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Tag: rivers

  • Most wanted serial kidnapper ‘2Baba’ feared dead in Rivers

    Most wanted serial kidnapper ‘2Baba’ feared dead in Rivers

    A joint operation involving the military, paramilitary, and Police, may have killed  Gift Okpara, alias 2Baba, a suspected serial kidnapper responsible for several abductions in Rivers and environs.

    Recall that 2Baba was declared wanted with an N100 million bounty on his head, by the Rivers Government.

    The alleged serial kidnapper was feared dead, following a Nigeria Air Force (NAF) airstrike on his camp.

    The spokesperson of the Police Command in Rivers, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the development in a statement in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

    She said the joint operation was carried out by the police, Army, Navy, Air Force, Department of State Security (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

    Iringe-Koko revealed that the gang brutally murdered the Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada Division, SP Angbashim Bako, on Sept. 8, along with several other residents of the state.

    “After the murder of Bako, a viral video showing the brutal murder and brazen display of weapons being shared by 2Baba and his gang, who are members of the Iceland secret cult.

    “2Baba and his associates also murdered five innocent individuals – Charles Osu, Ogbobula Eja, Idaowukwa Felix, Paul Victor, and Achiniyu Edi – suspecting them of collaborating with the police to apprehend the gang.

    “As a result, upon assumption as Commissioner of Police in Rivers, Mr  Olatunji Disu visited the  Ahoada Local Government Area, and urged officers to intensify efforts in capturing the perpetrators,” she said.

    Iringe-Koko said shortly after the operational tour, Disu initiated a special joint operation involving the police tactical units and Intelligence Response Team (IRT) to apprehend the murderous gang.

    “The operation resulted in the arrest and prosecution of more than 70 suspects who are linked to the murder of SP Bako.

    “Despite extensive efforts, 2Baba and his gang managed to evade capture by retreating deeper into the forest, leveraging the difficult terrain and strategically positioning informants to monitor security forces’ movements.

    “Undeterred, the police formed specialised teams, coordinating with the army, navy, air force, DSS and NSCDC in joint security meetings, and reinforced their united pursuit for justice,” Iring-Koko explained.

    The police spokesperson outlined the sequence of events and arrests made,  leading up to the operation that culminated in the demise of 2Baba.

    According to her, the operation commenced with the apprehension of a female associate of 2Baba on Nov. 29, providing crucial insight into the fugitive’s lifestyle.

    “On Dec. 3, information indicated that 2Baba frequented a nearby community via canoe. Despite a two-week surveillance to ambush him, he abruptly ceased visits, seemingly aware of our operation.

    “On Dec. 6, 2Baba’s executioner, Faithful Joseph, who was seen wielding an AK47 in a viral gang video, was arrested at his Etche local government area hideout but succumbed from gunshot wounds sustained during his failed escape attempt.

    “On Dec. 13, another female associate of 2Baba was apprehended, and on Dec. 15, an assault was launched on his camp but he escaped. Subsequently, his camp was destroyed, prompting him to relocate,” she added.

    Iringe-Koko stated that operatives later apprehended a medical nurse, who allegedly provided information to 2Baba, resulting to the killing of five individuals mistaken as police informants.

    She accused the nurse of also assisting the gang with supplies including food, water and drugs,  as well as providing information on police activities against the group.

    According to her, another multi-agency attack was launched at 2Baba’s new hideout on Dec. 31, stressing that the operation also failed to capture him.

    “To this end, on Jan. 19, operatives successfully deployed advanced technology, revolutionising their approach in the operation, leading to the gathering of crucial intelligence.

    “On Feb. 10, the command shared information with the air force, and at about 7:30 p.m., the air force executed an aerial assault, causing significant casualties and injuries to 2Baba and his gang.

    “But on Feb. 17 at about 12 p.m., the gang attacked Okogbe Town and Odiokwu community, destroying several pipelines.

    “On the same day, a raid on 2Baba’s new camp ensued, and despite a fierce gun battle, the gang members escaped but intelligence later confirmed 2Baba’s death.

    “Efforts are ongoing to retrieve the body of the infamous killer, while investigations into the Iceland cult’s activities in the region continues,” she stated.

