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COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF AN EMERGENCY MEETING OF RIVERS ELDERS AND LEADERS FORUM HELD
19 DECEMBER, 2023 IN PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE.
Rising from an emergency meeting of Rivers Elders and Leaders
Forum held 19 December, 2023 in response to the intervention
and directives of the President, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the
current political crisis in Rivers State.
We recall that in our communiqué of 17th and 18th December,
2023, we urged Mr. President to intervene in the political crisis in
Rivers State, for which we commend his prompt intervention
between Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike, the Honourable Minister of the
Federal Capital Territory and Sir Siminialayi Fubara, the Executive
Governor of Rivers State but we are at a loss as to whether his
intervention has solved the problem or escalated it.
A review of Mr. President‟s directives for the resolution of
the political impasse in Rivers State showed that:
1. That the directives contravene the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which Mr. President swore to
uphold at all times. The directives unilaterally suspended the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by virtue of an attempt to reverse a court order recognizing Rt. Honourable
Edison Ehie as the speaker and directing that the remainder of members of the House of Assembly constituted the quorum for legislative business.
2. That the directive also contravenes the hallowed doctrine and practice of separation of powers, particularly as it affect the responsibility of the judiciary. CAN MR. PRESIDENT OR THE EXECUTIVE ARM OF GOVERNMENT OVERRULE THE DECISIONS OF COURTS OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION?
This portends executive rascality which undermines our constitutional democracy, rule of law and good governance.
3. The directives to the parties were one sided in favour of Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike, the Honourable Minister of the
Federal Capital Territory and at the detriment of the Governor, Siminialayi Fubara and the good people of Rivers
State.
4. In the eyes of the law and due process, as evidenced by the Rivers State High Court decision, that the Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule and his team has ceased to exist in the state House of Assembly having defected to another political party, and therefore cannot be reinstated and remunerated through the back door.
5. It is the duty of the Executive arm of Government to provide accommodation for legislators in a constitutional democracy as exemplified by the FCT Minister with respect to the
National Assembly. It is therefore, hypocritical to suggest, that the Rivers State House of Assembly under Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule could
sit anywhere of their choice, whereas in Abuja, it is the FCT Minister, on behalf of the executive arm that provides
accommodation for Federal Legislators. The very reason why the FCT Minister was referred to as the “LANDLORD OF
ABUJA‟ by Mr. President at the presentation of the 2024 budget.
6. The directive to re-present the budget passed and signed into law is a clear attempt to ridicule and denigrate the office of the Governor and the good people of Rivers State including the Judiciary.
7. In Public Administration parlance, a person can exit service either by resignation, sack, voluntarily retirement or death. It is therefore preposterous for the President to direct that the people who have exited service for personal reasons be re-absorbed.
8. The Forum enjoined all responsible citizens of Rivers State to rise up in this our moment of truth, to salvage the soul of Rivers State. Our fathers fought for the creation of Rivers State, we will stand to defend it. “When injustice and
criminality become law and a way of life in the polity, resistance becomes a duty”.
9. Finally, the Forum condemns in its entirety, the directives for the resolution of the political crisis in Rivers State. Nigeria is a constitutional democracy where only the courts can order
the reversal of acts done or carried out under the provisions of the law.
Therefore any resolution or directive that intends to undermine the principle of separation of powers and the rule of law is unacceptable, null and void and will be resisted, using all constitutional means at our disposal.
Long live Rivers State and her People.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The communique was read by former Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Chief Rufus Ada George.
IduwiniVoice Social
The Indorowei family of Liomoni Quarters, Okunwei family of Ewodeware Quarters, Donye of Azina-ware Quarters, all of Ofougbene Community, Iduwini Kingdom, Burutu LGA announce the burial ceremony of their illustrious son and father, Late Capt. Edward Olayerinmene Forcados, who passed at the age of 84.
Service of Songs:
4pm, Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, at his residence, Efosa Street, Off Jakpa Road, Effurun
Funeral Rites:
10am, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, body leaves Ame Specialist Hospital Mortuary for his hometown, Ofougbene via MillarJetty, for funeral rites and Interment.
An All-night Social Wake-keeping follows from 7pm till dawn.
(c) IduwiniVoiceTv
By: Daire Perez
As the third phase national chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), I, General Godstime Ogidigba, would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the PAP administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro. The launch of the second phase of laptop distribution to amnesty scholarship beneficiaries is a testament to his dedication to enhancing the learning and research capabilities of our students. I am proud of the strides his administration has taken to prioritize the welfare of our students, marking a significant shift in the narrative of the PAP program.
Under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership, the PAP has witnessed a positive transformation. For the first time in almost a decade, we are seeing tangible results that reflect the program’s true potential. His commitment to the welfare of our students is commendable, and I am confident that his administration will continue to yield positive outcomes.
As the third phase national chairman, I am delighted to give Dr. Otuaro my full support and backing. His leadership style, which prioritizes listening to the people and addressing their needs, is a breath of fresh air. I believe he is the right person to take the PAP program to greater heights, and I look forward to seeing more positive developments under his administration.
Dr. Otuaro’s efforts have brought the PAP program into the limelight, and for that, I am eternally grateful. His dedication to improving the lives of our students is a testament to his character, and I have no doubt that he will continue to make a lasting impact. I wish him all the best in his endeavors and assure him of my unwavering support.
In conclusion, I would like to reiterate my appreciation to Dr. Dennis Otuaro for his outstanding leadership and commitment to the PAP program. I am confident that under his guidance, the program will continue to thrive and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students. Thank you, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, and may God bless you for your service.
IduwiniVoice
Commrade Solomon Gbegha, former chairman of Odimodi Community, has extended warm felicitations to His Royal Majesty, Elder (Capt.) King Joseph Timiyan (JP), Torububou 1, Agbonu, the revered king of Ogulagha kingdom, on the occasion of his 20th Coronation Anniversary.
In his goodwill message, Comrade Gbegha congratulated the monarch for his peaceful leadership, wisdom, and commitment to the unity and progress of the Ogulagha kingdom and the Niger Delta region of large.
He further wished the royal father a long, peaceful, and prosperous reign, praying that God continue to grant him wisdom, strength, and good health to leader his people to greater heights.