IBAS APPROVES APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATORS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCILS

 GOVERNMENT SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

IBAS APPROVES APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATORS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCILS

His Excellency, the Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas CFR, has approved the appointment of Administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State.

He has also approved the reconstitution of some Boards of Agencies, Commissions, and Parastatals, which were earlier suspended.

All appointments take effect from Monday, 7th April 2025.

Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika
Secretary to the State Government

ADMINISTRATORS OF THE 23 LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS

1          MR OKROIYOBI ANIMETE        ABUA/ODUAL LGA

2          MR GOODLUCK M IHENANACHO  AHOADA EAST LGA

3          MR PROMISE JACOB                  AHOADA WEST LGA

4          DR TAMUNOTONYE PETERS    AKUKU TORU LGA

5          SURVEYOR ATAJI FRANCIS        ANDONI LGA

6          BARRISTER IBIAPUYE CHARLES      ASARI-TORU

7          MR KINGSLEY N BATIGO           BONNY LGA

8          DR SOKARI IBIFURO FRANCIS  DEGEMA LGA

9          DR GLORIA OBO-DIBIAH          ELEME LGA

10        BARRISTER FRANKLIN P AJINWON              EMOHUA LGA

11        DR ONYENACHI S NWANKWOR     ETCHE LGA

12        PROFESSOR GOSPEL G KPEE   GOKANA LGA

13        MR ISAIAH CHRISTIAN NOBUAWU              IKWERRE LGA

14        DR BARINEDUM NWIBERE      KHANA LGA

15        DR CLIFFORD NDU WALTER     OBIO/AKPOR LGA

16        DR CHUKWUOMA AJE              OGBA/EGBEMA/NDONI LGA

17        ELIEL OWOBOKIRI                      OGU/BOLO LGA

18        MR THOMPSON ISODIKI          OKRIKA LGA

19        MANAGER IKECH WALI             OMUMA LGA

20        MR FRED APIAFI                         OPOBO/NKORO LGA

21        MR INNOCENT BARIKOR          OYIGBO LGA

22        DR SAM KALAGBOR                   PORT HARCOURT LGA

23        MR NUKA O.S GBIBPAH            TAI LGA

RIVERS STATE INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSION (RSIEC)

1   Dr Michael Ekpai Odey  Chairman

 

2   Mr Lezaasi Lenee Torbira  Member

 

3   Professor (Dr) Arthur Nwafor  Member

 

4   Professor Godfrey Woke Mbgudiogha   Member

 

5   Professor (Dame) Joyce Akaninwor   Member

 

6   Dr (Mrs) Olive A. Bruce  Member

 

7   Professor Chidi Halliday   Member

 

FUBARA’S CHIEF OF STAFF SUES FORMER RIVERS HEAD OF SERVICE, CHANNELS TV FOR ₦2 BILLION OVER LIBEL

FUBARA’S CHIEF OF STAFF SUES FORMER RIVERS HEAD OF SERVICE, CHANNELS TV FOR ₦2 BILLION OVER LIBEL

Edison Ehie, Chief of Staff to the suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has instituted a ₦2 billion libel lawsuit against former Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, and Channels Incorporated Limited, owners of Channels Television.

The suit, filed at the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt, is in response to allegations broadcast on Channels Television on March 29, in which Dr. Nwaeke accused Ehie of orchestrating the fire that razed the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, among other serious claims.

According to a previous report by SaharaReporters, Nwaeke alleged that Governor Fubara was behind several explosions at oil facilities across the state. He further claimed that the governor masterminded the arson attack on the State Assembly to thwart efforts to impeach him.

Nwaeke also alleged that during the political unrest, Governor Fubara directed his then Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, to set the legislative complex ablaze, stating that he personally witnessed funds being disbursed for the operation within Government House.

In response, Ehie, through his legal team, denied all accusations and filed the libel suit, demanding ₦2 billion in general damages. He argued that the statements made during the broadcast were entirely unfounded and had severely harmed his reputation, character, and public image.

Describing the televised allegations as "false and most disparaging," Ehie stated that the broadcast subjected him to public scandal, ridicule, and contempt. He is also seeking a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from further dissemination of the alleged defamatory remarks.

