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Tag: Rivers State

  • BREAKING: Tinubu wades into turmoil in Rivers State, directs IGP to restore peace

    BREAKING: Tinubu wades into turmoil in Rivers State, directs IGP to restore peace

    President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Kayode Egbetokun to immediately restore and maintain peace, law, and order in Rivers State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports President Tinubu gave the order on Monday after chaos erupted in Rivers State, following local government election that was held in the State.

    Following the election and the subsequent swearing in of the elected local government officials, unrest erupted in the State with several local government secretariat torched.

    Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, political leaders and their supporters in Rivers State to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law.

    The statement reads: “In response to recent tensions following last Saturday’s local government council election, the President expressed deep concern over reports of arson and explosions in the state. He urged all political actors to de-escalate the situation and discourage their supporters from engaging in violence or destructive actions.

    “President Tinubu directed the police to restore and maintain peace, law, and order immediately. While instructing law enforcement agencies to bring the situation under control, he emphasised the need to ensure the security of public institutions.

    “President Tinubu said government facilities built with public funds must be safeguarded from vandalism. He stressed that self-help has no place in a democratic system, especially after 25 years of continuous democracy.

    “According to President Tinubu, the judiciary can settle all political disputes, and the outcome of this election should be no exception”.

  • Rivers Assembly confirms new commissioners appointed by Gov Fubara

    Rivers Assembly confirms new commissioners appointed by Gov Fubara

    The Rivers State House of Assembly, on Monday, screened and confirmed four Commissioner nominees presented by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

    The commissioner nominees include Dr Israel Ngbuelu, Mr Evans Bipi, Mr Otamiri Ngubo and Mr Benebo Anabraba.

    Speaker of the House, Mr Victor Oko-Jumbo, announced during plenary that the governor forwarded a letter containing four names for screening and confirmation.

    The House Leader, Mr Sokari Good-boy, said that three of the nominees were former members of the house, “who served diligently during their tenure” as lawmakers.

    He, therefore, urged his colleagues to allow the trio to take a bow and go. The House, however, screened the fourth nominee before confirming all of them.

    The Speaker later announced their confirmation and advised them to bring their wealth of experience to bear in the development of the State.

  • Full list of Rivers State local govt facilities that have been set ablaze so far

    Full list of Rivers State local govt facilities that have been set ablaze so far

    Multiple local government facilities in Rivers State have been set ablaze following the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun’s order to unseal secretariats.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the destruction of the secretariats comes barely 24 hours after the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected chairmen of the 23 local government areas.

    TNG reports that twenty two chairmen of the Action Peoples Party (APP) and one of the Action Alliance were inaugurated into office following their victories in the recent Local Government Council elections held on Saturday.

    The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) on Saturday declared the APP as the dominant party, securing victories in 22 local government areas, while the Action Alliance claimed one chairmanship seat.

    Below are list of LG facilities that have been set ablaze

    The Eleme Local Government council secretariat was set ablaze with explosions from suspected dynamite causing extensive damage to buildings and vehicles parked .

    Angry protesters also set ablaze portions of  Ikwerre Local Government Area secretariat building in Isiokpo, preventing workers from accessing the premises. 

    According to reports, the disruption forced the newly sworn-in Chairman to postpone the inauguration of council members.

    In Emuoha Local Government Area, similar scene unfolded as protesters blocked the main entrance, refusing to recognize the victory of the Action Peoples Party’s candidate.

    These demonstrators continue to support the former Local Government Chairman, Dr Chidi Lloyd, demanding his return to complete an extended tenure.

    The unrest, at the filing of this report has spread to several areas, with one person reportedly feared dead in Bori, Khana Local Government Area, 

  • Rivers State: Bode George sends strong message to Wike

    Rivers State: Bode George sends strong message to Wike

    A former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George has advised the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, to ceasefire and allow Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers to work for the people of the State.

    George made this appeal in a statement on Monday in Lagos, following the latest crisis in the state as a result of the local government election.

    George, a PDP Board of Trustees (BOT) member, also called on President Bola Tinubu to advise Wike, the immediate past Rivers governor. to make efforts towards ending the political tension in the state.

    He said that this had become imperative now that people of Rivers had boldly asserted their  civic and constitutional rights by coming out  to vote in the Saturday’s Local Government election.

    “This is the time for former governor of the state and now FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to allow Gov. Siminalayi Fubara to work and deliver dividends of democracy to the people.

    “This is also the time for President Bola Tinubu to advise Wike, who is one of his ministers, to allow the governor to work.

