Author: Emmanuel Obe

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has reviewed its decision to hold its 2025 annual general conference (AGC) in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital because of the state of emergency declared by the President in the state. A statement issued by the association after a virtual meeting called to discuss the hosting of the conference, said, “The NBA at its virtual Emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Thursday, March 27 resolved to allow the National Executive Committee to Conduct further Consultations regarding the 2025 Annual General Conference scheduled to take place in Rivers State and report to NEC. “NEC…

Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has denied allegations made against him by the former Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, in an explosive press statement televised on Channels TV on Friday. Nwaeke, in the scathing statement, leveled serious allegations against the governor, including one in which he said the governor orchestrated the burning of the State Assembly. Nwaeke alleged that the governor also attempted to demolish the Assembly members’ residences, and was actively plotting to destabilize the Niger Delta through violence and sabotage of oil pipelines. But Governor Fubara, in his response contained in a press statement, denied all…

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has approved the payment of March Salaries and pensions to civil servants, pensioners and suspended political appointees. A public service statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Ibibia Worika, on Friday stated that the administrator has directed the Accountant-General to ensure that remittances for the payment of the salaries were made without delay. The statement said, “In keeping with the undertaking made to the good people of Rivers State, I am pleased to inform you that the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (RTD) Ibok – Ete…

The appointment of a serving military officer, Commodore Aminu Shehu, as Chief of Staff in Rivers State Government House has sparked outrage and fears of a creeping militarization of the state government. Critics, including former commissioners and civil society groups like the Ijaw Youth Council (Worldwide), argue that the appointment, coupled with the dismissal of all state officials by the Sole Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas, signals a concerning trend. Former Commissioner Ibim Semenitari Criticized the appointment as superfluous, highlighting the existence of a permanent secretary who already fulfills the role. She emphasized that a serving military officer…

The ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, marked by the declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of the governor, has escalated to an international level. A coalition of almost 30 civil society groups has urged the United Nations to impose sanctions on Nigeria if the country fails to reinstate democratic governance in Rivers State.In a petition filed with the UN Human Rights Committee, the coalition, led by Egondu Esinwoke and Courage Nsirimovu, accused the Nigerian government of violating the country’s constitution and undermining democratic principles.They demanded that the UN pressure the Nigerian President to restore democratic governance…

The recent suspension of the public sector structure in Rivers State by the Sole Administrator has triggered widespread alarm and concern. The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC Worldwide) has voiced its belief that this move signals the onset of a full-blown military regime in the state. In a statement issued by Secretary-General Maobuye Mangi Obu, the IYC expressed that the inalienable rights of the populace have been severely undermined. The announcement, made late on the night of Wednesday, March 26, 2025, by Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, who serves as the Rivers State Administrator, included the suspension of various statutory commissions…

The President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Ogele Okaba, has issued a fervent call for unity amongst the Ijaw people, urging them to stand together in the face of the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State. In a stirring speech delivered at an emergency meeting of Ijaw stakeholders on Wednesday, 26th March 2025, Okaba condemned the recent imposition of emergency rule and suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara as a grave assault on democracy and the rights of the Ijaw people. Okaba’s address, titled, “A Call for Unity and Strategic Action,” focused on the need for a unified…

The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) has condemned the proposed plans to allow ‘Non Hazardous’ wastes from the European Union (EU) countries to be moved to African countries, describing the idea as ill-conceived. The European Commission recently confirmed that Nigeria and 23 others became the countries that met the Feb 21 deadline for inclusion in non-hazardous waste imports. HOMEF in a statement signed by Miss Kome Odhomor, Media/Communication Lead said it is shocking and painful attempt to import “non-hazardous” waste from the EU into the country at a time of widespread ecological challenges. HOMEF noted that even wastes certified…

The vital East-West Road at Mbiama on the border of Rivers and Bayelsa States was blocked on Tuesday by youths who said they were protesting against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, for allegedly maligning the Ijaw nation, and masterminding the impeachment of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. The youths sang anti-Wike songs and carried placards, “Wike Leave Fubara Alone.” “Allow Your Boys To Chop.” “Fubara: Eight Years.” The protests caused a serious traffic at the popular Tuesday market at Mbiama Meanwhile, civil servants in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, have threatened to carry out…

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), has directed the contractor executing the N19 billion House of Assembly Complex project in Port Harcourt to deliver project as specified in the contract. Vice Admiral Ibas, who visited the project site along Moscow Road on Saturday, said restoring full and effective legislative activities in the state was part of his mandate. Work on the project awarded to Monier Construction Company (MCC) Limited has advanced significantly. It has about 34 en- suite offices on a two-storey building with elevator, gallery, meeting rooms and conference hall. The Sole…