Additionally, the Chief of Staff is requesting a public apology and a formal retraction from both defendants, to be aired on Channels TV, another national television station, and published in two widely circulated national newspapers.

Presiding over the case, Justice Jumbo Stephens granted leave for substituted service on Dr. Nwaeke by posting court documents at his residence located at No. 10 Olumeni Street, Old GRA, Port Harcourt. The judge also ordered that notice of the suit be published in a national daily newspaper with widespread circulation, including in Abuja and other regions of the country.

The matter has been adjourned to April 10 for proof of service.

RIVERS YOUTHS SHOULD BE MORE ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT JOINING THE MILITARY – PROF. WORIKA

 RIVERS YOUTHS SHOULD BE MORE ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT JOINING THE MILITARY – PROF. WORIKA 

The Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, has called on youths in the state to show greater interest in joining the Nigerian military, urging them to seize the opportunity of the ongoing recruitment exercise to enlist.

Prof. Worika expressed concern over the low enlistment rate of Rivers youths in the military and pledged that the State Government would review its sensitization and enlistment strategy to address the gap.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by Juliana Masi, Head of the Press Unit in the Office of the SSG. The statement followed a visit by the Nigerian Army recruitment team to the SSG’s office in Port Harcourt.

The team, led by Brigadier General Wito Nzidee, was in the state to boost awareness about the ongoing 89th Regular Recruitment Intake for Trades and Non-Tradesmen and Women.

Prof. Worika emphasized that the Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas, a former military officer, understands the immense benefits of a military career and is committed to encouraging Rivers youths to enlist.

“I have always admired the military, and it pains me that our youths do not seem to be taking the advantage that is being offered by the Nigerian military,” Prof. Worika said.

“We will scale up sensitization to ensure the people are aware. Letters have been sent to Heads of Local Government Areas. We will also review our sensitization process to identify gaps that have led to our state’s poor performance in military enlistment."

"There are significant benefits in joining the military, and we must help our youths realize that there are great career alternatives in service to the nation."

In his remarks, Brig. Gen. Wito Nzidee explained that the recruitment process is guided by a quota system, which ensures equal opportunity for all states. He emphasized the importance of Rivers State filling its slots before the recruitment closes on May 17, 2025.

“We have officers from other states contributing to peace and development in Rivers State. If we do not meet our quota, there will come a time when we may not have Rivers officers to secure and maintain peace in our own state,” he noted.

“There’s no regret in joining the military—so long as one remains disciplined, loyal to constituted authority, and committed to building a career.”

Rivers: Rescind Fubara’s Suspension Now, US Law Institute Director Tells Tinubu

 Rivers: Rescind Fubara’s Suspension Now, US Law Institute Director Tells Tinubu

ABUJA – Prof. Cyprian Edward-Ekpo, the Director, Institute of Law Research & Development of United Nations (ILAWDUN), Washington D.C, USA, has written an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, demanding an immediate reversal of the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State before the hearing of the suit filed by some governors on the matter at the Supreme Court.

Prof. Edward-Ekpo was shocked that President Tinubu relied on a “frivolous and corrupt motive, like misinterpretation of a Supreme Court decision and unverified claims of oil pipeline vandalization”, to declare the state of emergency in Rivers State.

Edward-Ekpo, a professor of International Environmental and Public International Law, told President Tinubu that the swift and corrective action will help reaffirm his commitment to democracy and reposition his image as a leader who values the rule of law, and demonstrates that he listens to the people.

He said the President, allowing the Supreme Court to dismiss the matter either by technicality or by forcing the parties to withdraw the suit, as some people anticipate, would damage his reputation as a pro-democracy advocate.

Seven governors of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) comprising Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Enugu, Osun, Plateau and Zamfara states had dragged the President to the Supreme Court, challenging the constitutionality of his suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly on March 18; the appointment of a retired military sole administrator, and the ratification by the National Assembly two days later.

“I am aware that the courts, particularly the Supreme Court, are currently saddled with this matter.

“Mr. President, heeding my humble appeal is your best course of action. I understand that you are caught between the devil and the deep blue sea – a difficult choice – waiting for the court’s decision on this constitutional crisis or taking the more prudent and popular path of correcting the error now.

