Rivers
Dame Jonathan Calls For Enlightenmnt On Inflammable Fuel
The First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has appealed to the Federal Government, the NNPC and oil companies to sensitise communities on the dangers of getting closer to petroleum products.
Mrs Jonathan made the plea in Port Harcourt last Thursday when she visited victims of Okogbe community fuel tanker explosion on admission at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.
She also appealed to the Federal Government and Governors in the South-South to assist those who were injured and receiving treatment in various hospitals.
Mrs Jonathan urged the government to assist victims of the incident who needed rehabilitation to get settled after their recovery.
“This is a great loss and a sad incident. Though, we the South-South people are poor and producing the bulk of the nation’s wealth, that does not mean we should lose our lives, because even if you are rich, you need to be alive to spend the money. “If you see a fallen tanker, please do not go close to it,” she said.
She commended the Rivers Government for its quick intervention and efforts to save the lives of the victims.
The first lady praised the hospital for treating the victims without emphasis on money.
She urged pipeline vandals to desist from damaging pipelines because of dangers associated with such acts.
The first lady later presented cash donations to victims on admission at the hospital.
Earlier, Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Aaron Ojule, had said that nine persons injured by the fire were on admission at the hospital.
He said 49 others were treated and discharged at Ahoada General Hospital on July 12, the day of the incident.
Ojule said the death toll so far on the incident was 156 while the estimated number of victims affected was 218.
He said the hospital had created special wards for the victims and placed its doctors on 24 hours service.
Rivers
Fubara’s Kinsman Denounce The Suspension Of Democratically Elected Officials

The Vice Chairman of Opobo Council of Chiefs, Alabo Edwin Cockeye Brown has joined the chorus of voices calling for an immediate end to the suspension of democratically elected officials in Rivers State.
The Opobo chiefs Council’s vice chair who was speaking on the sidelines at an emergency stakeholders’ congress of the INC held at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa on Wednesday, emphasized the gravity of the suspension of a state governor, deputy and legislators, characterizing it as an unprecedented assault on the democratic process.
He argued that suspending an elected governor and the state legislature not only undermine the mandate given by the electorate but also poses a significant threat to the political stability of the state. Brown further declared the suspension as “an aberration and travesty of the constitution.”
His words, “Even though the Nigerian Constitution grants the President powers to declare a state of emergency under Section 305, it does not authorize the suspension of democratically elected officials, such as governors or members of the legislature. The proper procedure for removing a governor is outlined in Section 188 of the Constitution, which requires legislative processes rather than executive fiat”.
Brown went on, “The unconstitutional suspension of democratically elected government officials is a Slowly but surely dismantling of democratic structures. This will not help our fledgling democracy, but will destroy all the gains so far made in this democratic dispensation”.
“This is not just about Governor Fubara; it is about every citizen of Rivers State who participated in a democratic election,” he stated. He added, “Injustice in Rivers State is injustice all over Nigeria because we are all governed by one constitution.”
He expressed concern that such actions could set a dangerous precedent, eroding public trust in the electoral system and democratic institutions across Nigeria.
He further articulated the historical context of the Ijaw struggle for
representation, highlighting the community’s long-standing grievances
regarding political marginalization.
“For over 24 years, we have fought to regain our rightful place in governance,” Brown remarked. “To have that struggle undermined by a unilateral decision from the federal government is not just
frustrating—it is an affront to our identity and aspirations as Ijaw people.”
Brown called for a united front among Ijaw leaders and communities,
urging them to resist any attempts to divide or silence their voices.
He underscored the importance of dialogue and reconciliation as vital
pathways to resolving the ongoing crisis, rather than resorting to forceful measures that could exacerbate tensions. “We must engage with
the federal government, but we will do so on our terms,” he insisted.
In closing, Brown reaffirmed his commitment to the principles of
justice and equity, emphasizing that the Ijaw people would not back down in their quest for recognition and respect.
“We are prepared to stand firm and advocate for our rights. Our
history is rich with leaders who have fought for us, and we will not
allow their sacrifices to be in vain,” he concluded, rallying support
for a peaceful resolution that honors the democratic process and the will of the Rivers people.
The high-profile one-day stakeholders’ meeting brought together
influential Ijaw leaders, including Bayelsa State Governor, Douye
Diri, his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; former Rivers State
Governor and Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff; former Rivers Governor, Chief Rufus Ada-George; and former Bayelsa Deputy
Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah.
Also in attendance were the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of
Assembly, Abraham Ingobere; National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta
Forum (PANDEF), Dr. Boladei Igali; prominent traditional rulers from
various parts of Ijawland; the President of the Ijaw Youth Council
(IYC), Jonathan Lokpobiri and many other notable Ijaw leaders from across the Niger Delta.
Rivers
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