Author: Emmanuel Obe

Questions are mounting in Bayelsa State over the fate and operational framework of the newly inaugurated 60-megawatt Independent Power Plant (IPP) in Yenagoa, as residents continue to await electricity supply from the facility. The concerns come despite recent assurances by Governor Douye Diri that the plant was being installed with adequate safety and protective devices. The governor, however, declined to disclose the cost of the project during an inspection, promising that details would be made public after completion—a pledge yet to be fulfilled. Stakeholders have raised fresh worries over the sustainability of the project, particularly the cost of gas supply,…

Opposition political parties in Nigeria have resolved to resist what they described as attempts by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to impose a one-party state, declaring their commitment to preserving multi-party democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections. This formed part of a communiqué issued at the end of a National Summit of opposition parties held on Saturday in Ibadan, Oyo State. The parties, after what they called extensive deliberations on the state of the nation, accused the APC of fostering anti-democratic tendencies and pledged to collectively “rescue the country” from what they termed “existential challenges” facing over 200…

Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited has inaugurated six community-based projects aimed at supporting communities impacted by the June 11, 2023, oil spill in Aleto, Eleme Local Government Area. The completed projects include a 12-classroom block at Community Secondary School, Agbonchia; a 200-seat town hall for Akpajo; ICT facilities and renovations at Community Secondary School, Aleto; de-silting of a 4km drain in Aleto; and the upgrade and installation of 1,010 and 300 prepaid energy meters in Aleto and Okerewa, respectively. During the handover ceremony at Community Secondary School, Agbonchia, Mr. Igo Weli, Vice-President of Relations and Sustainable Development for Renaissance Africa…

…inaugurate new national executives Former students of the famous Baptist High School, Port have committed themselves to restoring the glory of their alma mater, even as they called on Rivers State Government to take back the school from the church. The commitments were made at the 2026 Reunion of the former students, where a new national executive committee of the Baptist High School, Port Harcourt Old Students Association was under the leadership of Omubo Fubara Whyte. The Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Prof. Ngozi Odu, who was the special guest of honour, lamented the current state of the school and…

The Founder of Omega Power Ministries, Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere has suspended indefinitely his plans to give out the hands of autistic wards in his care in marriage. This followed an intervention by the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, which responded to calls by human and civil rights organizations for the widely publicised marriages to be stopped. The organisations, which include the Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA), had observed that the marriages violated legal requirements for marriage. The Ministry consequently called a meeting where its officials has held a meeting with Apostle Chinyere, and other stakeholders and resolved…

Relief has spread across Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State as His Royal Majesty, King Baridam Suanu Yormaadam, returned to his palace in Bangha, Nyo-Khana, following his recovery from a gun attack earlier this year. The monarch was reportedly shot at close range by unknown gunmen on January 25, 2026, while travelling in his vehicle, sustaining serious injuries alongside his driver. After weeks of medical treatment, he has now recuperated and reunited with his people. The Executive Chairman of Khana LGA, Dr. Thomas Bariere Ariar, paid a solidarity visit to the palace, where he expressed gratitude to God for…

The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has shortlisted 10 professors for the position of Vice-Chancellor as the process to appoint the institution’s 10th substantive head enters a crucial stage. This follows the opening and screening of applications by the university’s Governing Council at a formal session presided over by its Chairman, Senator Mao Arukwe Ohuabunwa. A statement issued by the Head of Information, Publications and Public Relations, Dr. Sammy Kpenu, on April 19, 2026, disclosed that 14 applications were received for the position, out of which 10 candidates met the stipulated requirements and were shortlisted. The statement noted that the…

Former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has described the pace of development in Bayelsa State as “emotional,” declaring that the state holds a special place in his heart. Osinbajo spoke on Monday during the inauguration of key projects executed by the administration of Governor Douye Diri, including a 630-metre bridge and access road to Oporoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, a referral hospital in the community, and the Agbura-Oxbow Lake road in Yenagoa. At a grand reception in his honour in Oporoma, the former vice president commended Governor Diri for delivering people-oriented projects, noting that the governor clearly understood…

In a bid to stimulate economic development and expand revenue generation, the Asari-Toru Local Government Area has entered into a strategic partnership with the Kalabari Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (KALCCIMA). The Executive Chairman of the council, Hon. Onengiyeofori George, disclosed this during a meeting with the leadership of KALCCIMA at his office on Monday. Dr. George said the collaboration is aimed at unlocking the economic potential of the area through structured development initiatives. He noted that key components of the proposed roadmap include economic and business development planning, resource mapping with a focus on blue economy opportunities,…

Ijaw women across Nigeria and the diaspora have rejected the constitution of an ad hoc committee by the leadership of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), describing it as lacking legal foundation and capable of undermining the integrity of the organisation. In a strongly worded press statement issued on behalf of Ijaw women of conscience, Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agary said the committee, reportedly set up on April 13, 2026—the same day as the disputed INC national executive elections—raises critical questions about legitimacy, transparency, and adherence to constitutional processes. The group queried the basis for the committee, asking who the aggrieved parties are,…