“Let me explain why the latter is the wiser option: (a) If the Supreme Court upholds the emergency declaration and the suspension of a democratically elected state governor and legislature by another democratically elected official (the President and the National Assembly), it will permanently stain your legacy” Prof. Edward-Ekpo wrote.

He posited that Tinubu will be remembered as the President who undermined constitutional principles and legitimized illegality, adding that regardless of the court’s ruling, the perception will be that the Supreme Court was influenced by him.

However, the US Law Institute Director, noted that “in their commitment to justice and constitutionalism, the Supreme Court Justices cannot, in good conscience, sustain such an obvious constitutional violation”.

Section 305 of the Constitution of Nigeria, he said, “does not grant a democratically elected President the power to suspend or remove a democratically elected state government under a federal system—under any guise.

“It also does not empower the National Assembly to take a voice vote to determine a two-thirds majority or override constitutional provisions to justify a state of emergency in this instance.

“Additionally, such an action of imposing a sole administrator on a state would directly contradict Section 1(2) of the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999, which explicitly forbids governance by a military-style sole administrator, Prof. Edward-Ekpo posited.

He argued that a state of emergency can only be justified when there is a genuine breakdown of law and order that overwhelms the Nigeria Police Force – conditions that were not present in Rivers State.

“Nevertheless, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, known for its tendency to violate the fundamental right to a fair hearing, may, in an attempt to evade addressing these critical constitutional questions, resort to dismissing the case on technical grounds.

“This could involve coercing counsel into withdrawing the case or employing other orchestrated means, tactics for which the Court has, unfortunately, become known.

“Should this happen, it will inevitably be perceived as judicial compromise under your influence, further eroding public trust in both the judiciary and your administration.

“(b) If the Supreme Court sets aside your actions, it will validate the allegation that you are an anti-democratic despot. This also goes to a larger negativity on your legacy”, the letter stated.

FUBARA: THE FINANCIAL CZAR WITH EXCELLENCE IN GOVERNANCE

 FUBARA: THE FINANCIAL CZAR WITH EXCELLENCE IN GOVERNANCE

Since May 29, 2023, after taking the oath of office and resuming duties, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has left no one in doubt about his preparedness to steer the ship of the state to new heights of prudence in scarce resource management.

Starting with his first-week visit to the Andoni Unity Road Project and the subsequent flag-off of the PH Ring Road, the state was set on a path of developmental trajectory. Today, with almost a trillion naira worth of projects scattered across the state, some completed and others at advanced stages of completion, Fubara has clearly marked himself out as one of the leading lights in this political dispensation in Nigeria among sub-nationals.

More revealing is the fact that Governor Fubara's administration is the highest-paying government to workers in the main civil service and the public service, respectively. With his directive, Local government councils in Rivers State have now joined the state in paying the approved #85,000.00 minimum wage, even higher than that of the federal government.

It is impressive to note that Governor Fubara has managed the resources of the state as a professional accountant to ensure that the state is not lacking in liquidity to meet its responsibilities to the people of Rivers State. A state with one of the highest numbers of workers, paying the highest salaries and wages in the Republic of Nigeria, regularly releasing overhead costs to MDAs, and meeting contractual obligations without approaching the security markets for bailouts cannot be said to be in unsafe hands under Fubara.

It's now amazing to hear that the state has #260 billion in its coffers at the time the state of emergency was imposed. This is historic and legendary in leadership. What Fubara has done in the judicious management of scarce resources is that, in a situation of national emergency with no FAAC, Rivers State can run smoothly for at least six months, meeting all its obligations without looking for external assistance.

Why should Rivers State pause in getting all the benefits associated with such purposeful leadership on the altar of political disagreement?

Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the world has known you for standing for peace, and you have said it on different fora that nothing is too big for peace. Please forgive all those who have offended you for the interest of the collective well-being of Rivers State and her people, please take every dignified step, no matter how difficult it seem, to bring about peaceful and progressive Rivers State, which you were on course from the inception of your administration .

