News
These People Will Take No Prisoners
It is clear that our state is in a battle for its soul. A battle, which no sane person would wish for. Last week, someone published an article in The Guardian, asking Governor Amaechi to go and make peace with the President. Good advice I guess but the bigger question is, is Governor Amaechi fighting the President? Can he even do so?
What really are the issues under contention? It may be necessary to throw them out and let Rivers people honestly judge for themselves.
The first issue that appears to have caused contention is the demolition of buildings around a primary school at Ayungibiri in Okrika Local Government Area. The incident occurred in 2010 when Governor Amaechi had received Her Excellency the wife of the President and she had spent a night in Port Harcourt. The next morning she headed to Okrika and the Governor out of regard for her person and position and because she is a Rivers daughter and our pride, decided to show her some of his work. She took offence when he showed her the primary school and mentioned that he would like to buy the adjoining properties to enable government demolish them and create grounds for the primary school. He was still explaining the rationale behind this and the children’s safety when Her Excellency grabbed the microphone and thoroughly berated him for daring to suggest or even give a thought to buying up the properties to create a better learning environment for the children. There were many witnesses at this event and there is a recording of the same, which thankfully, Mr. President is privy to. Governor Amaechi did not respond to this abuse but dutifully waited until the reception in the First Lady’s honour was over before leaving Okrika. The school in question stands today in Ayungibiri smack in the middle of those living houses. In deference to the first lady who comes from that local government area, NOT ONE HOUSE was brought down. For the sake of peace, the children lost.
The second issue is that of the oil fields in Soku. Soku is a riverine community in Rivers State. The people of Soku are Ijaws. The fight between Soku and neighbouring Nembe in Bayelsa is an old one. In October 2012, the Kalabari National Forum, an interest group of communities from the Kalabari area of Rivers State protested against what they termed “ the malicious and unconstitutional intent to balkanize and excise oil producing communities in Kalabari Kingdom of Rivers State and annexing them to be part of Bayelsa State.” Governor Amaechi’s electoral and constitutional mandate is to protect and secure the lives and properties of Rivers people and of Rivers State. As a Rivers son now privileged to defend his state; he must be able to rise to the occasion. He refused the stealing of Kalabari oil wells just as he defended the rights of the Andoni, the Etche and the Ndoki whose oil wells have also been ceded to neighbouring Akwa Ibom and Abia states. Refusing to bribe his way through, but preferring, instead, to the instrumentality of the courts in defending what is rightfully Rivers people’s commonwealth, he has become a pariah and erroneously tagged anti-Jonathan and anti-Ijaw. He defended the rights of the Kalabari people to oil on their land. He stood for them and not against them. He is not Ijaw by ethnic orientation but he is fighting an Ijaw cause similar to the cause for self-determination and resource control. This is his offence and one for which he also has come under persistent attack – for saying that the oil wells belong to Rivers State and that the National Boundary Commission should stop the travesty of justice of paying to one party monies that had been erstwhile held in an escrow account awaiting determination of its rightful owner by the courts of the nation.
The third issue for which Governor Amaechi has come under attack is the matter of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the allegation that he was using the Forum to attack the presidency. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Governor Amaechi is one man out of 36 chief executive officers of their states. He does not have the wherewithal to order them around. As chairman of the NGF he can merely speak the governors’ minds after a decision has been reached. Why then is he being singled out for persecution? The decisions reached by the forum are the decisions Governor Amaechi announces. Isn’t this a question of killing the messenger rather than the message? The same issues, the NGF talked about were the same issues raised by the PDP Governors’ Forum. Underneath this accusation lies the bigger one that Governor Amaechi is using the forum to prepare to run in 2015 as vice president. But everyone knows that no one contests for vice-president anywhere in the world and there are very few presidential candidates that would pick a strong and prominent character as their vice-presidential candidate. Besides, there are more politically savvy ways to court a perceived opponent in a democracy.
Last week, a new dimension to this entire drama unfolded. An accusation that neither Governor Amaechi nor his wife condoled with the wife of the president on the loss of her foster mother. It was the most shocking and embarrassing statement any publicist could have sent out, especially in the face of a widely publicised visit to the family home of the first lady where she was indeed receiving visitors and where a register was opened for condolences. This new twist has come despite press statements of both Governor Amaechi and his wife Judith to that effect? There couldn’t have been a more classical case of giving a dog a bad name just to hang, nay, out-rightly kill it.
