Author: Our Correspondent

By Anne Azuka 

The wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has presented ten thousand professional kits to midwives in the South South states of Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Edo, and Cross River, courtesy of the Renewed Hope Initiative Health Programme.

Speaking at the flag off of the exercise in Asaba on Tuesday, Senator Oluremi Tinubu said the distribution of the professional kits to midwives was to complement the ongoing federal government retraining of one hundred and twenty thousand(120,000)frontline health workers nationwide.

“I am informed that 60,470 health workers have already completed their training, and that is why the Renewed Hope Initiative procured 60,000 branded scrubs and 60,000 pairs of crocs as an imperative to encourage and support the tireless dedication of our great midwives.”

Senator Tinubu explained that all six geopolitical zones would each receive 10,000 scrubs, and 10,000 pairs of crocs, which will be distributed among the states in each zone.

”The North Central Zone received its allocation 29th January, 2025 during my three-day visit to Kwara State while the North West zone received its allocation in 24th February, 2025”

“Today, we are in Asaba to distribute the kits to the South South states. By the grace of God, the next zone to benefit will be the North East, in Taraba State next month ”

”This donation has been made possible through the generous support of an anonymous global partners, dedicated to improving healthcare of our citizens.”

”Tomorrow Wednesday 26th March, I will be launching the free to shine triple elimination campaign for HIV/AIDS, Syphilis and Hypertitis here in Delta State. 

“This initiative aims to promote healthier mothers, reduce new HIV infections among women of reproductive age, eliminate mother to child transmission of HIV, vertical transmission and provide treatment for children born with HIV’.

”Since inception in 2023, the Renewed Hope Initiative has provided targeted interventions in agriculture, economic empowerment, education, health and social welfare to improve the lives of families across Nigeria “

”RHI recognizes the demand of the health profession that it requires not only skills and compassion but also tools and  kits, to encourage our midwives as they serve others”

”In the spirit of today’s event, the Renewed Hope Initiative will be providing additional grants of fifty million naira to the First Lady of Delta State and RHI State Coordinator for another set of one thousand women petty traders with the sum of fifty thousand naira each to recapitalise their existing businesses.

” We had earlier empowered one thousand women petty traders during my last visit to Delta State in August last year. I know the Governor is ready to match the grant to make it two thousand or even two thousand, five hundred women petty traders”, she stressed.

In a remark, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori commended the wife of the President for the choice of Delta State for the flag off of the health programme of the Renewed Hope Initiative.

He used the occasion to underscore the vital role midwives play in public health, especially in maternal and child health by administering treatment, promoting healthy living among others.

Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako described the purposeful priority attention that the Renewed Hope Initiative is according to the health sector as a valuable complement in the agenda of President Bola Tinubu that all Nigerians must have access to the healthcare they need at any point in time without facing financial hardship.

Earlier, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Muyi Aina had given a general overview of the Renewed Hope Initiative Health Programme.

Also in her welcome, the wife of the Delta State Governor. Mrs. Tobore Oborevwori expressed appreciation to the Nigerian first lady for her efforts at empowering Deltans with the resources to kick start their trade and profession. 

Among dignitaries at the occasion included wife of the Vice President of Nigeria, Hajia Nana Shettima, wives of service chiefs, wives of state governors and other officers of the Renewed Hope Initiative.

By Anne Azuka 

Nigeria’s First Lady and wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu on Tuesday advocated free treatment programmes for Human Immunodeficiency Virus/ Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV/AIDS patients in the country.

Speaking during a visit  to Delta State Traditional Rulers Council in Asaba, she highlighted the impact of HIV/AIDS, especially among young people.

She encouraged traditional rulers to help spread awareness and advocate for health issues, including the elimination of female genital mutilation.

Tinubu said; “additionally, there is an education-focused campaign called ‘Flow with Confidence’, which provides free sanitary pads to girls in rural areas to prevent school absences during menstruation.

The First Lady said she had secured significant funding for tuberculosis treatment and emphasizes her commitment to giving back to society through donations and advocacy.

Earlier in his remarks, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori said the country’s First Lady was in Delta to present 10,000 professional kits (Crocs and Scrubs) to midwives in the South-South region, as part of the health programme of her Renewed Hope Initiative.