    “I say this with all sense of responsibility because if this democracy is truncated, God forbid,  Tinubu, as the Commander-in-Chief, will be the biggest loser,” George said.

    According to him, all lovers of democracy know that if the  political happenings  in Rivers  could  lead to the re-enactment of the crisis in the defunct Western Region between 1962 and 1966,if allowed to continue.

    He said the crisis eventually led to the first military coup of Jan. 15, 1966.

    The PDP chieftain recalled how some national figures were killed and how the crisis led to a second coup on July 29, 1966, which also claimed the lives of many military officers.

    “Since history is no longer taught in our schools, I want to remind the gladiators in this Rivers crisis that the January and July 1966 killings eventually led to the civil war between July 6, 1967 and Jan.15, 1970.

    “Close to two million Nigerians died in the war. I am raising this alarm because what is happening in Rivers now  is a cause for serious concern for everyone.

    “My understanding of this man-made crisis  is that there is a despotic, divisive, wicked and anti-people design to create a conflagration which may eventually consume our country.

    “We all know the economic importance of Rivers to the survival of this nation. It is the gateway to the Niger Delta.

    “Any threat to peace in this state will eventually lead to huge security implications, not only for Nigeria but West Africa and Africa,” he said.

    According to him, it is good to have political ambition, but this ambition must not be at variance with the expectations of the people.

    He said that some analysts had linked the happenings in Rivers to 2027 elections’ calculations.

    George added: “I believe it is too early to start strategising for a partisan event which is still close to 28 months away.

    “One thing is clear: Nyesom Wike was governor of the state for eight years. He left the Government House in May last year and today, he is the FCT Minister.

    “Sir Peter Odili and Rotimi Amaechi were governors before him. Now that Governor Fubara is the Chief Executive of the state, he should be allowed to work. Nobody stays in office forever.

    “By 2027, people of Rivers will decide, through their votes, if they want him to return to office or not. This is how political issues and ambitions are handled in civilised climes.”

    He said that the way the partisan crisis was going, if not checked, might collapse Nigeria’s democracy.

    “Now that council chairmen and councillors have been elected, I appeal to Nyesom Wike to please give peace a chance. Tinubu must also call Wike and tell him to allow the governor to work.

    “I am appealing to Wike to please let this crisis be a thing of the past. The democracy we enjoy today, many people suffered to bring it to fruition. Some even died.

    “We should not be seen to be dancing on their graves because of partisan interests. Only God knows what will happen in 2027 because He is greater, wiser and more powerful than all of us.”

    He advised the new Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun to call some judicial officers to order over conflicting court orders.

    “Once again, I am appealing to Wike to look at the larger interests in this crisis. He should not allow himself to be used and dumped by the APC.

    “The political storm in Rivers must disappear immediately, in the interest of all Nigerians,” he said.

    There have been lingering political crisis in the state,emanating from the frictions between Fubara and his predecessor, Wike.

  • What Fubara did with Rivers LG election is auspicious, creative – Bauchi Gov

    What Fubara did with Rivers LG election is auspicious, creative – Bauchi Gov

    Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has described Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers as a true democrat, even as he commended the ‘successful’ conduct of Saturday’s local government elections in the State.

    Muhammed, also the Chairman, Governors’ Forum of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), stated this in a statement issued by Fubara’s Press Secretary, Mr Nelson Chukwudi, and made available to newsmen on Monday in Port Harcourt.

    He affirmed Rivers as a PDP state, notwithstanding the fact that the 23 newly-elected local government chairmen and councillors, who were sworn-in on Sunday, were not only from the party.

    The governor also commended his Rivers counterpart for being proactive in the delivery of good governance at the local government level, irrespective of party allegiance or consideration.

    “He didn’t have a structure of the PDP in the state for certain reasons and he had to go out to make sure that he allowed other parties to participate within the political space so that there won’t be any vacuum.

    “I think this is auspicious and creative, and I am very proud of him. Yes, we have lost as a party, and that is why we want to run away from this,” he said.

    Muhammed also assured of possible reconciliation of the current crisis bedevilling PDP so as to achieve the desired unity within the party.

    Meanwhile, speaking to the press after attending the swearing-in ceremony of 23 local government chairmen in Rivers State, the Bauchi State Governor expressed admiration for Governor Fubara’s proactive leadership.

    “As the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, I commend Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his unwavering dedication to strengthening democracy through inclusive governance.

    “Speaking to the press after attending the swearing-in ceremony of 23 local government chairmen in Rivers State, I expressed my admiration for Governor Fubara’s proactive leadership. His ability to navigate complex political challenges with strategic insight has allowed officials from various political parties to serve at the local level, reflecting a commitment to governance that transcends partisan lines.

