News Agency of Nigeria
Rivers indigenes sue FG, RSIEC over planned LG Poll
Judiciary

Rivers indigenes sue FG, RSIEC over planned LG Poll

By Wandoo Sombo

Five indigenes of Rivers have sued the Federal Government, Sole Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to court over plans to conduct local government elections on Aug. 30.

They said that the state government under the leadership of Ibas has fixed Aug. 30 to conduct local government elections in the state.

The plaintiffs, Fredrick Ededeh, Benita Samuel, Jane Madubuike, Boma Aggo and Comfort Agbom, all indigenes of Rivers dragged the defendants’ to the Federal High Court, Abuja asking the court to stop the planned council elections.

They cited the continued existence of a state of emergency in the state as a major ground for their suit.

In the suit marked  FHC/ABJ/CS/1144/2025, filed through their counsel, Mr Sunday Ezema, the plaintiffs are seeking a judicial interpretation on whether local government elections can be lawfully conducted during a state of emergency.

According to them, the President, in the State of Emergency (Rivers State) Proclamation, 2025, stated that there existed clear and present danger or imminent breakdown of public order and public safety.

“He also said there is a clear and present danger of the looming crises which has affected good governance, peace, security and order in Rivers.”

They argued that the emergency situation had not ceased, and that the president had not revoked or suspended the proclamation, thereby making the planned conduct of local government elections unlawful.

The plaintiffs further submitted that elections should not take place under such emergency conditions, where there was no guarantee of public order and safety.

They also contended that voters could not be expected to participate in elections amid a breakdown of governance, peace, and security.

The suit, filed on Aug. 11 also asked for  an order of the court to stop the conduct of the elections on Aug. 30 or any other date during the period of the state of emergency, which they insisted was still in force.

In the event that the elections proceed, the plaintiffs  asked the court to declare the outcome null and void.

The plaintiffs recalled that the previous local government elections conducted under the administration of Gov. Siminalayi Fubara were later nullified by the court due to irregularities.

They argues that the current case appeared to raise similar legal concerns.

The plaintiffs also prayed the court to declare that there was a clear and present danger and looking crises in Rivers which led to the state of emergency.

“A declaration that the clear and present danger or imminent breakdown of public order and public safety and looming crises in Rivers which led to the proclamation of a state of emergency on March 18,  has not abated, and that the proclamation remains in effect until at least six months after that date.

“A declaration that the Rivers  government, the sole administrator, and RSIEC cannot lawfully conduct local government council elections during the subsistence or pendency of the state of emergency.

“A declaration that any local government council elections conducted on Aug. 30 or any date within the emergency period, are illegal, unconstitutional, null and void.

The case, has however, not been assigned to a judge for hearing.(NAN)


Edited by Sadiya Hamza

UNIPORT confers honorary degree of Doctor of Science on Wike 
Metro

UNIPORT confers honorary degree of Doctor of Science on Wike 

By Philip Yatai

Abuja, June 18, 2025 (NAN) The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has conferred an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science (DSc Honoris Causa) on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike.

The Vice-Chancellor of university, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, disclosed during the presentation of the conferment letter to Wike, at his residence in Abuja on Wednesday.

Georgewill added that the official decoration and presentation of the certificate would be on July 26, as part of activities to celebrate the university’s 50th anniversary.

He explained that the Act of the university empowered it to award honorary doctorate degrees to distinguished Nigerians who have contributed immensely to the growth of the nation.

He said that the university’s Senate approved the conferment based on Wike’s track record in public service and contributions to the development of the university and Rivers.

“Today marks the beginning of the 50th anniversary celebration of the university of Port Harcourt, and there is no better place to commence the ceremony than where we are today.

“You are also a distinguished alumnus of the university, and so the university is honouring you not only for your service but also your service to the University of Port Harcourt.

“Your footprints are just there for everybody to see in the university.

“We are proud to be associated with you and the university is indeed very proud that you attended it; you have a DNA of that institution in you,’’ Georgewill said.

Mrs Gloria Chindah, Registrar and Secretary to Council had earlier conveyed the confinement of the honorary doctorate degree on the minister in a letter dated June 10.