Oborevwori said; “This laudable programme has been implemented in the North-Central and North-West geo-political zones of the country.

“Today is the turn of the South-South, and the First lady has chosen Delta State as the place to flag-off the programme for the Niger Delta region.

“Also, tomorrow, Her Excellency, will, in conjunction with the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development, flag-off the Free-to-Shine initiative (South-South region), an enlightenment campaign to tackle the scourge of HIV/AIDS, and other public health challenges confronting women of reproductive age.

“Known for her compassionate and humble nature, Her Excellency thought it wise to meet with our esteemed traditional rulers as part of her engagements with critical stakeholders in the state.”

In his remarks, Chairman of Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Maj Gen Felix Mujakperuo,  lauded the President’s wife for the visit.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for the ongoing construction of several road projects in the state including the Benin-Asaba Expressway, Benin-Warri Expressway and the construction of the Access Road to the Second Niger Bridge.

He said: “We are proud of you that you are a virtuous woman who stood by your husband to be able to navigate the political contours of this nation to emerge President.

“I can assure you that we Deltans we respect our in-laws. Just yesterday, one of us here, Asagba of Asaba, Obi Professor Epiphany Azinge told us when he visited Mr. President that Mr. President described our governor as a progressive governor.

“That shows that Mr. President is following closely with the activities of our governor.

“In the same venue, the Honorable Minister for Works, Excellency, Senator David Umahi, also described Governor Oborevwori as hardworking Governor. He said that Governor Oborevwori has turned the whole of Delta State to a huge construction site.

“Having done this, His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori deserves a second term, because we don’t want all these projects to be abandoned.

“I want to also thank you for your care for Nigeria women especially the young ones. We have followed closely with what you have been doing and we are very proud of you.”

Governor Oborevwori and his wife, his Deputy Sir Monday Onyeme and numerous Deltans had earlier received Mrs Tinubu and her delegation at the Asaba International Airport.

By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

Tension has enveloped the Ndito Eka Iba village in Ibeno Local Council of Akwa Ibom, over the whereabouts of nine children, following the perennial boundary conflict with their Eket and Esit Eket neighbours 

Youths’ President of the oil bearing community, Mr. Ukot Robert, who made this known to newsmen in Ibeno yesterday said their rivals  have also threatened another round of hostility, with a vow to ensure their ejection from the area 

Robert, explained that the residents of Ndito Eka Iba, were privileged to know that their Eket and Esit Eket neighbours were still ambushing and maiming people along the coastal axis of the community.

The president said the youths have apprehended and handed over to the Police five persons in Ndito Eka Iba community recently, who came to destroy some properties after the December 24, 2024 unwarranted attack.

 “Ibeno East comprises of Esuk Ikem Ekeme which is ward 10 Unit 1, Itak Ifaha Unit 2, Itak Idim Nne Ekpe Unit 3, Esuk Ekim Akwaha Unit 4, Ndito Eka Iba Unit 5, Okomita Unit 6, Atia Ward 9 Unit 1, Itak Idim Ukpa Unit 2, Itio Esek Unit 3, Okposo one Unit 4 and Okposo two Unit 5; that all these villages are officially gazetted communities in Ibeno LGA, but their neighbours from Eket and Esit Eket have continually been perpetuating crisis in the area to cede these communities to Eket LGA leading to loss of life and many people missing including the children.

“Parents have been looking for some of their children after the incident but to no avail and these children got missing because of the attack in Ndito Eka Iba prior to Christmas Day attack.

“For people to miss from December 2024 till now in that carnage means that, they may have been killed. The community had set up a search party to continue looking for them, while the incident was reported to the Police for further investigation.” He explained.

He listed the names of the missing children to include; Emmanuel Udoeka 11 years old, Happiness John 8 years old, Ikotiye Okon 6, Thompson John 3, Friday Moses 4, John Mfon 9, Gabriel Akpan 8, Susana Peter 7 and Ubong Benselem 14.

He reasoned that, the attacks on Ibeno were, as a result of the controversial attempt by former Governor Udom Emmanuel to remap Ibeno Local Government and cede some villages in Ibeno to other Local Government Areas and noted that the case is presently in court.

