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Tag: Fubara

  • Rivers Crisis: PDP Governors pledge support for Fubara

    Rivers Crisis: PDP Governors pledge support for Fubara

    Governors on the platform of the People Democratic Party (PDP), has pledged to support Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers on the crisis between him and his predecessor.

    The Chairman of PDP Governors Forum, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State made the pledge in a communique the forum issued  at the end of the forum’s meeting at the Government House, Enugu on Wednesday.

    According to him, the  forum  is aware of the ongoing crisis in Rivers and is committed to support Gov. Fubara as we resolved  that the issue should be settled  through political solutions.

    He said that all the leaders and organs of the party was committed to go together and resolve the issue with minimal division and rancour.

    “We will employ wider consultations with stakeholders for a peaceful resolution and thus find a lasting solution to the crises,” he assured.

    He explained that in the spirit of the founding fathers that they would adopt internal democracy as the fundamental principle on which the party was built during the party congress.

    The chairman stressed that congresses leading to the election of party leaders, at the various tiers, must be all-inclusive, transparent, fair and in strict compliance with the constitution of the party.

    Mohammed also commended the governors of PDP-controlled states for their innovative approaches to governance in many fields especially infrastructure, education, health, women and youth initiatives and the timely delivery of developmental projects, across the country.

    While recounting how successful the country was under PDP’s 16 years administration, Mohammed reiterated the party’s  commitment in restoring the nation’s past glory,

    According to him, the country witnessed a single digit inflation, the establishment of the existing anti-corruption institutions and higher standard of living for every Nigerian had been eroded during the life span of the lacklustre APC-led Federal Government.

    He added that the forum identified with the Nigerian populace in these troubling times and promised to bring back those good old days, of low inflation rate and  affordable food.

    Others were the fuel and transportation, steady FDI inflows resulting in high naira value and the greater quality of human life.

    He, therefore, called on all Nigerians to refrain from anarchy as they all march towards the return of the PDP to power in 2027.

  • Fubara in shock over police silence after attempted bomb detonation

    Fubara in shock over police silence after attempted bomb detonation

    Rivers State Governor, has expressed surprise at the prolonged silence of the Nigerian Police Force over the attempted detonation of explosive device beside the Presidential Hotel.

    Fubara disclosed this after swearing in Mr Emmanuel Frank-Fubara as the new Commissioner for Finance at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

    Fubara noted that the explosive device was detonated by some protesters demanding for elongation of tenure of former chairmen of local government councils in Rivers.

    The governor maintained that if such was done by supporters linked to him, terrorism charges would have been slammed on them swiftly without delay.

    Fubara insisted that Rivers state with the current political crisis had one enemy who vehemently opposed the current administration, with others making frenetic efforts to sink the state.

    Fubara recalled several prayers upheld by his predecessors, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, that Rivers state was dedicated to God, and those who fought it would continue to experience inexplicable trouble and defeat.

    Fubara said, “I am wondering after how many weeks now, the Nigerian Police is still not able to come out and make a statement about the attempt by the man that tried to detonate a dynamite in front of Presidential Hotel, Port Harcourt.

    “I am still wondering why it has not happened, but maybe, if it was any other thing that has to do with us, they would have charged the person for terrorism.

    “But, you see, this God that I serve, we are serving genuinely. This God that Rivers State has been dedicated to by our predecessors, because when they make statements, they say: Rivers State belongs to God; and that is the God that is saving and lifting us,” Fubara stated.

    The governor pointed out that his administration was satisfied with the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, saying that they were duly recognised by law to carry on with its legislative duties.

    Fubara charged the newly sworn-in Commissioner not to disappoint the confidence reposed in him.

    He also urged him to use the opportunity to touch lives, while making the state proud with the quality of service he would render.

    According to him, it doesn’t matter how long or short I have known him. But within the short period of knowing him, he has proven himself to be a gentleman.

    Fubara promised that his administration would continue to offer services and deliver quality development projects that would truly advance the state on a progressive pedestal that will also translate to quality living for the people.

    “By the special grace of God, when we leave, there should be genuine positive things that people will see and say, yes, this government meant well for the good people of Rivers,” he added.

  • Fresh Trouble looms as Pro-Wike lawmakers give Fubara 7 days to re-present budget

    Fresh Trouble looms as Pro-Wike lawmakers give Fubara 7 days to re-present budget

    The Rivers State House of Assembly faction,  loyal to former governor, Nyesom Wike, has given Gov. Siminalayi Fubara a seven-day ultimatum to re-present the 2024 budget of the state.

