Author: Emmanuel Obe

Participants at Saturday’s People’s Assembly on the gas leak in Bille Community in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State have demanded immediate declaration of a state of emergency in the community by the Federal Government of Nigeria. The participants made up of civil society groups, traditional rulers, community, women and youth organisations and human rights activists said the situation in Bille required no further delay lest the situation degenerate into a colossal human disaster. The gas leakages in the community were noticed since last year by residents who noticed bubbles on the waters around the community, openings in the…

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has been installed as the new Paramount Ruler of Ayakoro Community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, assuming the revered traditional title of Daufa VI. His ascension to the throne comes six months after the demise of the former monarch and follows the provisions of the Ayakoro Community Constitution, which stipulate that the Deputy Paramount Ruler automatically succeeds the late ruler, thereby ensuring continuity in the community’s traditional leadership structure. The transition process was supervised by officials of the Bayelsa State…

The Obi of Owa Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Obi Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor II, has called for a comprehensive investigation into the train accident that occurred four days ago in Owa Oyibu, Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State, resulting in the death of four persons and injuries to several others. Speaking during a visit to the scene of the incident, the monarch urged relevant government agencies to thoroughly investigate both the immediate and underlying causes of the mishap. He expressed concern over reports linking the derailment to the activities of vandals who target government infrastructure. According to Obi…

Despite having been edged out of next year’s governorship election, Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed that democracy remains the most effective system of government for Nigeria, describing it as the strongest pathway to national unity, sustainable development, and shared prosperity. In a goodwill message to Nigerians to mark the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, Governor Fubara said the significance of June 12 extends beyond a historic date, noting that it symbolizes the sacrifices, struggles, and aspirations of Nigerians for freedom, justice, and representative governance. The governor congratulated Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on the occasion and…

Rivers State Government will begin promotion interviews for civil servants in the state from Monday next week. A circular issued on June 4th, 2026 by the Permanent Secretary of f the Civil Service Commission, James Enebeli, said the interviews will involve all categories of government workers including those in extra ministerial agencies and the House of Assembly. Those in Rivers State will be interviewed at the conference hall of the civil service commission in Port Harcourt while those in Lagos and Abuja will be interviewed at the Rivers State Liaison offices in Lagos and Abuja. It’s the first time in…

Legendary Nigerian musician, Bongos Ikwue, has attributed his comfortable life in old age to the wise investments he made during the peak of his music career. The celebrated singer and songwriter, who turned 84 on Monday, made the revelation during an appearance on People and Places, a radio programme hosted by veteran broadcaster Wordshot Amaechi Wordshot in Enugu. Speaking on the programme, Bongos said that while many people focus on saving money, he chose to invest his earnings in ventures that would secure his future. According to him, the decision has paid off significantly, allowing him to enjoy financial stability…

Rivers State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of a murder and robbery syndicate allegedly responsible for the killing of a 55-year-old commercial driver, Mr. Christopher Emmanuel Akpabio, and the theft of his vehicle. The Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Blessing Karbolo Agabe, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga A. Adepoju. According to the police, the victim, a native of Akwa Ibom State, was reported missing on May 22, 2026. Preliminary investigations revealed that he was hired at Garrison Park in Port Harcourt by some individuals who…

Chike was sacked summarily by Governor Nyesom Wike in 2021 as Commissioner for Health because he failed to inform the Governor that the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria were in Port Harcourt for a conference. The governor was surprised when the Council members booked to pay him a courtesy visit and recalled that the commissioner did not inform him that they were in town. Government House sources said the governor was angry that such high level of visitors would have afforded him an opportunity to showcase the achievements of government to the visiting medical regulatory chiefs but the commissioner…

Rivers United Football Club has confirmed that its team contingent was involved in a road traffic accident on Thursday while travelling to Awka, Anambra State, for its President Federation Cup Round of 16 match against Nasarawa United. According to a statement issued by the club’s Media Officer, Charles Mayuku, the incident occurred along the Obiri-Ikwerre Airport Road on the outskirts of Port Harcourt shortly after the team departed from its camp. The club disclosed that some players and officials sustained minor injuries in the accident but assured supporters that no fatalities or life-threatening injuries were recorded. “The club can confirm…

The Southern Nigeria People’s Mandate (SNPM) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider any plans to seek re-election in 2027, citing what it described as worsening economic hardship, insecurity, and declining living standards under his administration. In a statement signed by its Chairman and Founder, Mr. Augustine Chukwudum, the group expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the Tinubu administration since it assumed office in May 2023, alleging that government policies had contributed to rising inflation and the increasing cost of living across the country. The organisation said many Nigerians were struggling to cope with soaring prices of food,…