He alleged that the former Governor attempted the remapping so that, he would under the guise ceding oil bearing villages from nearby LGAs into other Local Government Area in Onna, Eket, Esit Eket, Mkpat Enin, and Ikot Abasi LGAs to enable them benefit from the 3 percent contributions by oil companies under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

According to him, as a result saying, it was as a result of this, some people from Eket and Esit Eket led by one Aniedi Bassey a k.a Capital, living in Ndito Eka Iba village to fish and trade began to cause problem trying to annex the communities and rename them as Okoiyak Eket.

“The Problem, led by one Aniedi Bassey and his gang of boys from Eket LGA, started on December 21, 2024 when they wanted to host an event at Ndito Eka Iba, but instead changed the name of the venue in our village on their sign post (flex) to “Okoiyak Eket Village in Eket LGA”.

“When we saw what was written on the flex, we drew their attention to it and advised that it should be done correctly to avoid having issues with the Village Council. Rather, they started challenging us, as their boys came out with matchets and dangerous weapons to attack us. We later reported the incident to the then Ibeno Police DPO, Mr. Victor Eze, but they could not do anything at that moment.

“Later in the night, we were surprised to see our Eket neighbours rose against Ibono people and others living in Ndito Eka Iba village; destroying lives, properties and maiming people, while some children went missing.”, Robert stated.

Also, another survivor of the attack, Mr. Uwem Bensalem Ekaete and father of four shared his experience of how his 14 year old son, Master Ubong, got missing from last year December attack till now.

“Since that attack happened, I lost my 14 year old son. I don’t know where he is right now or if he had been killed by the attackers.

“When the problem started, we were all packing a few things to leave the village. He also took some things and put outside suddenly, we sighted the hoodlums coming to the compound and we ran away to escape from them.

“I ran to Nta Ikang village, a nearby community as they burn down houses and beating up people.

It was after I was able to escape that I did not see my son, Ubong Uwem Bensalem again. I came back to ask other people till now, we can not find him. I am appealing to the government to help us.”

Others who corroborated the community youth president were Mrs. Precious Akwa and former Chairman of Ndito Eka Iba Village Council, Mr. Ime Alfred Nkanga, who said throughout his 40 years living in Ndito Eka Iba, which is in Ward 10 with 5 Units , Ibeno Local Government Area has been a peaceful community, until the eventful day when the hoodlums alleged to have come from Eket attacked them and destroy their properties.

They appealed to the State government to restore lasting peace in Ndito Eka Iba village and indeed Ibeno East and also provide sucour to them, as lives and properties were lost to the crisis, including children.

The Ijaw Youth Chairman in Ibeno LGA, Comrade Emmanuel Opolo in his reaction warned that, their Eket and Esit Eket neighbours are pushing Ibeno to retaliate having attacked Ibeno four times between February 2024 to February 2025.

He however, urged both the State and Federal governments again to step in to nib this recurring problems in the bud before it would escalate to full blown communal war.

By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

Ibom Air has announced its partnership as the title sponsor and official airline of the Captain’s Day Inaugural Golf Tournament, scheduled for March 29, 2025, at the prestigious Ibom Golf and Country Club, Uyo.

In a statement in Uyo yesterday endorsed by it’s General Manager, Media and Corporate Affairs, Mrs Aniekan Essenette, the Airline said that the deal is in alignment with one of Ibom Air’s strategic thrusts to promote tourism in the State through providing capacity for delegates and visitors to attend Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).

“The tournament, set on one of West Africa’s most renowned and challenging 18-hole golf courses, promises to be a landmark sporting event.

“The amateur tournament will bring together golfers with handicaps ranging from 0 to 36, attracting participants from across Nigeria and Africa.

” As part of the experience, activities will commence with an Ibibio-themed cocktail reception on March 28 at 7 PM, providing players, business leaders, and guests a platform to network before the main tournament.

Speaking on the partnership, Mr. George Uriesi, Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer of Ibom Air, and an avid golfer, said that, “Ibom Air, we support initiatives that foster tourism, economic growth, and regional connectivity. Golf, much like aviation, embodies skill, precision, and excellence. We are honored to partner on an event that reflects these values while enhancing the travel experience for golfers.”

