TheNewsGuru

Tag: Rivers State

  • $5,000 was shared to each member as ‘Sallah gesture’ – Fresh details on money lawmakers received amid Fubara’s suspension emerges

    $5,000 was shared to each member as ‘Sallah gesture’ – Fresh details on money lawmakers received amid Fubara’s suspension emerges

    New details have come to light regarding the contentious $5,000 payments made to Nigerian lawmakers amid push for a state of emergency in Rivers State as President Bola Tinubu seeks to address the escalating political crisis in the region.

    To dispel growing speculation, Mukhtar Aliyu Betara, the Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has denied allegations that the payments were bribes intended to secure support for the state of emergency.

    Speaking to investigative journalist Jaafar Jaafar, Betara explained that the $5,000 distributed to lawmakers was simply a “Sallah Gesture” and not an inducement tied to the emergency rule.

    Jaafar, sharing the details of his conversation with Betara on 𝕏 (formerly Twitter), wrote, “The chairman of the House Committee on FCT, Mukhtar Aliyu Betara, has clarified to me that he only shared $5,000 to each member of his committee as a ‘Sallah Gesture’ not an inducement to support emergency rule in Rivers State. According to him, he maintains the tradition – like Santa Claus – every year. As we say in Hausa, not thigh but hind leg.”

    Betara’s statement aimed to clarify the intention behind the payments, which had sparked widespread speculation.

    He described the payment as part of a long-standing tradition he follows, similar to holiday gifts, and stressed that it had no connection to the political situation in Rivers State.

    Earlier, reports had suggested that significant sums were handed out at Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s guest house in Maitama, Abuja, with the aim of swaying lawmakers to support the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

    However, Betara’s denial has sought to put the allegations to rest, with some lawmakers in the National Assembly also rejecting the notion that the payments were linked to the controversial emergency rule.

  • Rivers crisis: PANDEF chairman, Igali confirms plan to reconcile Fubara, Wike

    Rivers crisis: PANDEF chairman, Igali confirms plan to reconcile Fubara, Wike

    The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has stepped in to mediate between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in a bid to resolve their ongoing political dispute.

    This peace initiative, which aims to address the tensions exacerbated by the political conflict, comes after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state on March 18, suspending Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

    The Chairman of PANDEF, Godknows Igali, confirmed that the forum had arranged for a peace meeting between the two political figures.

    Speaking on a TV program, Igali explained that PANDEF had approached a southern governor, unaffiliated with the conflict, to host the crucial meeting.

    He stated: “We are a body that is formed to promote dialogue, to promote the reign of peace in the region and also defending, of course, the people. A template has been established, and that template is that we go and talk about how we can arrive at a peaceful resolution to this problem.”

    Igali noted that PANDEF would have taken a more reactive approach if there had been no opportunity for dialogue.

    “If that option was not there, PANDEF would have reacted totally differently,” he emphasized, adding that the mediation process was already showing promising progress.

    Describing the steps PANDEF took to facilitate communication between the two sides, Igali explained that the forum had previously encountered resistance from both parties, who were unwilling to engage in discussions.

    However, the situation has now shifted, with both factions showing more willingness to come to the table.

    “The committee of elders succeeded in talking to the two sides.

    “They met people who were very close to the governor. They met with the governor himself twice. Then they also met with the very close people to the minister of the federal capital territory, and the two sides agreed that, okay, let us arrange for the two principals to meet at a neutral ground,” Igali explained

    Igali revealed that PANDEF had already identified a neutral location for the peace talks, with the backing of a southern governor.

    “We had already started working on that, on a place where both of them can meet face to face. I can put it out that we had approached one of the governors in the south who is very detached from this matter to host, and he had accepted to host,” he said.

  • BREAKING: Another major explosion rocks Rivers state

    BREAKING: Another major explosion rocks Rivers state

    Another explosion has occurred in Rivers State, this time at the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru Local Government Area, barely a week after major explosions rocked Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana and Oga/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas of the state.

    The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), confirmed the explosion on Sunday.

    The grassroots NGO, with a strong presence in the Niger Delta, disclosed that its youth volunteers had alerted the organization about the early morning blast at the Soku oil facility, operated by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited.

    In a statement signed by the Executive Director, Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, YEAC-Nigeria revealed that an explosion, accompanied by fireballs, was heard and seen rising from the facility.

    “The fire is still ongoing as of the time of this report,” the statement noted. However, the facility remains difficult to access, and the exact cause of the explosion is still unknown.

