Author: Ann Godwin
President Bola Tinubu has granted the Niger Delta Commission (NDDC) permission to borrow an additional N1 trillion on top of its N1.9 trillion 2024 budget to complete more projects and drive development in the region. This approval came after the Niger Delta Stakeholders Summit in Port Harcourt, where key stakeholders urged the president to consider borrowing to fund developmental projects in the oil-rich region. The Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, presented the N1.9 trillion budget for 2024 to the House of Representatives Committee. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, representing the president at the summit, assured that the NDDC…
The Empowerment Initiative by Obio-Akpor Local Government The Obio-Akpor Local Government Caretaker Committee Chairman, Chijioke Ihunwo, recently appointed 100 Special Assistants as part of a larger initiative for empowerment. The move aligns with the state governor’s vision to bring prosperity and development to the state. The appointed Special Assistants, serving in roles such as sanitation marshals and security watch, are being compensated with a monthly stipend of N50,000. Some of the notable appointees include Clement Ifelen Nwaru, Augusta Dafugbo Jaja, and Chigozie Emmanuel Esinuelo. In a statement, Chief Press Secretary Mr. Ofonime Okon emphasized the importance of the appointees working…
Rivers State Governor Stands Firm Against Frustration In a bold statement, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State declared that he would rather leave office than pledge loyalty to forces that seek to undermine the state’s progress. Fubara made this stance clear during a meeting with leaders and stakeholders from Etche and Omuma Local Government Areas, emphasizing that he will not compromise his principles for the sake of power. He also affirmed the decision to keep the legislative seats of defected lawmakers vacant, noting that their allegiance to a different party makes their return unlikely. Referring to the defectors’ recent actions…
Supporters of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his estranged godfather, Nyesom Wike, engaged in a display of mockery and celebration after the Appeal Court nullified the order sacking the Martins Amaewhule-led Assembly. Caretaker Committee Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tony Okocha, and Wike’s loyal lawmakers celebrated across the state, while Fubara’s supporters called it ‘premature’. Justice Charles Wall had issued an interim injunction on May 10, restraining pro-Wike lawmakers from parading themselves as Assembly members. Okocha and his followers celebrated at the APC state secretariat, hailing the ruling and questioning Fubara’s next steps. Amidst the celebration and…
Rivers State Governor accuses supporters of FCT Minister for failed bombing attempt In a shocking revelation, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has accused supporters of the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, for a failed attempt to bomb the prestigious Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt. Governor Fubara believes this was a deliberate ploy to incite a state of emergency and disrupt the peace in the state. During a meeting with the Senate Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation, led by Orji Uzor Kalu, Governor Fubara clarified that he is not fighting anyone but defending the state against malicious intentions. He revealed that…
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State recently mediated a conflict between the management of Port Harcourt International Airport and the Ipo community. The dispute arose when women from the community protested, disrupting flight operations at the airport. The women had barricaded the road leading to the airport, causing delays and hindrance to access. In a closed-door meeting facilitated by the Governor, Dr Tammy Danagogo, the Secretary to the State Government, announced that both parties had reached an agreement to resolve the issues. The women agreed to withdraw their blockade, while the airport management promised to address the concerns of the…
Finima community members in Bonny Local Council of Rivers State took a bold stand yesterday, braving heavy rains to shut down the operations of Saipem, Chiyoda, and Daewoo (SCD) at 3:00 a.m. They accused the companies of neglecting the multi-billion dollar Train-7 project initiated by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG). The project, hosted by Finima, is a $4.3 billion venture with 67% completion status. The community, feeling abandoned despite sacrificing land for the project, demanded inclusivity and adherence to industry regulations. In response, NLNG’s Acting General Manager, Charles Epelle, assured stakeholders of ongoing efforts to resolve issues. However,…
Former APC Chieftain Prince Tonye Princewill Urges Peace to Drive Investments in Rivers State Tonye Princewill Prince Tonye Princewill, a former APC chieftain and business mogul, has expressed concern over the political unrest in Rivers State. He emphasizes the importance of peace to attract investments that can drive socio-economic growth in the state. Amidst the negative international narrative surrounding Rivers, Princewill believes that a secure and peaceful environment is essential for investors to engage in business activities. He highlights the impact of the ongoing crisis on both the political landscape and business operations in the state. Princewill, who is working…
Chairman of ALGON in Rivers State, Allwell Ihunda, opposes the planned protest by NULGE over police presence at local council secretariats. NULGE had threatened to protest if the police didn’t leave, but called it off due to fears of hijacking. Ihunda criticized the appointment of caretaker committee members by the Governor despite ongoing legal issues. He pointed out NULGE members being part of these committees. The presence of police at the councils is to prevent further violence. Ex-Emohua Local Government Chairman, Chidi Lloyd, acknowledged their ability to incite violence but stressed they wouldn’t do so. He expressed concern over NULGE’s…
A policeman and a member of Omuma Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC) in Rivers State have been killed in recent violent attacks that erupted across local government areas. Former Special Assistant Marshall Obuzor revealed the incidents on social media. Reports of shootings by alleged security personnel were also recorded in various councils, sparking clashes. Violence escalated after governor Siminalayi Fubara instructed local government heads to take control, defying a court order for the outgone chairmen to maintain status quo. Police have now secured many local government secretariats, including Port Harcourt and Omuma. The situation remains tense as the community…