RIVERS APC tackles Imo Reps member, Ugochinyere, over interference in Rivers political affairs.

The Rivers APC Chairman, Chief Tony C. Okocha, however issued a 48 hours ultimatum to Hon. Ugochinyere to apologize to Rivers people for insulting the state, by alleging that the House of Assembly sitting in the comfort of their bedroom to make laws for the state.

“For Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere Micheal to allege that the Rivers Assembly makes laws for Rivers State from the comfort of their bedroom, and also that the assembly can no longer function, is insulting on the sensibilities of Rivers people, particularly us, members of the APC.

“We hereby, demand that within 48 hours, the National Assembly member should pick up himself from the gutters and make up the appellation ‘honourable’ by apologising to Rivers people for accepting to do a hatchet job for a governor and a government that is in a coma in Rivers State.

“We demand that he stays within his lane and know that Rivers State is not a pariah state except for what the governor is doing in Rivers State today. Rivers State is prominent in the committee of states in Nigeria and owns respect hitherto and going forward. Ikenga Ugochinyere is not qualified, even in an iota, to talk down on Rivers State in any way material or immaterial.

“Finally, we warn him of the dire consequences of insulting the sensibilities of Rivers people. He should better go to Imo State if he so wishes, and express his verbal diarrhoea and not here in Rivers State.

“Any more attempt by him to do that, we will exhaust all legal means to bring him to book,” he said.

RIVERS REPS MEMBER, EMERENGWA, PLEDGES SUPPORT AND LOYALTY TO GOVERNOR FUBARA

...AS REPS MEMBER JOINS SIMPLIFIED MOVEMENT

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has accepted the pledge of loyalty from the member representing Ikwerre/Emohua Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Boniface Emerengwa, saying that his Government would never be distracted from delivering on its promises to Rivers people.

The Governor made the commitment when he received the ranking member of the House of Representatives, who visited Governor Fubara at Government House, Port Harcourt on Monday evening, to show solidarity and support to the Governor.

Hon Emerengwa hails from Ikwerre Local Government Area, the Headquarters of all the four Ikwerre-speaking LGAs, which also includes Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Obio/Akpor, and Emohua.

The Reps member explained that he was throwing his total support and loyalty to the Administration because it was undisputable that the Governor is both the leader of the Poeples Democratic Party (PDP) and the State.

Elected House of Representatives member in 2015, Hon Emerengwa, said he had come to the realisation that it was unnecessary and futile to continue to struggle and fight over who controls the party and leads the State when the party and the nation's constitutions were clear on the issue.

A very strong politician in Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality, Hon Emerengwa, pledged to mobilise thousands of his supporters in his constituency and lead them to join the Governor in his efforts of take the State to heights of sustained peace and development.

The former chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area said that Rivers people had made their choice through their votes and gave their mandate to Governor Fubara.

He said, having secured electorial victory on March 18, 2023, which had been affirmed by the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Governor Fubara had become the Number One Citizen of the State as prescribed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He noted that only the blind will not see the giant strides Governor Fubara was already making in various sectors of the State, adding that the best way to assist the State grow as Rivers people was to support the Governor in every way possible to achieve sustainable peace and accelerate inclusive development of the State.

Hon Emerengwa was accompanied to Government House by three other House of Representatives members, Hon Awaji-Inombek Abiante of Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency; Hon Boma Goodhead of Akuku-Toru/Asari-Toru Federal Constituency; and Hon Anderson Allison Igbiks of Okrika-Ogu/Bolo Federal Constituency, who are strong supporters of Governor Fubara.

This new pledge of allegiance is coming in the wake of a flurry of resignations of elected politicians across the local government areas, who have vowed to support Governor Fubara to succeed.

Notable among them is the Leader of Obio/Akpor Legislative Council and Councillor representing Ward 9, Rt. Hon. Achor Prince Nna, who resigned on March 7.

Obio/Akpor Ward 9 covers Rumuepirikom and Elioparanwo communities, two critical power blocks in Obio/Akpor and the State.

According to Nna, "This resignation is hitherto borne out of my personal conviction to align with the truth in the face of the current political issues in Rivers State... My Chairman, I want to align with the progressive minds to liberate and develop Rivers State in tune with the SIMplified Movement".

On March 18, Supervisor for Youths and Sports in Obio/Akpor Local Government Council and member representing Obio/Akpor Ward 17, Hon Newman Ogbonda, also resigned to join the Simplified Movement.

Obio/Akpor Ward 17 includes Rumuolumeni, Mgbuosimini, Nkpor, Mgbuodohia, Azumini, Minikpiti and Mgbuakara communities.

In his letter, Ogbonda said, "I officially write to resign my position as the Supervisor for Youths and Sports in Obio/Akpor Local Government Council to clear my good conscience and to align myself with the Administration of the Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Joseph Fubara, GSSRS, the Executive Governor of Rivers State and his vision to better the State."

Ogbonda's action followed the resignation on March 17 of the President General of Akpor Consultative Assembly, Chief (Barrister) Hanny Woko, a powerful politician from the area, to pitch tent with Governor Fubara's Government and the SIMplified Movement.

