Governor Fubara Reaffirms Resilience of Rivers State Despite Political Challenges Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured the people of Rivers State that despite recent political tensions and the Supreme Court’s decision, the state will emerge stronger. He urged residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding, emphasizing that governance must not be disrupted. Speaking during the inauguration of the Nyeweali Akpor Kingdom Palace and a newly furnished residential quarters for King Eze Levi Amos Oriebe in Ozuoba, Obi/Akpor Local Government Area, Governor Fubara reaffirmed his dedication to ensuring peace and development across Rivers State. Commitment to Peace and Good Governance Governor Fubara acknowledged the mixed emotions among his supporters following recent events but encouraged them to stay hopeful. He assured them that his leadership, which was divinely established, would not be cut short halfway. “I understand that some of our supporters feel uncertain. However, I assure you that God does not begin a work only to abandon it midway. No matter the challenges, we will emerge stronger and better. Stay on the path of peace because if disorder erupts, we will all be the greatest losers,” Fubara stated. Focus on Development and Community Welfare The Governor emphasized that his administration remains committed to delivering impactful projects that benefit the people. He expressed gratitude to the Akpor Kingdom for their support and noted the historical significance of constructing a palace for the kingdom, which had been without one for over 200 years. He recounted how, ten months ago, during the launch of the Okania-Ogbogoro Road reconstruction project, he pledged to build the palace. Just six months after awarding the contract, the promise had been fulfilled. “Hearing that the Akpor Kingdom had existed for over 200 years without a palace moved me deeply. Perhaps, God reserved this task for our administration so we could be part of history forever,” he remarked. In addition to the palace, the government also provided a private residence for the Nyeweali, ensuring his family’s comfort beyond his tenure. Traditional Rulers Commend Governor Fubara’s Leadership During the event, Eze Oha Apara (IV), Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom and Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, praised Governor Fubara’s dedication to preserving the dignity of traditional institutions. He highlighted the administration’s ongoing efforts in building palaces for traditional rulers, reinforcing the significance of their role in governance. “Traditional leaders play a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability at the grassroots level. Governor Fubara’s commitment to our institution demonstrates his deep understanding of leadership and respect for our culture,” Eze Worlu-Wodo stated. The paramount ruler urged the governor to remain steadfast despite political opposition, reassuring him that divine intervention would prevail over any adversarial forces. Moving Forward With Unity and Strength Governor Fubara reiterated that his administration prioritizes the overall well-being of Rivers State rather than personal gain. He vowed to continue implementing projects that positively impact the lives of the people while upholding law and order. “We will not support wrongdoing, but we will also not tolerate attempts to destabilize governance. Our focus remains on fulfilling our promises to the people of Rivers State,” he concluded. Learn more about Rivers State governance and development READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
PORT HARCOURT – Tensions have intensified in Rivers State as the Niger Delta Rescue Movement (NDRM), a militant group, issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, demanding the immediate release of the state’s allocation. Failure to comply, they warned, could result in a complete shutdown of oil production in the region. The militant group also called on non-indigenes residing in Rivers State to leave for their safety, citing an imminent escalation of hostilities. Militants Warn of Oil Disruption NDRM emphasized that unless the Federal Government and all stakeholders involved in the political turmoil take necessary actions to de-escalate the crisis, they would not hesitate to disrupt national oil production. The warning follows the Supreme Court’s ruling last Friday, which upheld a lower court’s decision to withhold Rivers State’s allocation until the House of Assembly, with Martin Amaewhule as Speaker, is fully constituted. Following the ruling, Speaker Amaewhule on Monday gave Governor Siminalayi Fubara a 48-hour deadline to present the 2025 budget to the Assembly. This ultimatum expired at midnight on Wednesday. House of Assembly’s Controversial Directives In response to the budget deadline lapse, the Amaewhule-led House instructed the governor to dismiss all commissioners and political appointees and submit a new list of nominees for screening. A video circulating on social media features approximately eight armed militants wielding AK-47 rifles in an undisclosed forest. In the video, they chanted “asawana, asawana,” a well-known slogan among the Ijaw people of the Niger Delta region. The supposed leader of the group, reading from a letter, stated: “We, the Niger Delta Rescue Movement, express deep concern over the recent developments in Rivers State, which threaten the governance of our beloved state under Governor Fubara. The demand for a 48-hour ultimatum to present the state budget is a deliberate move to destabilize Rivers State, incite chaos, and possibly pave the way for a state of emergency or impeachment. “We urge President Bola Tinubu to intervene immediately and halt the actions of Minister Nyesom Wike and his associates, who are pushing Rivers State towards an avoidable crisis. The people of Rivers State deserve stability, progress, and a conducive environment for governance.” Ultimatum on Federal Allocation and Non-Indigenes’ Safety NDRM further warned that if the federal allocation due to Rivers State is not promptly released, they will take decisive action, including targeting oil production. “We cannot continue generating revenue for the Federation Account while being denied our rightful share. Our workers deserve salaries, and our government requires resources for essential development projects.” Additionally, they urged non-indigenes in the state to consider their safety and evacuate as the situation might escalate. CISLAC Condemns Political Instability, Calls Actions Treasonable Meanwhile, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has strongly condemned the ongoing political instability in Rivers State, describing the actions against Governor Fubara as treasonable. Gimba Hassan, Legal Manager of the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) and a CISLAC representative, asserted that the recent political maneuvers against the governor contain elements of treason under Section 37 of the Criminal Code Act and treasonable felony under Section 40 of the same Act. He cited various unlawful actions, including: “These acts were clearly intended to intimidate and subdue the governor, fitting the legal definitions of treason and treasonable felony,” Hassan explained. He also criticized the Rivers State House of Assembly for issuing an illegal 48-hour ultimatum for the budget presentation, stating that such a directive lacks legal backing. Citing the case El-Rufai vs. House of Representatives (2003) and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, Hassan pointed out that a legislative summons must provide at least seven days’ notice. “With the Supreme Court’s ruling, governance in Rivers State has been stalled. Instead of resolving the crisis, the House of Assembly is worsening it by going on a 12-week recess. This is unacceptable,” he stated. Call for Peaceful Resolution Hassan urged all political stakeholders in Rivers State to resolve their differences and prioritize the state’s progress. He emphasized that the Nigerian constitution begins with “We the People,” highlighting that governance should reflect the people’s will and best interests. For further insights on political and economic developments in Nigeria, visit Premium Times. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
