Author: Emmanuel Obe

The National President of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Dr. Godknows Igali, has expressed serious concerns over the dismantling of democratic institutions in Rivers State by the Sole Administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd). In an open letter addressed to Admiral Ibas, Dr. Igali said the actions taken by the administrator have gone beyond his gazetted mandate and were detrimental to the consolidation of democracy in the state. Dr. Igali, who refrained from congratulating Admiral Ibas upon his appointment due to the “embarrassing aberration” of imposing a state of emergency in Rivers State, stated that the actions of the administrator are…

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.) has appointed sole administrators to run the affairs of the 23 local government areas if the state with effect from Monday, April 7, 2025. A statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika, did not however list the names of the local government administrators and the new board members. The appointments came after a Courage Nsirimovu filed a case at the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt seeking to stop the appointments. The Supreme Court had in 2024 declared that it was illegal to run local governments…

…to set up sports institutes in the region About 500 new talents were discovered at the maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival, which just ended in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital. The Executive Director of Finance and Administration (EDFA), Alabo Boma Iyaye, disclosed this at the closing ceremonies of the sports festival. Iyaye, who is also the Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Alabo Boma Iyaye, described the festival as the beginning of a new chapter in the sporting history of the Niger Delta region and Nigeria at large. He stated, “Eight days ago, we set out to create something…

The Port Harcourt division of the Federal High Court has issued an interim order barring the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.) from appointing sole administrators to run the affairs of the 23 local governments of the state. Hon. Justice A.I. Mohammed in ruling on a motion exparte filed by Mr. Courage Nsirimovu of PILEX Center for Civic Education Initiative, restrained Ibas “his agents, and/or anyone acting through him or for him or on his behalf or authority from appointing the sole administrator of whatever name so-called for the 23 local government areas in Rivers State.” Justice…

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has strongly condemned the brutal assault on several of its members by men of the Rivers State Police Command during Monday’s peaceful demonstration by the #GetItBack group in Port Harcourt. In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the Union described the attack as unprovoked, barbaric, inhuman, and a violation of the journalists’ fundamental rights. The statement, which was signed by the Chairman, Comrade Paul Bazia and the Secretary, Dr. Ijeoma Tubosia, demanded an apology by the Rivers State Police Command within 14 days over the matter. The affected journalists, including Charles…

Prof. Silva Opuala-Charles, the President of Garden City Premier Business School, has said that oil exploratory and production activities in the Niger Delta are a major threat to the multi-trillion dollar blue economy in Nigeria. Prof. Opuala-Charles, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the 2025 Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Correspondents’ Chapel Week, Port Harcourt, described oil pollution as poison to the growth of the blue economy. The 2025 Correspondents’ Week has ‘The Blue Economy: Starting Steps for Rivers State’ as its theme, and ‘Enhancing the Economic Welfare of Journalists in a Period of Economic Crisis.’ Prof Opuala-Charles…

Experts and stakeholders in the blue economy have said that massive investment in key infrastructure and good governance were crucial in unlocking the vast benefits of the blue economy in Rivers State. This was the key takeaway from the opening day of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Week in Rivers State. The theme of the event, “Blue Economy: Starting Steps for Rivers State,” highlighted the state’s rich ocean resources and the untapped potential for economic growth, job creation, and improved livelihoods. The Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ, Mr. Amaechi Okonkwo, said,…

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has taken a significant step towards fostering economic growth in the Niger Delta by releasing N10 billion to the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA). This initial installment of a promised N30 billion investment aims to stimulate entrepreneurship and empower businesses at all levels. The announcement came during the inauguration of the NDCCITMA board of directors in Port Harcourt. NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, emphasized the commission’s commitment to supporting commerce and trade in the region. “We are fulfilling our promise by releasing this N10 billion to kick-start…

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas, has reiterated his commitment to restoring vandalized infrastructure across the state, assuring residents that his administration would prioritize these repairs within its available resources. Ibas made the commitment when he inspected ongoing road projects, assessed the damage to local government council secretariats, and the newly inaugurated Bori Zonal Hospital. The tour encompassed road projects in Khana Local Government Area, including the Nyhokhana-Kenkhana road connecting Luuwa to Baani communities and the Zakphor-Bateem road. In Eleme, the Administrator inspected the internal roads and drainage projects alongside the Eleme section…

Bayelsa State Government has condemned the recent act of sabotage on the Ogboinbiri/Obiobi 24-inch Gas Pipeline, located between Angiama and Angiamagbene in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. The pipeline was damaged in what authorities are calling a “criminal act of economic sabotage”.In a statement, the Commissioner for Information, Orientation, and Strategy, Hon. Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, declared that the government will not tolerate such destructive behavior. She emphasized that security agencies are working tirelessly to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent future incidents. “The protection of national assets is a collective responsibility,” she urged citizens, imploring them to remain vigilant and report…