Also on March 20, the Supervisory Councillor for Health and Social Welfare in Asari-Toru Local Government Council, Dr Ipalibo Jenberetoa George resigned his position to join the Simplified Movement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

According to him, "I have taken this decision in view of my firm belief that throwing full weight behind the Administration of the genial, humane and prople-oriented Administration of the Executive Governor, Amaopusenibo Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, is the absolute best way to go at this point in the development of Rivers State and in the light of the challenges she currently faces."

It would be recalled that Hon Emerengwa is an accomplished lawyer and politician, who was a former Ikwerre Local Government Chairman between January 1, 1999 and January 1, 2002, and former Rivers State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2007.

He had served as Ward Councilor between January 1, 1987 and January 1, 1990; and Council Secretary between January 1, 1990 and January 1, 1999.
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The People's Democratic Party in Rivers State, Ward 9 Chapter of Obio/Akpor LGA, has expelled Hon. Achor Prince, the leader of Obio/Akpor 9th Legislative Council who resigned as the Leader of the House and also as a Councilor of Ward 9, Nyesom Wike's ward.

According to the press statement from the Chairman of the ward, Hon. Collins Wobo Chukwu, Prince Achor was expelled from the party after he failed several times to appear before the disciplinary committee over misconduct and misappropriation of funds.

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Gov. Fubara Reconstitutes governing councils of Rivers State University and Ignatius Ajuru University.

...Appoints Justice Mary Odili As Pro-Chancellor Of Rivers State University.

... Chief Adokiye Amiesemaka As Pro-Chancellor Of Ignatius Ajuru University.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has reconstituted the governing councils of two tertiary institutions in the State; the Rivers State University and the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education.

A statement received by Rivers Mirror stated that Governor Fubara appointed Hon. Justice Mary Odili (rtd) to be the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the governing council of the Rivers State University (RSU).

Governor Fubara also appointed Barr. Mela Oforibika, Chukwuma A.J. Chinwo, Esq., Adata Bio-Briggs, Esq., Dr. Jonathan Nimi Hart, Ngo Martins-Yellowe and Dr. Robinson N. Ewoh to serve as members.

The Governor equally appointed Dr. Nancy Nwankwo, Dr. Igoni William-Park and Mr. Ogbugbu Samuel Barisua as members.

For the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, governor Fubara appointed Chief Adokiye Amiesemaka as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman while Dr. Iboh Okidim will serve as a member.

Governor Fubara also approved the appointment of Prof. Jason Osai, Prof. Ijeoma F.V. Akpu, Dr. Akabue Godson Ugochukwu, Mrs. Mmeme Gogo-Adiari and Hon. Dominic Sata to serve as members.

The appointments take immediate effect.
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"Mind Your Business" Rivers PDP Tells Akpabio

The People's Democratic Party (PDP), Rivers State chapter, has called on the Senate President, Godswil Akpabio, to mind his business and utterances in order not to overheat the already tense political atmosphere in the state.

The party’s publicity secretary in Rivers, Tambari Sydney Gbara, spoke in reaction to Akpabio’s earlier remarks at an event in Port Harcourt where he appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to look for somebody from the Ogoni extraction to take over from Governor Siminialayi Fubara.

Tambari argued that in as much as he believed in the Ogoni governorship project, it was not the right time for Akpabio to make such utterances considering the tense political atmosphere in the state and the fact that the election was still very far away.

The party’s spokesperson explained that Fubara enjoyed immense support from the Ogonis, whom he described as good neighbours to the people of Opobo and also in the same Senatorial District.

He disclosed that Fubara had started the development of Bori town, the headquarters of the Ogoni people with the ongoing construction of the internal roads in the city including other people-oriented projects.

He said: “The Senate President, who is a notable leader in the Southsouth region is expected to make utterances that will calm the already tensed political situation in the state and not one that will aggravate it.

“Senator Akpabio’s statement knowing fully well, that there is a sitting governor in the state, is demeaning of the office of the governor, which he would not have tolerated in his time as Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

“His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara Governor of Rivers State is the leader of the PDP and will choose his successor at the end of his tenure, with the support of Rivers people as the former governor did in his own time”.

Tambari said at a time when people were passing through excruciating pains, suffering, hardship and hunger following the bad state of the nation’s economy, the senate president chose to make comments to provoke the majority of Rivers people to resolute in their support for the present administration, led by Sir Sim Fubara.

He said: “It would have been better if the Senate President had said things that would encourage them to continue believing in the “Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rather than talking about the 2027 election, which clearly shows that the Senate President does not care about the welfare of Nigerians”.

The PDP Publicity Secretary, Sydney Gbara advised Rivers People to ignore Akpabio’s statement and continue to stand with Fubara and support his dream of taking Rivers to an enviable height.

He also appealed to the people not to allow themselves to be provoked, but rather pray for Mr President to have wisdom and understanding to pilot the country out of the bad economic situation.

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The Ogonis Should Produce Next Rivers Governor, Akpabio Tells Rivers People.

...Urges Wike, others to consider such a prospect in 2027.

Senator Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate (holding red microphone) addressing members the congregation on Saturday during the thanksgiving service.

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio has expressed his preference for the Ogoni nation to produce the next Governor of Rivers State .