    The police image maker stated that items recovered from 2Baba’s camp included an Ak47 rifle, a G3 rifle, a scorpion rifle, a double barrel locally made gun and two locally made pistols.

    “Also found were one-cut-to-size double barreled gun, a bullet proof vest, thirteen pieces of dynamite, five rounds of .9mm live ammunition, army camouflage, assorted charms, a human skull and a jackknife.

  • JTF discovers 14 illegal refining sites in Rivers

    JTF discovers 14 illegal refining sites in Rivers

    The Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), have uncovered 14 sites illegal refining crude oil in Rivers, the Commander, Rear Adm. John Okeke, has said.

    Okeke who assumed duty on Thursday, said that the illegal refining site, located on Ataba Island, close to Bonny Island in Rivers, would be destroyed.

    The OPDS Commander who visited the location said it was uncovered based on intelligence information.

    He said though no arrest has been made, the joint operation will not allow the Niger Delta to be a safe haven for criminals.

    “We are going to make it very hot for them with the help of the Navy, Army, Air Force, Police, NSCDS, the DIA, amongst others.

    “Nobody wins alone without collaboration, with team work, we are going to achieve a lot in the fight against illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism.

    “Today we are in Ataba Island, close to Bonny Island, Rivers State, moving towards Akwa Ibom.

    “What we discovered here is shocking, about 14 massive cooking sites, one of them is still hot and they must have pulled out on the arrival of the troops.”

    According to him, the OPDS would sustain surveillance and take out economic saboteurs in the region.

    “We are sustaining what my predecessor did and I want to thank God that within 24 hours we are able to achieve this feat, it shows that we are performing our duty.”

    He advised criminals operating in the area to go into legitimate businesses, warning that those engaged in pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering will never find peace.

  • Terrorism charges: Court to rule on 5 Fubara loyalists’ bail on Monday

    Terrorism charges: Court to rule on 5 Fubara loyalists’ bail on Monday

    A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, fixed Feb. 5 for ruling on bail applications filed by five suspected persons accused of burning down part of the Rivers House of Assembly on Dec. 29, 2023.

    Justice Bolaji Olajuwon fixed the date after lawyers to the prosecution and that of the defence adopted their processes and presented their arguments for and against the bail plea.

    Justice Olajuwon also dismissed the application filed by Chime Ezebalike and Prince Lukman Oladele, who are 1st and 2nd defendants, challenging the competence of the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police to institute a terrorism charge against them.

    The judge struck out an application filed by Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff (CoS) to Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, seeking an order to strike out the charge against him and others for want of jurisdiction.

    She also struck out the CoS’ prayer for an order striking out his name anywhere it might have appeared in the charge sheet marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/25/2024.

    Olajuwon, in a short ruling, held that Ehie, having not been joined as a defendant in the charge lacked the legal right to make such plea.

    Ehie, who was recently appointed as CoS after he resigned as member and factional speaker of the assembly, was alleged to be among the suspects charged by the I-G for burning down the Rivers House of Assembly.

    The five suspected arsonists of the Rivers assembly were, on Jan. 25, arraigned before Justice Olajuwon on seven-count charge bordering on  alleged terrorism, among others.

    Ehie, whose name was mentioned in the charge, was alleged to be at large with five other suspects.

    The five suspected arsonists (defendants) arraigned are Chime Eguma Ezebalike, Prince Lukman Oladele, Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Osiga Donald and Ochueja Thankgod.

    They, however, pleaded not guilty to the seven-count charge  and were ordered to remain in Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing and determination of their bail applications.

    NAN

  • Police deny releasing 3 officers accused of kidnapping, extorting $3,000

    Police deny releasing 3 officers accused of kidnapping, extorting $3,000

    The Police Command in Rivers has denied reports that it released three officers accused of kidnapping and extorting 3,000 dollars from two victims in Rivers.

    The Spokesperson for the command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, clarified the issue in a statement released in Port Harcourt on Saturday.

    “The attention of the Rivers State Police Command has been drawn to a viral publication circulating on social media and online platforms regarding the alleged release of the three officers.

    “The report claims that three officers of the command, who were arrested for abducting and extorting two young men, are now free and have not been prosecuted.

    “The information was posted on X (formerly Twitter) by Harrison Gwamnishu, the Labour Party candidate for the Delta State House of Assembly (in the 2023 general elections),” the statement read.

