Author: Emmanuel Obe

A public interest lawyer, Mr. M.O. Idam, has appealed to the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonnia Nwifuru, the National Security Adviser (NSA), and the Chief of Defence Staff to halt what he described as the unlawful mass arrest and victimisation of people from Amasiri communities in Ebonyi State. In a petition dated January 31, 2026, Idam condemned the reported arrest of several Amasiri residents by military personnel and the alleged dismissal and dethronement of government appointees and traditional rulers of Amasiri extraction, following an attack on properties and residents of Oso Community. The lawyer expressed concern over a viral…

…residents seek government, police intervention Growing insecurity across communities in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State has triggered widespread concern, with residents calling for urgent intervention by the state government and security agencies. In Ukwa Town, reports indicate that suspected gunmen recently invaded the Mbabo Royal House, destroying properties, setting houses ablaze and vandalising the monument statue of the community’s king. The incident has heightened fears among residents and renewed calls for decisive action to stem violence in the area. Community leaders and youths say Andoni, once largely peaceful, has increasingly been drawn into violent conflicts linked to political…

The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Obi Epiphany Azinge, has embarked on a strategic engagement with key federal institutions in Abuja to secure employment opportunities for Asaba youths. The monarch disclosed this during an emergency meeting of the Asagba-in-Council held last Sunday, where he met with chiefs and elders of the capital city. Obi Azinge said the rising level of youth unemployment in Asaba was disturbing and required urgent and practical intervention. He informed the council that he would travel to the Federal Capital Territory next week on a working visit aimed at securing about 1,000 job opportunities and…

The Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET), Koroma Saakpenwa, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State, has formally commenced academic activities with the admission of 1,004 pioneer students into 28 departments across six faculties. The Pioneer Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Prince Chinedu Mmom, JP, DSSRS, announced this on Monday during a media briefing, where he also unveiled plans for the institution’s maiden matriculation ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Professor Mmom described the commencement of academic activities as a historic milestone for FUET, Ogoniland and the wider Niger Delta region, noting that the institution was established…

…allegedly shot by unknown gunmen There is growing concern over the safety and well-being of Mene Suanu Baridam, the traditional ruler of the Ancient Bangha Kingdom in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, following reports that he was attacked by unknown gunmen. Sources close to the monarch disclosed that the incident occurred on Sunday evening, when the king was allegedly shot by unidentified assailants. He was said to have been rushed to a hospital for medical treatment. As of the time of filing this report, details of his condition had not been officially disclosed. Reacting to the incident, a…

Elder statesman and former military chief, Admiral Festus Porbeni (rtd), has called on Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, to place the peace and stability of Rivers State above personal interests amid the lingering political crisis in the state. Porbeni made the appeal in an open letter addressed to both leaders, warning that the escalating tension between them poses serious risks to governance, development, and investor confidence in Rivers State. Describing his intervention as non-partisan and driven by conscience, Porbeni said silence at this critical moment would amount to betrayal,…

The Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board (RSPHCMB) has commenced a state-level training programme to kickstart the 2025/2026 Mass Administration of Medicines (MAM) and Community-Based Deworming exercise. This initiative is specifically designed to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis in 11 endemic Local Government Areas (LGAs) within the state. Participants in the intensive training included Medical Officers of Health (MOHs), Local Neglected Tropical Disease (LNTD) focal persons, and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) officers, supported by two state supervisors for each implementing LGA. Lymphatic Filariasis, often referred to as a “disease of poverty,” is a vector-borne condition caused by microfilaria worms and transmitted…

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his commitment to peace and security in the state, pledging that he would not support, directly or indirectly, any action capable of endangering lives and property. Governor Fubara gave the assurance on Saturday while speaking as Special Guest at the grand finale of the week-long 2026 NPA Port Harcourt International Polo Tournament held in Port Harcourt. He said the protection of lives and property remained the foremost responsibility of his administration, stressing that he was still firmly in charge as governor and focused on delivering on the promises made to the people…

…court bars CJ from receiving the notice Rivers State House of Assembly has directed the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Hon. Justice Simeon Amadi to appoint a panel of seven persons to investigate the allegations of gross misconduct the house had earlier brought against the Governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, and the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu. The letters conveying the directives, titled, “Request for the Appointment of a Seven-Man Investigative Panel Pursuant to Section 188 (5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 199 (As Amended) was signed by the Speaker, Mr. Martins Amaewhule. Attached to the letters…

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) Reconciliation Committee on Rivers State has commenced efforts to resolve the protracted political crisis in the state, declaring its readiness to engage all parties and appeal for peace, forgiveness and reconciliation. The committee, headed by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Godwin Kanu Agabi, SAN, was inaugurated on January 12, 2026, under the auspices of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees, chaired by Ambassador Godknows Igali. Speaking at the inauguration, Agabi said the committee was constituted to explore ways of ending the escalating political tensions in Rivers State, warning that a prolonged crisis could undermine the…