“It is with profound please that I write to convey to you the decision of the Senate of the University of Port Harcourt at its Extra-Ordinary meeting held on Tuesday, 3rd June, 2025 to confer on you, an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science (DSc Honoris Causa) in recognition of your visionary leadership and outstanding contributions to governance in Rivers and Nigeria.

“The conferment will be made at the 35th Convocation Ceremony of the university, which is scheduled to hold on Saturday, July 26, 2025,” she said.

Presenting the letter, the university’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa, thanked Wike for being a good ambassador of the university.

Ohuabunwa said: “The university is very proud of you because in every endeavour of your life you have made us proud.

“When you were the Chairman and Security Head of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers, you defended the university.

“When you were the minister of education, you attracted great developments to the university.

“Today the Faculty of Law is in the university because Nyesom Wike was the minister of education.”

He added that Wike did not only bring the faculty of law to the university, but he also built it.

“As if that was not enough, when you became the governor of Rivers, you made an indelible mark and built one of the best Convocation Arenas in West Africa.

“Few weeks back, when we came to congratulate you on your appointment as FCT Minister, you donated a multimedia centre for the convocation arena,” he said.

He informed the minister that the convocation arena would be inaugurated on July 25, as part of the university’s golden jubilee.

Responding, Wike thanked the university for the honour saying “for me, it is the university that gave me everything.

“I am a proud alumnus of the university where I first studied political science before studying another degree in law”.

He explained that as the then minister of education, he wondered why a conventional university did not have a faculty of law.

Wike added that he felt bad and made it a point of duty for the university to have the faculty, including the Faculty of Social Sciences, to separate it from the Faculty of Humanities.

He added that he equally built one of the best convocation arenas for the university because it deserves the best.

“If I am in a position to do more for my university, I will continue to do it.

“I am happy and I accepted the offer on behalf of my family, my wife and my friends and promised to be there to celebrate the golden jubilee of the university.

“I will continue to partner and support the university,” Wike said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Senate constitutes 18-member committee to oversee emergency rule in Rivers
Politics

Senate constitutes 18-member committee to oversee emergency rule in Rivers

Committee
By Naomi Sharang

The Senate has set up an 18-member committee to oversee the implementation of emergency rule in Rivers, following the suspension of democratic government in the state.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, made the announcement at the resumption of sitting on Tuesday after the Easter recess.

Akpabio stressed the need for a committee like that of the House of Representatives for oversight of the functions of the Sole Administrator and the Rivers State Government under emergency rule.

He named the chairman of the committee as the Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, and the Deputy Minority Whip, Sen. Rufai Hanga.

Other members are: Sen. Adamu Aliero (PDP- Kebbi), Sen. Osita Izunaso (APC-Imo), Sen. Osita Ngwu (PDP-Enugu), Sen. Kaka Shehu (APC-Borno), Sen. Aminu Abbas (PDP-Adamawa) and Sen. Adetokunbo Abiru (APC-Lagos).

Sen. Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC-Ondo), Sen. Sani Musa (APC-Niger), Sen. Simon Lalong (APC-Plateau), Sen. Asuquo Ekpeyong (APC-Cross River), Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo) are also members.

The remaining members are: Sen. Ireti Kingibe (LP-FCT), Sen. Onyekachi Nwaenboyi (APC-Ebonyi), Sen. Idiat Adebule (APC-Lagos), Sen. Ede Dafinone (APC-Delta) and Sen. Mohamed Maidori (APC-Jigawa), while Mr Charles Bala will serve as the Clerk/Secretary of the committee.

“If there is need to review, it will be after further consultations with our colleagues. But in the meantime, they have to get to work immediately,” Akpabio. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Wale Sadeeq

Emergency rule: Reps inaugurates 21-member ad-hoc committee to oversee Rivers govt.
Politics

Emergency rule: Reps inaugurates 21-member ad-hoc committee to oversee Rivers govt.

Committee

By Ikenna Osuoha
The House of Representatives on Tuesday inaugurated a 21-member ad-hoc committee to oversee the caretaker government in Rivers during the state of emergency.

Speaker of the House, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, said that the inauguration of the committee was in line with Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

While reaffirming the National Assembly’s commitment to transparent governance in Nigeria, Abbas urged the committee to be non-partisan and impartial.

“Today’s inauguration of the 21-member ad-hoc committee on Rivers State reaffirms our constitutional commitment to transparent governance.