    “Even though the PDP has lost control in some regions, Governor Fubara remains a loyal member of our party, and his democratic principles are widely recognized. His approach, which ensures governance without political barriers, serves as an exemplary model for other governors.

    “Drawing from my own experiences in Bauchi, where I have faced similar political challenges, I applaud Fubara’s ability to lead effectively despite the complexities he faces. His leadership demonstrates how to navigate difficult political terrain while prioritizing the greater good.

    “Furthermore, I reaffirm the unwavering support of the PDP Governors’ Forum for Governor Fubara.

    “In conclusion, I am confident that our efforts toward party unity and reconciliation will bear fruit. The PDP Governors’ Forum stands firmly behind Governor Fubara as we continue to support his leadership and the values he upholds,” Muhammed wrote via his official Facebook page.

  • Full list of newly elected Rivers LG Chairmen

    Full list of newly elected Rivers LG Chairmen

    The people of Rivers State on Saturday trooped out in numbers to vote for leaders at the grassroots level despite the lingering political crisis rocking the state.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) earlier reports the Action Peoples Party (APP) cleared 22 chairmanship positions out of 23 in the Rivers State local government election.

    The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Chief Election Officer, Justice Adolphus Enebeli, announced the result in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

    He mentioned that the declaration of results for Etche Local Government Area has been put on hold due to the continuous process of tallying the votes.

    See the full list below:

    1. Abua/Odual – Vincent Reuben Obu

    2. Ahoada-East – Chibudom Ezu.

    3. Ahoada-West – Iyekor Ikporo.

    4. Akuku-Toru – Hon. Mrs. Tonye Oniyide-Briggs (served as Commissioner for culture and tourism under former Gov Wike).

    5. Andoni – Lazarus Gogote Nteogwuile.

    6. Asari-Toru – Sule Amachree.

    7. Bonny – Dame Hon. Anengi Barasua Claude-Wilcox (re-elected)

    8. Degema – Harry Agiriye (former permanent secretary)

    9. Eleme – Brain Gokpa (serving Caretaker Committee Chairman)

    10. Emohua – David Omereji (serving Caretaker Committee Chairman)

    11. Etche – Ongoing Collation

    12. Gokana – Monday Dumiye

    13. Ikwerre – Isreal Abosi

    14. Khana – Martins Nwigbo

    15. Obio/Akpor –Chijioke Ihunwo (serving Caretaker Committee Chairman)

    16. Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni –Prince Isaac Umejuru (served as Commissioner for Urban Development under Gov. Fubara)

    17. Ogu/Bolo – Ishmael Oforibika

    18. Okrika – Igwe Achese (Former NUPENG President)

    19. Omuma – Promise Reginald (serving Caretaker Committee Chairman)

    20. Opobo/Nkoro – Enyiada Cookey-Gam (Re-elected)

    21. Oyigbo – Gift Okere (former leader of the All Progressives Congress)

    22. Port Harcourt – Ezebunwo Ichemati (serving Caretaker Committee Chairman)

    23. Tai –Matthew Nenubari Dike (serving Caretaker Committee Chairman)

  • CUPP rates Rivers LG election high as RSIEC declares results

    CUPP rates Rivers LG election high as RSIEC declares results

    The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has congratulated the people of Rivers State on the successful conduct of the local government election in the State on Saturday.

    Chief Peter Ameh, National Secretary of the coalition, described the elections as a triumph for democracy, citing the peaceful participation of the people as a testament to their unwavering commitment to democratic values.

    “In spite of past challenges, the people of Rivers have proven that their voices will be heard and their choices will shape the future. This achievement is a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s democratic journey.”

    Ameh, speaking in Abuja, noted that the people of Rivers have sent a powerful message, demanding accountability, transparency, and effective governance. He emphasised that the collective resolve had given the country hope for a better national election.

    The CUPP National Secretary also highlighted the significance of the election’s success, stating that it had strengthened Nigeria’s democratic institutions, inspired hope for a brighter future, and demonstrated the power of collective action.

    “Your participation has proven that democracy can thrive in Nigeria. We look forward to a continued upward trajectory, where citizens’ voices are amplified and leaders are held accountable.”

    He added that the successful election had dealt a significant blow to external anti-democratic forces seeking to undermine the country’s democracy. Ameh concluded that the resilience of democracy in the face of external interference demonstrated the strength of democratic institutions and the people’s resolve.

    “The success of the election offers hope for democracy’s resilience and revitalisation, showing that citizens can unite to reject anti-democratic forces and affirm their commitment to democratic values”.