Governor Amaechi has endured much bashing because he has chosen to tread the path of peace. When the incident occurred in Okrika, he briefed his older brother, Mr. President. Thereafter, he worked assiduously for Mr. President’s election. Rivers State was not a burden at all to Mr. President all through the campaigns and preparations for the 2011 elections. Indeed, to date the Government and people of Rivers State continue to mourn our brothers and sisters who shed their blood at the Elekahia Stadium just to ensure Mr. President’s victory. The NGF was also a united front and gave support to Mr. President during that re-election bid.
Before the NGF elections he met with many leaders of the party explaining his position and his desire to contest. After the NGF elections, he sought audience with Mr. President and was denied access. When the Commissioner of Police hurled insults at him, he protested to the authorities. When there was a breakdown of law and order and insecurity loomed in the state he sought audience and met with the President and Commander-in-Chief. He has repeated at different times he holds the person and the office of the President in high regard. So, why has he been declared public enemy number one?
For me, the answer is simple. People are using the name and office of Mr. President to fight a proxy war. People who are determined to seize the soul of Rivers State and send us down the beggarly road of “ruler-centric” rather than “people-centric” government. People who fear that Governor Amaechi in office till 2015 may put paid to their attempt to get at the purse-strings of Rivers State and the draw-strings of the Brick house.
These are the people goading Mr. President on and feeding him with lies that have been allowed to fester for so long, that they are beginning to seem like the truth. People who shudder to think of the day there might indeed be peace between Mr. President and Governor Amaechi and, therefore, who would stop at nothing to foment trouble and continuously fan the embers of the furnace of hatred. Thus, the reason these people increase the tempo of the sabre-rattling of war each time the President and Governor Amaechi meet to forge a way forward. For them a resolution portends political demise and the end of their hopes. Peace means the exact opposite to their ambition. These people are those screaming to Mr. President “share the child, share the child”, because they hold no good intention for or claim to the child.
But Governor Amaechi is determined to finish this race well. Rivers people deserve to enjoy the benefits of the wealth that God has put in their soil. Free education, free healthcare, good infrastructure, new opportunities, human capital development and saving for future generations. Amaechi’s work is evident and that is why those who oppose him are panicky.
The problem is that in their panic, they are sowing the wind. For sowing the wind, the bible promises them the whirlwind in full measure.
As for Governor Amaechi, I think he knows this already, because it is his mantra: “Once has God spoken, twice I have heard this, that power belongs to God.”
Mrs Semenitari is the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications.
News
Fubara Urges Rivers People To Remain Peaceful, Law-abiding …As Eze Worlu-Wodo Inaugurates Palace For Akpor Kingdom

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that despite the ensuing political circumstances against his administration, Rivers people will emerge stronger, eventually, urging the people to remain peaceful and law-abiding in the overall interest of the State.
The Governor, therefore, urged his teeming supporters, and indeed, well-meaning Rivers people, not to be disheartened by recent turn of events but rather cheer up, knowing that God does not start a thing by enthroning his administration, and allow it to be truncated half-way in the journey.
Governor Fubara spoke at the inauguaration of the Palace of Nyeweali Akpor Kingdom and a magnificent residential quarters for the King, Eze Levi Amos Oriebe, built and furnished by the administration of Governor Fubara at Ozuoba in Obi/Akpor Local Government Area last Monday.
The Governor pointed to the ungodly motive of those who are pushing to disrupt governance by worsening the feisty political relationship, and insisted that his path will remain ensuring peace, and warned against any act of lawlessness.
He said: “I want to say to our teeming supporters, I know some of you; your spirits are high, some of you, your spirits are low. But, I want to assure you one important fact of life: God does not start a thing and end halfway.
“It doesn’t matter what the situation might be today, I assure you that we will come up again stronger and better. Continue to follow my footstep, and that footstep remains, the path of peace. We need it because if anything happens, we are the greatest losers.
“Our concern for this State is not because of our own profit, but the total well-being of Rivers State. So, I appeal to everyone of you: be law abiding. I will not encourage any act of disobedience or any act of violence. But that is not to say that we will support evil. We will never support evil.”
Governor Fubara said his administration is focused on good governance and will not renege on the promise of delivering impactful, people-oriented development projects, continually.
