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Tag: Fubara

  • Disregard court order against Rivers Sole Administrator – Fubara’s aide

    Disregard court order against Rivers Sole Administrator – Fubara’s aide

    Dr Edison Ehie, Chief of Staff to suspended Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers has urged the public to disregard a false court order purportedly issued against the state’s Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas.

    Ehie made the remark in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Saturday.

    He noted that the reports, circulating on social media, claimed that a State High Court had issued an order preventing Ibas from resuming duties at the Government House.

    He stated that the claims were false, saying that he had not filed any suit against the sole administrator.

    “The malicious post alleged that the court order was granted in a fictitious suit that I had purportedly filed, challenging the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State as unconstitutional.

    “This is a baseless act of blackmail and deliberate misinformation by individuals of low minds who seek to incite unrest and disaffection among people of Rivers State,” he stated.

    Ehie further pointed out that both his name and those of other officials had been misspelt in the report, and that no suit number, hearing date, or filing time had been provided.

    He criticised the author of the report as being uneducated and urged the public to dismiss the claims.

    “The post is baseless, false, and malicious, designed to sow division among the people and misrepresent me as a non-conformist.

    “It is intended to fuel hatred and resentment among Rivers people,” he concluded.

  • Open letter to His Excellency, Gov Fubara – By Steve Egbo

    Open letter to His Excellency, Gov Fubara – By Steve Egbo

    Your Excellency,

    Accept my greetings and salutations. I hope you are in good health, physically and emotionally. I know this is a very hectic period for you, but kindly permit me to offer you some advice on the ongoing squabble in your state, Rivers. I am doing this because it is the desire of so many of us that peace should reign in Rivers state, and of course, the rest of the nation.

    You have been at the peak of this fantastic imbroglio for most part of your two years in office, and, as it were, you never had a respite. Finally, matters have come to a head, and it is not looking good for you. In the days and weeks, even months ahead, there will be many advisers. It is for you to be wise and choose wisely. My own pieces of advice are as follows.

    You must first admit to yourself that you have handled the Rivers crisis very badly. You displayed a high level of feistiness, high handedness, authoritarian disposition and flight of reason. All of these allowed the problem to coagulate. But right now, your high horse has been skewed and you can now walk on the ground and certainly can see more clearly. Having admitted all of these to yourself, you can consciously and actively chart a way out.

    Demolishing the Rivers State House of Assembly was a tragic event. Something that never happened in the history of this beleaguered nation. That singular act portrayed you in very bad light and robbed you of the sympathy of many genuine patriots. That legislative institution is not about any individual or group. It represents the soul of Rivers state and its people, even when those who stream in and out of it lack the necessary finesse. My view there is that you will apologize to the people of Rivers state and seek their forgiveness.

    Going forward, you have to reconcile with your enemies. And the number one figure is your former friend and boss, Mr Wike. You have to go to him. Find the courage and means to do this. Consult people he respects and let them open a channel of communication between you two. Nyesom Wike is not a gentleman, but he is not an evil man either. He is grating, coarse, petulant, loquacious, annoying and much more, but you need him now. You need him just as you needed him in 2022/23.Talk to him, apologize to him and make peace with him.

    You must also seek audience with the president. Immediately. Approach him as a father. Do this with humility and genuine contrition. Apologize for not heeding his earlier advice and directives. He is not just the Commander in Chief, he is Wike’s employer. If Wike fails to listen to anyone else, he will listen to the president. Make concessions where necessary and give promises where required. You stoop to win even if you don’t have to conquer.

    The issue at hand is a political issue. And it must have a political solution. It not a judicial matter. It is not about ethnic considerations and so on. It is not an Ijaw-Ikwerre affair. No. Please note that creating anarchy or making Rivers state ungovernable will not restore you to office. Make no mistake about that. This impasse is purely political and it must be addressed politically. Do not allow anyone to shed blood on your behalf.

    It is no longer time to take advice from those who have scores to settle with Wike and Tinubu. The counsel of Ahithofel with which they have held you hostage has failed. And it will not work at any time. Let those people fight their own battles, but don’t allow yourself to be used as a cannon fodder anymore. Those disgruntled politicians you see running around are not interested in you. They are working to feather their own political nests.

    Now this – the social media is awash with all manner of interlopers – analysts, theoreticians, legal luminaries, authorities in constitutional interpretations, experts in everything and, in a nutshell, all manner of hoodlums. Most of them do not know what they are talking about. They are noise makers and nothing more. Do not allow their ignorant display to give you a false sense of security. In a nutshell, they have nothing to offer you.