    The Speaker of the faction, Martins Amaewhule, gave the ultimatum during a sitting of the members in Port Harcourt on Monday.

    Fubara had presented the 2024 budget when his current Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie emerged as the speaker.

    Fubara had also signed the budget into law after its passage by the then Ehie-led assembly.

    Meanwhile, the Amaewhule-led faction  only resumed sitting on Monday after several months of legislative inactivity.

    A Rivers State High Court had held that Amaewhule and 24 other pro-Wike lawmakers had lost their seats after decamping from the Peoples Democratic party to the All Progressives Congress.

    In its judgment last week, the Court of Appeal overturned the lower court’s decision and declared Amaewhule as the authentic speaker of the house.

    The appeal court held that the Rivers State High Court had no jurisdiction to hear matters relating to the decampment of lawmakers.

  • Pro-Fubara lawmakers to challenge appeal court verdict

    Pro-Fubara lawmakers to challenge appeal court verdict

    The faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, says it will challenge the verdict of the Appeal Court which declared Martins Amaewhule as the authentic speaker of the house.

    Oko-Jumbo, the Speaker of the assembly’s faction loyal to Gov. Siminalayi Fubara, disclosed this during a sitting of the house in Port Harcourt in Friday.

    It would be recalled that the Appeal Court on Thursday, set aside a decision of the Rivers State High Court which declared that Martins Amaewhule and 24 other lawmakers were no longer members of the assembly.

    The appeal court held that the Rivers State High Court had no jurisdiction to entertain issues relating to the decampment of lawmakers.

    Oko-Jumbo said that the assembly strongly believed that the appeal court was in error by declaring that a state high court could not hear such matter.

    ”I remain the authentic speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, there cannot be two houses of assembly in any state, not in Rivers,” he said.

    He further said that the seats of Martins Amaewhule and 24 others lawmakers were validly declared vacant by the then speaker, Edison Ehie.

    “On Dec.13, 2023, their seats were declared vacant following their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress on Dec. 11, 2023.

    “That declaration by the then speaker, Edison Ehie has not been set aside by any court in Nigeria,” he Oko-Jumbo said.

    The factional speaker further said that the assembly secured an order restraining Martins Amaewhule and the 24 other lawmakers from parading as speaker and members of the assembly.

    Oko-Jumbo said that the decision of the appeal court only dwelt on jurisdiction, and did not look at other critical issues such as their decampment to another party.

    “The Court of Appeal did not make any declaration that Martin Amaewhule and 24 others did not defect from the PDP to APC. It did not also make any declaration that they are still members of the house.

    “In spite all their pretences, Martins Amaewhule and the 24 others are no longer members of the Rivers State House of Assembly as we speak,” he said.

    Meanwhile, during the sitting, the Oko-Jumbo-led assembly considered two bills, which were also moved through first reading.

    The bills are, the Rivers State Emergency Management Agency Bill, 2024, and the Rivers State Transport Company Reform Bill, 2024.

  • Rivers crisis: IGP condemns killing of policemen, escalated insecurity in Rivers

    Rivers crisis: IGP condemns killing of policemen, escalated insecurity in Rivers

    The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has condemned in the strongest terms the recent outbreak of violence and subsequent breakdown of law and order at various Local Government Council secretariats in Rivers State, where supporters of two political factions clashed over the tenure of Local Government Council Chairmen, which unfortunately led to the tragic deaths of a Police Officer – Inspector David Mgbada, and Samuel Nwigwe, a vigilante member at Eberi-Omuma in Omuma LGA.

     

    In response to these heinous acts, the IGP has directed the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olatunji Disu, to heighten security measures across the state and institute thorough investigations into the killing of the Police officer and the vigilante operative, as well as the general violence which erupted in the state.

    The IGP has specifically deployed operatives of the Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT) to assist the Rivers State Command in apprehending the killers of the Police officer and the vigilante member.

    The IGP seriously warned individuals and groups of people who have a penchant for senseless attacks and mindless killings of Police officers and other security operatives across the country to desist forthwith as the fullest force of the law will be meted on them.

    The CP has also been directed to focus on increased patrols, strategic deployment of officers, and enhanced intelligence operations to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of all residents. The IGP extended heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased Police officer and the vigilante member noting that their dedication and sacrifice in the line of duty will not be taken for granted.

     

    The Inspector General of Police called on all residents and political stakeholders in the State to exercise restraint and seek peaceful means of resolving differences.

