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Articles by Kelechi Nwaucha
Amid doubts, INEC assures Rivers opposition parties of credible elections
Despite growing doubts over the conduct of elections in Rivers State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured opposition political parties in the state of free, fair and credible polls in 2027. Opposition parties in the State, under the aegis of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), had expressed fears over possible electoral violence, alleged political intimidation and INEC’s impartial conduct of the 2027 general elections.
Customs suspends Tinapa FTZ transfers, clamps down on free trade zone violations
Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has said the service will no longer approve the transfer of containers to the Tinapa Free Trade Zone pending a comprehensive audit. Adeniyi made this known while addressing stakeholders and journalists at the Area 2 Command in Onne, Rivers State, where the service also seized 56 containers of prohibited goods worth about N5.53 billion.
Rivers Assembly threatens to arrest PAMO University VC, finance commissioner over 2017 scholarship fund
The Rivers State House of Assembly has threatened to invoke a warrant of arrest against the vice chancellor of PAMO University of Medical Sciences, the commissioner of finance and the state accountant general. This followed the failure of the three to appear before the house’s ad hoc committee conducting an inquiry into the use of scholarship funds disbursed to PAMO University of Medical Sciences from 2017 till date.
We will not arrest you – Peter Obi throws tantrum back at Wike in Port Harcourt
…Accuses Tinubu of wasting funds for healthcare on presidential jet, foreign travels …As Kwankwanso talks tough, says Obidents, Kwankwasiya teams will defend votes Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has returned what looks like tantrums at Nyesom Wike, FCT Minister regarded as an aggressive campaigner for the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Six weeks after, Fubara’s N1.8trn 2026 budget foot drags at Rivers’ Assembly
…Public disfavour, legislative-executive face-off fingered for delay The 2026 Rivers State Appropriation Bill has passed the second reading on the floor of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The reading on Tuesday marked more than six weeks after Governor Siminalayi Fubara presented the N1.854 trillion budget estimates to the House of Assembly for consideration.
NBA’s new president vows to defend Constitution, judicial integrity
Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, the newly inaugurated president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has promised to uphold discipline and credibility in the legal profession in Nigeria. Badejo-Okusanya, who was sworn in as the 33rd president of the NBA in Port Harcourt, said the country needs a responsive judicial system to strengthen its democracy. She said, “We will not be indifferent to delay, conflicting decisions, corruptions, or conduct that diminishes public confidence.
State police will address gaps in Nigeria’s centralised policing system – Gbajabiamila
Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, has said that the Federal Government’s proposed state police reform aimed to address the limitations of Nigeria’s existing centralised policing system. He said that Nigeria can no longer depend on a single policing system, adding that the Tinubu administration, in pursuing police reforms, had confronted an issue successive governments had avoided.
Judge us by our track record, not ethnicity, Amaechi tells Nigerians
Rotimi Amaechi, the vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former governor of Rivers State, has urged Nigerians to vote on candidates’ records rather than on ethnic sentiment. He spoke at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference in Port Harcourt on Monday, where he represented Atiku Abubakar, the ADC’s presidential candidate.
Judiciary must remain independent to protect democracy, Weah tells NBA
George Weah, former President of Liberia, has warned political leaders against weakening institutions, compromising the judiciary and undermining safeguards designed to check executive power. The former Liberian leader, who gave the warning at the opening of the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Sunday, said such practices endanger democracy.
Poor sanitation in Nigerian cities worsening health issues
A few years ago, a World Bank’s report raised an alarm on Nigeria’s water and environmental challenges, decrying that the country loses N455 billion, about 1.3 percent of GDP, annually to poor sanitation. As well, Clean Nigeria Campaign, an initiative of the Federal Government, re-echoed the alarm as little or nothing has been done to curb the huge loss, which comes through illness, flood from blocked drainages, low productivity and lost learning opportunities for the vulnerable.