    Your Excellency, your job is at stake and it is time to be wise. I will repeat, Sir – do not be swayed by social media legal experts and know alls, who keep screaming obscenities just to fill the space. The social media did not make you Governor and it cannot reinstate you back to office. Their noise has limits and it fizzles out ‘when the jungle matures..’

    I meant this to be a brief letter, Sir, and I hope it helps you find the way to approach and deal with the situation at hand. I apologize if some of the words sound harsh, but I believe a spade must be called by its proper name. If gratitude is a debt you owe, then it is one duty must demand that you pay.

    While praying for God’s blessings and guidance upon you, accept the assurance of my very warm regards.

  • BREAKING: House of Reps throw weight behind Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers, suspension of Fubara

    BREAKING: House of Reps throw weight behind Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers, suspension of Fubara

    The House of Representatives has approved the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, along with the six-month suspension of Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the assembly, as announced by President Bola Tinubu.

    The seal of approval for the president’s proclamation came via voice vote during plenary on Thursday.

    The Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, who presided over the plenary, called on members to make their contribution during the consideration of the general principles of the President’s report.

    In his contribution, Benue lawmaker and Deputy Spokesman of the House, Philip Agbese recommended the setting up of a national mediation committee to broker peace between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly,which the House approved the prayer.

    On his part, the Minority Whip of the House recommended that the six-month suspension on the Rivers Governor and the State Legislature should not be cast in stone.

    “If peace is reached between the two parties, the emergency rule should be lifted before six months,” he said, a prayer the House also granted.

    The speaker had earlier read a letter from the President notifying the House of the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.

    Before the letter was read, the House dissolved into an executive session which lasted for about 10 minutes.

    Meanwhile, an attempt by the Abia lawmaker, Obi Agwuncha, to stop the debate on the general principles of the letter citing Section 305 (6b) of the Constitution, which requires that the House must have two-thirds of its members in plenary, was overruled by the Speaker.

  • Elected officials’ suspension in Rivers, a slap on the constitution – Farah Dagogo

    Elected officials’ suspension in Rivers, a slap on the constitution – Farah Dagogo

    Dr Farah Dagogo, former House of Representatives member, (Degema, Bonny, Federal Constituency), has described the declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu as a slap on the Constitution.

    Dagogo made the remark on Tuesday while  in a statement issued to newsmen in Port Harcourt while reacting to the emergence rule declared on Rivers.

    He said that the declaration was questionable under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

    He added that the Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) outlined the conditions under which the President might declare a state of emergency.

    According to Dagogo, specifically, Section 305(1), the President may, by instrument published in the Official Gazette, issue a proclamation of a state of emergency in the federation or any part thereof.

    ‘’Section 305(3) states that the President may only declare a state of emergency in a state if the Governor of the state, with a resolution supported by two-thirds majority of the House of Assembly, requests the President to do so;

    “Or If there is actual breakdown of public order and public safety requiring extraordinary measures;

    “Or If there is a clear and present danger of an actual breakdown of public order and public safety in the  federation or any part thereof;

    “Or If there is an occurrence or imminent danger of invasion, war, or insurrection; or if there is a natural disaster or public health emergency;

    “Or iff there is any other danger threatening the existence of the federation,” Dagogo explained.

    Dagogo said that President Tinubu admitted that the Governor and Deputy Governor did not request the proclamation (as required under Section 305(5).

    He said that the legal basis for the declaration rested on whether or not the public order and public safety had truly broken down, justifying the invocation of emergency powers.

    Speaking on legality of the Suspension of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and State House of Assembly, Dagogo said that the controversial aspect of the declaration was their suspension under the 1999 Constitution.

    According to him, the only legal way to remove a Governor or Deputy Governor is through impeachment by the State House of Assembly under Section 188.

    He stated that the Constitution does not grant the President the power to suspend or remove a Governor or Deputy Governor outside the impeachment process or a valid resignation.

    Dagogo said that section 11(4) and (5) stated that only the National Assembly could take over legislative functions of a state House of Assembly in cases where it could not function.

    It does not allow for the suspension of elected lawmakers.

    Dagogo explained that given the constitutional provisions, President Tinubu’s suspension of elected officials was unconstitutional, as there was no provision in the 1999 constitution granting such powers.

    “Even during a state of emergency, the Governor and Deputy Governor remain in office, unless removed in accordance with constitutional procedures,” he said.

