Vice Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni Port Harcourt INSPECTS ONGOING NDDC PROJECTS AT MAIN CAMPUS

Acting Vice Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) Rumuolumeni Port-Harcourt Prof. Okechuku Onuchuku on Wednesday August 28, 2024 embarked on an inspection tour of ongoing Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) projects in main campus of the university. The projects include New Entrance Gate, Internal Road Network, Renovation of Special Education Building, Physics and Chemistry Laboratory as depicted in the pictures.

The Secretary General of NANS National Comrade David Bariereka commends EFCC donation of #50billion to NELFUND says Mr. Akintunde Sawyer is doing well so far.


The National secretariat of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) hereby applauds the Economic and financial crime’s commission (EFCC) for donating #50bn recovered loots to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) led by Mr. Akin Sawyer M.D/C.E.O.

NANS believes that this is for the best interest of Nigerian students and will further strengthen the mandate of NELFUND to see that no Nigerian youth is denied education because of finance.

It is on this premise, We urge our students to leverage the opportunity of the students load scheme as there is no excuse not to attain higher education or even do well while at it.

We therefore, commend Mr. Akin Sawyer for doing well at the job to run the students loan scheme so far and assure our support to see that the scheme progresses and benefits our students.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Your Excellency,

A CALL FOR THE IMMEDIATE REINSTATEMENT OF PROF. NENIBARINI ZABBEY AS HYPREP PROJECT COORDINATOR

The leadership of the apext student body in Nigeria being the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on 14th July, 2024 received with great displeasure, the sack of Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey as HYPREP Coordinator after barely one year of a five year tenure. The Prof. who is an expert in the environmental field has not been found wanting in any way and have discharged his duties diligently as in a bid to clean up Ogoni land and restore livelihood in the area.

We therefore demand the immediate reinstatement of Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey as project coordinator of HYPREP as there is no reason for his sack in the first place and the job demands consistency to be able to deliver on the mandate.

Prof. Zabbey is doing a good job so far and students as stakeholders of the area join other leaders to ask for His immediate reinstatement.

We know you are a father who listens and we hope you attend to our demand as we will be on the streets until our demands are met.

Comr. David Bariereka
NANS National Secretary General

Wakirike Essay contest 2024!

tagged: CREATIVE WRITING FOR A BETTER FUTURE

This is to invite all first degree, National and Higher National diploma students from the Wakirike extraction to an essay contest about the Wakirike kingdom.

This contest is in three phases:

1st Round to be online is within 15th to 28th July 2024 on the topic: Environmental Impact of illegal Bunkering & Refining on the Wakirike Land: Challenges & Solutions

2nd Round to be online is for the best 100 entries within 4th to 10th sept., 2024 On the topic: Preserving the Wakirike Culture & Heritage: An exploration of her traditional food, dress codes, & way of life

3rd round and Final stage which is physical, this is only open for the best 20 entries scheduled for 28th Sept, 2024 on the topic: The need to preserve & educate all Wakirike people of her language: Process, challenges & Solutions

For more information, visit www.wakirikeessaycontest.org, or our Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn pages with the name "Wakirike Essay Contest"

Prizes shall include Scholarships, Gift and Cash Prizes.

Come! Let us express our talents and create a better future for ourselves and our kingdom

WAKIRIKE - WE ARE ONE.

This is proudly sponsored by
Engr. (Dr.) George Papamie S. Iwo

Dear Rivers State Students,

I am thrilled to share the wonderful news of the approval of the state government bursary scheme for Rivers State students. This significant initiative, championed by our esteemed Governor, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the educational advancement and welfare of our student community. This timely gesture not only underscores the governor's dedication to fostering academic excellence but also his deep-rooted love and support for the future leaders of our great state.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, Executive Governor of Rivers State, for his visionary leadership and for prioritizing the needs of Rivers State students. This bursary scheme comes at a crucial time, providing much-needed financial support to ease the burden on students and their families. It is a clear indication that the Governor is attuned to the challenges faced by students and is committed to ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their educational pursuits.

I urge all Rivers State students to make the most of this opportunity and to prepare for the registration process, which will commence in the coming weeks. Stay informed about the application details and ensure you meet all requirements to benefit from this scheme. Let us show our appreciation by excelling in our studies and contributing positively to our state. Together, we can build a brighter future for Rivers State.

