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BREAKING: Moment Police Chase Away Ex-LGA Chairman, Pro-Wike Youths From Secretariat [VIDEO]

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Officers of the Rivers State Police Command have prevented the immediate past Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Hon. Allwell Ihundah, from accessing his office.

This development comes amidst a deepening political crisis in the state.

According to a video by Channels Television, the chairman was denied entry into his office, following a directive by the police to take control of all 23 local government council secretariats in the state.

The crisis took a fiery turn after Governor Siminalayi Fubara directed Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to assume leadership of the council areas, following the expiration of the three-year tenure of elected chairmen, vice chairmen, and councillors.

A recent court ruling had annulled the tenure extension granted by the 27-member Assembly loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike, recognizing a three-man House of Assembly instead.

However, the former chairmen have refused to step down, leading to clashes between supporters of the two political factions.

Tragically, a police officer and a vigilante lost their lives in the violence that erupted at Eberi-Omuma, Omuma LGA, according to a statement by the police on Tuesday.

“To forestall more bloodshed and prevent a further breakdown of law and order, the Police have taken over all the 23 Council Secretariats and some critical government infrastructure in the state.

Conventional police officers and anti-riot police officers have been deployed to these facilities. While urging all groups and individuals to be law-abiding, the Command also warn anyone who intends to cause mayhem as we will not hesitate to impose the full weight of the law on them,” the statement read in part.

In a recent development, Governor Fubara has sworn in new caretaker chairmen for the 23 local government areas of the state.

Watch the video below:

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Headlines

BREAKING: Rivers Youths Shut Down LG Secretariat, Demand Chairman’s Removal as Tenure Expires [VIDEO]

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Youths in Rivers State have shut down the Asari Toru Local Government Secretariat, demanding the removal of their Chairman.

This comes amidst a heated dispute between Local Government Area (LGA) chairmen and Governor Sim Fubara.

The Chairman, whose tenure expires today, has reportedly fled his office as residents invaded the secretariat.

The incident is linked to the ongoing legal battle between the LGA chairmen and the state government. The matter is currently in court, with the next hearing scheduled after their tenure ends.

Security operatives have been deployed to maintain order at the council secretariat.

Recall that the LGA chairmen, loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, had vowed not to leave office in June.

According to Chief Hon. Dr. Irastus Awoto, Legal Adviser of the 21 LGA chairmen and Chairman of Andoni LGA, the Chairmen will stay in office for an additional six months.

Awoto stated, “We were elected in 2021, and our tenure expires in June. However, LG elections should have been concluded, and winners should be awaiting swearing-in. The Assembly recognizes that no action has been taken to conduct elections, and therefore, we must maintain democratically elected Chairmen until elections are done, as stated in the local government law.”

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Opinion

Call for State of Emergency in Rivers State: A Plea for Restoration and Unity

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Written By Wabiye Dikio Idoniboyeobu (ANIPR)

As a citizen of Rivers State who left in 2015, I have watched from afar with growing concern as my beloved home has descended into a state of disarray and division. It is with a heavy heart and a deep sense of urgency that I call upon the President of Nigeria to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. This drastic measure is necessary to address the severe and persistent issues that have plagued the state since 2015, and to pave the way for a brighter and more unified future.

Since 2015, Rivers State has been fractured into two highly toxic factions. This division has not only polarized the citizenry but has also severely hampered governance and equitable development. The once vibrant and progressive state is now mired in a climate of animosity and dysfunction, where unconstitutional actions have often dictated governance. This is a stark departure from the principles of democracy and the rule of law, which should be the bedrock of our society.

The suspension of four lawmakers loyal to the Governor during plenary, the subsequent demolition of the Assembly, and the defection of other assembly members loyal to the Minister of the FCT have set the state on a roller coaster of confusion. There is a clear breakdown in legislative order. These actions seem to have rendered the state without a functioning assembly, plunging it further into a state of anarchy. Without a legislative body to provide checks and balances, the state is effectively without the necessary framework to ensure accountable governance.

