Author: Emmanuel Obe

Civil society organisation, Social Action, has raised alarm over what it described as severe environmental pollution in Bille community in Rivers State, calling for the inclusion of host communities in the exit plans of International Oil Companies (IOCs) divesting from the Niger Delta. The group disclosed that the land, water and air in Bille have been significantly contaminated by hydrocarbon pollution, posing serious health and safety risks to residents. According to Social Action, laboratory analysis conducted by the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) on air samples collected from Bille in December 2025 confirmed the presence of…

…says they undermine democracy A former Minister of Aviation, Mr. Osita Chidoka, has criticised the high cost of political party nomination forms in Nigeria, describing the fees as undemocratic and exclusionary, warning that they could undermine citizens’ participation in governance. Chidoka, in a statement issued on March 28, 2026, expressed concern over recently announced nomination fees attributed to the All Progressives Congress (APC), which placed the cost of the presidential form at ₦200 million, governorship at ₦150 million, Senate at ₦100 million, House of Representatives at ₦70 million, and State House of Assembly at ₦20 million. He, however, noted that…

…trains journalists on AI and religion The Nigeria Religious Coalition on Artificial Intelligence (NRCAI) has called for the development of an inclusive ethical policy and regulatory framework to guide the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nigeria, warning that unregulated deployment of the technology could pose significant risks to society. The Director of the Christian Council of Nigeria–Institute of Church and Society, Very Rev. Kolade Fadahunsi, made the call while addressing journalists at a training workshop on artificial intelligence and religion in Port Harcourt. The training, organised by NRCAI for journalists from the South-South geopolitical zone, aimed to deepen understanding…

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has urged the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-South to remain united and focused in order to improve the party’s electoral prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections. Fubara gave the charge while addressing delegates at the APC South-South Zonal Congress held in Asaba, Delta State. He stressed that unity of purpose and collective effort were critical to strengthening the party’s performance in the region. According to the governor, the newly elected zonal leadership must work with dedication and commitment to achieve the party’s objectives, noting that the task before…

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has intensified efforts to restore biodiversity in Ogoniland with the successful establishment and implantation of two additional bloody cockle culture beds in the tidal flats of Bomu Creek. The initiative forms part of ongoing ecological restoration activities aimed at reviving aquatic life in Ogoni’s creeks, many of which were impacted by years of hydrocarbon pollution. Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, recently led the restoration team in setting up the two cockle culture beds within the intertidal flats of Bomu Creek, a move considered critical to the gradual reintroduction of the species into…

The Student Unionm Government of Ken Saro-Wiwa polytechnic, Bori in Ri8vers State has said that the two matriculating students who were caught on camera publicly kissing are blood relations, and not lovers. In a statement issued during the week, the SUG said the students captured in their matriculation gowns and widely circulated by several social media handlers were demonstrating familial love. “Contrary to the misconceptions and speculations surrounding the image, the students seen in the picture are not expressing any form of romantic affection. Rather, the moment reflects an outpouring of joy and emotional celebration within a family. “It…

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has said that its ongoing potable water schemes in Ogoniland were helping to bridge gender gaps in access, safety and water stewardship, particularly for women and girls in the region. Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, stated this while delivering a lecture titled “Water for All: Bridging Gender Gaps in Access, Safety, and Water Stewardship in HYPREP Projects” at the Centre for Water and Sanitation Studies (CeWASS), Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, as part of activities marking the 2026 World Water Day. Zabbey explained that upon completion of 51 headworks and 14…

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…