Fubara, Wike’s groups agree on peace terms, await FCT minister’s approval
…allay fears over political backlash The Reconciliation Committee set up by the Nyesom Wike‑led Rainbow Coalition met Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers State governor, for the second time and agreed on the need for a full reconciliation of all estranged or aggrieved members of the political family.
Rivers adopts smart waste initiative to tackle refuse heaps
The Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) has adopted a smart waste collection initiative aimed at tackling growing refuse heaps and environmental concerns in the state. Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, has, since last year, experienced steadily growing heaps of refuse along major roads and in suburban centres, heightening calls for an environmental audit.
Leverage Ogoni oil to tackle poverty and unemployment, Abe urges kinsmen
…as Ogoni leaders sue for peace ahead 2027 governorship election Magnus Abe, chairman of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), has urged the Ogoni people to harness the region’s oil resources to tackle poverty and rising youth unemployment. His comments, made at a meeting of Ogoni leaders on Sunday, came against a backdrop of heightened rhetoric and expectations over the resumption of crude oil production and the prospect of an Ogoni-born Rivers State governor in 2027.
Rivers ADC crisis deepens as Dagogo, Pidomson claim governorship ticket
Factional dispute over Rivers ADC ticket A fresh leadership crisis is brewing within the Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following competing claims over the party’s governorship ticket for the 2027 general elections. The Chukwudi Dimkpa–led state chapter declared Gabriel Pidomson, former Secretary to the State Government, the winner of the governorship primaries held between May 22 and 23, 2026.
Wike’s rainbow coalition stagnated Rivers development – ADC’s Farah Dagogo
Farah Dagogo, a former member of the House of Representatives for Degema Federal Constituency, has blamed the Nyesom Wike-led Rainbow Coalition for stagnating development in Rivers State. Dagogo, who insists he is the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate for Rivers State, said the coalition members’ high-handedness will be tested at the next general elections.
NCDMB boost local content development, trains 50 world-class crane operators
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has trained 50 Nigerians in world-class crane operations, further boosting the country’s local content capacity. The graduation ceremony, held on Friday in Port Harcourt, marked the successful completion of a four-week intensive Crane Operations Operator Level I and II training programme.
Amaechi lacks political capital to deliver Rivers, South‑South to Atiku’s ADC in 2027 — Wike
Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has described Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi’s selection as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate as an albatross that will hinder the former vice‑president’s 2027 presidential bid in Rivers State. Abubakar, Nigeria’s former vice‑president, has paired with Amaechi, former governor of Rivers State, as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Amaechi traded South‑South presidency for VP slot — Wike
…Tinubu has impacted Nigerians more than Obasanjo, Buhari, others Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has described Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi’s selection as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate as an albatross that will hinder the former vice‑president’s 2027 presidential bid in Rivers State.
NAPTIP urges stakeholder collaboration as 7 Rivers LGAs register surge in human trafficking
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has stressed the need for stronger stakeholder collaboration in the fight against human trafficking. The call followed a reported rise in cases of human trafficking in seven local government areas of Rivers State.
Abia pensioners rue neglect, want Otti to begin payment of pensions, gratuities
Following unstable and haphazard payment of pensions and gratuities in Abia State by Governor Alex Otti, pensioners in the State have decried the inability of Government to take care of its elder citizens who had worked an retired from the State Civil Service.
Stolen petroleum products, tramadol lead smuggled-goods list in Niger Delta — Customs
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has listed illegally refined petroleum products, tramadol and other items among the most-smuggled goods in the Niger Delta. Esien Etim Esiet, Deputy Comptroller and Acting Controller of the NCS Eastern Marine Command, said this while fielding questions at the 2026 PR Conference — Zone ‘C’ Media Parley held in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
NEMA opens temporary shelter for flood victims in Rivers
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says it has activated temporary shelters for people displaced by flooding in parts of Rivers State. Downpours in recent days submerged roads and properties in parts of Oyigbo, Eleme and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas, forcing residents to abandon their homes.