Sincerely,

Comr. Soye Maxwell Nyanabo
Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Affairs

Students Union Government, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE),
Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt.
10th May, 2024

DECLARATION OF TOTAL SUPPORT FOR THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF RIVERS STATE AND VISITOR TO IAUE, HIS EXCELLENCY, SIR SIMINALAYI FUBARA GSSRS


1. The leadership of the Students Union Government of our prestigious Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Port Harcourt ably led by my humble self, Sen. Comr. Moses Athenasius Bara, wishes to use this medium to congratulate and thank Your Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State and Visitor to the university for your developmental strides, enviable initiatives to keep the oil-rich state peaceful, resilience, braveheart, courage and focus in delivering the dividends of democracy in Rivers State. The students can see your good works and are well-informed. We encourage you not to relent in doing what God has destined you to do for Rivers State. Rest assured that the students of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education are proud of you and will give you our total support to Your Excellency.
We urge you not to be distracted by egocentric politicians who do not have the interest of the state at heart.

2. Furthermore, we heartily express our profound gratitude to you for giving our institution a brain and an invaluable asset, Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka (Owolo) MON, OLY, DSSRS, as the Pro -Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council. We know and are excited that this appointment promises great things for our institution.

3. Your Excellency, in the same vein, the Students Union Government and the good students of our institution, humbly appeal that Prof. Okechuku Onuchuku, DSSRS, Acting Vice-Chancellor, be made substantive Vice-Chancellor as this will bring more development to our institution.

4. Finally Your Excellency, We wish to also thank you for your Appointment of Comr. Nyanabo Maxwell Soye as Special Assistant on Student Affairs. Your Excellency's love for the student community is greatly appreciated, and we pray that the Almighty God continues to give you more wisdom and guidance.
God bless Your Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State and Visitor to Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt.


God bless Rivers State.
God bless IAUE.
God bless the SUG.
Amen.

The member representing Bonny Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, has emerged as the new Speaker of the House.

MEMORANDUM
To: The General Public
From: Executive Council, SUG
Date: May 8th, 2024
Subject: NOTICE OF SUSPENSION

This letter constitutes official notice of the suspension from office of the student unoin government executive vice president main Campus Comr. Chukwujekwu Favour, this is coming because of her gross misconduct involving the following;
1. Sabotage of the union
2. Insubordination
3. Plan to attack the executive president thereby leading to threat to life.
4. Instigating crisis amongst the executives council members of the union, thereby causing disharmony.
5. Her desperate attitude to unseat the president and wanting to be the acting president with verifiable evidence which illustrates the act of Mutiny.
6. False Financial Allegations that lacks merit.

Her actions necessitated the union to have an emergency meeting on 8th May, 2024 to delebrate on her actions and decided to suppend her from office as the Vice President till further notice.
She is expected to return all union properties in her custody and advised to seize parading herself as the Union’s Vice President until the union decides otherwise, as any attempt of incivility, will lead to a stiffer penalty.

The General Public is by this notice advised to discontinue any business activities with her in the name of the vice president as such activities will not be honored in the Union and the person will be at his own risk for such activities.

Viva Aluta.

Comr. Moses Athenasius Bara
SUG President

Comr. Daerego M. Nafisa
SUG Secretary General

Comr. Tamunosiki Amos
SUG Director of Information

Cc;
Ag. Vice Chancellor
Dean of Student Affairs
Chief Security Officer
Student Representative Council (SRC)
Student Judicial Council (SJC)
Student Community
All Media Platforms
Personal File

BREAKING NEWS

Federal High Court, Abuja presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite has set aside its earlier order for the arrest of the Chief of Staff of the Rivers State Government House, Ehie Edison ESQ., Chibuike O. Peter and others over their alleged involvement in the burning of the State House of Assembly.

More details shortly........

CAN THE RIVERS STATE HOUSE OF ASSESMBLY REMOVE THE POWER OF THE GOVERNOR TO APPOINT THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE RIVERS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY SERVICE COMMISSION AND TRANSFER IT TO THE HOUSE?

BACKGROUND
On Thursday February 15, 2004 at its 109th Legislative sitting, the House passed into Law, the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The Bill repealed the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission (Amendment) Law, No. 3 of 2006 and further amended the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission Law of 1999. The Bill was sent to the Governor for his assent and after the statutory 30 days, the House re-passed the Bill into Law on 22nd March, 2024.

The Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission was established by the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission Law of 1999. Section 2 provides:
“The Commission shall comprise a Chairman and four other members who shall in the opinion of the Speaker be persons of unquestionable integrity.
“The Chairman and members of the Commission shall be appointed by the Rivers State House of Assembly acting on the advice and recommendation of the House Committee of Selection and shall in making the appointment be guided by the geographical spread and diversity of the people of Rivers State.”
The above section was repealed by the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission (Amendment) Law No 3, 2006. In sections 2 and 3, the Amendment Law provides that:
S. 2 “Section 2 of the Principal Law is amended by repealing subsection (1) and substituting the following subsection:
“(1) The Commission shall comprise a Chairman and 4 (four) other members.
S. 3 “Section 2(2) of the Principal Law is amended by repealing subsection (2) and substituting the following subsection:
“(2) The Chairman and members of the Commission shall be appointed by the Governor subject to the confirmation by the House of Assembly and shall in making the appointment be guided by the geographical spread and diversity of the people of Rivers State.”
The import of the 2024 Amendment Bill passed into Law by the House is that the Governor will no longer have the power to appoint the Chairman and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission and the power of appointment shall be vested in the House of Assembly.

LEGAL ISSUES
The first issue to consider is the Constitutional power of the Governor. Section 5(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 provides that the executive powers of the State shall be vested in the Governor of that State.”
Further, section 176(2) provides that:
“The Governor of a State shall be the Chief Executive of that State.”
This follows that the Governor is the Chief Executive Officer of the State Government and by the powers vested on him, is responsible for making appointments into various executive bodies, subject to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and other statutes. All Commissions and other parastatals are executive bodies under the control of the Governor. The House of Assembly Service Commission is an executive body and as such, the Chairman and members can only be appointed by the Governor. The House of Assembly has no powers to make any appointment into an executive body as no statutory body is under the control of the legislature. The Rivers State House of Assembly should not mistake the presence of the building of the Service Commission in its premises as conferring powers on the House to appoint the Chairman and members of the Commission.

The second issue to consider is the Constitutional alteration of 2023. In that alteration, the Third schedule was amended to include State Houses of Assembly Service Commissions, which invariably follows that a State House of Assembly Commission is one of State bodies established by section 197 of the 1999 Constitution. Let’s be reminded that section 198 of the 1999 Constitution gives the Governor the power of appointment into various executive bodies, subject to confirmation by a resolution of the House of Assembly of a State. The job of the Rivers State House of Assembly ends with the confirmation of the appointees.

The alteration to the Third schedule, paragraph 1A provides that the composition, tenure, structure, finance, functions, powers, and other proceedings of the Commission shall be as prescribed by a law of the House of Assembly of the State. Notice that the appointment of the Chairman and members of the Commission is not listed. Therefore, it can be safely inferred that the power to appoint the Chairman and members of the House of Assembly Service Commission lies with the Governor, as is the case with the other bodies listed under section 197 of the 1999 Constitution.

There is nothing in the Alteration that, by any stretch of imagination, can be inferred to confer the power of appointing the Chairman and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission on the Rivers State House of Assembly, notwithstanding the fact that the law creating the Commission was enacted by the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Thirdly, is the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission and its staff under the control of the State Government? To answer this question, we will take our voyage to section 318 of the 1999 Constitution. That section gives the definition of a Public Service of a State to mean:
“the service of the state in any capacity in respect of the government of the state and includes service as:
clerk or other staff of the House of Assembly;
member of staff of the High Court, the Sharia Court of Appeal, the Customary Court of Appeal or other courts established for a state by the Constitution or by a law of a House of Assembly; member or staff of any Commission or authority established for the state by this Constitution or by a law of a House of Assembly; staff of any Local Government Council;
staff of any statutory corporation established by a law of a House of Assembly; staff of any educational institution established or financed principally by a government of a State; and staff of any company or enterprise in which the government of a State or its agency holds controlling shares or interest. The purport of this section is that the Assembly Service Commission is not an appendage of the legislature but under the control of the State Government. Even at the national level, the members of the National Assembly Service Commission are appointed by the President in collaboration with the National Assembly.