Akpabio who led several senators and members of the House of Representatives to St Cyprian’s Anglican Church in Tai Local Government Area for the thanksgiving ceremony put together to thank God for Senator Barry Mpigi’s victory at the last general elections said the Ogonis deserved to take a perfect shot at Brick House in 2027.

Although he did not refer to any one in particular, the Senate President said the Ogonis who are part and parcel of the Rivers East Senatorial District have experienced and loyal leaders who could be trusted to do the job.

Akpabio lauded Wike for his role in the last election which turned the table in favour of the President and explained that it was the basic reason why the South South has produced a Minister of the Federal Capital Territory for the first time.

Speaking earlier, the former governor of Rivers State and Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike said that there are people who are unhappy with the level of unity which exists in the oil-rich State.

The two-term Governor said the presence of leaders of the APC and PDP is proof of the peace and understanding that reigns in Rivers State.

He spoke of the unbreakable bond that has kept the Rivers State together as a unit and talked of the strength of the mainstream political structure that remains active.

Wike recalled that Rivers was the only State where the people voted in a national election for a presidential candidate of one party and went ahead at the same time to vote for the emergence of senators and members of the House of Representatives on the platform of another party.

Wike noted that such an uncommon occurrence has never happened in the annals of Nigerian politics, saying “we have no fear” that Rivers people would prove this point at the fullness of time.

The Minister thanked members of the National Assembly for their overwhelming presence at the thanksgiving of one of their own and thanked the leadership of the Senate for appointing Senator Mpigi as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works.

Also speaking, Senator Mpigi thanked God for his support and guidance and expressed gratitude to Wike for the role he has played in his life and the lives of others.

Mpigi described Senator Akpabio as an uncommon Senate President and thanked him for the decision by the Senate to pick him as the Chairman of the Committee on Works.

He announced that he and his colleagues have raised the sum of N100 million for the construction of a cathedral in the area.

No less than 50 Senators from across the country led by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio at the weekend converged in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Several lawmakers in the Federal House of Representatives, including members of the Rivers Caucus in the National Assembly led by the Minority Leader, Rep Kingsley Chindah and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by it's Speaker Rt Hon. Martin Amaewhule graced the occasion.https://www.facebook.com/100081310091134/posts/pfbid046daqBCo7zTUyaCfbYeZKMRSUZrxzyayKLYXd6GD25Zxb1b757aeERy6EWb49oZ7l/?app=fbl

BYSIEC fixes Bayelsa LG elections for April 6

The Bayelsa Independent Electoral Commission (BYSIEC) has announced April 6th, 2024 as the date for the conduct of Local Government elections in the State.

The Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Peter Singabele announced at a stakeholders meeting today at the Commission's office in Yenagoa.

Dr. Singabele noted that the process had started in 2022 but was put on hold due to the clash with other state and national elections, stressing that the Commission is not taking a fresh step but continuing the process from 2022.

"That is the basis of the program today, we are here with all stakeholders together to give a very firm assurance that the Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission (BYSIEC) is prepared for this election and the 6th of April, 2024 is the date the Commission has fixed for the Local Government elections, that is for the Chairmanship and Councillorship positions.

Of course, as I mentioned, the whole process started in 2022, there were a lot of developments, one of them being that there was a clash between the BYSIEC timetable and INEC, some national elections. It was postponed but I am happy to say that before we came out openly to make this statement, we are prepared including the necessary funding and so we will keep strictly to that timetable that we will be releasing today," Singabele said.

The Commissioner for Police Bayelsa State who was represented by a Deputy Commissioner, DCP Daniel Iyama said, having known the date, they will do everything humanly possible to make sure the election is free and fair, admonishing contestants to play by the rules.

Representatives of the different political parties who were present at the meeting were Hon. Ebiye Ogoli, People's Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Peace Oruama of the All Progressive Movement (APM), Omulala Pius of Action Alliance (AA), Edwin Tare (ADP), Simon Imomotimi, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Sunny Pere, Young Progressives Party (YPP), Eneyi Zidougha, Labour Party(LP).

Others were, Micah Akeems, NRM, Joseph Gerebo, ADC, Victor Fisi, Accord Party, Brisibe Kpodoh, APGA, Dr. Allen Amadein, SDP, Victor Ben, BP, and Hon. Prince Oniekpe, APP.

Gov. Douye Diri visits former President Jonathan over sister's death

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, last night in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital paid a condolence visit to former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR, over the death of his elder sister, Madam Obebhatein Jonathan.

Accompanied by the Managing Director, Bayelsa State Electricity Company, Engr. Olice Kemenanabo, Principal Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo, PDP South South Zonal Legal Adviser, Alabh George Turnah and Hon. Gabriel Onyenwife, Governor Diri, urged the deceased families to take solace in God for the loss and prayed God to grant them the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.

The Governor also visited the aged mother of the former President, Madam Eunice, to console her over the death of her daughter.

The former President, Dr. Jonathan was very appreciative of the visit and thanked Governor Diri for the show of love to their family at this time of grief.

Late Madam Obebhatein, fondly called Amissi, was a teacher, businesswoman and community leader, whose life of generosity impacted many people who came in contact with her.