  • BREAKING: Fubara swears in LG caretaker committee Chairmen

    BREAKING: Fubara swears in LG caretaker committee Chairmen

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is swearing in new caretaker chairmen for the 23 local government areas of the state.

    The swearing-in is currently ongoing at the Government House in Port Harcourt, the state capital amid tight security.

    Channels Television reports that the first batch of 11 CTC chairmen are taking their oath of office.

     It comes a day after he forwarded the list to the state House of Assembly led by factional Speaker, Victor Jumbo.

    Channels Television reported that the lawmakers had invited the nominees for screening as early as 8 am on Wednesday.

    See the names of the caretaker chairmen nominated by Fubara below:

    Abua/Odua LGA – Madigai Dickson

     

    Ahoada East LGA – Happy Benneth

     

    Ahoada West LGA – Mr. Daddy John Green

     

    Akuku Toru LGa – Otonye Briggs

     

    Andoni LGA – Reginald Ekaan

     

    Asari Toru LGA – Orolosoma Amachree

     

    Bonny LGA – Alabota Anengi Barasua

     

    Degema LGA – Anthony Soberekon

     

    Eleme LGA – Brain Gokpa

     

    Emouha LGA – David Omereji

     

    Etche LGA – John Otamiri

     

    Gokana LGA – Kenneth Kpeden

     

    Ikwerre LGA – Darlington Orji

     

    Khana LGA – Marvin Yobana

     

    Obia/Akpor LGA – Chijioke Ihunwo

     

    Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA – Princewill Ejekwe

     

    Ogu/Bolo LGA – Evans Bipi

     

    Okrika LGA – Princess Ogan

     

    Omuma LGA – Promise Reginald

     

    Opobo/Nkoro LGA – Enyiada Cookey-Gam

     

    Oyigbo LGA – – Gogo Philip

     

    Port Harcourt LGA – Ichemati Ezebunwo

     

    Tai LGA – Matthew Dike

     

  • There’s no constitutional provisions for LG chairmen’s tenure elongation – Fubara

    There’s no constitutional provisions for LG chairmen’s tenure elongation – Fubara

    Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers says there is no provision for  tenure elongation  for  elected Local Government Chairmen in the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as Amended).

    Fubara made this known while addressing newsmen at the end of a security council meeting with heads of security agencies in Port Harcourt.

    The governor said  that the security council meeting was called because of the  threat to the peace of the state brewing from the tenure expiration of the outgone local government councils chairmen.

    ”We will fearlessly lead the way to ensure that peace continues to prevail in the state while  protecting all patriotic supporters for their stand on the path of truth.

    ”The law on local government tenure is unambiguous. The court clearly affirmed the position of the law.

    “The law is the law, there is no extension of the local government tenure in it. The court says so,” he said.

    The govrnor promised to protect his supporters and resist any ”grand plan to arrest” them.

    Fubara thanked the media and the peace-loving people of the state for their support, and urged everyone to continue to remain law-abiding for the unity and progress of the State.

    According to reports, Fubara directed heads of administration in the 23 local government areas to take over from the elected council chairmen whose three-year tenure elapsed on Monday.

    Fubara gave the directive in a state broadcast on Tuesday in Port Harcourt.

    He said the decision ties with the Constitution’s provision and the need to ensure peace and order in the state. Fubara appreciated the efforts and dedication of the council chairmen to public service.

    The police confirmed that the two people were killed in Omuma LGA during a clash.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Grace Iringe-Koko, who confirmed the killings, said an investigation was ongoing to apprehend the culprits and bring them to justice.

    Iringe-Koko said in a statement that the two were killed during a bloody clash between supporters of two political groups at the council headquarters.

    She said the police had now occupied the council secretariats to forestall violence.

    The statement reads: “Following the breakdown of law and order in the various local government council secretariats in Rivers State where supporters of the two political factions clashed over the tenure of council chairmen, a case of death was recorded at Eberi-Omuma, Omuma LGA, where a police officer and a vigilante were killed.

    “To forestall more bloodshed and prevent a further breakdown of law and order, the police have taken over all the 23 council secretariats and some critical government infrastructure in the state.

    “Conventional police officers and anti-riot police officers have been deployed to these facilities.

    “While urging all groups and individuals to be law-abiding, the Command also warns anyone who intends to cause mayhem as we will not hesitate to impose the full weight of the law on them.

    “We also wish to ask the law-abiding residents and visitors in the state to go about their lawful businesses without fear. We are resolved to carry out our constitutional duty of protecting lives and property.”