Fourthly, what is the position of the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission Law vis-à-vis the National Assembly Service Commission Act? Section 4(5) of the 1999 Constitution provides: “If any Law enacted by the House of Assembly of a State is inconsistent with any law validly made by the National Assembly, the law made by the National Assembly shall prevail, and that other law shall, to the extent of inconsistency, be void.”
Further, in A.G Bendel v AG Federation & 22 Ors (1982) 3 NCLRI, the Supreme Court held per Fatayi Williams CJN (as he then was) “neither a State nor an individual can contract out of the provisions of the Constitution. The reason for this is that a contract to do a thing which cannot be done without a violation of the Law is void.”
The fifth issue is: “can a statute revive a repealed statute?” In the case of Idehen v University of Benin, Suit No FHC/B/CS/120/2001, delivered on 19th December, 2001, the court held that:
“Contrary to the contention of the University, the effect of a repealing statute is to erase the repealed statute from the statute book. When a statute is repealed, it ceases to exist and no longer forms part of the laws of the land. In other words, the effect of the repeal is to render the repealed statute dead and non-existent in law. Like a dead person, it cannot be revived.”
The court also held in Onagoruwa v IGP (1991) 75 N.W.L.R (pt. 193) 593 that in law, a non-existent statute is dead and cannot be saved or salvaged by the court.
In Madumere v Onuoha (1999) 8 NWLR (Pt. 615) Pg 422, the Court of Appeal held that:
“the effect of repealing a statute is to obliterate it completely from the records of the Parliament as if it had never been passed. Such a law is to be regarded legally as a law that never existed…This means in effect that when a statute is repealed, it ceases to be an existing law under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
For the purpose of reviving your memory, the provision giving the Governor the power to appoint the Chairman and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission under the repealed 2006 Law provides in its opening paragraph:
“3. Section 2(2) of the Principal Law is amended by repealing section 2 and substituting the following section…” (emphasis mine)
Further, section 6(1)(a) of the Interpretation Act provides:
“(1) The repeal of an enactment shall not-revive anything not in force or existing at the time when the repeal takes effect;” Please note that section 318(4) of the 1999 Constitution provides that “The Interpretation Act shall apply for the purposes of interpreting the provisions of this Constitution.”
It follows from the above that the House cannot repeal sections 2 and 3 of the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission (Amendment) Law No 3, 2006 to revive the already repealed provisions of the 1999 Law.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the Rivers State House of Assembly lacks the powers, legal or otherwise, to remove the power of appointment of the Chairman and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission from the Governor and vest that power on themselves. The provision in the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission (Amendment) Law, 2024 seeking to vest that power on the House is in clear contravention of the 1999 Constitution and therefore a nullity in the eyes of the Law. See the case of MacFoy v UAC (1961) 3 All ER 1169 where the court held that you cannot put something on nothing and expect it to stand. In that case, Lord Denning stated:
“If an act is void, then it is in law a nullity. It is not only bad, but incurably bad. There is no need for an order of court to set it aside. It is automatically null and void without more ado, though it is sometimes more convenient to have the court declare it to be so. And every proceeding which is founded on it is also bad and incurably bad. You cannot put something on nothing and expect it to stay there. It will collapse.”

Rt Hon Barr. Ehie Edison, Ph.D, DSSRS.
Chief of Staff, Rivers State
Government House.

Comr. Raphael Dordor Is now the National Director of action and mobilization of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)
This is contained in a statement signed by comr. David Bariereka the National Secretary of NANS.
Comr. Raphael hails from Ovia North Local Government area of Edo state and is a student of university of Benin.

PROF. Okey Onuchuku . VICE CHANCILLOR IGNATIUS AJURU UNIVERSITY, LECTURING STUDENTS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS.

Professor Okechukwu Onuchuku has again demonstrated a unique and exemplary leadership quality as the Vice-Chancellor of the modt prestigious Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, erudite Professor of Economics was seen on Tuesday, February 13th, 2024 having a lecture session with some students of the Economics department in theUniversity.

The students, though surprised but excited, listened with rapt attention as they enjoyed the rare privilege of being taught by their Vice-Chancellor whose humility, sense of responsibility, and love for what he knows how to do best, were glaringly displayed before their very eyes.

I'm Zachariah Levi George

Blue Rivers Media

PHC/CTV/OPURUM/COURT STOPS POLICE FROM ARRESTING EDISON EHIE
31/01/2024

The Port Harcourt division of the Rivers State High Court has granted an ex-parte order restraining the Nigerian Police and other security agencies from arresting, detaining, and or harassing Edison Ehie.

The order which was granted following a motion ex-parte filed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor had sought to stop the police from arresting him over his alleged involvement in the burning of the Hallowed Chambers of the Rivers State House of Assembly last year.