    She said in the statement that contrary to the viral publication, the officers were not released and are providing useful information to address the allegations against them.

    “We want to state categorically that the allegation of their release is untrue, malicious, and misleading.

    “The officers – ASP Doubara Edonyabo; ASP Talent Mungo; and Insp. Odey Michael – are presently detained at the Rivers State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

    “The officers are currently at the SCID undergoing the standard disciplinary process of the police,” she added.

    Iringe-Koko stressed that the officers had recently taken part in an identification parade at the SCID on Feb. 2 about a fresh complaint filed against them.

    The command’s spokesperson, therefore, urged residents to ignore the publication and assured them of timely updates on the outcome of a disciplinary committee that has been instituted to investigate the matter.

    The statement quoted the State’s Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu of condemining fake news and emphasising the virtue of responsible journalism.

    It also quoted him as calling on media organisations to uphold professionalism by delivering accurate information, as the public depends on them for factual news.

    “To this end, the person who tweeted should have sought a reaction from the police before publishing the report, as expected of a reasonable reporter” Iringe-Koko stated.

  • Court dismisses suit seeking to stop Fubara from re-presenting Rivers’ 2024 budget

    Court dismisses suit seeking to stop Fubara from re-presenting Rivers’ 2024 budget

    A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, dismissed the suit seeking to stop Gov. Siminalayi Fubara from re-presenting the N800 billion 2024 budget of Rivers.

    Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, in a ruling, also set aside the earlier interim order made on Jan. 22, directing parties in the suit to maintain a status quo pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

    Justice Abdulmalik held that a similar suit in the matter had already been decided by a sister court on the day the interim order was granted.

    Besides, the judge held that the plaintiffs’ counsel, David Maduka, lost the opportunity that would have afforded him to be heard when he failed to address the court on the propriety of the instant suit in the face of the judgment already delivered in a similar case.

    The five-member Rivers House of Assembly led by the then factional Speaker, Edison Ehie, had, on Dec. 13, 2023, passed the appropriation bill sent to it by Fubara and the governor assented to the bill on Dec. 14, 2023.

    But Justice James Omotosho, a brother judge, had, in the judgement delivered on Jan. 22, set aside the Rivers’ N800 billion 2024 budget passed by the five members of the house and signed into law by Gov. Fubara on Dec. 14, 2023.

    Justice Omotosho also restrained Gov. Fubara from frustrating the House of Assembly, under Martin Amaewhule-led leadership, from sitting or interfering in its constitutional and legislative functions.

    The judge equally barred the National Assembly, the police and any member of the state executive arm from interfering in the assembly’s affairs.

    But Justice Abdulmalik, on the same day, granted the ex-parte order filed by six elders of the state, who were plaintiffs in the suit.

    They are Hon. Victor Okon Jumbo, a member of the Rivers assembly representing Bonny State Constituency; Sen. Bennett Birabi, Sen. Andrew Uchendu, Rear Admiral O.P. Fingesi, Ann Kio Briggs and Emmanuel Deinma.

    The judge, in a ruling, directed the parties not to take further steps, pending the determination of the application seeking to stop Fubara from re-presenting the already passed 2024 budget before the legislative house.

    The plaintiffs equally, through their lawyer, Kayode Ajulo, SAN, sought an order declaring the seats of the 27 lawmakers who dumped Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for All Progressives Congress (APC) vacant, among other reliefs.

    They queried the constitutionality of a peace agreement they alleged that President Tinubu made governor Fubara to enter into with the immediate-past governor of the state and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

    They maintained that the said agreement that was signed on December 18, 2023, was not only illegal, but amounted to an usurpation, nullification and undermining of the extant/binding relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    The plaintiffs, consequently, prayed the court to among other things, determine whether Tinubu, Fubara and the Rivers assembly had the rights and entitled to enter into any agreement that had the effect of nullifying or undermining the constitutional provisions of Section 109 (I) (g) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution.

    Justice Abdulmalik, who fixed Feb. 28 to hear the application, directed that the defendants which include President Bola Tinubu, Attorney-General of the Federal, Fubara, Rivers assembly, assembly’s speaker and Independent National Electoral Commission, be put on notice in order to respond to allegations raised.

