Author: Emmanuel Obe

An engineer and former staff member of TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited, Comrade (Engr) Igbini Odafe Emmanuel, has clarified the nature of the company’s operations in Rumuekpe Community, Rivers State, amid protests by residents over alleged neglect and environmental concerns. Odafe said available production records show that TotalEnergies does not operate any crude oil or gas production well in Rumuekpe, explaining that the community hosts metering facilities and a segment of the pipeline used to transport crude oil produced from Oil Mining Leases (OML) 56 and 58 to the Bonny Terminal through a Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) pipeline network. According…

A wave of outrage has trailed the alleged assault on women during a cultural festival in Oramudu Community, Ozoro Kingdom, headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, with Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas calling for a thorough investigation and prosecution of those responsible. Senator Joel-Onowakpo, who represents Delta South Senatorial District, made the call after visiting the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Anthony Ogbogbo Ibuka I, at his palace to express solidarity with the victims and the community over the disturbing incident. Condemning the reported assault, the senator described the act as criminal, barbaric and a gross…

The Chairman of Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, Chief Obarilomate Ollor, has opened discussions with the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) over the prolonged power outages affecting communities in the area. The engagement followed persistent appeals by residents who lamented months of total blackout in some parts of Eleme and irregular electricity supply in others. Many residents had taken to social media to call on the council to intervene and facilitate the restoration of power. According to information made available to the public, the council chairman met with officials of PHEDC to address the breakdown of facilities…

The Federal Government has shifted the completion date for the Eleme section of the East-West Road in Rivers State from May 2026 to December 2026, citing the need to incorporate additional features and ensure durable construction. Minister of Works, Mr. David Umahi, disclosed this during an inspection tour of ongoing road projects, including key segments of the East-West Road. He explained that the revised timeline would allow for the installation of solar-powered street lights, tree planting, retaining walls, and other improvements aimed at enhancing the quality and longevity of the project. The Eleme axis of the road project, which commenced…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged the support of the Federal Government for the Nigerian media’s campaign for fair revenue from global technology companies, assuring industry stakeholders of steps to address anti-competitive practices and economic challenges threatening the survival of local media organisations. Speaking at an interfaith dinner with a delegation of the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO) at the State House on Friday, the President described the media as an “indispensable partner” in the country’s quest for economic stability, press freedom and social cohesion. Tinubu said his administration was committed to dismantling fiscal barriers and addressing what he termed “digital…

The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has summoned a social media influencer, Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, popularly known as “Peller,” over an alleged unauthorized entry into the Benin Palace, describing the incident as a serious breach of protocol and desecration of a sacred institution. In a press release dated March 16, 2026, the Council said the incident occurred on March 6, 2026, when Adelaja and his entourage reportedly gained access to the Palace without approval, causing what it termed “significant embarrassment” and a disturbance within the premises. The Council stressed that the Palace of the Oba of Benin is not a public…

A retired Rear Admiral and presidential aspirant in the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Woyengidinikpete Geoffrey Yanga (Rtd), has expressed gratitude to his supporters following the suspension of the organisation’s elective congress, while calling for strict adherence to constitutional provisions. In a message to members of “Team Yanga” and supporters across the Ijaw nation, Yanga thanked them for what he described as “uncommon all-round support” throughout his campaign. He noted that many supporters stood by him despite not having prior personal relationships with him, a development he said reflected confidence in his character, training and leadership capacity. The elective congress of…

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, has commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for abolishing the illegal Monday sit-at-home order in the state, describing the move as a major step toward restoring economic activities. The union, however, called on security agencies to strengthen protection for traders and residents, especially on Mondays, to ensure the safety of markets, roads and commercial activities across the state. This was part of the resolutions reached at the NUJ Congress held on March 5, 2026, where members deliberated on issues affecting journalists, residents and the development of Anambra State. In a communiqué issued at…

The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged residents of the state to prioritize eye health and get screened for glaucoma to prevent avoidable loss of sight. The Governor gave the charge on Thursday in a good will message to mark the World Glaucoma Day. Governor Fubara described glaucoma as a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, stressing that early detection is key to preventing vision loss. “I encourage everyone, especially those over 40 years of age or with a family history of vision impairment, to visit any of our numerous healthcare facilities and get their eyes checked.…

The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged his newly appointed Commissioners to be prepared to give their best to the service of the state. Governor Fubara gave the charge on Wednesday at Government House Port Harcourt, during the swearing in ceremony of the first batch of five Commissioners who had on Monday, scaled the screening exercise at the Rivers State House of Assembly. The Governor said that having passed through one of the most rigorous screenings, the commissioners were already deemed fit and ready to serve as members of the State Executive Council. The governor stated that…