    He said that the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the Administrator to govern Rivers State raised another constitutional issue.

    “The 1999 Constitution does not recognize the office of an “Administrator” in place of an elected Governor

    ‘’The constitution only provides for a Governor elected by the people (Section 176(1)), a Deputy Governor elected alongside the Governor (Section 186),” he said.

    Dagogo mentioned that the only situation where an unelected official could assume control of a state is under military rule, which was not applicable under a democratic system governed by the 1999 constitution.

    He noted the role of the National Assembly in approving the State of Emergency, saying that under section 305(2) and (6), the President must transmit the emergency proclamation to the National Assembly for approval within two days.

    “If the National Assembly does not approve it within 10 days, the proclamation ceases to have effect.

    Dagogo while giving the constitutional breaches in the proclamation of Judicial interpretation and possible legal challenges, said that there were strong grounds for legal challenges in court.

    “The Supreme Court’s pronouncement in A.G. Federation v. A.G. Lagos State (2013) LPELR-20974(SC) reaffirms the principle that the President must act within constitutional limits, even in extraordinary situations,” he noted.

    Dagogo stated that ‘’any action outside the scope of the 1999 constitution is illegal’’ and could be overturned by the courts.

  • PDP rejects emergency rule in Rivers

    PDP rejects emergency rule in Rivers

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the declaration of State of emergency in Rivers, stating that the president has no power to suspend democratically elected governor.

    The party stated this in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba on Tuesday in Abuja.

    President Bola Tinubu had on Tuesday in a national broadcast declared a state of emergency in Rivers suspending both the legislative and executive arms of the state for six months, as part of efforts to restore peace in the state

    Ologunagba, however, described Mr president action as “utter violation” of the 1999 Constitution.

    “The PDP outrightly rejects this attempt by the President to override the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and undermine the votes and will of the people of Rivers by seeking to depose a democratic government and foist an undemocratic rule in the State.

    “The unconstitutional declaration by President Tinubu of the suspension of the democratically elected Governor of Rivers, Siminalayi Fubara and appointment of an unelected individual, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) to govern the State is a clear attack on our nation’s democracy.

    “It is an abrogation of the votes and democratic right of the people of Rivers State to choose their leader under the Constitution,” he said.

    Ologunagba also described it as clear attempt at state capture and a well-oiled plot to forcefully take over Rivers for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    He said that the reasons adduced by the President could not justify the declaration of a state of emergency in the state under the 1999 Constitution, rendering the declaration completely incompetent.

    Ologunagba said that the unwarranted imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State was part of plot to foist a siege mentality across Nigeria, decimate opposition and impose a one-party State

    “In any case, nothing in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution relied upon by the President in the declaration grants him the exclusive powers to declare or execute the declaration of a state of emergency without recourse to the statutory approval of the National Assembly.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, Section 305 (2) provides that ‘The President shall immediately after the publication, transmit copies of the Official Gazette of the Government of the Federation containing the proclamation including the details of the emergency to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives;

    “Each of whom shall forthwith convene or arrange for a meeting of the House of which he is President or Speaker, as the case may be, to consider the situation and decide whether or not to pass a resolution approving the proclamation’.

    “Mr President should recognize that his order to an unelected individual to forthwith take over government of Rivers State is illegal and a clear recipe for crisis, threat to the peace and stability of not only Rivers State but the entire nation,” he said.

    Ologunagba said that Gov. Fubara was democratically elected for a tenure of four years which tenure could not be unconstitutionally abridged.

    “The PDP therefore cautions Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) to respect the Constitution and ensure that he does not take any action or step which is capable of derailing smooth democratic Governance in Rivers State.

    “Nigeria is not under a military rule where the Governance of a State is by appointment by a junta,” Ologunagba said.

  • Why I declared state of emergency in Rivers – President Tinubu

    Why I declared state of emergency in Rivers – President Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu says he declared a state of emergency in Rivers because of the lingering political crisis in the state and attendant effects on democracy, security and well being of the citizens.

    The President, who stated this in a national broadcast on Tuesday said he felt greatly disturbed by the development.

    “Like many of you, I have watched with concern the development with the hope that the parties involved would allow good sense to prevail at the soonest, but all that hope burned out without any solution to the crisis.

    “With the crisis persisting, there is no way democratic governance, which we have all fought and worked for over the years, can thrive in a way that will redound to the benefit of the good people of the state,” he said.

    The President said the state had been at a standstill since the crisis started, with the good people of the state not being able to have access to the dividends of democracy.