The Governor stated: “Our projects, our services will continue to be those ones that would touch the hearts, the souls, and the spirits of our people. And we will not, no matter the circumstances surrounding our situation, renege on that promise that we made to the good people of Rivers State.”
Commenting on the project, Governor Fubara considered it historic to have delivered a befitting palace for the Akpor Kingdom, being the first in over 200 years of its existence.
Governor Fubara explained that it was 10 months ago, during the flag-off of reconstruction work on the Okania-Ogbogoro Road project that he promised, in response to a request by the people, to build the palace, which has been achieved six months after it was awarded for construction.
The Governor said: “I was really touched to the point that I had a few drops of tears when the Royal Father was speaking, and he said, ‘for over 200 years that the Akpor Kingdom has existed, it functioned without a palace’.
“But, God doesn’t make mistakes. Maybe, He left it for our administration to fulfill so that we will be part of history forever and ever in Akpor Kingdom.”
Governor Fubara said further: “We did not just build the palace, but we also provided a personal residence for the Nyeweali, knowing fully well that the palace belongs to everyone, but at the end of his tenure or when call of nature comes, his family definitely, will not be here.
“So, after living in a fine beautiful place, what happens to the family? We have to provide a place for him. I want you to note that we did not end this project by building just the palace, but we went further to provide the Eze his own personal residence, so that when he leaves, he can enjoy the comfort that he is already enjoying here at this moment.”
Governor Fubara expressed appreciation to Akpor people for the Chieftaincy title of “Eze Omenma 1 of Akpor Kingdom bestowed on him by the Nyeweali Akpor, assuring that he will defend it wholeheartedly while urging the entire Obio/Akpor people who have remained very supportive to know that they fill strategic place in his administration.
Performing the inauguaration, Eze Oha Apara (IV), Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom, His Majesty, Eze Chike Amadi Worlu-Wodo, recalled that a few months ago, he benefitted from the administration of Governor Fubara, a magnificent palace built for the Apara Kingdom.
Eze Worlu-Wodo, who is also the Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, explained why the government is spending so much money to build palaces for traditional rulers, saying it understands that traditional rulers are closest leaders to the people.
He said: “Traditional rulers play vital roles in maintaining peace and orderliness in the communities, and by so doing, they Simplify governance at the State level.
“My friend and colleague from Calabar once said that respect for traditional rulers and elders shows good upbringing. Our Governor has good upbringing.
“I am glad to be here, Your Excellency, to witness your display of goodwill, respect and good intention for the traditional institution. Your Excellency, you have done well, and I must say, we are all proud of you.”
Eze Worlu-Wodo acknowledged the numerous developmental projects executed by the administration of Governor Fubara across the State, and urged him not to be worried by recent political developments in the State.
The Royal Father said: “God is in charge of this State, so, the machinations of the evil ones will not succeed in this State.”
Providing the project description, Rivers State Commissioner for Special Projects, Dr Rowland Obed-Whyte, said the construction was awarded in August, 2024, and the work completed in six months.
He added, “The palace complex is on a land space of 9,000 square meters, with an electric perimeter fencing. The palace is a duplex building with two wings; right-wing having guest room for the king, a 120- person sitting capacity multipurpose hall, a 50-person sitting capacity conference hall, offices and public conveniences.
“The left-wing has the royal ranch, bar, dinning, kitchen, and laundry. Behind the palace is a royal garden, traditional meeting place (Obiri), royal car park, visitors’ lodge, water tank, and water fountain.”
News
Fubara Recommits To Wellbeing Of Rivers People
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated commitment of his administration to advancing the well-being of Rivers people, which is why, the Rumuodomaya Fire Service Sub-Station has been revitalised into an efficient and modern facility.
The Governor assured that with the improved status, the Fire Service Station will offer prompt response to combating fire emergencies in order to safeguard lives and the property of residents of the Rumuodomaya community, Obio/Akpor and environs.
Governor Fubara spoke at the inauguaration of the Rivers State Fire Service Sub-Station at Rumuodomaya in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the State, last Friday.
The Governor said he feels so excited to showcase to the world the third Fire Service Station that has been unveiled within the past few days, and initiated to make living safer for Rivers people.