Club Captain, High Chief Isuamfon Archibong also emphasized the broader impact of the tournament, saying:

“The Captain’s Day Golf Tournament is more than just a sporting event—it’s a platform for business networking, tourism promotion, and cultural exchange. Welcoming professional golfers and business leaders to Uyo will further establish Akwa Ibom as a premier lifestyle and sporting destination.” Archibong said.

The statement said that,”Ibom Air remains committed to delivering schedule reliability, on-time departures, and excellent service, ensuring that golfers and guests alike enjoy a seamless travel experience.

Ibom Air is a Limited Liability Company wholly owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government, committed to setting the benchmark as the airline of Choice for Passengers. Its fleet now includes nine aircraft: seven CRJ 900s and two Airbus A220-300s. Ibom Air serves six domestic destinations and Accra, Ghana, committed to offering schedule reliability, on-time departures, and excellent service

By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo 

President Bola Tinubu has flagged off the construction of a 10 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCF/D) Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mother Station by Nsik Oil and Gas Limited at Uquo Isi Edoho, Esit Eket Local Council of Akwa Ibom.

Conducting the ground breaking on behalf of the Presideny on Thursday, the Honorable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo said the project is in alignment with the  Renewed Hope Initiative, aimed at promoting cleaner, more affordable energy solutions.  

Ekpo described the initiative as a game-changer that would not only boost Akwa Ibom’s economy but also significantly reduce dependence on petrol, by making gas a more accessible and cost-effective alternative. 

The minister commended Nsik Oil and Gas for its bold investment, noting that such private-sector-led initiatives are crucial to Nigeria’s energy transition goals.  

Ekpo  stressed that the Federal Government has prioritized investments in the gas sector, revealing that he had previously overseen the release of over N200 billion into the industry and would be injecting another  N400 billion in the next two months. 

He challenged Akwa Ibom and other entrepreneurs  across the country to seize the opportunity,  saying there was  need for local investors to take charge of their economic growth. 

The Minister further commended Nsik Oil and Gas for choosing  Esit Eket  as the project location instead of its CEO’s home local government, describing it as a selfless move that will spur balanced development across the state.

He highlighted the employment potential of the project,  assuring that  it would  create jobs for Akwa Ibom youths and beyond, thereby reducing the economic hardships caused by the removal of fuel subsidies. 

He therefore urged the host community to provide a peaceful and conducive environment to ensure the project thrives, noting that such large-scale investments require strong local support. “This project will transform Esit Eket into an economic destination, attracting further investments and development,” he added.  

On the long-term benefits of the CNG Mother Station, the Minister assured that upon completion, it would  drastically lower gas prices, making it a viable alternative to petrol, which has surged to N900 per liter.

“By the time this project is completed, people will no longer queue to buy fuel at high prices; they will have access to a cheaper, cleaner energy source.  The Federal Government is committed to ensuring that gas remains a  key driver of economic growth and energy security”. He said 

In his remarks, the Chairman/CEO of Nsik Oil and Gas Limited, Mr. Nsikan Johnny expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, the Akwa Ibom State Government, and all stakeholders for their unwavering support. 

Johnny described the project as  a bold step towards energy security and economic empowerment, emphasizing that it aligns with President Tinubu’s vision for a  more sustainable and prosperous Nigeria.

In his words “This project is not just about building a facility; it’s about  creating opportunities, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for our people,” 

He further highlighted the transformative impact the  CNG Mother Station would have on various sectors, including transportation, industries, and domestic energy consumption. 

He assured that Nsik Oil and Gas is fully committed to ensuring the project benefits the local community  by generating employment, empowering small businesses, and reducing energy costs. “We envision a future where clean energy is no longer a constraint to growth and development but a  catalyst for progress. he added.  

An overview by the Project Consultant, Mr. Mkposong Asuquo described the CNG Mother Station is an audacious milestone  that underscores the visionary drive for indigenous participation in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

 He said  the project is a key component of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, and assured the people of its role in enhancing energy accessibility, employment generation, and cutting-edge technology deployment.

