Author: Emmanuel Obe

Prominent Rivers State indigenes under the aegis of Major Stakeholders have written an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, warning that the planned August 30, 2025, local government council elections in the state constitute “a serious threat to democracy” and a “brazen violation” of Nigeria’s Constitution. In the letter titled, “Rivers LG Election: A Serious Threat to Democracy and Repeated Violations of the Constitution — Urgent Warning from Major Stakeholders”, the group accused the Rivers State Sole Administrator appointed by the Federal Government of attempting to conduct the polls without any constitutional mandate. Signatories to the petition include Atedo Peterside,…

The police in Rivers State on Monday said they had arrested all the people involved in the killing of Bright Owor on July 6 along Market Road, Port Harcourt.A press release issues by the Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Grace Iringe-Koko, said the suspects were caught by the Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit deployed to investigate and bring the perpetrators.Iringe-Koko said through meticulous intelligence work and technical surveillance over a ten-day period, all individuals involved in the crime were identified and apprehended.They include, Prince Samuel, 30, armed operative; Daniel Godwin 25 the driver of the getaway vehicle, Henry Peter, 24 arms supplier,…

…to be readmitted into Global Energy Cities PlatformBy Emmanuel Obe Rivers State Government is excited about the recognition of Port Harcourt as Nigeria’s Premier Energy City by the Society of Energy Editors (SEE), marking a major milestone in the city’s long-standing leadership in the country’s energy sector. The declaration was made during a courtesy visit by the SEE delegation, led by its Chairman, Mallam Yakubu Lawal, to the Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ibas, at Government House in Port Harcourt. Vice Admiral Ibas described the recognition as a “well-deserved tribute” to the city’s historical and strategic role…

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has described the Arts and Culture Day organised by the Commission as a demonstration of the fact that the Niger Delta region is peaceful. Ogbuku, who stated this during the Arts and Culture Day organised as part of activities marking the Commission’s 25th anniversary in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, described the moment as an indication of peace in the region. The NDDC Chief Executive Officer explained that the day was set aside to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the oil-rich region, in keeping with the anniversary…

The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ibas, has charged newly appointed members of boards of parastatals to uphold the highest standards of service to the state. He said their performances were critical to stabilizing governance, restoring democratic institutions, and advancing good governance in Rivers State. The administrator issued the charge while inaugurating the reconstituted Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Rivers State Civil Service Commission, Rivers State Local Government Service Commission, and the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board at Government House, Port Harcourt on Monday. Addressing the Chairman and members of RSIEC, Vice Admiral Ibas…

As the local government elections in Rivers State approaches, a political group known as A Coalition of Andoni people has called for the zoning of the Chairmanship of the local government to Unyeada, one of the zones of the local government area. At a press conference held at Ngo, headquarters of the local government area recently, the group said that having watched the other zones produce previous, the right thing to do now was to allow Unyeada produce the next Chairman of the local government. The coalition said Asarama had occupied the seat for nine years, Ataba 16 years, and…

The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ibas, has called for strategies and policies that will fully harness the vast potential of the blue economy in the state. The administrator spoke when participants of Study Group 7 of the Executive Course 47 from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) visited him at Government House, Port Harcourt, on Monday. Ibas stressed the importance of diversifying Nigeria’s economy beyond oil by leveraging maritime resources to create jobs, enhance food security, strengthen climate resilience, and generate sustainable revenue. He noted that with coordinated efforts and innovative solutions, the…

Delta State Government has approved a series of landmark infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing connectivity, flood control, and economic development across the state. At a meeting of the State Executive Council (EXCO) in Asaba presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the council gave the green light for the design and construction of two strategic flyover bridges in Agbor and Ughelli, alongside the execution and completion of over a dozen critical road and flood control projects spanning multiple local government areas. The newly approved projects include: design and construction of a flyover at Uromi Junction, Agbor in Ika South LGA; and…

The demands for the creation of Obolo and Bori states have sparked waves of enthusiasm and heated opposition across the Niger Delta, as proponents and critics clashed during public hearings held by the National Assembly’s Committee on Constitutional Review in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. For the Obolo people spread across riverine communities in Rivers and Akwa Ibom States the creation of Obolo State represents a long-cherished dream of self-determination, political inclusion, and economic empowerment. Advocates said the new state would not only amplify their voice in national discourse but also enable the community to control its resources, attract…

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has called for the South-South geopolitical zone to be united and present a common position in the ongoing constitutional amendment. Diri made the call at the South-South Centre A, public hearing presentation of House of Representatives Committee Review of the 1999 Constitution in Yenagoa, Bayelsa capital. The governor advocated an upward review of the 13 percent derivation, while stressing the need for true federalism where resource allocation would be based on resource generation. He said states should be allowed to control resources at their domains and pay taxes to the Federal government. “The people of…