    But the six plaintiffs filed another motion ex-parte marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1718/2023.

    In the motion dated Jan. 24 and filed Jan. 25, they sought an order granting accelerated hearing in the suit.

    The also sought an order abridging the time within which the defendants could file all their processes, including the plaintiffs’ reply and the court fixed the hearing for today.

    When the matter was called, Maduka, who appeared for the six elders, told the court of their motion ex-parte.

    The lawyer urged the court to grant their two prayers.

    But Justice Abdulmalik called Maduka’s attention to Jan. 22 judgment delivered by Justice Omotosho.

    She said that at the time the interim order was granted, there was a judgment which is on a matter similar to the present suit.

    The judge then ordered Maduka to address the court on the judgment which had already settled the case brought before her.

    Responding, the lawyer said he was unaware of the judgment.

    “I have not been able to see that judgment my lord. If I have seen it, I would have been able to address the court,” he said.

    Maduka prayed the court to stand down the matter to enable him get the judgment so he could properly address the court.

    Delivering the ruling, Justice Abdulmalik said she found that the instant suit bordered on Rivers assembly matter which had been decided by a sister court.

    She held that Maduka had lost the opportunity to afford him of fair hearing.

    She said: “Therefore, I hold that the plaintiffs/applicants are privy to that judgement,” which barred the parties from acting in contrary to the decision of the court.

    According to the judge, the plaintiffs/applicants are at liberty to study that judgment to know which way to go.

    Therefore, she held that the motion ex-parte filed on Jan. 25 had been overtaken by event.

    Justice Abdulmalik, who vacated the earlier interim order, dismissed the suit in its entirety.

    Although Maduka stood up to explain that he was not deliberately avoiding to address the court, the judge did not give him a listening ear.

    NAN

  • Fubara speaks after Supreme Court verdict

    Fubara speaks after Supreme Court verdict

    Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers says he will remain committed to the purpose he was elected and will no longer allow anything to distract his administration.

    Fubara said this on Thursday at the Government House, while addressing newsmen on the heels of the Supreme Court affirmation of his election as the governor of Rivers.

    Fubara said his triumph at the Supreme Court has laid to rest the legal battles that added to the distractions his administration grappled with in the last eight months.

    “About an hour ago, the Supreme Court revalidated our mandate in the election.

    “It is a victory for the entire state

    “It is important for us to note that we need this victory to consolidate the purpose of governance.

    “Prior to this moment, we have had a few distractions here and there.

    “And the good news that came to us this morning is a refreshing strength that will encourage us to continue the good work in governance,” Fubara said.

    He expressed gratitude to God for His help and President Bola Tinubu for his fatherly role in the internal crisis and litigation against his election.

    He also extended gratitude to his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, whom he described as his “Oga”, for all his support.

    The governor called on everyone to join hands with his administration to build a competitive state that would be reckoned with as truly prosperous in all ramifications.

    “We have a dream of making it a highly competitive state that will measure, if not up to Lagos but close to becoming like Lagos.

    “We can only achieve this in an atmosphere of peace.

    “So, I am calling on everyone, not just on our internal issue but those members from other parties, the issue is settled, come and let’s build the Rivers of our dream

    “We will continue to protect and provide the basic needs of governance to everyone who is doing business and who lives in Rivers,” Fubara said.

    He further said that he would soon address the good people of the state on the apex court victory.

    “For now, let everybody be happy that one elephant is out of the road, the other one, by God’s help, will be resolved amicably and the family will be one.

  • Court remands 5 suspected arsonists of Rivers’ assembly in prison

    Court remands 5 suspected arsonists of Rivers’ assembly in prison

    A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, ordered that the five suspected persons arraigned for allegedly burning the Rivers House of Assembly on Oct. 29, 2023, be remanded in a correctional centre.

    Justice Bolaji Olajuwon gave the order following their arraignment on seven-count charge bordering on terrorism.

    Justice Olajuwon, who declined to take their bail plea, held that their application for bail was not ripe for hearing.

    The Inspector-General (I-G) is the complainant in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/25/2024, Chime Eguma Ezebalike, 37; Prince Lukman Oladele, 47; Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, 40; Osiga Donald, 42; Ochueja Thankgod, 35, are 1st to 5th defendants respectively.