“This investment will make a  significant contribution to employment and introduce state-of-the-art operational infrastructure  to ensure the seamless and efficient compression of gas. Our goal is to provide CNG to top off-takers, corporate entities, and individuals across Akwa Ibom and beyond,” Asuquo stated.  

Asuquo explained  further that Nsik Oil and Gas 10MMSCF/D CNG Mother Station will operate with four reciprocating compressors, delivering CNG into specialized tube trailers for transportation to customers. The facility, according to him  is strategically designed to serve multiple states, including Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta, Cross River, and parts of Abia.

He confirmed that all conceptual designs, environmental impact assessments (EIA), and construction licenses have been secured to carefully position the project for a smooth take-off and execution. 

By Joyce Babayeju

Embattled Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has vowed to engage with all relevant institutions to safeguard democracy and ensure the continued progress of the state.

The Governor’s statement on Wednesday, came at the heels of his suspension by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his deputy, and the state House of Assembly for six months, citing escalating political tensions.

In his address titled “A Message to the People of Rivers State,” Governor Fubara expressed a deep sense of responsibility and calm, even as he navigated what he described as an “unfortunate moment” in the state’s political history.

He reiterated his commitment to the constitutional oath of office and the rule of law, emphasising that his administration had prioritised the protection of lives and property while ensuring the continuous development of the state.

“Since assuming office as your Governor, all my actions and decisions have been guided by my constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty,” Fubara stated.

He highlighted his administration’s efforts to maintain peace and stability, even in the face of a political impasse, and pointed to his swift implementation of the terms brokered by President Tinubu during his intervention.

“We did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned on their own volition,” Fubara said.

He also noted his administration’s compliance with the Supreme Court’s judgment to restore normalcy to the state, actions he said were taken to foster peace, unity, and stability.

However, the Governor lamented that members of the Rivers State House of Assembly had consistently frustrated his efforts, making genuine peace and progress difficult to achieve. Despite these challenges, Fubara emphasised that his administration had remained focused on delivering good governance, paying salaries, and executing projects to move the state forward.

“Rivers State is safe, secure, and peaceful under our watch,” he declared, urging the people of the state to remain calm and law-abiding during this critical period.

The most striking part of Fubara’s statement came towards the end, where he signalled a potential challenge to the President’s decision. “We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive,” he said.

It’s unclear whether Fubara will challenge the decision of the President, his statement suggests that the Governor may be exploring legal and constitutional avenues to contest the state of emergency declaration, which he views as an overreach of executive power.

Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas CFR was born on 27th of September 1960. He is a retired Navy vice admiral, who was the 22nd Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) of the Nigerian Navy from 2015 to 2021.

Ibas was born in Nko, Cross River State.

He enlisted into the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of 26 Regular Course on 20 June 1979 and was commissioned sub-lieutenant on 1 January 1983.

He began his primary education at Nko Primary School, Nko, in 1966 and completed at Big Qua Primary School, Calabar in 1971.

He then proceeded to the prestigious Hope Waddell Training Institute Calabar from 1972 to 1976. Between 1977 and 1979, he attended the School of Basic Studies Ogoja before proceeding to the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1979.

Ibas has attended several military courses at home and abroad, including the Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course at INS Venduruthy in India from April 1983 to May 1984 and Primary Pilot Training at the 301 Primary Flying Training School at Nigerian Airforce Base in Kaduna from April 1986 to October 1987.

He proceeded to the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna in January 1990 and completed the Junior Staff Course in June of the same year.

In July 1992, he reported at the Amphibious Warfare School of the United States Marine Corps University in Quantico, Virginia, US, and graduated with a diploma in amphibious warfare in May 1993. In February 1994, Ibas commenced the Officers’ Long Course specializing in underwater warfare at the Underwater Warfare School, NNS Quorra and completed the same in February 1995.

From August 1996 to July 1997, he returned to the prestigious Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji where he completed the Senior Staff Course with excellent grades.

He is also an alumnus of the National Defence College, Islamabad, Pakistan, having attended the National Defence Course from August 2005 to June 2006. In addition he holds a master’s degree in defence and strategic studies from Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Ibas has held several appointments in the Nigerian Navy. As a midshipman, he served on board NNS Ruwan Yaro, NNS Obuma and NNS Aradu. He later served on board NNS Ayam and NNS Ekpe as a watch keeping officer after he was commissioned sub-lieutenant.