LASU SENATE HONOURS UNILAG BEST DOCTORAL THESIS AWARD WINNER, DR. AMINAT IGE, GIFTS HER ONE MILLION NAIRA

The Senate of Lagos State University on Thursday, 25th January 2024, honoured Dr. Aminat Olawunmi Ige-Ariyibi, an alumna of the University and lecturer at the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, who emerged the Overall Best Doctoral Thesis Award Winner at the 54th Convocation Ceremonies of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

The 306th Statutory Senate meeting of the university commenced with a special session in Dr. Ige-Ariyibi's honour when the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, invited her and her husband, Dr. Nasir Ariyibi, to sit at the desk of the Chairman of Senate alongside other members of management.

While introducing the brilliant academic to the Senate members, the Vice Chancellor said it's a policy of the Senate to honour outstanding achievers in the university and that Dr. Ige-Ariyibi falls into that category. "She is a pride of LASU and one of the best we have ever produced. She has projected this university positively to the whole world by winning not just the best PhD Thesis in the Faculty of Science of UNILAG but the best overall in the university. When the best of UNILAG is from us, we can truly be proud."

The VC further expressed her happiness that in spite of efforts to poach her away from the university, the Akesan-born mathematician who also holds the title of Yeye Oge of Akesan land has committed her future to the university. The VC, thereafter, presented her a cheque of One Million Naira (N1m) and a plaque on behalf of the Senate.

In her response, Dr. Aminat Ige expressed her palpable joy at the honour accorded her by the Senate of the University, noting that she had received massive support from all members of the university community as a whole. "The goodwill and commendations have been nothing but massive. I am overwhelmed by the show of love, and I promise that I am not going anywhere; I will give my best to LASU."

While commenting on the feat, DVC, Administration, Prof. Adenike Boyo, described her as a sociable, versatile, and hardworking lady who commits her best not just to the Lagos State University but also to the Akesan Kingdom where she impacts lives of children with a regular Mathematics competition. She urged her to continue to stay true to herself and give her best as she still has a lot to offer.

On his part, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Prof. Moses Akanbi averred that as a professor of Mathematics and teacher of Dr. Ige-Ariyibi, right from her undergraduate days, he can attest to her dedication to her studies. He said the Department of Mathematics and Faculty of Science is proud of her.

Finally, Director of DICT, Prof. Toyin Enikuomehin said Dr. Ige-Ariyibi's drive for knowledge is admirable, and she deserves to be celebrated to encourage other students of the university.

Recall that the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, had on Tuesday, received Dr. Ige-Ariyibi and her husband at her (the VC's) office where the award winner presented her prizes to the VC.

More photos

The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara attended the 4th day of Glory Reign at Salvation Ministry in Port Harcourt.

The annual church event which began on Monday, January 22, 2024, saw the General Overseer, Pastor David Ibiyomie preach on the theme titled, Vengeance for Victory.

He admonished worshippers and participants at the programme to always seek God's intervention rather than watch over satanic harassment in life.

He prayed against the insecurity and killings across the country and enjoined Christians not to remain docile in the face of provocation but to always ask for God's vengeance against the enemies.

Dignitaries that attended the programme along with Gov. Fubara include his wife, Lady Valerie Fubara, the deputy governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, Hon. Boma Goodhead, Hon. Awaji Abiante, Hon. Anderson Ibims Allison, Rt. Hon. Ehie Edison and members of the State Executive Council.

https://www.riversmirror.ng/2024/01/gov-fubara-attends-glory-reign-to.html

Rivers Crisis: Reps Member Declares Support For Gov. Fubara

says actions is in the overall interest of his constituents

Hours after Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State yesterday met with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, Nyesom Wike's kinsman, Hon. Manuchim Umezuruike, Member Representing Port Harcourt Federal Constituency I in the House of Representatives and Member House Committee on the FCT, has declared his support for Governor Fubara.

He said, "I love Wike, but as a National Assembly Member, I am following my governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, in the interest of m toy constituents and constituency."

Honourable Manuchim Umezuruike, Member Representing Port Harcourt Federal Constituency I in the House of Representatives, won the election on the platform of the Labour Party.

Hon. Manuchim Umezuruike, polled 22,459 votes to defeat the PDP candidate. and other contestants. He's the only politician who won the election on the platform of another party in Rivers State, and he commands huge fellowship in the politics of Rivers State.

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Governor Fubara Presents Bags Of Rice And Christmas Largesse To Arewa In Rivers State.

Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Thursday; presented Christmas largesse, bags of rice, other items to Arewa Community in Rivers State.

The gifts were sent to them through the secretary to the state government, Dr Tammy Danagogo.

The Arewa in Rivers State thanked the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for extending hands of togetherness to Arewa Muslims community on this Christmas celebration.

According to the Arewa representatives, this is the first time the Arewa Muslims in the state are receiving Christmas package and other gifts to celebrate Christmas with their Christian brothers and sisters.

Alhaji Jinjiri B. Mato, the Chairman of Arewa Community in Rivers State, lauded the efforts of Governor Fubara so far, in a bid to reposition the state for the benefit of Rivers people and those living and doing businesses in the state.

“While appreciating Sir Siminalayi Fubara for the Christmas gift, may I also use this opportunity to thank the immediate-past governor, Chief Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his support to the Arewa community during his time as governor.

