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Governor Fubara explained that, just a few hours after receiving a signal indicating that police officers would be withdrawn from the RSIEC premises, he went to the site.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
WARRI — The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone, has backed the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, over his recent assertion that Ijaws occupy six local government areas in Delta State, describing the claim as factual and widely acknowledged.
Guwor had made the statement during a gathering in Bomadi where Ijaw leaders hosted Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori. The event also featured the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori as preferred candidates for the 2027 presidential and governorship elections by Ijaw stakeholders in the state.
The Speaker, while presiding over the adoption of a motion moved by Julius Pondi and seconded by Preyor Oboro, noted that the political stance reflected the position of Ijaws residing across six local government areas in Delta.
However, the comment has drawn criticism from sections of the Itsekiri ethnic nationality, who challenged the accuracy of the claim and described it as misleading.
Reacting to the controversy, the IYC Western Zone dismissed the criticisms, insisting that the Speaker’s statement aligns with demographic and political realities.
Speaking in Warri, the IYC Western Zone Information Officer, Tare Magbei, said the backlash was driven by political opposition and ethnic bias.
Magbei maintained that Ijaws have undisputed dominance in Burutu and Bomadi Local Government Areas, while constituting the majority population in Patani, Warri South-West, and Warri North, and maintaining a minority presence in Warri South.
He described attempts to discredit the Speaker as “deliberate efforts to misinform the public,” adding that the issue has been unnecessarily politicised due to the approaching election cycle.
According to him, “what the Speaker stated reflects the obvious realities known to residents of Delta State,” noting that stirring ethnic sentiments for political gain could undermine peaceful coexistence in the region.
The IYC spokesman further warned that disputing such claims could heighten tensions, emphasizing that the Ijaw people have historically demonstrated restraint and commitment to peaceful relations with neighbouring ethnic groups.
He urged political actors to prioritise issue-based engagement rather than what he termed campaigns of calumny targeted at public office holders, including the Speaker.
The development underscores growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, as stakeholders across Delta State continue to position themselves within the broader dynamics of ethnic representation and electoral strategy.
By Favour Bibaikefie
BOMADI, DELTA STATE — Prominent Ijaw leaders, traditional rulers and political stakeholders have thrown their weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for second terms in office, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was announced at a large gathering held in Bomadi, headquarters of Bomadi Local Government Area, during a grand reception organised by Delta Ijaw political leaders in honour of the governor.
The event drew thousands of Ijaw indigenes and key figures from across the Niger Delta, including the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dennis Brutu Otuaro, who led the mobilisation efforts alongside other stakeholders.
The motion for endorsement was formally moved by a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Julius Pondi, and seconded by Delta State lawmaker Hon. Kenneth Oboro. It was subsequently ratified through a voice vote presided over by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Dennis Guwor.
Also present was Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, who commended the Delta State administration for its development-focused approach in Ijaw communities.
In recognition of his contributions, traditional rulers under the Delta Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum conferred the chieftaincy title “Izonebimiewei”—meaning “the man who does good for the Ijaw people”—on Governor Oborevwori. The monarchs described the honour as a reflection of his infrastructural strides and commitment to the welfare of riverine communities.
Among the royal fathers in attendance were the Ebenana-owei of Ogulagha Kingdom, HRM Joseph Timiyan; Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom, HRM Pere Kalanama VIII; and several other paramount rulers across Ijaw kingdoms in Delta State.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Oborevwori expressed appreciation for the honour and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive development. He noted that significant investments—running into hundreds of billions of naira—had already been made in infrastructure and social development across Ijaw areas.
According to him, the continued support of the Ijaw people would be reciprocated through further projects and political inclusion.
Speaking at the event, Otuaro urged the people to sustain their support for the current administration at the federal level, citing ongoing development initiatives in the Niger Delta. He pointed to key interventions, including large-scale infrastructure projects and strengthened institutional support for regional agencies.
He emphasized that continuity in leadership would consolidate the gains recorded so far, urging members of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement 2027 to intensify grassroots mobilisation efforts.
The Chairman of the Central Organising Committee, Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, explained that the reception was convened as a demonstration of appreciation for the governor’s developmental achievements in Ijaw communities.
The event also witnessed a strong turnout of supporters aligned with the pro-Tinubu campaign structure, further underscoring the growing political momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The endorsement marks a significant political statement from the Ijaw bloc in Delta State, signalling early alignment and strategic positioning ahead of the 2027 elections.
By Charity Ebi
Hon. has formally assumed office as the Coordinator of the City Boy Movement (CBM) in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, pledging dedication to service and community development.
Speaking following his inauguration, Negerese described his new role as a call to responsibility and commitment rather than a mere title. He assured residents that his leadership would focus on delivering impact and fostering hope across the local government.
He expressed gratitude to God for what he described as divine grace and acknowledged the support of key political leaders and stakeholders, including the Governor of Bayelsa State, , and his deputy, . He also appreciated the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, , for his encouragement and backing.
The newly inaugurated coordinator further thanked the leadership of the City Boy Movement, particularly the State Director-General, , as well as members of the organisation for entrusting him with the responsibility.
Negerese paid special tribute to the people of Ekeremor, including youths, women, and elders, for their support and participation in the process leading to his emergence.
He pledged to work collaboratively with stakeholders to promote development, empower residents, and strengthen unity within the area, expressing optimism about building a more vibrant and progressive Ekeremor under his coordination.