Presiding Judge, Sika Aprioku granted the order before adjourning the matter to the 6th of February for hearing of the substantive application.

At the height of the political crisis in the state, the Martin Amaewhule led group had petitioned the police demanding that Mr Ehie be arrested, investigated, and prosecuted over allegations of his involvement in the suspected arson at the House of Assembly Complex.

https://www.channelstv.com/2024/01/31/court-stops-police-from-arresting-fubaras-cos-ehie/amp/?fbclid=IwAR3Nu9WNoeNYyIaJVhrA-BnHWh9loLdmfTxTu3UIPL500RVOgQgRpU5yPVQ

SUPREME COURT AFFIRMS FUBARA AS ELECTED GOVERNOR OF RIVERS STATE

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has affirmed that governor Siminalayi Fubara was the duly elected, and winner of the 18 March 2023 gubernatorial election in Rivers State.

On Thursday, a five-member panel of the Apex court, led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, dismissed the appeal filed by Tonye Cole, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for lack of merit.

The Supreme Court of Nigeria to give judgement on the case of 2023 Rivers state gubernatorial elections Tomorrow 24th January, 2024.

Victory Celebration for Rivers People ✌️

Just in;
Supreme Court will deliver Judgement on Friday 19th January 2024 for Case between TONYE COLE vs Sim fubara/Inec/PDP.

President Bola Tinubu is currently in a crucial meeting with Governor Simi Fubara of Rivers State at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Politics Nigeria understands that governor arrived at the Presidential Villa about 5:35 p.m. on Thursday and proceeded straight to Tinubu’s office.

While Fubara did not state the reason for his visit, it may not be unconnected with the implementation of the 8-point agreement signed by the governor during his last visit to the Villa.

Thank you message after a grand reception organized in my honor by the ogoni comrade connect in conjunction with NUOS word wide.

I write to express my heartfelt and profound gratitude to my comrades and leaders who came out amidst very busy schedules to attended my home-coming celebration organized by the Ogoni comrades community in partnership with the National Union of Ogoni students, NUOS WORLD-WIDE.

Ogoni is my homeland and as the NANS National Secretary, I understand how our victory at the just concluded NANS National Convention for the position of general Secretaryof NANS has brought great joy to our people.

The event was graced by respected past student leaders from Ogoni and across the state, the presence, support and warm reception from my leaders and comrades made the event even more special and unforgettable and I was honoured indeed.

It's indeed, a thing of great joy for your kins men to honour you and to display it openly, it shows that you have men of good will.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all my colleagues and fellow members of NANS who graced the event.

Your unwavering support and trust in our leadership has re-ignited the confidence in our ability to carry our national assignment for students' welfare, Education development and our collective campaign for a better country to another level,

I am truly honored to be celebrated by my people and I promise to serve and strive to fulfill our expectations and aspirations towards the contribution to the revamping of education in our communities and scholarship to our students.

Union Presidents in Rivers state and our NANS Comrades who supported the programme are well appreciated.

The organizing committee who worked tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the celebration was executed excellently are well appreciated.

Together and with the support of my office, the Ogoni indigenous union: NUOS Worldwide shall have the needed support that shall enable them attract massive educational and economic campaign in Ogoni. We shall mobilize support for Ogoni undergraduates and post Graduate students to be considered for local and foreign scholarship fron relevant organizations and government agencies. We shall partner with stakeholders to get this done.

Once again, I say a big thank you to leaders and comrades who supported me to emerge as the National Secretary of NANS and those who graced the occasion.

Thank you and God bless you.

Happy new year!

Comr, David Bariereka;
NANS, National Secretary.

3rd January, 2024.

Blue Rivers Media

Rivers State House of Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Ehie Ogerenye Edison, member Representing Ahoada East Resigns is position and Membership.

Breaking News!!!

PHC/3030/CS/2023

A High Court Sitting in Port Harcourt under the seal of Hon. Justice M.W.Danagogo Confirms Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie, Esq. DSSRS, as an authentic Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, the court has also restrained Martin Amaewhule and Dumle Maol from Parading themselves nor interfering with the activities of Rt. Hon. Edison Ogerenye Ehie as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The court also warned against the use of Thugs and Police officers to forcefully gain access into the premises of Rivers State House of Assembly Complex.

