News
See What is Happening in Rivers State Now.
By Divine Perezide
…Asserts Local Government Elections Are Non-Negotiable
…Commends Rivers People for Resisting RSIEC Invasion
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) will be held accountable if there is any breakdown of law and order in the state.
The governor made this statement during a world press conference at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday. He revealed that, in the early hours of the same day, he received a report regarding an attempt by the Nigeria Police to invade the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office.
Governor Fubara explained that, just a few hours after receiving a signal indicating that police officers would be withdrawn from the RSIEC premises, he went to the site. Upon his arrival, he observed a group of heavily armed policemen in one truck and three empty vans attempting to enter the RSIEC office, but their efforts were thwarted.
The governor expressed his disappointment, describing the police movement as a deliberate attempt by officers from both the Rivers State Police Command and the Force Headquarters to disrupt the upcoming local government elections scheduled for Saturday, October 5, by stealing electoral materials.
Fubara questioned why the police were targeting a state agency such as RSIEC, especially when the court ruling they cited did not order the sealing of the agency or the suspension of the election. Instead, the ruling simply instructed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to provide a voter register and directed the police not to participate.
“On the matter of the voter register, RSIEC has informed us that they already have it, so there is no reason for the election not to proceed. Regarding security, if the police do not wish to participate, they should withdraw. I am making it clear that any act against this election will create lawlessness in the state, and the IGP will be responsible,” the governor emphasized.
He continued, “The Rivers State Government and RSIEC have a judgment that allows the election to be conducted using the 2023 voter register. The Police, DSS, Nigerian Army, and other security agencies are expected to provide security. I am not a lawyer, but I understand that, in terms of court orders, there is precedence, so why this special interest in the Federal High Court judgment?”
Fubara further questioned why Rivers State is being singled out for scrutiny, when the Supreme Court had previously ruled that local government activities must be conducted by elected officials. He pointed out that a meeting between the President and state governors had established a 90-day timeline to comply with the Supreme Court ruling, and many states are organizing elections to meet this directive. Rivers State is doing the same, he noted.
The governor also recalled a Supreme Court judgment following the June 12 incident in Nigeria, stating that no court should halt an election process.
He urged those opposed to the election to seek legal redress rather than trying to disrupt the process and create instability in the state. He noted that many people are already struggling with hardship and hunger, and attempts to destabilize local government could worsen the situation for civil servants.
Fubara reassured the people of Rivers State that his administration had done everything necessary to ensure that the local government elections would proceed as scheduled. He also questioned why Rivers State is often treated differently when interpreting the law, stressing that local government administration is within the purview of state governments, and federal institutions have no authority to dictate how it should be run.
The governor concluded, “I am informing everyone today that any attempt to stop this election will be resisted. We will not allow Rivers State to descend into chaos to protect the interest of an individual.”
He commended the people of Rivers State for their courage in supporting his administration’s efforts to resist what he described as an illegal attempt by the police to interfere with the election.
Fubara noted that it is the statutory duty of the police to maintain law and order, and he found it surprising that the police had chosen to act as adversaries to the state. He hoped that the police would correct this impression if it was based on misinformation.
He reiterated that the local government election scheduled for Saturday is non-negotiable. He also stated that the winners of the election would be sworn in promptly to begin their duties.
Fubara explained that his administration had formally written to the National Security Adviser, providing copies of the court judgment to request security for the election. Copies were also sent to the IGP, the Director General of the DSS, and other relevant agencies, ensuring that the President was informed of the process.
The governor affirmed that the withdrawal of police services would not affect the election, as other security agencies would still participate.
Source: Gist Report
By Divine Perezide
Abuja, Nigeria – July 2, 2025
A major political realignment is underway in Nigeria as leading opposition figures have formally adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the platform to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
The unveiling ceremony, which took place at the prestigious Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, drew a crowd of influential politicians and political observers. Amongst those in attendance were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and former Rivers State Governor and Minister for Transport, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.
Also present was the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, along with other notable figures from across Nigeria’s political spectrum.
The event marked the formal endorsement of the ADC by a coalition of opposition leaders who are seeking to consolidate forces in a bid to mount serious challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 polls.
Sources close to the coalition disclosed that discussions are already underway to restructure the leadership of the ADC to reflect the interests and participation of the newly joined political heavyweights. The move is aimed creating a united front capable of galvanising nationwide support and offering a credible alternative to the current administration.
Speaking at the gathering, coalition members emphasized the urgent need to rescue Nigeria from what they describe as deepening economic hardship, rising insecurity, and declining public trust in governance.