    According to him, it is public knowledge that the Governor of Rivers, for unjustifiable reasons, demolished the  House of Assembly of the state as far back as Dec. 13, 2023 and has, up until now, 14 months after, not rebuilt same.

    “I have made personal interventions between the contending parties for a peaceful resolution of the crisis, but my efforts have been largely ignored by the parties to the crisis.

    “I am also aware that many well-meaning Nigerians, Leaders of thought and Patriotic groups have also intervened at various times with the best of intentions to resolve the matter, but all their efforts were also to no avail. Still, I thank them,” continued Tinubu.

    He stated that on Feb. 28, the supreme court pronounced a judgment in respect of about eight consolidated appeals concerning the political crisis in Rivers.

    He said the judgment was based on several grave unconstitutional acts and disregard of rule of law that had been committed by the Governor as shown by the evidence before the judgment was pronounced in very clear terms.

    He said the judgment stated that, “a government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that make up the government of a state under the 1999 Constitution as amended.

    “In this case the head of the executive arm of the government has chosen to collapse the legislature to enable him to govern without the legislature as a despot. As it is there is no government in Rivers State.”

    Tinubu said the above pronouncement came after a catalogue of judicial findings of constitutional breaches against the Gov. Siminalayi Fubara.

    He said the judgment held that 27 members of the House who had allegedly defected were still valid members of Rivers House of Assembly and could not be prevented from participating in the proceedings of that House by the Governor in cohorts with four members.

    Tinubu said the Supreme Court made some orders to restore the state to immediate constitutional democracy.

    These orders, he said, included the immediate passing of an Appropriation Bill by the Rivers State House of Assembly which up till now has not been facilitated.

    He, however, said some militants had threatened fire and brimstone against their perceived enemy of the governor, who had up till now not disowned them.

    “Apart from that both the House and the governor have not been able to work together. Both of them do not realise that they are in office to work together for the peace and good governance of the state,” he said.

    The President stated that the latest security reports made available to him showed that between Monday and Tuesday there had been disturbing incidents of vandalisation of pipelines by some militants without the governor taking any action to curtail them.

    “I have, of course given stern order to the security agencies to ensure safety of lives of the good people of Rivers State and the oil pipelines.

    “With all these and many more, no good and responsible President will standby and allow the grave situation to continue without taking remedial steps prescribed by the Constitution to address the situation in the state,” he said.

  • Rivers: PDP faction faults impeachment notice to Fubara, deputy

    Rivers: PDP faction faults impeachment notice to Fubara, deputy

    The factional leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Working Committee in Rivers, led by Mr Nname Ewor, has condemned impeachment notice against the governor and deputy by Rivers House of Assembly.

    The committee also said that impeachment of Gov. Siminalaye Fubara was not part of the Supreme Court order.

    Ewor, at a media briefing on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, urged the Martins Amaewule-led House of Assembly to follow the part of peace towards implementation of the Feb. 28 Supreme Court ruling.

    According to him, impeachment was not part of the judgment, therefore, the House cannot at the moment contemplate it, especially when the governor is working towards implementing the ruling.

    Ewor also, urged Gov. Siminalaye Fubara to faststrack the implementation of the ruling as well as ensure administrative stability at the grassroots by conducting the local government election.

    ”We urge you (Fubara) to fully implement the Supreme Court judgment and also conduct the local government election since you had graciously dissolved the immediate past chairmen and councillors in adherence to the Supreme court.

    ”We urge you to remain committed in your efforts to re-presenting the 2025 appropriation bill though your first attempt at accomplishing this task was resisted by the lawmakers.

    ‘’We, however, look forward to positive outcome on the rescheduled March 19 for the budget presentation,” he said.

    Ewor urged the governor to pay less attention to the issue of impeachment notice as it is not part of the Supreme Court judgment.

    He also urged members to embrace peace and cooperate with the governor in his efforts towards actualizing the 2025 budget presentation.

    This, he said, among other demands by the Supreme Court, would put an end to the political unrest in the state.

  • Rivers Assembly should embrace peace – Fubara

    Rivers Assembly should embrace peace – Fubara

    Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers urged the state House of Assembly to embrace peace and prioritise the interest of the state in compliance with the Supreme Court judgement.

    Fubara made the remark at the inauguaration of the 85-year-old Okrika Grammar School in Okrika Local Government Area on Thursday in Port Harcourt.

    The governor said that it was important at the stage of the political crisis in the state that all the stakeholders embrace peace.