"Arewa people are peace-loving citizens and advocates of peaceful co-existence wherever we are. We sincerely commend and support His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara in his quest to give Rivers people and residents alike good governance and promote love among all residents and their host communities in the state.” the Chairman of Arewa Community, Alh. Jinjiri B. Mato, said.

The Arewa children were also invited to join Rivers State children's party at the Government House.

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INEC Official Earlier Kidnapped In Bayelsa State Regains Freedom.

The Supervisory Presiding Officer, Ms Ebehireme Blessing Ekwe, who was abducted on the eve of the Bayelsa State Governorship Election was freed yesterday.

In the attached picture:

Ebehireme (middle) is flanked by the National Commissioner supervising Bayelsa State, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu (L) and the State’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Obo Effanga.

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Rivers crisis: We stand with Wike, Rivers elders declare.

Rivers state elders on Wednesday weighed into the political situation in the state, and affirmed their support for the Federal Capital Territory FCT Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, while urging the state Government, Sim Fubara to take immediate steps to correct the false narratives against the minister to give room for reconciliation.

At a news conference in Abuja, the elders whose position was declared by Chief Ferdinand Alabraba cautioned Fubara’s “newfound friends” to retrace their steps before throwing the state into avoidable chaos.

He said Fubara misread a completely legislative plot as an existential threat. Those who signed the speech included HRH Oha Sergent Awuse, Chief O.C.J. Okocha, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, Rt. Hon. OK Chinda, Sen. Barry Mpigi, Sen. Alwell Oyesoh and Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo.

Others were Sen. Adawari Pepple, Sen. Olaka Nwogu, Prince Emma Anyanwu, Dr. Sam Sam Jaja, Bro. Felix Obuah, Hon. Ken Chikere, Hon. Felix Nweke, Hon. Frank Owhor, Hon. Kelechi Nwogu, Hon. Dum Dekor, Chief Ejor Ngowah Ejor, Hon. Marcus Nle-Eji, Hon. Boma Iyaye and Hon. Kenneth Kobani.

According to them, Wike remained the undisputed leader that produced the governor, all assembly members all 23 Local Government chairmen and the entire councillors of the LGs.

Alabraba said; “We have followed with discomfort, the recent events in our state that have culminated in the desecration and arson on the hallowed chambers of the Rivers State House of Assembly; the removal of the leader of the Assembly, Hon. Edisson Ehie, his suspension along with three others, the counteractions of Hon. Ehie and his trio group with his claim of the impeachment of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule; the suspension of some members loyal to the Speaker Amaewhule with the elevation of Hon. Ehie to the position of Speaker.

“We have also followed the public appearance and speech of the Governor of Rivers State at Government House and the State Assembly complex and his encounter with the Police.

“We are aware of the various allegations that these unfortunate events are linked to the former Governor of the State and Minister of the FCT, H.E Nyesom Wike.

“We have listened to the various insinuations of ethnic undertone, specifically that Governor Fubara is Ijaw and is marked for impeachment to pave the way for the continuation of Ikwerre Governorship.

“We met with our Governor, H.E. Siminilaye Fubara and the Honourable Minister, H. E. Nyesom Wike and resolved that H. E. Nyesom Wike is the undisputed leader of the political family that produced Governor Sim Fubara, the three Senators, eleven Members of the House of Representatives, all thirty-two members of the State Assembly, all twenty-three local government chairmen and the entire councillors of the 23 LGAs in Rivers State”.

According to him, Fubara and all the above-elected office-holders in Rivers State belong to the same political family and are “bound by our philosophy to transform, build, develop, and create the Rivers State of our dreams in consonance with our New Rivers Vision devoid of ethnicity, tribe, creed or gender”.

The elders disclosed that they are aware that there was a pre-existing problem between Hon. Ehie, the then majority leader of the House of Assembly and his colleagues which culminated in his removal; and that to forestall Hon. Ehie’s impending removal, the chambers of the Assembly was burnt and Governor Fubara believed that Hon. Ehie’s removal was a precursor to his impeachment;

“The misrepresentation of the internal wranglings among the members prompted the Governor’s immediate intervention making him characterize a purely legislative broil as an existential threat. This caused the Governor and his newly assembled supporters to give the actions of the assembly members an ethnic colouration and prompted youths of Ijaw extraction to rally behind the Governor in the name of Ijaw nationalism.

“The hasty reaction of the Governor has now pitched him H.E. Sim Fubara and the State Assembly members in an all-out battle that has led to the activation of the process of impeachment of the Governor; That the Governor neither sought the help, clarification or intervention of H.E. Nyesom Wike or the elders on these developments, nor did he discourage damaging lies to be peddled against H.E. Nyesom Wike.

“H.E. Nyesom Wike has been viciously attacked by sections of the media and public as the evil mastermind of a scheme or series of events he was neither involved in nor privy to.

“False stories were peddled that H.E. Wike demanded money from the Governor to discredit him before a gullible public.

“We confirm that the allegations are wicked, unfair and satanic. The Governor being aware of the lies and not debunking them showed bad faith and ingratitude”, they added.