  • Gunshots as Rivers LGA chair allegedly moves to access office

    Gunshots as Rivers LGA chair allegedly moves to access office

    Heavy shooting at the premises of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of Rivers State following a move by the chairman of the LGA, Hon Allwell Ihundah, to access his office.

    The development has sparked tension as businesses in the area have shut temporarily.

    It was alleged that the Chairman of the LGA, Ihundah had arrived at the council secretariat this morning with his security personnel to access his office, but that he was stopped by the youths who resumed occupation of the premises, Monday.

    TheNewsGuru.com earlier reported that the three years’ tenure of the elected Chairmen of Local Government and Councillors expired on the 17th of the June as provide by the Constitution.

    But the LGA bosses have insisted that they would not vacate office following a purported amendment on the Local Government Administration Law of the State by the Martin Amaewhule led State Assembly.

    Although, a State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt had in its ruling voided the amendment in which the legislative arm of the state extended the tenure of the elected chairmen by six months.

    However, the Governor Siminialayi Fubara had in a statewide broadcast this morning, bided the elected chairmen and councilors farewell, noting that their period to occupy their positions legally has elapsed.

    But, Tuesday, the Chairman of PHALGA allegedly came to the council secretariat to pick some of his property, but he was stopped by the angry youths.

    It was learned that in the process police attached to him started shooting in the air to scare the LGA occupants, but that the youths resisted the security action.

     

  • Vacate seats immediately- Fubara directs outgoing Rivers council chairpersons

    Vacate seats immediately- Fubara directs outgoing Rivers council chairpersons

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has directed the administrative heads of local governments to take charge of the councils and to await further directives following the expiration of the tenure of the elected council chairpersons and councillors on Monday.

    “Heads of local governments administration are hereby directed to immediately take charge of the councils and await further directives,” the governor said in a broadcast on Tuesday morning.

    Fubara congratulated the outgoing chairpersons on completing their tenure and wished them well in their future endeavours.

    There have been controversies in state as youths in some local government areas, including Degema and Asari-Toru, took over the council headquarters, insisting that the council chairpersons vacate office as their tenure expired on Monday.

    The three-year tenure of elected local government officials in the state ended on Monday. They were sworn into office three years ago under the administration of the immediate past Governor Nyesom Wike, now the minister of FCT.

    At a recent function in the state, Governor Fubara reminded the council chairpersons that their days in office are numbered.

    Tuesday’s directive by the state governor is expected to cause more confusion in a state that is on the brink of violence.

     

  • BREAKING: Court validates pro-Wike lawmakers’ seats

    BREAKING: Court validates pro-Wike lawmakers’ seats

    A High Court sitting in Port Harcourt on Monday affirmed that Martin Amaewhule and the 26 other members of the State House of Assembly who are loyalists of former governor Nyesom Wike are still members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The 27 lawmakers had announced their defection to the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC in December 2023.

    Subsequently, there have been calls that their seats should be declared vacant because of their defection from the platform on which they were elected into office, especially by the camp of Governor Fubara who has been engaged in battle for control of political

    Fubara had also derecognized the lawmakers and is now dealing with a three -man assembly led by one Oko Jombo for the confirmation of his appointees and other necessary legislative inputs.

    However, Justice Okogbule Gbasam of the Rivers State High Court on Monday said its cannot be proved that Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers, had defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The suit was instituted by Hycenth Amadi & others with Martin Chike Amaewhule & 24 others, the Governor of Rivers State, the Attorney General of Rivers State and Rivers State House of Assembly as defendants.

    The Judge ruled that the claimants have not been able to prove that the names of Amaewhule and the 26 other lawmakers are now in the membership register of APC.

    The Court ruled that the party’s register or membership card, and not television ceremonies and or verbal statements, were the only acceptable proofs of party members.

    The Court also ruled that the Claimants have failed to prove that Martin Amaewhule and 24 others have defected to APC as alleged as the Court cannot rely on newspaper and electronic media publications as enough evidence.

    The 27 lawmakers are still members of the PDP since their names are still in the PDP’s membership register as provided by the party, the court ruled.

    Furthermore, the judge ruled that the 25 members never lost their seats and everything they did are valid.

    Consequently, it ordered that Governor Fubara must comply with all the laws passed by the lawmakers.

    Federal High Court presided over Justice Kolawole Omotosho had previously ruled that Martin Amaewhule-led lawmakers loyal to Wike are still bonafide members of the Rivers House of Assembly.