    “The Supreme Court has made its judgment, we don’t have any option than to abide by it,” he said.

    According to him, the other party to the Supreme Court judgment, the Rivers State House of Assembly, needed to know that they are also to comply with the ruling.

    ‘’And do so with commitment that prioritises the interest of the state.’’

    Fubara said that such resolve must engender collective action towards achieving peace in the state.

    He said that it was because it served as the potent medium through which all the arms of government could function properly while creating public goods that would benefit everyone.

    He emphasised that without an enduring peace, sustainable development would be hampered practically, while the sense of security, respect, tolerance, stability, and well-being to pursue goals would suffer.

    “And by the special grace of God, we have started the process; we are appealing to other parties to consider the interest of Rivers State, it is important.

    “The only thing that we owe this state is peace and development. I am open any day, any time for total peace in our state.

    ‘’Because if I have to govern well, there is need for peace to prevail,” Fubara said.

    Speaking on the project, he recalled how the planning committee of the 20th Anniversary of the Diocese of Okrika Anglican Communion visited his office, and appealed to him to give the dilapidated school a facelift.

    Fubara explained that the request was considered base on the school’s place in history and the importance of quality education in addressing some social vices among idle and uneducated youths.

    He said his administration resolved that the standard of the school should be uplifted since education, healthcare and food sufficiency were part of its agenda.

    According to him, to the glory of God, we are here today to unveil one of the things that we have done, even in the face of these situations confronting our administration.

    Fubara assured the Anglican Church that whatever that is remaining within the scope of what has been approved for the institution, will be completed.

    He added that education had remained the bedrock of development in any society, saying that if the key facilities to boost education were properly managed, crime would be reduced drastically.

    He urged the Church which manages the school to protect every facility the government had put in  place in the school.

    Fubara assured the leadership of the Church that experts would be sent to assess the shore protection concerns expressed by the Bishop, and see how to safeguard the school surrounding from being washed away.

    He, however, urged the Old Boys of the school to take up some strategic projects, especially the establishment of a centre for computer-based examinations for external examinations.

    In his remarks, Dr. Ovy Chukwuma, the State Commissioner for Education, said that the massive remodelling and reconstruction work on the school was achieved which had restored the glory of Okrika Grammar School.

    Chukwuma said that the construction and equipping of Okrika Grammar School was awarded in April, 2024 to various contractors while the project was fully funded by the government.

    According to Chukwuma, the project consists of an Administrative Block, 24 Classroom Blocks, Laboratory, ICT, Library Block, Assembly Hall, 100-bed Male Hostel, 100-bed Female Hostel, Kitchen and Dinning Hall.

    “It also has Matron’s quarters and sickbay, Principal’s quarters, senior staff quarters, junior staff quarters, perimeter fencing, gate, generator house and power supply with extension of electricity, including solar-powered streetlights, among other.

    “There is road network and landscaping of about 1.8 kilometers with 1.5 kilometer drainage, interlocking connecting buildings, completed road pavements and parking lots, water supply to all the buildings within the compound,’’ he said.
    Speaking also, the Head of Local Government Administration, Okrika LGA, Mrs Obianime Appollos, said the Okrika Grammar School, established in 1940, had remained an iconic institution known for academic excellence.

    He commended Fubara for remodelling the structures and restoring the status of the institution after years of neglect.

    Mr Golden Iruayenama, on behalf of the Old Boys Association, said the school’s years of neglect and dilapidated structures were worrisome and promises to fix them never materialised until Gov. Fubara changed the narrative.

    Also speaking, Bishop Enoch Atuboyedia of Diocese of Okrika, Anglican Communion, said it would be remembered that the Grammar school, after 85 years of existence, was magnanimously remodelled and resuscitated by Fubara.

  • Fubara, aides denied entry into Rivers Assembly over budget re-presentation

    Fubara, aides denied entry into Rivers Assembly over budget re-presentation

    Rivers State Governor,Siminialayi Fubara and his entourage have been denied entry into the Assembly Quarters of the House of Assembly on Wednesday.

    The Governor and some members of his executive council, arrived the quarters in the morning of Wednesday but met the gate locked.

    Fubara, who wore a white outfit with a red cap, said he was at the Assembly Quarters to re-present the 2026 Appropriation Bill in line with the Supreme Court’s judgement.

    Two key officials, who accompanied the Governor to the quarter, where the House of Assembly is located along Aba Road, were the Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo.

    The governor could be heard saying: “Is the gate locked” before speaking on the reason for his visit.