“Empowered by Section 5 of the State of Emergency (Rivers State) Proclamation 2025 and pursuant to Section 11(4) of our Constitution, this committee has a clear and non-partisan mandate,” he said.

According to him, the committee is to monitor the implementation of federal directives and policies in Rivers, ensuring that the caretaker administration adhered to the law.

The speaker said that the sensitivity and gravity of the assignment could not be over-emphasised, describing it as a litmus test for the committee members’ commitment to democratic principles and constitutional governance.

“The importance of the assignment places a considerable burden on the chairman and all members, as every action taken will be subject to national scrutiny,” he said.

Abbas urged the committee members to conduct their oversight with highest level of impartiality and monitor every aspect of the caretaker administration in strict accordance with the constitution.

“Beyond mere oversight, your work must actively support efforts to restore lasting peace and re-establish a fully functioning democratic system in Rivers State.

“You are called upon to interface with federal agencies, security institutions, and any reconciliation initiatives that may be established, fostering trust among all stakeholders in the process,” he said.

The speaker emphasised that the national assembly’s intervention in Rivers was not an instrument of political vendetta but a constitutional necessity.

He explained that it was the collective duty of the legislature to safeguard peace, security and rule of law in the state.

Abbas said any time that any state house of assembly was unable to perform its functions by reason of the situation prevailing in that state, the national assembly could make laws for the peace, order and good government in such state.

While commending President Bola Tinubu for rising to the occasion in Rivers, in accordance with section 305 of the constitution, he said it was a display of responsible leadership.

The speaker charged the Sole Administrator, Retired Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas to be highly transparent in the discharge of his duties, saying that his government is temporary.

Responding, Chairman of the committee, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, thanked the speaker for rising to the occasion.

Ihonvbere, a professor and House Majority Leader, promised not to fail the national assembly and Nigerians at large in the discharge of their mandate.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that members of the committee include: Ali Isa, Deputy Chairman, Isiaka Ibrahim, Idris Wase, Aliyu Betara, Sada Soli, James Faleke, Igariwey Enwo, Shehu Rijau and Wole Oke.

Others are: Akarachi Amadi, Patrick Umoh, James Barka, Alex Egbona, Isa Anka, Amos Daniel, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Onuh Onyeche, Fatima Talba, Chris Nkwonta and bibake Enenimiete. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Emergency rule: Tinubu acted in national interest- TDF
General News

Emergency rule: Tinubu acted in national interest- TDF

 

The Democratic Front (TDF) has joined other patriotic groups and notable Nigerians to defend President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of a State of Emergency in Rivers State.

 

This is contained in a statement by its Chairman, Malam Danjuma Muhammad and Secretary, Chief Wale Adedayo, on Wednesday in Abuja.

 

The TDF described it as a bold move to prevent a total breakdown of law and order following protracted political rancour between the Executive and Legislative arms of government.

 

“We recall that less than a week before the presidential proclamation, the President hosted the leadership of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) in Abuja where he advised on quick implementation of the Supreme Court Judgement that recognized the 27 members of the State Assembly.

 

“Subsequently, The Democratic Front issued a statement after the event on the need to heed President Tinubu’s advice in obeying the Supreme Court Judgement, and also explore the window of reconciliation which was initiated by the President over a year ago.

 

“Unfortunately, PANDEF was not able to strike any reasonable compromise with the parties in the dispute, which has paralyzed the administration of the state with severe consequences on economic development in nearly two years.

 

“It was evident that both parties in the political dispute were not prepared to work together in the interest of the state.

 

“In our view, no responsible President or government will stay passive and watch the rapid degeneration of state affairs from an orderly democratic system anchored on the principle of the Rule of Law to condone lawlessness and look away from the theatre of a contrived balance of terror, as evident in the bombing of pipelines.

 

“We also welcome the unanimous approval of the State of Emergency by both chambers of the National Assembly, because we believe that President Tinubu acted in the interest of peace and security of residents of the state.”

 

TDF urge all the parties in the conflict to see the six months of the emergency rule as another opportunity to seek a peaceful end to their differences.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Tinubu right on Rivers state of emergency- TMSG
General News

Tinubu right on Rivers state of emergency- TMSG

The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has said that President Bola Tinubu has a major responsibility to forestall further chaos and anarchy in Rivers State by proclaiming a state of emergency.