He was to later become the executive officer of NNS Siri, NNS Ekun and NNS Ambe between July 1993 and August 1996 as a lieutenant commander. He was the commanding officer of the Nigerian Navy Underwater Warfare School from August 1997 to September 1998 and thereafter, the commanding officer of the Forward Operating Base Ibaka from September 1998 to June 2000.

Due to his outstanding performance on the Senior Staff Course, he was appointed as a directing staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji from June 2000 to June 2002. He later returned to the college in January 2009 as the director of the Department of Maritime Warfare, a position he held until November 2010. His last sojourn in the college was as deputy commandant from January to February 2014.

Ibas was the naval provost marshal from April 2003 to June 2004 and was later the principal staff officer to the then CNS from June 2004 to July 2005. He was the command operations officer at the Headquarters Western Naval Command, Lagos, from June to December 2006, and from December 2006 to January 2009, he was the commander of the Naval Air Base, Ojo.

The senior officer was later appointed chief staff officer at Headquarters, Naval Training Command, Lagos, from September 2010 to March 2011. In recognition of his versatility in staff duties and administration, the senior officer was appointed to the Naval Headquarters first, as the chief of administration from March 2011 to February 2012 and later as the Navy Secretary from February 2012 to January 2013.

Thereafter, he became the flag officer commanding Western Naval Command from January 2013 to January 2014. He was appointed chief of logistics in February 2014 and then the GMD/CEO of Nigerian Navy Holdings Limited in December of the same year. This was the appointment he held until he was appointed the 22nd chief of the Naval Staff on 13 July 2015.

In October 2022, a Nigerian National Honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) was conferred on him by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Ibas holds the membership of several reputable professional organizations, such as the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) and the Nigerian Institute of Management. Ibas has also attended some seminars and exhibitions at home and abroad.

He attended the 25th International Homeland Security Exhibition and the 3rd International Exhibition for Operational Units in Tel Aviv, Israel, in June 2011. In August 2012, he also attended the London International Leadership Course in London, England.

He was in the United States of America in January 2013 for a capacity development course at Harvard Kennedy School, thus making him an alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School in the US. He was at Naval Dockyard, Lagos in February 2013 to attend a naval engineering and logistics seminar.

TEXT OF THE BROADCAST BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES, DECLARING STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS STATE ON TUESDAY 18 MARCH 2025

Fellow Nigerians, I feel greatly disturbed at the turn we have come to regarding the political crisis in Rivers State. Like many of you, I have watched with concern the development with the hope that the parties involved would allow good sense to prevail at the soonest, but all that hope burned out without any solution to the crisis.

With the crisis persisting, there is no way democratic governance, which we have all fought and worked for over the years, can thrive in a way that will redound to the benefit of the good people of the state. The state has been at a standstill since the crisis started, with the good people of the state not being able to have access to the dividends of democracy.

Also, it is public knowledge that the Governor of Rivers State for unjustifiable reasons, demolished the House of Assembly of the state as far back as 13th December 2023 and has, up until now, fourteen (14) months after, not rebuilt same. I have made personal interventions between the contending parties for a peaceful resolution of the crisis, but my efforts have been largely ignored by the parties to the crisis. I am also aware that many well-meaning Nigerians, Leaders of thought and Patriotic groups have also intervened at various times with the best of intentions to resolve the matter, but all their efforts were also to no avail. Still, I thank them.

On February 28, 2025, the supreme court, in a judgment in respect of about eight consolidated appeals concerning the political crisis in Rivers State, based on several grave unconstitutional acts and disregard of rule of law that have been committed by the Governor of Rivers State as shown by the evidence before it pronounced in very clear terms:

“a government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that make up the government of a state under the 1999 Constitution as amended. In this case the head of the executive arm of the government has chosen to collapse the legislature to enable him to govern without the legislature as a despot. As it is there is no government in Rivers State.”