Blue Rivers Media

RIVERS EXCO APPROVES N800BN AS ESTIMATED BUDGET FOR 2024

...as infrastructure, education, health and security take priority

...tagged as Budget of Renewed Hope, Consolidation and Continuity

His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Monday at the Executive Chamber of Government House in Port Harcourt, presided over the council meeting to deliberate among other issues, the 2024 Appropriation Bill christened, " Budget of Renewed Hope, Consolidation and Continuity."

The State Executive Council deliberated and approved an estimated budget of N800bn for the government to spend in the 2024 fiscal year. The 5th State Executive Council meeting also deliberated on the Medium Term Expenditure Framework, which is usually a precursor to discussing the budget.

Addressing newsmen after the meeting, the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joseph Johnson said N412bn was projected for capital expenditure, while recurrent expenditure has N361bn and N21b as reserve.

On his part, the Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo said the budget estimate that has been approved by the council is aimed at giving Rivers people a renewed hope that will guarantee the continual harvest of projects and human capital development.

Signed

Boniface Onyedi
SSA, Media to the Governor of Rivers State

December 11, 2023

December 11, 2023

Press Statement

Rivers State Assembly: PDP Demands INEC to Conduct Fresh Elections in 27 State Constituencies.
…Insists Defected Rivers Lawmakers Automatically Vacated their Seats

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) demands that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should immediately commence the process of conducting fresh elections into the 27 State Constituencies in Rivers State which have become vacant by reason of the defection of the 27 former State lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The PDP asserts that by defecting from the PDP, the political Party platform on which they were elected into the Rivers State House of Assembly, the seats of the respective 27 former lawmakers have become vacant by virtue of the provision of Section 109 (1) (g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

For the avoidance of doubt, Section 109 (1) of the 1999 Constitution provides that “a member of a House of Assembly shall vacate his seat in the House if … (g) being a person whose election to the House of Assembly was sponsored by a political Party, he becomes a member of another political party before the expiration of the period for which that House was elected…”

By reason of the above Constitutional provision and its clear interpretation by the Supreme Court, the 27 defected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have vacated and lost their seats, rights, privileges, recognition and obligations accruable to members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The PDP therefore demands that the Speaker of the Rivers State House Assembly immediately comply with the provision of the Constitution by declaring the seats of the 27 former lawmakers vacant.

In view of the vacancy now exiting in the 27 State Constituencies in Rivers State, the PDP demands that INEC should within the stipulated period under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) conduct fresh election to fill the vacancies.

Our Party cautions that the former lawmakers should stop parading themselves as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly as such would amount to impersonation with serious criminal consequences.

The PDP commends the people of Rivers State for their steadfastness and loyalty to Democracy and Rule of Law especially at this time.

Signed:

Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary

A JOINT PRESS STATEMENT ISSUED BY HABITAT PROTECTION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE
(HAPSDI) AND AFRIK NEXT-GEN INITIATIVE (ANGI) ON THE POLITICAL INSTABILITY IN RIVERS STATE.

1. The Habitat Protection and Sustainable Development Initiative (HAPSDI) has uncovered with great concerns plans by the FCT Minister Chief Nyesom Wike and the former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Martins Amaewhule to cause chaos in the state and make the State ungovernable and unstable for His Excellency, Gov. Sim Fubara and the people of Rivers State, using the instrumentality of the judiciary.

2. It would be recalled that a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt in a suit under the hands of Justice Phoebe M. Ayua had affirmed the removal of Hon. Martin Amaewhule as Speaker of the State House of Assembly in an Order dated 9th November 2023, wherein the court directed that “…all parties on record respect the court and should not take any steps towards the subject matter, since the matter is already before this Court-sub judice- pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice”.

3. That the former speaker, Hon. Martin Amaewhule on the instructions of the FCT Minister, after forum shopping for Courts and Judges, obtained a nocturnal order in fragrant disregard to the Order of Court, from a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, there by tempering with the res in the earlier suit filed in Port Harcourt.

4. That the former Speaker had no locus to institute the said matter as he has been impeached and his impeachment affirmed by the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt as Speaker of the House of Assembly.

5. That we are aware for a fact that the current Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly is Rt. Hon. Ehie Ogerenye Edison.

6. That in continued fragrant disregard to the Courts, Hon. Martin Amaewhule defied the Order of the Federal High Court and held a kangaroo sitting with false attendance in Port Harcourt, thereby making mockery of the Court Orders.