The current trajectory of Rivers State is alarming. The state’s descent into lawlessness and instability not only threatens the well-being of its citizens but also undermines the potential for any meaningful development. The toxic political climate has created an environment where progress is stifled, and the needs of the people are overshadowed by the relentless power struggles.

Despite this bleak picture, there is a silent majority in Rivers State that remains apolitical and committed to the state’s progress. These individuals, who strive for development and prosperity, are stymied by the pervasive toxicity that has gripped the state. Their voices are drowned out by the cacophony of political infighting, leaving them powerless to effect the change that Rivers State so desperately needs.

In light of these circumstances, I implore the President to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. This intervention is critical to restore order, ensure the rule of law, and create an environment conducive to development and unity. A state of emergency would provide the framework to reset the state’s governance, allowing for the establishment of a functioning assembly and the implementation of constitutional actions.

The people of Rivers State deserve a government that works for them, not against them. They deserve a state where development is spread equitably, and where governance is guided by the principles of democracy and the rule of law. By declaring a state of emergency, the President can help to restore sanity, promote development, and ultimately, heal the divisions that have torn Rivers State apart.

It is time for bold and decisive action. The future of Rivers State hangs in the balance, and only through a concerted effort to address these deep-rooted issues can we hope to reclaim the state’s lost glory. Let us come together to support this call for a state of emergency, for the sake of our beloved Rivers State and its people.

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Headlines

BREAKING: Fubara swears in new commissioners at midnight

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has sworn-in eight new commissioners as members of the State Executive Council (SEC) late Tuesday night.

The eight commissioners included: Hon. Prince Charles Bekee; Barrister Collins Onunwo; Hon. Prince Solomon Abel Eke; Dr Peter Medee; Hon. Elloka Tasie Amadi; Hon Basoene Joshua Benibo; Mr Tambari Sydney Gbara, and Dr Ovy Orluideye Chinendum Chukwuma.

Swearing-in the new commissioners at the Government House, Port Harcourt, Fubara charged them to cultivate the culture of keeping accurate records of their dealings in their various ministries of assignment.

The governor maintained that culture of record keeping was essential for the effective functioning of any organised system, particularly the civil service as they provide useful history of events, decisions and actions, including indices of productivity.

The governor stated that it was regrettable how some commissioners, who had left his cabinet, ignored the culture of proper documentation because they had no record of activities in the ministries where they served.

“I know what I am saying. Some of them who left here as commissioners, there are no records in their ministries. We’ve had a few meetings with people. We were looking for records which we could not find, but that is for them and their gods, I am not bothered about that,” Fubara said.

“But, you that are coming in now, please, do this work as seasoned administrators. Work with your Permanent Secretaries, the things that you don’t know, ask questions from them, they will tell you, they will teach you too. It doesn’t reduce you as not being the head. But it helps you to succeed as a good administrator.”

Fubara urged the new commissioners to emulate his work culture and pay attention to details, adding that it should reflect in the nature of records they keep.

The governor also said discipline is central to his administration, a work culture that has been nurtured while growing through the ranks in the civil service, saying that it must be the hallmark of anybody who is associated with his government.

“Let me say this: this government is a government that is birthed by high-level discipline,” he said.

“I don’t know about other people that are working with me, but as a person, from the time that I started working as civil servant, from the time I worked in the Office of the Accountant General with my boss, we didn’t play with keeping good records.

“I can boldly stand here to say that whatever that transpired, the records are there right from the time we worked from 2007 to date. They are there for anybody to go and see.

“Likewise, what happened from the time of the immediate-past administration. I carefully kept my records clean. The records are there.

“So, I want you to understand that, while I am sitting here to pilot the affairs of this State, as a matter of fact, the records I am keeping are even more excellent because I have a day-to-day report of what I am doing.

“So, I am not bothered or afraid. Call me any day, call me anytime, I will stand and defend every action, every decision that we have taken.

“So, I want you to stand on that premise, knowing fully well that whatever you are doing, in case you are called upon tomorrow to give account, you can do so confidently. Keep your records straight.”

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