    APP sweeps 22 Chairmanship seats in Rivers LG polls

    Meanwhile, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) had declared that the Action Peoples Party (APP) in Rivers swept 22 of the 23 Chairmanship positions contested in Saturday’s Local Government Elections.

    Chairman of RSIEC, Justice Adolphus Enebeli, announcing the results, described the elections as free and fair, and said the winners secured two-third majority votes in their respective wards across the 23 Local Government Areas (LGA) in the state.

    “Results for 19 Wards in Etche LGA are still being collated, while the results for the 319 councillorship positions across the 23 LGAs will be announced in due course,” he said.

    Enebeli further said that elections were conducted in all the 6,866 units in 319 Wards, with 18 of the 19 political parties participating.

    “The elections, which concluded at 3 p.m., recorded a significant voter turnout, with many defying the rain to cast their ballots,” he said.

    He commended the political parties and residents for their dedication to ensuring a smooth election process.

    The RSIEC boss declared those who polled the highest number of votes duly elected Chairmen of their respective LGAs.

    The list of the successful Chairmen included Vincent Obu (Abua/Odual), Chibudom Ezu (Ahoada-East), Iyekor Ikporo (Ahoada-West), Mrs Tonye Briggs-Oniyide (Akuku-Toru), Lazarus Nteogwuile (Andoni), and Dr Sule Amachree (Asari-Toru).

    Others were Dame Anengi Barasua (Bonny), Dr Harry Agiriye (Degema), Chief Brain Gokpa (Eleme), David Omereji (Emohua), Monday Dumiye (Gokana), and Isreal Abosi (Ikwerre).

    Also declared winners were Martins Nwigbo (Khana), Chijioke Ihunwo (Obio/Akpor), and Isaac Umejuru (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni), Ishmael Oforibika (Ogu/Bolo), Igwe Achese (Okrika), and Promise Reginald (Omuma).

    The rest were Enyiada Cookey-Gam (Opobo/Nkoro), Gift Okere (Oyibo), Ezebunwo Ichemati (Port Harcourt) and Matthew Dike (Tai).

    The declaration of the results was witnessed by agents of the 18 political parties, members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and civil society groups, among others.

  • BREAKING: Police open up on activities in Rivers State

    BREAKING: Police open up on activities in Rivers State

    The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has made clarification on the presence of officers at the office of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) at about 1 am on Friday.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the police to have said the mandate of the men from the Rivers Police Command Operations Department was to provide overnight security for the RSIEC to prevent any attack on the facility.

    This is contrary to the position of the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, who had accused the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun of sinister moves to subvert the will of the people of the State.

    The police, however, in a statement by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, stressed that the response of the Command to secure RSIEC overnight was professional and supported by the Inspector-General of Police.

    The statement reads: “The Nigeria Police Force has noted with concern the recent statements made by the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, in which several unfounded allegations were levelled against the Office of the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force.

    “In light of these claims, it has become necessary to set the record straight. Firstly, it is important to clarify that there is a subsisting Federal High Court order barring the Nigeria Police Force from participating in the Rivers State elections. This order was duly served on both the NPF and the Rivers State Government.

    “As a law-abiding institution, the IGP instructed the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State to strictly adhere to this court order by refraining from any direct involvement in the election process.

    “However, in the evening of 3rd October,2024, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State received reports that policemen from Rivers State Government house have been deployed to the office of Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to aid the conduct of the election.

    “This report was also relayed to the Inspector-General of Police who gave clearance to the Commissioner of Police to withdraw the policemen from the Government house and replace with policemen from the Command Operations department.

    “The mandate of the men from the Operations Department, was to provide overnight security for the RSIEC to prevent any attack on the facility.

    “It is also important to note that prior to this, there had been series of security breaches in the state following the spate of court orders and counter orders and reactions to them by supporters of the different political parties involved.

    “The response of the Command to secure RSIEC overnight was therefore professional and supported by the Inspector-General of Police.

    “For emphasis sake, the policemen deployed to RSIEC from the operations department of Rivers State Command on the night of 3rd October,2024 were with the sole mandate to protect the RSIEC office from attack overnight.

    “This action was proactive and responsive to intelligence at the disposal of the State Command.

    “It is therefore shocking to see the state governor storming the RSIEC office at night, wrongly accusing the police on lawful duties, deriding the Police institution and using unprintable words to describe the Inspector-General of Police.

    “The Nigeria Police takes exception to the unwarranted outburst of the Governor and particularly the weighty accusations which he falsely levied against the Inspector-General of Police and the entire Nigeria Police Force  and advise caution and decency in the pursuit of individual political goals.