    He complained that he was at the House of Assembly quarters to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill in line with the Supreme Court’s judgement, but met the gate to the Assembly locked.

    The Governor said he had made a lot of efforts to reach Rivers Speaker and other lawmakers to no avail.

    Fubara said he also sent a letter to the Speaker for an invitation to re+present the budget but has got no reply, adding that he was only acting for the interest of the state.

    The Governor said: “I came here this morning with few of my EXCO members to comply with the Supreme Court judgment. Before my arrival I have made several attempts by phone call to reach the Speaker and other members.

    “I also did a letter personally which was transmitted to the Hon. Speaker for this particular invitation. But it is unfortunate that at the gate, the place is completely sealed, and there is no sign that anything is going to happen today.

    “The reason why we are doing this, like I have always said is the interest of our people which is the most important thing. Well I don’t think there is anything to worry about, maybe they are working on the letter, and I expect to hear from them may be after this hour”.

  • ‘I will leave office but…’ – Fubara to comply with S/Court’s judgment

    ‘I will leave office but…’ – Fubara to comply with S/Court’s judgment

    Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, says his administration will  fully  implement  the recent judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on  political crisis rocking the state.

    Fubara gave the assurance on Tuesday at  the inauguration of the new Judges’ Quarters, a housing facility completed by his administration in Port Harcourt.

    “It is not about me, I will leave office but the good work that I have done will speak for me and will defend my generation”

    He stated that the quarters was built for Judges who are indigenes of the state or  connected  to the state  by  marriage.

    “The political issues  in Rivers  happened for  protection of the interest of  its people.

    “It has not been an easy 16 months but what is important is the interest of our state, which must be above our personal interest. It is not about me, it is about the good of this state,” he said.

    Fubara said the money expended in prosecuting the political crisis on both sides was a huge waste.

    He stated that such financial resources and other efforts,  would be more profitable, if they were synergised, and channelled to things  that promoted genuine well-being and good of the state.

    “Thank God we are here today, I can assure you that  I have not gone back on my words that nothing, no price is too big to pay for peace in this state, because at the end of the day, it is about our people.

    “It is not about me, I will leave office but the good work that I have done will speak for me and will defend my generation,” he said.

    Fubara said that completing the facility, showed that his administration priotised the welfare, particularly of judicial officers.

    He explained that his administration inherited the project, and with reports from the Ministry of Justice and some concerns from the judiciary, it became imperative to continue with it.

    “We give glory to God that today, we have completed this project, and we are willing and ready to hand it over to the lucky judges who are going to live here so that they can perform their duties effectively.”

    The governor harped on the need for proper maintenance of the  facility and the entire premises.

    The Chief Judge of Rivers, Simeon Amadi, recalled how he laid the foundation stone of the project, which was initiated by the immediate past administration on May 22, 2023.

    The Chief Judge commended Fubara for completing the project, which he said represented  another milestone and great accomplishment for the Rivers  judiciary.

    “We are pleased with this landmark achievement, which represents continuation of the policy of providing befitting residential accommodation for judges of Rivers  on owner-occupier basis or monetary ground in lieu thereof.

    “This is backed by the Rivers State Housing Scheme for Judicial Officers Law No. 10 of 2021, passed by the Rivers  House of Assembly, and signed into law by the immediate past governor.

    “The Rivers government remains resolute in ensuring that judges were quartered while in service, and in recent years, had gone further to allocate official quarters to judges on  basis of owner-occupier or monetary ground of a fixed sum in lieu thereof.

    “The policy of providing official accommodation for judges on owner-occupier basis or monetary ground in lieu thereof has greatly reduced  the pressure on judicial officers who hitherto,  struggled to build retirement homes while in service with limited resources.

    “Such pressure and desire to own retirement homes in time past was a major concern and had its  impact on job performance,” he added.

    In an address, Mrs Ibiwari Clapton-Ogolo, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the state justice ministry, said the housing scheme  law applied to judicial officers who must be indigenes of Rivers  either by birth or marriage.

    “The scheme provides for ownership of a decent accommodation in the state by every judicial officer who is an indigene  or married to an indigene  or monetisation of the accommodation, subject to the approval of the government.

    “In accordance with the above law, today, the chief judge of Rivers  will commission seven duplexes of five bedrooms, which are exquisitely furnished.

    “Our judges deserve nothing less. I pray that these duplexes will not just be  living houses but homes where they will find peace and rest as they discharge their duties to God and to men,” she added.