    YEAC-Nigeria also called for an immediate investigation into the latest Soku explosion, as they urged the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to conduct a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to determine the cause of the explosion and ensure accountability.

    “Perpetrators of this crime must be held accountable in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021,” YEAC-Nigeria stressed in the statement, as they demanded swift action to address the escalating violence in the region.

  • Gov Fubara quashes reports of Bayelsa relocation with first public appearance [Photos]

    Gov Fubara quashes reports of Bayelsa relocation with first public appearance [Photos]

    Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, on Sunday made his first public appearance in the state, dismissing reports that he has relocated to Bayelsa State since the declaration of a state of emergency and his subsequent suspension from office.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the suspended governor, was seen alongside his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie,  arriving for worship at the headquarters of Salvation Ministries in GRA, Port Harcourt.

    The suspended governor’s appearance comes days after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, citing escalating political tensions and security concerns.

    As part of the declaration, Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended, with Ibok-Ete Ibas appointed as the Sole Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs for an initial period of six months.

    The president’s decision sparked mixed reactions from political stakeholders, legal practitioners, and civil society groups.

    See photos below:

     

  • Former president, Jonathan criticises Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers, says it paints Nigeria in negative light

    Former president, Jonathan criticises Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers, says it paints Nigeria in negative light

    Former President, Goodluck Jonathan, has expressed strong disapproval over the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, warning that such actions could harm Nigeria’s global reputation.

    Speaking as Chairman at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday, Jonathan voiced his disappointment over the removal of elected leaders in the state.

    “These actions by key actors in the executive and legislative arms of government paint the country in a negative light,” he stated.

    Jonathan’s comments follow President Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, a move that led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months.

    Defending the decision, Tinubu explained that it was aimed at restoring stability amid the ongoing political crisis in the state.

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

    To oversee governance during the period, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as the state’s administrator.

    “In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate,” he clarified.

    Jonathan, however, expressed concern over the political crisis in Rivers State, stating that while former presidents typically avoid commenting on political matters to prevent escalating tensions, the situation compelled him to speak out.

    He emphasized that Nigeria’s international standing and its ability to attract investments are heavily influenced by the actions of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

    According to Jonathan, numerous Nigerians had urged him to address the issue as a prominent figure from the Niger Delta.

    The former President also condemned instances where individuals allegedly dictate to the judiciary, arguing that such interference undermines public confidence in the legal system.

    Citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, Tinubu justified the state of emergency, stating that it was necessary to restore peace.

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

    The President further expressed hope that the intervention would bring stability to Rivers State and reinforce adherence to constitutional principles among political actors.

    “It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help to restore peace and order in Rivers State by awakening all the contenders to the constitutional imperatives binding on all political players in Rivers State in particular and Nigeria as a whole,” Tinubu added.

  • You added salt to Injury – Peter Obi blasts Reps for backing emergency rule

    You added salt to Injury – Peter Obi blasts Reps for backing emergency rule

    The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi in the 2023 general elections  has lampooned the National Assembly for approving the State of Emergency imposed on Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with a voice vote.

    TheNewsGuru had earlier reported that both the Senate and the House of Representatives endorsed the emergency rule in Rivers State and the six months suspension slammed on Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

    Reacting, Obi in a statement on Thursday afternoon accused lawmakers of adding ‘salt to injury’ by using a voice vote to pass the illegality.

    According to the former Anambra governor, the Constitution is clear that this cannot be done through a voice vote but by calling individuals to answer ‘yes’ or ‘no.’

    He said: “While still agonizing over the ongoing deterioration of democracy in our nation, especially with the situation in Rivers State, and trying to reach out to our National Assembly members not to support and sustain the unconstitutionality and arbitrariness, I just heard that they have added salt to injury by using a voice vote to pass the illegality .

    “The Constitution is clear that this cannot be done through a voice vote but by calling individuals to answer ‘yes’ or ‘no.’

    “You cannot determine a two-thirds majority by a voice vote.

    “While a two-thirds majority is crucial, it does not justify bypassing proper procedures and undermining the principles of transparency and accountability.

    “The use of a voice vote in such a significant decision not only disregards constitutional requirements but also erodes public trust in the democratic process as well as the transparency and integrity of the National Assembly .

    “Decisions of such magnitude must be made with integrity, following the letter and spirit of the law.

    “It is disheartening that a decision as crucial as approving an emergency proclamation — one that could alter the course of the nation — has been handled with such casual disregard for constitutional standards.

