Author: Emmanuel Obe

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…

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has reaffirmed its commitment to agricultural empowerment by concluding the second batch of its Capacity Building Programme for Rice Farmers on Commercial Scale in Umuahia, Abia State. Speaking during the closing ceremony of the training programme at the Kolping Guest House in Umuahia, Abia State, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, emphasised the Commission’s commitment to transforming agriculture into a sustainable economic driver in the Niger Delta region. Ogbuku, who was represented by the NDDC Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr Winifred Madume, stated that the programme would equip farmers with essential skills…

Unbundling of Oil Mining Lease (OML) 11 and declaration of Eleme as a federal territory were among the numerous demands that the people of Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State made when the Ogoni Dialogue Committee held consultations with the people last Saturday. Other demands were the implementation of a Global Memorandum of Understanding that would streamline the rights and responsibilities of all stakeholders in the oil and gas companies to include provisions for community development, employment quotas, environmental remediation, and conflict resolution to be reviewed every two years. The Ogoni Dialogue Committee was set up by President Bola…

The controversy over the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State last Tuesday by President Bola Tinubu has continued to generate inflamed reactions as the Sole Administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.), took steps to consolidate his hold over the administration of the State. The Sole Administrator, who resumed duties on Thursday in Port Harcourt after his swearing-in by President Tinubu in Abuja will hold a crucial forum with civil servants at the State Secretariat Complex on Monday. The Head of Service, Dr George Nwaeke, said in a circular at the weekend that the Sole Administrator would after addressing…