attack, effectively seizing control of the area.  One person has reportedly been injured by gunfire and is receiving medical treatment.  The violence has left voters in fear, disrupting the electoral process.

Rivers APC to sanction Pro-Wike lawmakers for denying defection 

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State, Chief Emeka Beke, has criticized 27 state lawmakers for denying their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Beke, a close associate of Rotimi Amaechi, stated that the lawmakers, led by Martin Amaewhule, cannot retract their APC membership after publicly switching parties. Speaking at a news briefing on Saturday, Beke addressed Amaewhule’s claims of still being a member of the PDP. He stated, “I want to put it on record that those 27 members of the House of Assembly are still members of the APC. The law is clear on defection. They cannot run away from the truth because we all know and saw it when they defected to our party.” “In our last meeting, we sent out invitations for them (the pro-Wike lawmakers) to attend, but they did not. Right now, we are focused on local government elections, and after that, we will take necessary actions concerning them,” he added. He further confirmed that all APC candidates for the upcoming elections had successfully undergone screening and were cleared by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC,. “The APC is fully prepared to participate in the local government elections on October 5. Our candidates have been duly screened and approved,” he affirmed. Beke also praised Governor Siminalayi Fubara for ensuring a fair and competitive environment for all political parties in the upcoming elections. “This marks the first time in the political history of Rivers State that a governor is genuinely committed to providing equal opportunities for all parties, allowing the people of Rivers to freely elect their preferred chairmen and councilors,” he remarked. Recall that the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, had issued an order to suspend all state expenditure. The development comes after Governor Siminalayi Fubara failed to propose the 2024 budget to the House within the seven-day deadline. The Assembly had determined that the Governor is no longer permitted to approve or authorize expenditures from the state’s consolidated revenue fund.