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Governor Fubara explained that, just a few hours after receiving a signal indicating that police officers would be withdrawn from the RSIEC premises, he went to the site.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
News
Tantita Security Commissions Modern Police Station, Reaffirms Commitment to Security and Community Development
By Favour Bibaikefie
Chief Engr. Kestin Ebimobowei Pondi, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, has reaffirmed the company’s dedication to both national security and grassroots development. He made this assertion over the weekend during the official commissioning of a newly constructed and fully equipped police station for the Nigerian Police Force at the Ugborikoko Divisional Headquarters in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
While addressing the attendees, Chief Engr. Pondi remarked:
“Today marks a significant milestone in our journey at Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited. We are beyond proud to commission the new Ugborikoko Divisional Police Station—a symbol of our unwavering commitment to security, peace, and community development.
“This station is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a tangible manifestation of what can be achieved when communities, governments, and the private sector unite with a common purpose. For us, it’s about creating safe spaces where citizens and officers alike can thrive, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to live in security and peace.”
He went on to emphasize that the company’s objective extends well beyond securing oil and gas pipelines, stating:
“Since 2022, our mission has always gone beyond security—it’s about contributing to national prosperity and local empowerment. As we hand over this new facility, we’re reminded that true progress isn’t just in improving infrastructure, but in uplifting the very people who protect it. With state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technology, and an unwavering focus on operational efficiency, this police station is built to serve you—our community.”
Concluding his remarks, he offered a message of dedication to the local residents:
“To the people of Warri, Effurun, and Ugborikoko, this station is for you. Together, we’ll continue working towards a brighter, safer future where security is not just a priority, but a reality for all,” the statement added.
The event marks another significant step by Tantita in supporting law enforcement and fostering a secure environment in the Niger Delta region.
By Divine Perezide
The ongoing political tension surrounding the state of emergency declared in Rivers State has escalated, as 11 governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have assembled a formidable legal team to contest the decision at the Supreme Court.
According to an April 14 report by NijaNews, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), is currently drafting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official response to the lawsuit. The suit stems from the March 18, 2025, emergency proclamation that led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara—who also serves as Vice Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum—alongside his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
President Tinubu had appointed Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd.) as a sole administrator to oversee the state during the six-month emergency period. The National Assembly backed the President’s move through a voice vote.
In response, PDP governors from 11 states—Adamawa, Enugu, Osun, Oyo, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Delta, Taraba, Zamfara, and Bayelsa—filed a legal challenge at the Supreme Court. Their suit, identified as SC/CV/329/2025, questions the constitutionality of the emergency rule and the President’s authority to suspend a sitting governor and deputy, replacing them with an unelected administrator.
To press their case, the governors have enlisted a high-profile legal team featuring seven Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), including Bolaji Ayorinde, Eyitayo Jegede, Kamaldeen Ajibade, J.A. Mumuni, Musibau Adetunbi, Samuel Atung, and Yunus Abdulsalam. They are joined by six other experienced attorneys.
The core of the legal challenge revolves around the interpretation of Nigeria’s Constitution, particularly concerning the limits of presidential power and the principles of federalism. The governors are asking the Supreme Court to clarify whether the President can suspend elected officials under the guise of emergency rule and whether such actions undermine constitutional democracy.
A source within the Ministry of Justice confirmed that the AGF’s office is fully engaged. “As we speak, my colleagues are in the office working on the processes,” the source disclosed.
In a related development, the House of Representatives is forming an ad-hoc committee to take over legislative responsibilities in Rivers State. This move is part of an effort to ensure continuity of governance under the emergency rule.
According to House spokesman Akin Rotimi, the National Assembly subjected the President’s emergency declaration to “rigorous legislative consideration,” resulting in amendments aimed at enhancing democratic checks. He explained that one of the key changes “was to designate the National Assembly, rather than the Federal Executive Council, as the oversight authority for all regulations issued under the emergency arrangement.”
The ad-hoc committee will be chaired by House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, with the Minority Whip serving as deputy. Other committee members include Isiaka Ibrahim, Idris Wase, Muktar Betara, and Sada Soli. Prof. Jake Dan-Azumi will lead the committee’s secretariat.
Rotimi emphasized the House’s commitment to constitutional integrity. “This development highlights the House of Representatives’ commitment to upholding the supremacy of the Constitution and ensuring that the extraordinary measures taken during the emergency period remain subject to legislative oversight, guided by principles of transparency and accountability,” he said.
The Supreme Court is yet to announce a date for the hearing of the high-stakes case.
Former Deputy Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, has extended heartfelt birthday wishes to High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, as he marks his 54th birthday.
In a personally signed message released to the press on Saturday morning, Deacon Otuaro, speaking on behalf of the “Oporozawei House,” praised Tompolo’s unwavering dedication to justice and his selfless leadership in the Niger Delta region.
The birthday message, titled “BIRTHDAY MESSAGE TO HIGH CHIEF GOVERNMENT EKPOMUPLO (A.K.A. TOMPOLO),” reads in part:
> “On this special day, on behalf of the “Oporozawei House,” I join the good people of the Niger Delta and well-meaning Nigerians across the globe to celebrate a rare gem, my brother — High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, a.k.a. Tompolo.
“You are not just a leader by title, but by sacrifice. You have consistently stood for justice, for equity, and for the liberation of our people in the Niger Delta. Your voice has been a shield, your actions a testament to the strength and resilience of the Ijaw spirit.
“As you add another year, I thank God for preserving you. I pray that His wisdom, strength, and protection continue to abound in your life. May He bless you with long life, good health, and greater influence to keep championing the cause of justice and development for our land.
“Today, we celebrate more than just your birthday — we celebrate your unwavering love for your people and your courage to always do what is right, no matter the cost.
“Happy Birthday, High Chief!
Continue to shine as a beacon of hope and a pillar of truth.”
“Signed with brotherly affection,
H.E. Dcn. Kingsley B. Otuaro
The immediate past, Deputy Governor of Delta State”
Deacon Otuaro’s tribute highlights Tompolo’s enduring influence and acknowledges his role as a symbol of hope and integrity within the Niger Delta and beyond.