    The police alleged that the defendants, alongside Hon. Edison Ehie, former factional speaker of the assembly loyal to Gov. Siminalayi Fubara and others at large, committed the offence.

    Ehie, representing Ahoada East Constituency, had, in December, resigned as a member of the  Rivers assembly and speaker of the minority lawmakers.

    The resignation was said to be part of the agreements reached in the bid to reconcile Fubara and former Governor, Nyesom Wike, now the FCT Minister.

    Upon resumed hearing, Oluwole Aladedoye, SAN, who announced appearance for Ehie, said though his client was not listed as a defendant, he was in court to represent him because his name was mentioned virtually in all the counts.

    The police counsel, Audu Garba, said the matter was fixed for arraignment and they were ready for the defendants to take their plea subject to the convenience of the court.

    After the charge was read to them, the defendants pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

    “In view of the denial by all the defendants of the allegations leveled against them, we shall be asking for a date for trial to invite our witnesses,” Garba said.

    Lukman Fagbemi, SAN, who represented Ezebalike and Oladele (1st and 2nd defendants), informed the court that a bail application was filed on their behalf on Wednesday and that the prosecution had been served.

    Terkaa Aondo, representing Kpasa (3rd defendant), said he had equally filed a bail application earlier in the day and that the prosecution had been served.

    Responding, Garba said he was just being served today and would need more time to study the applications.

    But Fagbemi, who prayed the court to allow his bail application to be taken, said his clients had been in detention since Nov. 4, 2023.

    Aondo, while aligning himself with Fagbemi’s plea, said his client was detained since Jan. 5.

    They, however, asked for a shorter date should their requests were not granted.

    Justice Olajuwon, who refused to grant the plea to take their bail applications, adjourned the matter until Feb. 2 for hearing of the bail application.

    The judge ordered the defendants to be remanded in a correctional centre pending the hearing of their bail applications.

    NAN, however, observes that Osiga Donald and Ochueja Thankgod (4th and 5th defendants) were not represented in court by any lawyer.

    Count one of the charge alleged that Ezebalike, Oladele, kpasa,  Honourable Ehie and others now at large, on or about the 29th day of October, 2023, at Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers, while acting in concert, conspired together to commit felony.

    It alleged that they commited the “act of terrorism by the wilful destruction of public properties of invading, attacking, destroying and burning of the Rivers House of Assembly.

    The prosecution said the offence is punishable under Section 26 [1] [a] of the Terrorism [Prevention and Prohibition} Act 2022,” among other counts.

  • Court restrains IG, DSS from withdrawing security details attached to Rivers lawmakers

    Court restrains IG, DSS from withdrawing security details attached to Rivers lawmakers

    A Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, gave an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the Inspector-General (IG) of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) from withdrawing the security details attached to the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers House of Assembly.

    Justice Donatus Okorowo made the order in a ruling on a motion on notice moved by Steve Adehi, SAN, and which was not opposed by the defence counsel  including Adeyemi Ajibade, SAN, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s National Legal Adviser.

    Justice Okorowo directed the police and DSS to provide them with adequate security in carrying out their legislative functions.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the motion on notice, dated and filed on Dec 13, 2023, sought five orders of interlocutory injunctions.

    The 26 lawmakers had, in the motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1681/2023/, sued the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), PDP, the assembly, clerk of the assembly, I-G and DSS as 1st to 6th defendants respectively.

    The motion was deposed to by Amaewhule, the Speaker of the assembly.

    Upon resumed hearing, Adehi informed the court of the pending application and went ahead to move the motion, which was not opposed by other lawyers.

    Responding, Ajibade said though he would not object to the application, he said the PDP was preparing for trial and would file its pleading in the next adjourned date.

    He insisted that the 26 lawmakers would have to vacate their seats, having dumped the party for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in disregard to the provisions of the law

    Ken Njemanze, SAN, who appeared for the House of Assembly (3rd defendant), and Ferdinand Orbih, SAN, who represented the clerk of the assembly (4th defendant), did not oppose Adehi’s application.