“The time has come for patriotic Nigerians to rise above party lines and work together to restore hope and accountability in our nation,” one of the leaders said.
The formation of this alliance signals the beginning of what could be a heated political season, with the opposition setting the tone early for what promises to be a fiercely contested Presidential race in 2027.
Moredetails regarding the coalition’s leadership structure, policy agenda, and campaign roadmap are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks.
News
HON. NEGERESE, OTHER POLITICAL LEADERS PAY CONDOLENCES TO LATE PA. MITIN, REGENT OF OPOROMOR KINGDOM
By Divine Perezide
Yenagoa, Bayelsa State – July 2, 2025
Prominent political leaders of Ekeremor extraction and beyond paid a Condolence Visit to the family of Late Chief Mitin Tamaraumienye, the revered Regent of Oporomor Kingdom, who passed away recently.
Leading the delegation was Hon. Berry Negerese, the leader of the ‘Wind of Progress’ political movement, who described the late regent as a custodian of history, peace, tradition, unity, and a political pillar in Ekeremor and Ijaw nation at large. The visit took place in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, where family members and sympathisers gathered to honour the life and legacy of the departed patriarc.
Among others was Hon. John Alla, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Tourism Development, Barr. Japan Udoji, State Coordinator of the Wind of Progress Movement; Hon. Victor K. Ebiyekon, Secretary of the forum; and Capt. Joshua J. Oropere, Chairman of the EA Host Communities Development Trust, Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) board.
The delegation offered heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, acknowledging Chief Tamaraumienye’s role as a father and in preserving the cultural heritage of and traditional authority of Oporomor kingdom. They also commended his contributions to the peace and development of Ndoro community and beyond.
Ina brief remark during the visit, Barr. Udoji expressed, “The passing of Chief Tamaraumienye is not only a loss to his immediate family but also to the entire Ekeremor Local Government Area, and Ijaw Nation. He was a symbol of truth, courage, and wisdom.”
The condolence visit ended with prayers for strength and comfort for the family, and tributes echoing the profound impact the late regent had on the socio-cultural and socio-political landscape of not just Ekeremor Local Government Area but Bayelsa State and Ijaw Nation at large.
Meanwhile, burial arrangements are yet to be announced by the family as of press time.
(c) IduwiniVoice
By DivinePerezide, June 30, 2025
Tuomo, Burutu _ Peace has been fully restored to Tuomo community following recent tensions surrounding the Amananawei election, as residents warmly welcomed the Executive Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Julius Takeme, during a visit to the community on Monday.
Dr. Takeme’s visit was characterized with widespread jubilation, as community members, particularly women carrying placards with various inscriptions: “Tuomo People Thank Burutu LGA Chairman” , “Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, We Thank You” and others in appreciation of the swift intervention by the two authorities.
Addressing the residents, Dr. Takeme reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining law and order, emphasizing that, as the Chief Security Officer of the LGA, he would not allow any individual or group to undermine peace and security. He condemned the actions of those who took the law into their hands by intimidating, assaulting and detaining innocent persons in their local cells.
“The era of using power to intimidate or oppress people is over. The law is supreme and binding on all,” Dr. Takeme stated, urging residents to remain calm and go about their normal activities without fear.
The Council Chairman also called on the Tuomo Community Chairman, Mr. Edonyaibo Morentei Warebi, to ensure inclusive leadership and uphold the constitution guiding the community’s affairs. Similarly, he advised the newly elected Amananawei, Chief Arebebe Ebiyemi, whose election was held on June 11, 2025 to foster peace and unity in his leadership.
Dr. Takeme commended the Nigerian Police Force for her professionalism in restoring peace to the area, particularly the Burutu Area Commander, ACP Redengha Timpa, who was always on ground personally during the intervention.
In appreciation, the community leaders and residents praised Dr. Takeme for his dedication through the exhaustive expending of time, energy, finances by paying countless visits to Tuomo, ensuring the prevalence of peace and justice. The Community Chairman, Mr. Warebi, assured the Council Boss that every member of the community would be carried along and vehemently stressed that this would be a time for reconciliation, not division.
Chief Arebebe Ebiyemi also expressed gratitude for the Chairman’s leadership and support for the people of Tuomo.
As part of his visit, Dr. Takeme announced the approval of the reconstruction of the Tuomo link road, a news that sparked off spontaneous celebration, singing, and dancing among the residents.
With calm fully restored and development projects on the horizon, the people had had a renewed hope for a peaceful and united future where justice would continue to prevail and be sustained.