    “The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) clearly requires that such a proclamation must be approved by at least two-thirds of all members of each House — the Senate and the House of Representatives.

  • BREAKING! Senate endorses Emergency Rule in Rivers State

    BREAKING! Senate endorses Emergency Rule in Rivers State

     

    The Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State, invoking its constitutional powers under the amended 1999 Constitution.

    The approval grants President Tinubu the authority to enforce emergency measures while mandating a review of the situation at any time, but no later than six months.

    The National Assembly has also imposed a joint committee of both chambers, to oversee the administration of affairs in Rivers State during the emergency period.

    Additionally, the Senate has resolved to establish a mediation committee consisting of eminent Nigerians to help resolve the state’s political crisis.

    Details later…

  • Rivers Administrator vows to work with critical stakeholders, restore peace

    Rivers Administrator vows to work with critical stakeholders, restore peace

    The newly sworn-in Sole Administrator for Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (rtd.), has vowed to maintain law and order in the state.

    He said: “We know the circumstances that led to why we are here and Mr President made it clear in his broadcast,” Ibas told reporters after he was sworn in by President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday.

    “If the main issue is that of maintaining law and order in the state, I think for any meaningful activities to take place in Rivers State, that is the utmost task that I have.”

    The retired naval chief promised “to work together with other stakeholders to ensure that we bring peace, and order and security and stability to the people and government of Rivers State and Nigeria at large”.

    Recall Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, imposed a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy Ngozi Odu; as well as the Rivers State House of Assembly members for six months.

    Tinubu hinged his decision on Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, saying he can’t continue to watch the political situation in Rivers escalate without taking any action.

    The president immediately appointed Ibas, Nigeria’s Chief of Naval State from 2015 to 2021, as the sole administrator of the oil-rich state.

    The suspension of Fubara and other democratically elected representatives has been expressly rejected and condemned by many eminent Nigerians, legal luminaries, and groups including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Femi Falana, the Labour Party (LP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Nigerian Bar Association, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), among others.

    However, the emergency rule has been praised by the pro-Nyesom Wike suspended lawmakers, who accused Fubara of contravening the apex court ruling on the political situation in the state.

  • Pension infractions: Reps summon CEOs of NPA, PTAD, FMBN, others

    Pension infractions: Reps summon CEOs of NPA, PTAD, FMBN, others

    The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has summoned the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantaso to appear before it Thursday to answer queries on allegations bordering on withholding pensions of it’s retired staff.

    In a petition to the House, C. D. Ogbogu, on behalf of disengaged workers of the authority in May 2008, avered that the management of the Authority was yet to pay them their benefits and arrears of pension for fifteen years and also refused to enroll them into the approved pension scheme.

    Reacting, Chairman of the Committee, Mike Etaba noted that the case cannot go on without NPA stating their own side of the story.

    “The allegations are weighty and have apparently put some Nigerians through avoidable trauma. But it is only when we hear from NPA that we can determine what the issues are. That is why the Managing Director of the authority must come in person to clarify the situation. We hope he comes before we look for other means to compel his appearance” Etaba stated.

    In a related development, the committee has directed the Inspector General of Nigerian Police to bring the Managing Director of Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Shehu Usman Osidi and the Executive Secretary of Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate, Tolulope Odunaiya to the House on Wednesday over non payment of pension and gratuity to some retirees twenty years after. ”

    We have been sending invitations to them for some time now and they have been ignoring us. We have no option than to weild the big stick. The police will bring them to the next sitting willy nilly. Look at these senior citizens and imagine what they are going through. These head of these government agencies will explain to Nigerians what is really going on” Etaba fumed.

    The committee also requested the Nigerian Police to arrest and bring one Ifeanyi Emenike, from Port Harcourt to the committee next week to answer charges of land grabbing and fraudulent activities.

  • Rivers administrator, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas speaks for the first time after appointment

    Rivers administrator, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas speaks for the first time after appointment

    Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), the newly appointed sole administrator of Rivers State,  has vowed to work with all stakeholders to restore lasting peace in the state.

    The retired military chief made the pledge shortly after his swearing-in by President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday.

    According to him, the immediate task is to maintain law and order in Rivers State and restore peace, security and stability to the state.

    He said: “So far, I think we know the circumstances that led to where we are here, and Mr President made it very clear in his broadcast, and if the main issue is that of maintaining law and order in the state, I think for any meaningful activity to take place in Rivers State, that is the utmost task that I have to work together with all other stakeholders to ensure that we bring peace, order, security and stability to the people and government of Rivers State and Nigeria at large.”