According to them, Governor Fubara is aware that Wike invested heavily in the infrastructural development of Rivers State, as he was selfless and applied the funds of the State judiciously.

“He did not steal nor misappropriate Rivers State funds. To insinuate that today, or create the impression he was asking for money is most unfortunate”, he added.

The elders noted that Wike has consistently fought for and defended the interests of Rivers State.

Alabraba said; “At our visit to H.E. Nyesom Wike, elders assured him of our steadfast, complete and undiluted loyalty. We apologized for the embarrassment caused him by the Governor, H.E. Sim Fubara and all others who played various roles in the unfortunate drama. We vehemently condemn the intrusion by some Ijaw leaders from other States who so soon have forgotten that it was H.E. Wike who insisted on producing a Rivers Governor of Ijaw extraction and paid a heavy political price in the process.

“H.E. Wike has since facilitated the appointments of more Ijaw sons including Hon. Boma Iyaye as the Executive Director, Finance, NDDC and Hon. Rufus Godwins Ngerewaji as member of Federal Civil Service Commission. He has done more for Ijaw sons and ethnic nationalities than most of these leaders.

“H.E. Wike’s efforts to make Sim Fubara Governor were rejected and opposed largely by Ijaws than any other tribe or ethnic group;

“On the Assembly, we confirm that Rt. Hon. M. Amaewhule is the authentic Speaker and Hon. Ehie and company are validly suspended.

“In conclusion, we wish to once again express our gratitude to H.E. Wike for the audience and amiable disposition to continue to work selflessly for our State and accept the mediation of the elders. We urge H.E. Sim Fubara to take urgent steps to correct the false narrative against H.E. N. Wike thus providing a window for mediatory talks and a way forward.

“We advise those encouraging H.E. Sim Fubara to engage in a needless and fruitless battle with H.E. Wike to desist forthwith and allow the Governor to concentrate on consolidating on the extraordinary achievements of H.E. Wike while he was governor.

“Our pact with Rivers people is unbroken. They gave us a mandate in the last election on the back of our achievements under H.E. Wike and trust that the candidate from our political family will continue these good works.

“We caution the new friends of Governor Sim Fubara to retrace their steps before they throw the state into deeper crisis. We stand with H. E. Wike and Rivers State”, they added.

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BREAKING: Rivers State House Of Assembly Complex Burnt Down.

River State House of Assembly Complex has been burnt down to ashes as Rivers youths accuse the State Governor, Sim Fubara, and the House Leader of burning down Rivers Assembly over fear of impeachment process.

Rivers Mirror learnt that the fire started about 9.25 p.m.

Bayelsa APC To Resume Campaigns Today, 27 October.

The All Progressives Congress in Bayelsa State, took a one-day break on Thursday, 26 October, to evaluate the situation of the sad incident that happened in one of its campaigns on Wednesday, 25 October.

After the one-day break, the Bayelsa State APC will resume campaigns today at Ogbolomabiri and Bassambiri then head to Brass on Saturday and Sunday to conclude the Bayelsa East Campaigns.

Despite court issues, the Bayelsa APC has warned its supporters to avoid distraction with recent happenings.

Says the party is sure of victory come November 11.

JUST IN : Timipre Sylva Donates 6 Million To Kaiama Community To Fix Electricity Issues.

Kaiama community is the headquarters of Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA where the incumbent Governor, Douye Diri, hails from.

Rivers Mirror learnt that; the community which is the Headquarters of the LGA, has been in darkness due to the said amount of money.

The Guber Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Timipre Sylva, released the money to fix the transformer and feeder pillars.

Rivers State Woman Pours Hot Groundnut Oil On Her Husband Over Argument.

Hope Nwala from Obite1 community attacks her husband; Ekelediri Nwankwo in Okehi community in Etche Local government area with hot groundnut oil and hammer.

"I have told my wife's younger sister to leave my house because of the way she has started dressing, and the way she occupy my matrimonial bed even when I am around, no young guy will tolerate such behaviour, but my wife has refused the younger sister leave the house. I also saw my wife alone with one tall black guy in the shop I rented for her, not that he is in for business, he followed my wife and sister here and there, with all these, I gave that her younger sister two thousand naira transport to go home so that I can actually understand what is going on in my house, but my wife got upset, while i went to bed to sleep, she used boiled grandnut oil on me, then start hitting me with harmer".

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02kFMUtRtZgEcDqbxcvrQMQDjg7SqfuDaMdixR5fKYseimq6DjvxMMhdgz4LN2RvtBl&id=100081310091134&mibextid=Nif5oz

Osun Governor, Adeleke, Inaugurates Imiringi-AIT Outer Ring Road In Bayelsa State.

The Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri today was joined by his Osun State counterpart, Senator Ademola Adeleke, to inaugurate the Phase 4 of the Igbogene-Elebele/AIT outer ring road covering a stretch between Imiringi road and AIT roundabout.

Speaking at the commissioning, Gov. Diri thanked his predecessor, Senator Seriake Dickson for his vision to initiate the road project.

"This is another testament of what you elected your Prosperity government to do. This project was initiated by the immediate past government of Senator Henry Seriake Dickson. Because of resources, the project couldn't go as he has planned. So, when we came on board, we re-awarded it to Lubriks Construction. This is the second phase we are going to commission. We had commissioned the first phase in my second term anniversary. Now, you know Bayelsa don't have only one road. We now have Igbogene-Imiringi-AIT road."