I urge the dualization of the Gokana road to take in the heavy traffic that will come from the Bodo-Bonny road upon completion. The current width and depth of the road may not withstand the kind of heavy articulated vehicles that will be moving equipment between Bonny and Port Harcourt. This will open up that corridor for new economic frontiers.

Congratulations on standing tall despite the destructive distractions.

To Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly:

I saw pictures of state assembly members holidaying in the UK, and I congratulate them. But I thank God their supporters and families are benefiting from the governance witnessing under the Fubara-led government, so they won't be too harsh on them, seeing them enjoy the best of social amenities while they are trying to fix their lives here.

I will urge them to make a stopover at the parliaments in the various cities they are visiting to learn how it's done over there. If the interest of the people matters or the interest of the supreme leader. The choice of the UK, a place of liberal democracy, is a really good choice for this all-important holiday for them.

As you enjoy and merry, remember that the collective interest of the people who voted matters and should be more compelling than anything else in your actions and inactions. The war has dragged on for too long, and Rivers State is the biggest loser. It's time to rebuild her broken walls. Let good reasons prevail over personal egos.

Barr Nyesom Wike, you are unarguably the most trending politician in today's Nigeria. I heard you said in this war with your beloved successor that you won him 2-0. Congratulations to you.

I listened to you talking to your predecessor about why he must think positive with his then-position as a minister for Rivers State, having benefited so much from the state. As the Governor of FCT today, you are the most beneficial of the benevolence of Rivers State and her people. Since 1999, no other politician has gotten from the state what you have gotten and are still getting.

You are the governor of FCT, but you are there on the slot of Rivers State, and it requires some responsibility and sacrifices from your end. A few days ago, I watched documentaries on Libya and Sudan, and what came to mind was: where are the big and powerful politicians of these countries? What are their strategic investments and assets? Will they be willing to return back to their fatherland?

Those telling you that they have the capacity to fight for you, you have to check them well to know how many of them have investments worth #1-10bn. If you can sincerely assess yours, maybe through your financial advisor, you may know who will ultimately be the biggest loser in conflict.

When I was younger in our communal living, if you had a scribble with your peer or someone slightly younger and it seemed you had an upper hand, you returned to the person with an embrace. No one can truly bring about peace between you and your successor other than yourself. Don't give in to political cheers, often times they're not really helpful.

If you check, a good number of those around you now weren't with you 2 years ago, and they aren't with you now because they love you or you are the best. They want to remain relevant, and if tomorrow the table turns, they'll retire to the new sheriff. Concern yourself with the historians, they're the ones that'll paint the picture of your deeds.

President Bola Tinubu, yours is a life that never gives up. I support you because of your resilience and history of saying no to dictatorship. You fought it during the military era and as the governor of Lagos State.

The state of emergency in the economy hub of Nigeria has an international dent on the image of our country before the international community. Yes, you said that it's necessary to avert a breakdown of law and order, but bringing about peace is safely within your reach as the political leader of Nigeria.

The reasons behind the state of emergency have since failed the integrity test. More embarrassing and disturbing is your inclusion in your broadcast that the government and the governor have not done anything to rebuild the auditorium of the state assembly that's at over 80% completion.

Every passing day, the elected officials are not overseeing the affairs of governance in Rivers State, sharply contradicting your stands against unelected leadership in our neighboring countries. I'm sure they will be greatly amazed by our situation here.

In hours, you can resolve all the issues and restore peace among the disagreeing persons. It's not too much for you, a comrade in the struggle for democracy.

Mr. President, winning Rivers people and votes is very simple: fix the federal institutions here, the Port Harcourt Port needs a complete overhauling and upgrade and dredging of the canals. We need to link the rail lines to Onne Port and connect it to the southeast.

An importer should be able to get his goods transported from Onne to Enugu through the rail. Sir, granting victories in Rivers State and the southeast is not about state of emergency or one powerful man.

There are so many areas where the people of Rivers State need the help and intervention of the federal government, especially being the goose that lays the golden egg. The time is running out; the time is now. Act as the statesman you are for the collective good of Rivers people and her residents.

Rivers people, nowhere is greater and more beautiful than home. We have one state, and we must collectively build it beyond where we met it.

Sincerely,

Bethel Nte