    Delivering the ruling, Justice Okorowo made an order of interlocutory injunction restraining INEC and the House of Assembly from declaring vacant or taking any step to declare vacant the seats of the lawmakers pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

    The judge also made an order of interlocutory injunction restraining INEC from withdrawing their certificates of return or conducting fresh elections to fill their seats pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

    He made an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the defendants jointly and severally from interfering with the official rights and privileges of the speaker, deputy speaker and members of the assembly.

    Justice Okorowo adjourned the matter until Feb. 16 for mention.

    Recall that the judge had, on Dec. 17, 2023, gave an interim order restraining all the defendants from taking any action over the defection of the lawmakers until the substantive suit is determined.

    Okorowo gave the ruling in an ex-parte motion moved by counsel who appeared for the defected lawmakers, Peter Onuh.

    Besides, a brother judge, Justice James Omotosho, on Monday, set aside the N800 billion 2024 budget passed by five members of the house led by its factional Speaker, Edison Ehie, and signed into law by Gov. Siminalayi Fubara on Dec. 14, 2023.

    Justice Omotosho, in a judgment, also barred the National Assembly from taking over the assembly’s function, among others.

    However, Justice J. O. Abdulmalik of a FHC, in her ruling on Monday, directed the parties not to take further steps pending the hearing and determination of the suit brought before the court by six elders of the state.

    Abdulmalik ordered all the parties to maintain status quo and adjourned until Feb. 28 for hearing.

    NAN

  • Rivers State: Teachers protest exclusion from N100,000 Christmas bonus

    Rivers State: Teachers protest exclusion from N100,000 Christmas bonus

    More than  100 primary and secondary school teachers in Rivers state on Friday, staged a protest at the Government House in Port Harcourt over alleged exclusion from the N100,000 Christmas bonus approved for civil servants by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

    The protesters alleged that other civil servants in the state have received theirs along with their December 2023 salaries, but wondered why they didn’t benefit from the bonus.

    Recall that Prior to the Yuletide holidays, Fubara approved the bonus for each civil servant, a development which ignited wild jubilation from the workers and both the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress in the state.

    The aggrieved teachers, who occupied the Government House, expressed displeasure about the development and called on the state government to intervene.

    Speaking to newsmen on Friday, one of the teachers simply identified as Oke said, “We were so happy when we heard that the governor approved a N100,000 Christmas bonus for all civil servants. So we assumed that the last Christmas was going to be very great for us.

    “But as we speak today, this is January, a few of us as you can see have not received the Christmas bonus.

    “On Monday, schools will be resuming. Most of us travelled and we have returned.

    “We have exhausted all we have. So we are here this morning to register our complaints to our dear loving governor to help us talk to those who are holding our Christmas bonus.

    “Our N100,000 Christmas bonus should be released because it will go a long way in cushioning the effect of the hardship especially in this January.”

    Others who spoke accused their banks and the state Universal Basic Education Board of failing to address the matter.

    An official of the government who addressed the protesting teachers commended them for their peaceful disposition and assured them that their complaints would be looked into.

  • All my political rivals have failed – Fubara

    All my political rivals have failed – Fubara

    Rivers state Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has mocked his political rivals in the state, saying that they all failed in their attempt to impeach him.

    Fubara noted that despite their efforts, he remained the governor of the oil-rich South-South state.

    The governor made his position known at a crossover church service at St Paul’s Archdeaconry Parish in the Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of the state.

    “I want to urge everyone here. Don’t be frightened,”

    “What they (opponents) want is this red biro,” Fubara said raising a red pen to the cynosure of all eyes. “But it is still with me; they have failed.”

    “We are the winners because we are still signing with the red biro. And so long as we are signing with the red biro, development will continue in Rivers State.

    “2024 will witness unprecedented height in our state. The only thing we ask from you is your support and prayers,” the governor stated.

    Rivers State was a theatre of the absurd in the last three months with the state House of Assembly being the “boxing ring”. The rift between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, split lawmakers in the House with 27 of them decamping from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a party in whose central government Wike currently serves as minister.

    The feud also saw the emergence of parallel sittings, an impeachment plot against the governor, the demolition of the Assembly complex, and a gale of resignations of pro-Wike commissioners from Fubara’s cabinet.

    President Bola Tinubu and some elder statesmen had intervened in the crisis earlier in October but it degenerated into a full-blown fight. The President again met with Wike and Fubara and members of their individual camps in December and a truce was reportedly reached.