7. That the FCT Minister Chief Nyesom Wike in disobedience to the instructions of the President has continued to orchestrate sinister plans against the Governor of the State and Rivers people.

8. That the FCT Minister recently bribed members of the House of Assembly loyal to him with 230 million naira, through the former Speaker to continue to hit up the polity and make the State ungovernable for Gov. Sim and Rivers people.

9. That as a pro-people organization we are saddened by this reality before us and we make the following demands and calls;

a) That the National Judicial Council and the Chief Justice of the Federation should call judges to order, not to allow themselves to be used by the FCT Minister and the former Speaker to cause chaos and instability in Rivers State, by handing them conflicting orders against the interest of the State and justice.

b) That President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should call the FCT Minister to order as his recent actions is geared towards making the administration of President Tinubu unstable and unpopular, especially within Rivers State.

c) That the continuous heating of the state polity by these actors would only put the state in jeopardy and less progress.

d) That the Minister of the FCT should focus on his ministerial duties and allow the Governor of Rivers State to work for Rivers people.

Finally, Rivers State is not the personal estate of the FCT Minister or anybody and Rivers State cannot be a conquered territory. The people of Rivers State would continue to decide what happens in the State not a single individual.

Thank you.

Comrade Chetam Thierry Nwala, Esq
Executive Secretary
Afrik Next-Gen Initiatives

Amb. John Telema Jonah
HAPSI


Blue Rivers Media

MARTIN AMAEWHULE, DUMLE MAOL IN CONTEMPT OF COURT

Another breach of judicial order by Martin Ameawhule and factions of the Rivers State House Assembly. Despite a court order mandating both parties to maintain the status quo until a competent court hears the matter, they conducted a legislative sitting in the early hours of today, Wednesday, Dec 6th, 2023.

It is also on record that the Martin Amaewhule faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly also disobeyed the court order on the 21st of November 2023, by having an illegal legislative sitting with Martin Amaewhule parading himself as the Speaker and Dumle Maol as deputy speaker, this is a violation of the court order and such disobedience leads to contempt of court

This is coming after the court had ordered that the Rt Hon Ehie Edison and Martin Amaehwule factions should not perform any administrative or legislative duties until the substantive matter is heard.

This action not only undermines the sanctity of the court but also challenges the rule of law. It is imperative to uphold the decisions of our judiciary for the preservation of justice and order in our dear state and society at large.

We implore all stakeholders to condemn this disobedience and respect the legal process. Let us stand together to protect the integrity of our democratic institutions and ensure that justice prevails.

Blue Rivers Media

IAUE: VC Commissioned Yet, Another Project.

The Ignatius Ajuru University of Education under the leadership of the Visionary Ag. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Okechuku Onuchuku commission the newly built see-through security fence and Security houses in all the girls hostels.
The Ag. Vice Chancellor of the University was seen cutting the ribbon to open the security units for effective use of its purpose. It was gathered that the aim of this fence is to safeguard the life and property of the students.
The fence covers almost all the girls hostels in the campus and a proper routine Patrol in each hostel will be effectively carried out.

Blue Rivers Media

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has elected David Bariereka as its new National Secretary General at her convention at the old parade ground, Abuja on Sunday. David, got 157 votes to defeat his closest rival, Bright Oluwatobi Iransi of University of Benin  who scored 70 votes. The Students also elected other offices with Lucky Emonefe Emerging as National President.
The New Secretary General, is reported to be a post graduate student of  Ignatius Ajuru University of Education in Rivers State.
David Bariereka was a former S.U.G President of University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) and a former Deputy Coordinator of the defunct NANS Zone B which comprises of the South-South and South-East.

Blue Rivers Media

The 2023 convention of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has turned into violent.

Heavy gunshots were heard from the old parade ground in Abuja during the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) convention.

Videos from the scene show students running for their dear lives as gunshots rang out.

NANS, the umbrella body of students of tertiary institutions in Nigeria, is currently holding her convention to elect new set of national leaders.

Some students sustained wounds from the gunshots and machetes after thugs loyal to a candidate began attacking opposition delegates.

Students have taken to social media to comment on the chaos.

“NANS convention abi war?”

This is not the first time violence would erupt at the NANS convention.

According to TVC News Correspondent Moyo Thomas, who was close to the venue, sporadic gunshots were fired.

To avoid being hit by a stray bullet, security agency used tear gas to disperse the crowd.