Governor Fubara said: “I feel very happy again to stand before you to showcase, again, one of the things that we have done to show that the interest of our people is most important in our administration. There is nothing I want to say now that I have not said before. When we unveiled the remodelled Headquarters of the Rivers State Fire Service, I did inform you that we have two sub-stations that are attached to that. The Borokiri sub-station that we unveiled yesterday, and this particular one that we are unveiling today. The essence of this project, you already know. We have to safeguard lives of our people and the property of every citizen of Rivers State, which is the primary function of governance.”
Governor Fubara expressed appreciation to the people of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area for their unwavering support and assurances given to his administration, adding: “We can feel your support here. I want to also appreciate the support of the good people of Rivers State, who kept believing in us. We know that your trust is the right thing, and that you are standing on the side of truth. I want to assure you that we will continue to do what is right to make life better and advance the State.”
Inaugurating the project, an elder statesman, Chief Hanny Woko, said a state without a functional fire service station is partially a failed state, because its citizens will only rely on the mercy of God to combat fire incidences.
Chief Woko, who noted that the project will serve to secure lives and property within Rumuodomaya Community and environs, thanked Governor Fubara for demonstrating genuine love to Ikwerre people in particular and Rivers people in general.
He said, “We thank you for continuing governance without minding distractions all over. It’s even very important to know that in the heat of the crisis, you are still going about commissioning projects. There are projects lined up for two weeks. You have come to serve Rivers State, and be rest assured that Rivers people will protect this democracy and protect you. There is no pretense about it: the love is organic, and we will make sure we continue to support you.”
Chief Woko stated further that Ikwerres are grateful to Rivers people who supported them to serve as governors for 16 unbroken years, stressing that it is only proper that Ikwerre people support other tribes, particularly Governor Fubara, to serve his tenure without truncating it.
He said, “Equity and fairplay demand that we allow our Ijaw Ethnic Group to serve out their tenure. Be rest assured, Your Excellency, that you have the support of the Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality. I want to use this opportunity to call on every reasonable Rivers son and daughter to know, there should be an end to every conflict. Rivers State has been, always, in the news for the negative reasons, and we condemn that.”
Chief Woko stated: “We should borrow a leaf from our sister states, like Lagos. The Governors are ruling, and governing their people. There is no friction anywhere. Yes, in human relations, there may be room for friction, there may be room for quarrel, but the most important thing is to put the state first. No personal interest should override that of the collective interest of the state.”
Providing the project description, Rivers State Commissioner for Duties, Dr Samuel Anya, said the Rumuodomaya Fire Service Sub-Station was abandoned shortly after it was built by the administration of Chibuike Amaechi, explaining how Governor Fubara ensured the sub-station became functional with the structures rehabilitated, providing 54 offices, staff quarters, brand new fire trucks, and water tank of 45,000 litres.
In his address, Head of Local Government Administration of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Mr Ichechi Amadi, said the rehabilitated structures and newly purchased fire trucks will motivate personnel and improve their response capacity to fire incidences that had, hitherto, destroyed lives and property worth billions of naira for years.
News
Reps urge CBN to suspend increase in ATM withdrawal charges
The House of Representatives has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to suspend its directive increasing ATM withdrawal charges.
This resolution was taken as a result of a motion on urgent national importance moved by Rep. Marcus Onobun (Esan Central/West/Igueben Federal Constituency, in Abuja last Tuesday.
Onobun said that additional ATM withdrawal charges would further limit the financial inclusion of Nigerians by discouraging low-income earners from accessing banking services.
He said that Nigerians were already grappling with multiple economic hardships, including high inflation, increased fuel prices, electricity tariff hikes, and numerous banking and service charges.
The lawmaker warned that an increase in ATM withdrawal charges would be a contradiction of the CBN’s financial inclusion agenda.
“Aware that CBN in its new circular, has reviewed the ATM transaction fees stipulated under Section 10.7 of the CBN Guide to Charges by Banks, Other Financial and Non-Bank Financial Institutions.
“Prescribing an increase in ATM withdrawal charges and a discontinuation of the free ATM withdrawals for customers using other banks’ ATMs.
“Thereby imposing additional financial burdens on Nigerians.
“Also aware that the said Section 10.7 of this Guide was last reviewed in 2019.
“Reducing ATM transaction fees from N65 Naira to N35 per transaction,” he said.
The Speaker, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas and the entire House adopted the motion, thereby urging the CBN to suspend the increase in ATM withdrawal charges.
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