Senator Ademola Adeleke who commissioned the road commended Governor Douye Diri for bringing dividends of democracy to Bayelsa State. He enjoined Bayelsans to re-elect the governor for second term.

Dignitaries at the commissioning were Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Senator Konbowei Benson, Hon. Marie Ebikake, Hon. Oforji Oboku, Hon. Rodney Ambaiowei, Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Gideon Ekeuwei and other top government officials.

Bayelsa Election: PDP Chieftain, Ayaye Obuma, Defects To APC.

- Receives Membership Card.

Fmr. PDP Chieftain, Hon. Ayaye Obuma, yesterday visited Biseni Clan to receive his party membership card of the All progressives Congress, APC.

The event turned out to be a carnival as the people of Biseni came out in their numbers to welcome him.

He was accompanied by the State Party Secretary, Hon. Ebi Fekoweimo.

His Excellency Chief Timipre Sylva was represented by the immediate-past chairman of Brass LGA, Hon. Victor E. Isaiah

Aguobiri Community In Bayelsa State Pledges Total Support For Timipre Marlin Sylva.

In preparation for the take over mission of Creek Haven, Deputy Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Great Joshua MacIver, on Sunday paid a visit to Agoubiri Community, Constituency Two in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The essence of the visit is to formerly welcome defectors from the PDP to the APC family.

Speaking during the visit, MacIver said:

"Although we are here as a party to welcome defectors to the APC fold; on a personal note, I'm here as a son of Agoubiri town and I'm assuring you all of a transformation in your town when we assume office".

Shocked by the level of underdevelopment in the town, the Izon-tukpa pledged to provide stipends for the elderly women, to provide three public toilets and to also in his capacity construct one out of the three roads in the community.

Responding to the Great, the people said that they were tired of political slavery from the PDP and shall do their part in ensuring that the APC emerges victorious.

Bayelsa: Patrick Osunu dumps APC, Joins PDP

...Otuan now fully for Gov. Diri

A former Special Adviser in Bayelsa State, Chief Patrick Osunu, has formally dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chief Timipre Sylva ahead of the November 11 Governorship Election.

The Otuan-born Osunu, a strong ally of Sylva, was received by Governor Douye Diri late last night and he was quoted to have said, "Timipre Sylva cannot win this election because of the outstanding performance of incumbent Governor Diri. I urge Bayelsans to support this good governor and a man of peace for another term."

Osunu, a former Chairman of Southern Ijaw LGA, was led to the Governor by member representing Southern Ijaw Constituency 1, Hon. Felix Bonny Ayah, Mr. Steven Diver, another former Chairman of Southern Ijaw LGA and Mr. Collins Baker from Amassoma.

Otuan community in Southern Ijaw Constituency One is now fully PDP.

The current administration has approved the construction of road from Oporoma to Otuan community.

RIVERS APC REJECTS TRIBUNAL RULINGS AGAINST HER CANDIDATES.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State chapter has rejected the decisions of the Governorship, National, and State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal for Rivers State which dismissed the petitions of it's Governorship candidate, Pastor (Arch) Tonye Cole mni, and all her Senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidates.

We consider the reason for arriving at the decision to dismiss the petition of our Governorship candidate, as hypothetical and inconsistent with the position of the Supreme Court which had on the 14th of November 2003 in the case of Buhari & 2 Others Vs Obasanjo & 2 Others (Suit No. SC/194/2003 (Buhari Vs Obasanjo), held that a Candidate in an election cannot be one and the same person with the political party that sponsored him and that the law gives them independent and distinct personality and rights. And that they can file election petition together in their individual capacities; the law does not make them one and the same for the purposes of the petition. This is even made clearer by the construction of Section 133 subsection 1 of the amended Electoral Act (2022) where the Act unambiguously mentions those qualified to institute/file an election petition.

We make haste to say that the three-man panel headed by Justice Cletus Emifonye allowed itself to be ambushed by purely political innuendos rather than speaking to the law which is abundantly clear as enumerated in the paragraph above.

This judgement of the Tribunal delivered on Monday 2nd October 2023 amounts to a mockery of the judiciary as a lower court disdainly trashed the position of the highest Court in the land as it is common knowledge that whatever the position of the Supreme Court is on a matter, becomes law.

The 2nd of October ruling confirmed the fears of Rivers APC about getting justice in the face of iron cast evidences presented by our team of lawyers at the Tribunal which include the fact that the PDP Governorship candidate was as at the time he became candidate of his political party, still a serving Accountant General of Rivers State. It goes without saying that the preponderance of arguments and evidences our legal team marshalled out in the other petitions involving our National Assembly and House of Assembly candidates were equally dismissed by brother judges who presided over the other Tribunals hearing our cases.

We roundly condemn the series of "copy and paste" rulings aimed at weakening the base of our party in Rivers State and call on the judiciary in the country not to jeopardize the democratic process by delivering rulings that have no foundation in law.

Not challenging and dismantling these hypothetical rulings against our candidates amounts to disservice to the memories of hundreds of members lost to the orgy of violence that has trailed political activities in Rivers State.