This is a developing story, more details to come…

Blue Rivers Media

An Appeal Court sitting in Lagos State has affirmed the election of Siminalayi Fubara as the governor of Rivers State.

An Appeal Court sitting in Lagos State has affirmed the election of Siminalayi Fubara as the governor of Rivers State.
The court dismissed the petition filed by the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Patrick Tonye-Cole, against Fubara of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In the courtroom on Tuesday, the APC candidate requested that the court order INEC to declare him the winner of the March governorship election in Rivers.

Cole’s case contesting Fubara’s election as governor was initially dismissed by the Rivers State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in October.
Dissatisfied with the tribunal’s judgment, the APC candidate approached the appellate court.
However, the court on Tuesday upheld the Tribunal ruling, which affirmed Fubara’s victory in October.
Details later…

Blue Rivers Media

BREAKING NEWS
SIGNIFICANT INFORMATION

Ambassador Desmond Akawor resigns as PDP Chairman, Rivers State, to accept the appointment as Federal Commissioner of Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) representing Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Consequently, he has handed over his position to the Deputy Chairman, Hon. Chukwuemeka Aaron.

BLUE RIVERS MEDIA
24th November, 2023

SIGNIFICANT INFORMATION

The head of civil service in Rivers State has directed the posting of the following Senior Officers.
1. Emeka Amadi - Clerk Rivers State House of Assembly to Scholarship Board.

2. Georgewill Otto - Assistant Director, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to Small Town and Rural Water Supply Agency.

3. Calistus Ojirika - Deputy Clerk/HOD
Legislative Department of Rivers State House of Assembly to Readers

The posting takes immediate effect.

The Clerk and Deputy Clerk are to handover to the most senior officer in the Rivers State House of Assembly while the Assistant Director is to handover to the most senior officer in the
Ministry of Physical Pianning and Urban Deveiopment.

All handing-over formalities are to be concluded upon the date of receipt of the letter and the Last Pay Certificate (LPC) and Record of Service of the affected officers be moved to their new
place of work without delay.

Dr. (Mrs) Inyingi S. I. Brown
Director (Service Welfare)
For. Head of Service

A Federal High Court, sitting in Port Harcourt, has issued an order directing the two factions in the Rivers State House of Assembly to maintain status quo ante bellum and suspend further deliberations until the matter before it is dispensed with.

A factional Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie, had in a suit No: FHC/PH/CS/240/2023, approached the Court presided over by Hon. Justice Phoebe Ayua, praying the court to stop Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule and the other lawmakers from presiding over the activities of the legislative arm of the state government.

The Notice was filed together with the main suit by Ehie, as the new Speaker of the State House of Assembly and the House of Assembly.

The plaintiffs in the suit are Rivers State House of Assembly, as first plaintiff, and Rt. Hon. (Barr) Ehie Ogerenye Edison (Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly) as second plaintiff.

The defendants are the factional Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Chike Amaewhule, Rt. Hon. Dumle Maol (former Deputy Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly), the Inspector-General of Police, Director, Department of State Security Services, Rivers State, and Commissioner of Police, Rivers State.

Ruling on the motion filed in the suit, Justice Ayua ordered that none of the parties on record should do anything about the matter since all the parties are expected to respect the court.

The order reads in part: “That an Order is made directing the Plaintiffs/applicants to put the Respondents on Notice forthwith.
“That an Oder is however, made, directing that all parties on record respect the Court and should not take any step concerning the subject matter, since the matter is already before this Court – Sub judice – pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.”

In the suit, the factional Speaker Ehie and the House of Assembly itself, was seeking, amongst others, a declaration that the former speaker and his former deputy, having been removed and suspended from the House, are not entitled to participate, disturb, interfere or obstruct the performance of the legislative proceedings of the House and the legislative duties of the new speaker in accordance with the provisions of Sections 90 to 104 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.

They also sought for an order restraining the former two principal officers of the House from interfering or participating in the functions of the House of Assembly.
After entering the order, the court fixed for hearing the motion on notice on the November 27, 2023.

It will be recalled that following some disagreement arising from the attempt by a factional leadership of the House to impeach the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, the Rivers State House of Assembly has been facing some leadership crisis leading to the removal of the former speaker and the election of Edison as the new speaker.

https://leadership.ng/just-in-court-orders-warring-rivers-assembly-factions-to-suspend-sittings/#:~:text=A%20Federal%20High%20Court%2C%20sitting,before%20it%20is%20dispensed%20with.