The above pronouncement came after a catalogue of judicial findings of constitutional breaches against the Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Going Forward in their judgment, and having found and held that 27 members of the House who had allegedly defected

“are still valid members of Rivers State House of Assembly and cannot be prevented from participating in the proceedings of that House by the 8th Respondent (that is, the Governor) in cohorts with four members”

The Supreme Court then made some orders to restore the state to immediate constitutional democracy. These orders include the immediate passing of an Appropriation Bill by the Rivers State House of Assembly which up till now has not been facilitated.

Some militants had threatened fire and brimstone against their perceived enemy of the governor who has up till now NOT disowned them.

Apart from that both the House and the governor have not been able to work together.

Both of them do not realise that they are in office to work together for the peace and good governance of the state.

The latest security reports made available to me show that between yesterday and today there have been disturbing incidents of vandalization of pipelines by some militant without the governor taking any action to curtail them. I have, of course given stern order to the security agencies to ensure safety of lives of the good people of Rivers State and the oil pipelines.

With all these and many more, no good and responsible President will standby and allow the grave situation to continue without taking remedial steps prescribed by the Constitution to address the situation in the state, which no doubt requires extraordinary measures to restore good governance, peace, order and security.

In the circumstance, having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State and the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State having failed to make a request to me as President to issue this proclamation as required by section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, 18th March, 2025 and I so do.

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.

In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) 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.

The Administrator will not make any new laws. He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state.

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. 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.

Long live a united, peaceful, secure and democratic Rivers State in particular and the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a whole.

By Lucy Omakpo

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, Tuesday, flagged off the construction of 141 urban roads across 13 zones of the state capital, insisting residents of the city and Enugu State deserved nothing but the best.

The beneficiary zones are Abakpa, Achara Layout, Asata, Awkunanaw, Coal Camp, Independence Loyout, New Haven, Old GRA, Thinkers Corner, Trans-Ekulu, and Uwani.

Performing the symbolic flag-off at Ologo under Coal Camp Zone Enugu North LGA and Monaque Avenue in Awkunanaw Zone, Enugu South LGA, Mbah explained that the roads were part of his administration’s vision to eradicate poverty, grow Enugu State’s economy to $30bn and make the state a premier destination for investment, business, tourism, and for living.

“For me, this is not about putting a black pavement on our roads. What I see is empowering our women and making sure that we create a platform for them to generate wealth. Do not forget that our commitment is to eradicate poverty, and we know that we cannot just wish the eradication of poverty into existence. We need to do the necessary things required by government to ensure that we have zero hunger. We know what critical infrastructure like roads do for our communities.

“We know that it will ensure that those that are doing business have more patronage, and even those living here will no longer have to spend so much on transportation because the cost of transportation will reduce. If a Keke (commercial tricycle) man that is supposed to carry you knows he will drive on a good road, he will charge you less. What that does is that it provides you more disposable income and thereby chasing poverty away from our community,” he stated.

The governor explained that the 141 roads had been organised into 17 lots to ensure completion in the next three months, assuring that funds had been provided, while due diligence was done on the contractors to ensure that the jobs were awarded to capable hands only.

Meanwhile, a resident of Ologo, Chief Chris Okaka and President-General of Amechi-Uwani, Chief Ifeanyi Nnaji, hailed Mbah for remembering Ologo and Monaque Avenue neighbourhoods after over forty years of neglect by successive governments.

“For the past forty years, nobody has done this road. We went house to house to collect money to do one other side of the drainage. After doing one side, we could not do the other because everyone was complaining of hardship.

“But I told them that Peter Mbah was coming and he would do it. Your Excellency, today you are here to do the road. We have said that by 2027, any other poster we see here, we will tear it off. You are going for your second term.”

Likewise, the Council Chairman of Enugu North, Hon. Ibenaku Onoh, and his Enugu South counterpart, Hon. Caleb Ani, said the governor’s ward-based development had made things easier for the 17 local government councils.

“Therefore, we will hold down the grassroots politics for you by following your example in prioritising everything that affects the people. At the right time, the people of Enugu State will reward you with more support,” Ono stated.

The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Gerald Otiji, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Project Development and Implementation, promised intensive supervision in addition to all necessary steps taken during project preparation to ensure the delivery of quality jobs.

The contractors, on their part, also assured the governor of quality and timely project delivery, having passed the stringent procurement processes and conditions set by his administration.