Author: Emmanuel Obe

Relief has spread across Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State as His Royal Majesty, King Baridam Suanu Yormaadam, returned to his palace in Bangha, Nyo-Khana, following his recovery from a gun attack earlier this year. The monarch was reportedly shot at close range by unknown gunmen on January 25, 2026, while travelling in his vehicle, sustaining serious injuries alongside his driver. After weeks of medical treatment, he has now recuperated and reunited with his people. The Executive Chairman of Khana LGA, Dr. Thomas Bariere Ariar, paid a solidarity visit to the palace, where he expressed gratitude to God for…

The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has shortlisted 10 professors for the position of Vice-Chancellor as the process to appoint the institution’s 10th substantive head enters a crucial stage. This follows the opening and screening of applications by the university’s Governing Council at a formal session presided over by its Chairman, Senator Mao Arukwe Ohuabunwa. A statement issued by the Head of Information, Publications and Public Relations, Dr. Sammy Kpenu, on April 19, 2026, disclosed that 14 applications were received for the position, out of which 10 candidates met the stipulated requirements and were shortlisted. The statement noted that the…

Former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has described the pace of development in Bayelsa State as “emotional,” declaring that the state holds a special place in his heart. Osinbajo spoke on Monday during the inauguration of key projects executed by the administration of Governor Douye Diri, including a 630-metre bridge and access road to Oporoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, a referral hospital in the community, and the Agbura-Oxbow Lake road in Yenagoa. At a grand reception in his honour in Oporoma, the former vice president commended Governor Diri for delivering people-oriented projects, noting that the governor clearly understood…

In a bid to stimulate economic development and expand revenue generation, the Asari-Toru Local Government Area has entered into a strategic partnership with the Kalabari Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (KALCCIMA). The Executive Chairman of the council, Hon. Onengiyeofori George, disclosed this during a meeting with the leadership of KALCCIMA at his office on Monday. Dr. George said the collaboration is aimed at unlocking the economic potential of the area through structured development initiatives. He noted that key components of the proposed roadmap include economic and business development planning, resource mapping with a focus on blue economy opportunities,…

Ijaw women across Nigeria and the diaspora have rejected the constitution of an ad hoc committee by the leadership of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), describing it as lacking legal foundation and capable of undermining the integrity of the organisation. In a strongly worded press statement issued on behalf of Ijaw women of conscience, Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agary said the committee, reportedly set up on April 13, 2026—the same day as the disputed INC national executive elections—raises critical questions about legitimacy, transparency, and adherence to constitutional processes. The group queried the basis for the committee, asking who the aggrieved parties are,…

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering women and promoting gender equality as the world commemorates International Women’s Day. In a goodwill message to women in the state, the governor praised their resilience, strength and contributions to the development of Rivers State and society at large. In a statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Onwuka Nzeshi, Fubara said his administration remained committed to creating opportunities that would enable women to thrive and realise their full potential. “As governor, I am proud to stand in solidarity with our women, recognising their…

Bayelsa Medical University (BMU) has strengthened its institutional capacity following a two-day intensive training for its Protocol and Public Relations officers, organized by St. Lambert School of Protocol and Diplomacy in collaboration with St. Lambert Consult. The training which concluded at the weekend in Yenagoa, was themed, “The Impact and Power of Protocol and Public Relations in the Organization.” The capacity building programme focused on equipping participants with modern skills needed to manage institutional communication and official engagements effectively. The training was facilitated by protocol consultant and public relations expert, Julius Lambert Nyananyo, who emphasized the critical role of protocol…

The traditional ruler of Oruma Community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Pere John Tacha Abara, has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, for providing relief materials to alleviate the pains of flood victims in the area. The monarch, who spoke during the distribution of relief materials in his domain, noted that the impact of NDDC in his community and the entire Niger Delta region was laudable, describing NDDC’s intervention as capable of reducing hunger in the community. He stated, “We are indeed excited with the relief materials that have been sent to our community. It shows…

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State has elected Dr. Chukwudi Dimkpa as its new state chairman. Dimkpa, a known ally of former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, emerged at the party’s state congress held over the weekend, despite uncertainties surrounding the party’s national leadership. The congress took place in the wake of a court judgment that voided the Senator David Mark-led National Executive Committee of the party, a development that prompted some state chapters to suspend their congresses. However, the Rivers State chapter, aligned with Amaechi, proceeded with its exercise, culminating in Dimkpa’s emergence. The process was…

…demand accountability, fresh dialogue By Emmanuel Obe The Ijaw Women Rights Group has raised serious concerns over the deepening crisis within the Ijaw National Congress (INC), describing recent developments as a “dangerous drift” that threatens the unity and integrity of the Ijaw nation. In a press release signed by Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agary, the group said growing public reactions labelling the situation as a setback reflect widespread anxiety among Ijaw people and should not be ignored. The group stressed that the strength of the Ijaw nation has always been anchored on unity, due process, and respect for constitutional frameworks, warning that…