Author: Emmanuel Obe

Alabo Charles Mac-Pepple Jaja, the Head of the Mac-Pepple War Canoe House of Opobo has been selected as the new Amanyanabo of Opobo following the transition of the last Amanyanabo, King Dandeson Jaja Jeki V. The Amanyanabo-elect, 65 is the younger brother of the immediate-past Amanyanabo and son of a former Amanyanabo, King Douglas Mac-Pepple Jaja. He attended Government Technical College, Abak, Rivers State School of Basic Studies and the University of Port Harcourt where he studied Political Science and Administration. He also has a diploma of the Sondore Institute of Management and a postgraduate certificate in law from Rivers…

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has proposed a budget of N1.75 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year, outlining plans to consolidate ongoing reforms and deliver targeted infrastructure and developmental outcomes across the oil-rich region. The budget proposal, themed “Budget of Consolidation,” was presented to the Senate and House Committees on the NDDC at the National Assembly in Abuja by the Commission’s Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku. Ogbuku said the 2026 plan builds on the gains of the 2025 “Budget of Renewed Hope,” and reflects a deliberate shift from transactional to transformational development in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s…

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a minor reshuffle in the State Executive Council, redeploying the Commissioner for Sports, Christopher Green, to the Ministry of Justice as the new Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. Green’s redeployment follows the vacancy created by the Supreme Court’s judgment of February 28, which nullified the earlier appointment of Mr. Dagogo Iboroma (SAN) as Attorney General. The development was announced in a statement issued by Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications. According to the statement, Green will assume his new role immediately. Despite the redeployment, Governor Fubara has…

…violators to face prosecution from January 1 Bayelsa State Government has announced a sweeping ban on the movement of timber, forest products, and all forms of sand and land dredging across the state, as part of a renewed effort to tackle environmental degradation and protect natural resources. In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Ebi Ben Ololo, the government said the ban takes effect from January 1, 2026, and applies to all land and maritime routes within and around the state. The directive prohibits the transportation, conveyance, and trade of wood, timber, and forest products within, into,…

The Rivers State Government has announced that the State Secretariat Complex in Port Harcourt will be shut down from Friday to enable comprehensive rehabilitation works to commence on the facility. In a circular issued by the Office of the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, workers have been directed to remain at home for the duration of the renovation. The circular, signed by the Head of Service, Dr. Inyingi Brown, stated that only employees on essential duties will be admitted into the premises while work is ongoing. According to Dr. Brown, permanent secretaries and heads of ministries, departments and…

…sets agenda for Kalabari economic revival The Kalabari Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KALCCIMA) has inaugurated a new Executive Council, with a renewed pledge to champion economic growth, enterprise development and investment opportunities across Kalabari communities. The inauguration was performed by the National Deputy President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Chief (Dr.) Emi Membere-Otaji. Membere-Otaji tasked the new leadership with repositioning the chamber as a strategic driver of inclusive development, while strengthening collaboration with government and private sector institutions. Those inducted include Elder Monima Daminabo (President), Amb. Clement Akanibo (1st…

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has inaugurated the newly completed Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters at Elimgbu Community in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, earning commendation and political endorsement from the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking at the inauguration in Port Harcourt on Monday, the National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, praised Governor Fubara for what he described as impressive governance strides and effective project delivery. He urged the people of Rivers State to rally behind the APC in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Fubara. Bashiru described Rivers State as a shining example…

President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project be redesigned to pass through Ogoni land in Rivers State. The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, disclosed this during a high-powered delegation visit to Rivers State led by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. Speaking during a courtesy visit by the delegation to Governor Siminalayi Fubara at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Umahi said the President’s directive was part of efforts to ensure inclusiveness and address longstanding development concerns in the Niger Delta region. According to him, the Federal Ministry of Works would…

… following resignation of Edison, death of Khana II member The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed Saturday, February 21, 2026, for the conduct of by-elections into the Ahoada East II and Khana II State Constituencies of the Rivers State House of Assembly. INEC disclosed this in a press statement issued on Monday, December 22, 2025, following an extraordinary meeting of the Commission held the same day. According to the statement, the Commission approved the timetable and schedule of activities for the bye-elections after reviewing preparations for the forthcoming Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) scheduled…

Host communities along the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) corridor in Obio/Akpor, Emohua and Ikwerre Local Government Areas of Rivers State have lauded Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) for extending Christmas palliatives and medical outreach to them during the Yuletide season. The commendation was given during the distribution of Christmas palliatives and a free medical outreach programme organised for no fewer than 35 communities across the three local government areas. The event took place at the Emohua Local Government Council Secretariat. Community leaders described the gesture as rare, noting that it was uncommon for companies operating in the area to engage…