Rivers
Ogbakor Ikwerre Urges Wike, Amaechi’s Supporters To Close Ranks
Cross Section of Civil Service Commission, Rivers State, taking oath of office at Government House Port Harcourt Photo: Chris Monyanaga
Irked by the hostile relation
ship amongst supporters of Governor Nyesom Wike and ex-governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation worldwide has called on supporters from both divide to close ranks and work together for the benefit of the state.
The President General of the Pan-Ikwerre Organisation, Prof. Augustine Onyeozu made the call while addressing the people of Ikwerre ethnic nationality at this year’s Ogbakor Ikwerre Convention held at Ubima in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Onyeozu said the new reality on ground is that a man of Ikwerre extraction has emerged as the new governor in the state, adding that nothing should be done whatsoever to rock the boat.
He said Governor Wike deserves maximum support from all and sundry to enable his administration deliver on his campaign promises.
While congratulating Governor Wike on his electoral victory, the president-general reminded the new occupant of Rivers Brick House that he has an obligation to give quality service to the state.
He said Rivers State needs unity of purpose and peace, and called on supporters of Amaechi and Wike to have a re-think and work towards taking the state to a new developmental level.
He, however, commended the people of Ubima for producing Sir Celestine Ngozichim Omehia and Chibuike Amaechi as governors of the state.
In an address presented by Ogbakor Ubima Community, its Secretary-General, Prince Innocent W. Orlu, recalled the formation of Ogbakor Ikwerre Worldwide in 1963, noting that the organisation has continued to grow from strength to strength in its history.
He lauded the efforts in the formation of Ogbakor Ikwerre Wordwide, saying that the Pan-Ikwerre Organisation has come a long way to boosting the image and growth of Ikwerre ethnic nationality.
He also praised the efforts of the organisation in intervening when the former governor was faced with myriads of challenges.
Meanwhile, Onyeozu has been re-elected as the president general of Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation for second tenure at the organisation’s convention held at Umudioga in Emohua Local Government Area of the state.
Other officers elected along with Onyeozu were Chief L.A Amadi, first vice president; Dr Hilary Wordu, second vice president; Chief Augustine Wogi Okajile,secretary general, while Chief G.U. Ogundu Wali and Mr John Amadi were re-elected as treasurer and public relations officer, respectively.
In another development, this year’s Ikwerre day of thanksgiving has been slated to hold on December 26.
The president-general said the occasion would provide a platform in which sons and daughters of Ikwerre extraction would thank God for what He has done in their lives and the contributions to the growth of the state.
Magret Ogwama/ Natasha Otoma
The management of the Rivers State University, (RSU), Nkpolu Oroworukwu Port Harcourt has admitted eleven thousand and eighty-three students to study in various disciplines and courses for 2024/2025 academic sessions in the university.
The vice chancellor of the university,prof Isaac Zeb-Obipi disclosed this during his address at the 43rd matriculation ceremony of the institution held at the convocation arena in Port Harcourt, last Friday.
Zeb-obipi expressed delight that it was a privilege to welcome everyone to the momentous occasion, marking the beginning of an exciting academic journey for the new students and described matriculation as an important ceremony organised by institutions, especially universities.
“Though this is the 43rd matriculation ceremony of the university,it is the first under my watch as vice chancellor, and I am highly excited that I am having my tail cut in the conduct of this significant ritual of matriculation.”
“Once again, I give God all the glory and thank the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the 14th Governing council under the leadership of Her Excellency, Hon. Justice Mary Odili and the host of others who played one role or the other in my emergence as the vice chancellor. May I also use this opportunity to acknowledge my co-contenstants that made the selection a worthy competition, especially Prof Adolphus J. Toby and prof Nkalo H.Ukoima. There is no doubt that they all mean well for the university and as such i am studying the various vision statements they had submitted for possible inclusion in the efforts to implement what we have, “he stated.
He explained that his vision is to transform the university into a world class, innovative, inclusive institution, fostering a culture of excellence, creativity, and social responsibility through the re-engineering of the university’s academic, administrative, and community engagement frameworks to ensure that they are student centric, faculty driven, community oriented responsive to the need of the 21st century.
According to him the university aim to achieve the visions by enhancing academic programmes to meet global standards, strengthening research capacity and promoting innovation and improving infrastructure and facilities to support teaching, learning research, and fostering partnerships with industries, government, and other stakeholders to promote community engagement and entrepreneurship among others.
The VC while giving the statistics of the administration said a total of 29,107 candidates took the university as first choice in the 2024 JAMB Examination, 16,172 qualified the institution 190 cutoff mark, 15,348 registered for the post UTME, while 15,014 participated in university test and out of the number,11,083 was admitted.
The VC while congratulating the matriculants, urged them to shun any forms of social vices such as cultism, examination malpractices, sorting and indicent dressing, adding that the the school has zero tolerance on indiscipline and other anti social behaviours that are detrimental to societal growth.
Akujobi Amadi
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 last 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.