The group argued that intelligence at the President’s exclusive disposal was sufficient justification for his decision to declare a state of emergency and also suspend democratic institutions there for six months.

This, according to TMSG, is a fallout of the reluctance of the two parties in the political crisis to work together despite a presidential intervention and a recent Supreme Court ruling.

In a statement signed by its Chairman Emeka Nwankpa and Secretary Dapo Okubanjo, TMSG argued that the President was left with no choice but to constitutionally intervene and restore security, stability and order in the state.

It said: “Our position on President Bola Tinubu’s decision to impose a state of emergency and suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy and members of the House of Assembly is simple. The president acted proactively to defuse an already charged situation.

“This follows the hard-line positions and reluctance of both parties in the political crisis in Rivers state to heed the voice of reason and act to return the state to peaceful governance in the aftermath of the recent Supreme Court ruling.

“We note that before then, President Tinubu had in December 2023 intervened by brokering a peace deal between Governor Fubara and the state legislators.

“The deal which was tabled at a meeting in Abuja attended by key political stakeholders, was to have culminated in the governor recognising and presenting the 2024 budget to the Martin Amaewhule-led assembly as well as reinstate the legislators’ remunerations and benefits while the Assembly members were to stop impeachment proceedings.

“Both sides were also to drop all pending court matters on the crisis. But to the surprise of many Nigerians, the parties stuck to their hard-line positions and failed to implement critical aspects of the peace deal.

“We were therefore surprised to see a claim by the former Rivers state Commissioner of Information that the governor implemented the President’s deal.

“So we wonder which one of the terms was implemented because the lawmakers have not had their benefits reinstated, and neither was the 2024 budget sent to them for approval.

TMSG said that even when the Supreme Court ruled on the matter, there was still a reluctance from both parties to work in harmony until the state legislators began impeachment proceedings which could have worsened the situation.

It added that the day after the impeachment notice was served, an explosion rocked the Trans-Niger Pipeline, one of Nigeria’s biggest oil pipelines, which feeds the crude export terminal at Bonny.

It said a similar incident was also recorded a few hours later in the evening at a manifold connected to a federal pipeline deep inside the forest.

“So for us, an extraordinary measure was necessary to restore governance and prevent further breakdown of law and order in Rivers State, as the President noted in his 12-minute national broadcast.

“From all indications, the President watched and waited patiently for 15 months as both parties engaged in unnecessary filibustering and reneging until the truce brokered by the president was broken.”

TMSG further argued that there was no basis for comparing the President’s action to that of former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2013 at the height of the war against insurgency in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.

“We acknowledge that President Jonathan indeed declared a State of Emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa but left the governors in place. But let Nigerians not forget that it was a war situation, which is different from what we have in Rivers State.

“President Tinubu did not declare emergency rule in Rivers strictly because of security issues. He made it clear that
his decision was necessary to restore peace, order, and governance in a state that had been embroiled in political turmoil for several months on end.

“So we believe that President Tinubu deserves credit for not only declaring a state of emergency but for also suspending the two parties for six months.

“We hope that it will give both parties enough time to ruminate and evaluate their actions since December 2023 and accept mediatory efforts they had shunned previously,” it added.(NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Rivers community debunks fresh pipeline explosion
Economy/Business

Rivers community debunks fresh pipeline explosion

Explosion

By Desmond Ejibas

Residents of Bonny Local Government Area in Rivers have dismissed reports of a fresh pipeline explosion, confirming that no such incident occurred.

On Wednesday, viral reports claimed that militants had attacked two oil facilities in the area, which further heightened security concerns.

However, residents of Iloamatoru community, the purported site of the alleged explosion, refuted the claims, describing them as the work of mischief makers attempting to exploit the political crises in the state.

Chief Wari-Alabo Pollyn, Head of the Pollyn Chieftaincy House of Bonny Kingdom, stated that no explosion had taken place recently in the area.

“We are here in the community, and nothing of such happened – at least not to my knowledge,” he confirmed.

Similarly, Daniel Pollyn, a former Chairman of the Iloamatoru Security Surveillance Committee, also denied any pipeline attack in the area.

According to him, the community remains peaceful and does not tolerate violence.

“I can confirm that no such incident has occurred here.

“No flow station or oil facility is on fire or has exploded, as falsely reported,” he added.