We wish to also clarify that at no time did the National Working Committee (NWC) of our party under H.E Abdullahi Adamu meet to discuss/ratify the withdrawal of our petitions from the Election Petitions Tribunal, as neither the State Chapter nor our candidate(s) was(were) ever consulted on this vexatious topic.

Signed:

Rivers State APC Spokesperson.
Darlington Nwaju

SP Bako's Death: Police Arrest Native Doctor Who Prepared Charms For 2 Baba And His Gang.

Men of the police force arrested one native doctor who is suspected to have prepared the charms for the criminal gang responsible for the death of late DPO of Ahoada East Divisional Police Station, SP Bako Angbashim.

Bako Angbashim, a Superintendent of Police, was killed on September 8, 2023, during a Police operation against members of a notorious cult gang at Odiemude community in Ahoada East local government Area of the state.

The State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, had immediately placed a ₦100million bounty on the leader of the gang, Gift Okpara, popularly known as 2Baba, while the Police officially declared members of the gang wanted.

In a video that has gone viral on social media, arrested member of the gang was seen trapped in a tyre and surrounded by policemen, who were questioning him on the killing of SP Bako.

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JUST IN: Chief Ebinyo Marvin Turner Officially Resigns From PDP.

...Meets Timipre Sylva.

Hon. Ebinyo Marvin Turner, Immediate-Past Chairman of Ogbia LGA officially announced his resignation from PDP and has moved to the APC with his support base.

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RSU Lecturers, Students Mourn As University Professor, Micheal Oden, Dies.

A renowned Geology Professor at Rivers State University (RSU), Professor Micheal I. Oden, is dead.

Oden died on Tuesday evening after a brief illness.

The University Don, Professor Micheal I. Oden, gave up the ghost on Tuesday, 26 September, shortly after the Department paid him a visit at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital were he was receiving treatment.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, late Professor M.I Oden was an avid traveler who had extensively explored more than 30 states in Nigeria as well as various parts of the European continent.

His vast experiences enriched his knowledge and enabled him to incorporate real-world examples into his teaching, inspiring generations of students to appreciate the intricacies of geology.

A Political support Group under the platform of "Apostle for Sylva/Maciver six point agenda" says Governor Douye Diri is a Chief architect of hate speech and agent of falsehood at this period of political season where the Governor is expected to give a scorecard of how he manages the state resources amounting to about 1.2. trillion naira in the last three years and seven months.

In a statement signed and released on Monday in Yenagoa by the group State Coordinator, Prof. Wariowe Ebikeme, the release faulted the remark's of Governor Diri at an interactive session with the Bayelsa State Chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria, where he desecrate the alter of God by labelling Former Governor and APC Gubernatorial Candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva as a serial Killer who does not have a connection with the Church of God .

The release wondered while Governor Diri choose the Church as an avenue to launch an aggressive character assassination on Former Governor, Timipre Sylva who had anchored his Governorship campaign on his six point agenda of Human Capital Development, Agriculture, Infrastructure, Economy, Power and Security .

Prof.Wariowe statement note's that Governor Douye Diri Statement that Jesus is the Governor of Bayelsa State at the gathering is not only deceitful but a comic approach to run away from his bad policies and programmes that has put the homogenous Ijaw State as the second poorest state in Nigeria .


The release further asked Governor Diri to desist from spreading hate speech and limit his political campaign within the scope of governance particularly his insensitivity to the local economy of the state.

Prof. Wariowe added that the people of Bayelsa have resolved to queue behind the choice of Sylva/Maciver candidature adding that Monday's endorsement from the reputable Christian body will not save Governor Diri from heavy defeat at the poll.

The group statement also told the Christian body that the Governor is not a believer, but a sycophant who is hiding under the umbrella of God's fellowship to preach peace in public forum, describing the Sampou Born Politician as a violent Politician who during the 2023 general elections sent over fifteen gunboats to cart away sensitive electoral materials in favour of unpopular Member of House of Representatives, Rodney Ambaiowei of the Peoples Democratic Party.

https://www.riversmirror.ng/2023/09/apc-support-group-lambasts-douye-diri.html

Bayelsa PDP Fumes As PDP Councilors Meet APC Deputy Guber Candidate, Great MacIver.

Last week, Rivers Mirror; the leading News Outlet covering Bayelsa Gubernatorial Election, reported that about four to six Immediate-past Councillors of the People's Democratic Party in Sagbama Local Government, defected to the All Progressives Congress.

Today, the earlier defected former PDP Councillors of Sagbama LGA now APC members, met with the Deputy Gubernatorial Candidate of APC, Great Joshua MacIver, at his residence in Yenagoa

The Councilors:

Gen. Okorochi.

Hon. Oyinbrakeme Oyobolo.

Hon. Patrick Nimizigha and Hon. Napoleon Ouseibaiwere were led by Hon. Francis Kolokolo, Engr. Highlife Humphrey Peremobowei and the LGA Party Chairman, Hon. Jonah Abeke

The defectors were charged to have a sense of belonging in every APC activity. On their part, the immediate-past councilors vow to mobilize and work for Chief Timipre Sylva.