    “Threatening to shed blood and to burn down the State because of a Local Government election is not acceptable to us. The Nigeria Police Force is committed to protection of lives and properties and will work with other security agencies in Rivers State to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order in the State.

    “To this end, the Inspector-General of Police has ordered increased deployment into Rivers State to beef up security throughout  the state. Citizens of Rivers state are advised to go about their lawful businesses”.

  • BREAKING: Drama as police attempt to break into RSIEC office in Rivers State

    BREAKING: Drama as police attempt to break into RSIEC office in Rivers State

    Drama ensued at the Aba Road office of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) in Port Harcourt at about at 1 am on Friday, 4th October, 2024, when some police officers attempted to break into the RSIEC office.

    Assisted by a team of government officials, lawmakers from the National Assembly (NASS) and State House of Assembly, top political stakeholders, and other leaders, the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara said he foiled the attempt by the police to take over the RSIEC office.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Fubara to have alleged the incident was led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) with the policemen said to have attempted to scale through the gates and strong room of RSIEC, reportedly to cart away sensitive electoral materials meant for the conduct of Saturday’s local government election in the State.

    “The deployment was said to have been ordered by the Inspector-General of Police. However, the evil plots of the rogue policemen and DC Ops were botched when vigilant security officials alerted principal officers of the Commission and relevant government authorities, who immediately informed the Governor of the development.

    “The Governor immediately led a team of government officials, lawmakers from the National Assembly and State House of Assembly, top political stakeholders, and other leaders to storm the facility,” a statement by Nelson Chukwudi, Chief Press Secretary to the Rivers State Governor reads.

    Addressing newsmen in front of RSIEC Office on Aba Road in Port Harcourt, after an encounter with the rogue policemen, Fubara condemned the conduct of the  policemen, saying that the IGP was taking his friendship with some Abuja-based politicians too far.

    He restated the position that the attempt to surreptitiously withdraw policemen already deployed to protect the facility, and replace them with a detachment from a neighbouring State was unacceptable.

    He reminded the IGP that local government election was the internal affairs of states, and advised him to allow the federation unit to conduct its affairs without interference.

    “At present, the Chief of Staff, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and State and National Assembly members, alongside other stakeholders, are manning the RSIEC office to ensure that the rogue policemen in two trucks and two Hilux vehicles do not return and that elections will go ahead as scheduled on Saturday,” the statement added.

  • IPAC backs Saturday’s Rivers State LG election

    IPAC backs Saturday’s Rivers State LG election

    Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), the umbrella body of all the registered political parties in the country says there is no going back on the October 5, Local Government Elections in Rivers.

    Addressing newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, the National Chairman of IPAC, Mr Yusuf Mamman, said that parties and candidates had submitted all necessary documents and were ready for the polls.

    He said IPAC was solidly behind the election and it remains committed in deepening democracy and upholding democratic values, ethos, ethics and ideas in the quest for a better society.

    “The Rivers State Independence Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has scheduled to conduct Local Government elections in the state on Saturday, October 5, in all the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.

    “Political parties have since submitted their nomination forms and complied with the guidelines and regulations for the conduct of the election and assured it would be free, fair, credible, transparent, peaceful and inclusive.

    “Be assured that political parties and their candidates for the positions of Chairman, deputy chairman, and councilor have prepared and are ready to participate in the election as scheduled.

    “There is no going back in this critical exercise that will further deepen the nation’s democracy at the grassroots level,” he said.

    Mamman said that IPAC would continue to strive to build an endurable democracy, strengthen democratic institutions, create an environment conducive for the conduct of credible elections.

    He said that the body would  work to ensure political stability and Judicial reforms as court orders and judgments have far reaching implications and consequences for the survival of democracy in Nigeria.

    Mamman said that election is the beauty of democracy, particularly at the third tier of government, which is nearest to the people.

    The chairman said that Local Government elections must be supported and encouraged by all lovers of representative governance in Nigeria.

    “It is on this note that IPAC backs the Rivers State local government election and all other elections across the country,” he said.

    Mamman frowned at some political actors seeking court judgment to stop the elections, saying that it will lead to a repeat of the dark days that led to the events of June 12, 1993.

    He said as a major stakeholder in the democratic process, IPAC would  not fold its hands and allow political merchants to trade away the nation’s hard-earned democracy using the judiciary as a cover.

    “By issuing conflicting orders and judgments, the judiciary has become a tool in hands of powerful individuals to undermine our emerging constitutional rule. The integrity of the judiciary is at stake as the temple of justice and bastion of democracy,” he said.