Efforts to reach SP Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Police Command in Rivers, for confirmation were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to calls or messages. (NAN)

Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka

Rivers: Tinubu seeks Reps approval on the state of emergency
Politics

Rivers: Tinubu seeks Reps approval on the state of emergency

By EricJames Ochigbo
The Spokesman for the House of Representatives, Rep. Akin Rotimi (APC-Ekitit state) says the House of Representatives will on Wednesday, debate the state of emergency declared on Rivers by President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement on Tuesday, Rotimi said that President Bola Tinubu had officially written the house of his decision in line with section 305 of the Constitution.

“Mr. President’s formal letter, informing the House of Representatives of his decision and seeking approval in line with Section 305 of the Constitution, has been transmitted.

“It will be read during plenary tomorrow, Wednesday, March 19, and further legislative action debated and decided,” he said.

Following the lingering political unrest between the Executive and the Legislature in Rivers, Tinubu declared a state of emergency on the state on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the President suspended Gov. Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu and all elected lawmakers of the State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

NAN reports that Tinubu appointed the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, as the Sole Administrator of Rivers while the judiciary continued its operations.

Rotimi, however,  said that the National Assembly was duly consulted before the declaration of state of emergency by the President.

He said that the leadership of the National Assembly met with the President and the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu among other security chiefs ahead of the broadcast.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Tinubu declares state of emergency in Rivers
General News

Tinubu declares state of emergency in Rivers

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers following the lingering political crisis in the state.

The President made the declaration in a national broadcast on Tuesday.

He said it had become compelling for him to invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers with effect from March 18.

“By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.

“In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd.) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State,” Tinubu said.

He, however, said that for the avoidance of doubt, the declaration did not affect the judicial arm of the state, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.

“The Administrator will not make any new laws.

‘He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state.

“This declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, a copy of which has been forwarded to the National Assembly in accordance with the Constitution.

“It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help to restore peace and order in Rivers State .

“It will awaken all the contenders to the constitutional imperatives binding on all political players in Rivers State in particular and Nigeria as a whole,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

 

PANDEF urges dialogue to resolve Rivers political crisis
Politics

PANDEF urges dialogue to resolve Rivers political crisis

By Naomi Sharang

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), a sociopolitical group, has urged stakeholders to use dialogue as a tool to resolve the political crisis in Rivers.

The group urged  Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike to put their differences behind and work for the unity of the state.

The Chairman of PANDEF’s Peace and Reconciliation Committee, Obong Victor Attah, at a news conference in Abuja, on Friday, said dialogue remained the best path to a lasting peace.

According to him, PANDEF has actively engaged key stakeholders in Rivers,  including Fubara and his allies in efforts to douse the tensions.

“We spent four days in Port Harcourt meeting various stakeholders. We believe peace secured through discussion is far better than one enforced by a court ruling.

“We are working to bring both sides together for meaningful dialogue,” Attah said.

Attah further said that PANDEF had reached out to Wike, a former governor of Rivers, seeking his cooperation in resolving the impasse but efforts to secure a meeting with him had so far been unsuccessful.

“We have sent letters, text messages and WhatsApp messages to the minister and his close allies urging him to meet with PANDEF.

“Our goal is to ensure peace in Rivers so the government can function smoothly,” he said.

He called on President Bola Tinubu to impress upon the key personalities involved in the Rivers crisis,  including Wike, on  the necessity of prioritising peace.

“We were firm in our resolve that an amicable resolution must be secured. Such a resolution can only be secured by negotiation, hence our setting up of the Peace and Reconciliation Committee,’’ he said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of PANDEF, Godknows Igali, noted that the group had a meeting with the President where he urged the group  to sustain its mediatory efforts in the Rivers crisis.

“Regarding the situation in Rivers, PANDEF fully embraced Mr President’s directive to the organisation to sustain its ongoing mediatory and reconciliation efforts-an initiative the President commended.

“Since that meeting, PANDEF has intensified engagements with key stakeholders, fostering dialogue to achieve an amicable resolution that guarantees lasting peace and harmony in Rivers,’’ he said.

He, however, expressed sadness over Wike’s continued refusal to engage with the peace and reconciliation committee, which PANDEF constituted as far back as October 2024 in spite of repeated attempts to reach him.(NAN)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Chioma Ugboma

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