Defence chief targets operational reforms to counter terrorism, other national threats
The Chief of Defence Staff has intensified the push to update Nigeria’s guiding military doctrine as part of efforts to strengthen the Armed Forces’ ability to counter terrorists and other evolving national security threats.
FG electrifies 13,000 homes, businesses in Rivers with 12MW solar grids
The Federal Government has commenced the development of four solar hybrid mini-grid projects in Rivers State that will provide reliable electricity to more than 13,492 households, businesses and public institutions, further accelerating Nigeria’s drive towards universal energy access and sustainable economic growth.
80% of Nigerian soldiers deployed in ongoing operations against terrorism, banditry — Shaibu
Waidi Shaibu, Lieutenant General and Chief of Army Staff, has said that 80% of Nigerian soldiers, including men of the Army, Navy and Airforce, is involved in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other organised crimes. Shaibu, who spoke at the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) held in Port Harcourt on Monday to mark 163 years of proud service since the Army’s formation in 1863, commended Nigerian soldiers for their patriotism, steadfastness and dedication.
48 hours after Fubara vowed swift action, Gas minister arrived Rivers over gas leak
A Federal Government delegation, led by Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas), is presently in Rivers State to assess the impact of gas leaks in Bille community, Degema Local Government Area. The visit came less than 48 hours after Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers State, vowed swift action to ensure enduring solutions to the environmental crisis in the community.
Defence Minister drives Niger Delta collaboration towards increased oil production Original
Christopher Gwabin Musa, Nigeria’s minister of defence, met with key stakeholders in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry on Monday in a bid to strengthen security around energy infrastructure and drive collaboration toward boosting the nation’s crude oil production.
Coast guards will unlock 5m blue‑economy jobs, tighten maritime security
The Provisionary Committee for the Proposed Establishment of the Nigerian Coast Guard (PC‑NCG) has submitted a roadmap to unlock five million blue‑economy jobs, enhance maritime security, and ensure sustainable marine resources. The roadmap aligns with the commitment made by President Bola Tinubu at the just‑concluded Our Ocean Conference (OOC11) in Mombasa, Kenya.
Poverty, poor economy re-awake extravagant marriage discourse in South-South, South-East
…As govt, traditional councils, communities wade in Governments in Eastern Nigeria, which is today called South-East and South-South, have battled rising pride price to no end, all in a determination to bring down spending to marry a wife and also to reduce the volume of unmarried women in society (what people jokingly call unsold). The battle style of both the South-East and South-South appears alike for the mere reason that both were once under Eastern Region Government.
Rivers Assembly approves Fubara’s 2026-2028 medium-term expenditure framework
The Rivers State House of Assembly has passed the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) submitted to it for consideration by Siminalayi Fubara, the state governor. Martin Amaewhule, speaker of the State Assembly, had, during Thursday’s plenary, acknowledged receipt of the MTEF from Governor Fubara, and the document was later laid before the House by Major Jack, the Majority Leader.
Rivers govt bans unauthorised building development, clamps down on quacks
The Rivers State Government has said it will clamp down on building constructions without the approval of the state Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development. This move followed the collapse of two buildings under construction in parts of the state on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 24, 2026. A four-storey building on Peter Odili Road in the Port Harcourt metropolis collapsed in the early hours of Wednesday, leaving one dead and three severely injured.
Fubara seals site of collapsed building, orders probe
Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State, has sealed off the site of the five-storey building that collapsed on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, killing one person and injuring several others. Onwuka Nzeshi, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, said in a release on Thursday that Fubara also ordered a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse.
Olaka Nwogu, Wike’s ally, wins Rivers senatorial bye-election for PDP
Olaka Nwogu, Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, has been declared the winner of the Rivers South-East bye-election held on Saturday. Rosemary Ogumade, a Professor and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer for the Rivers South-East bye-election, said Nwogu won by 47,961 votes.
Rivers bye-election peaceful and transparent – Abe
… As Rivers South East elects senator Magnus Abe, Executive Chairman of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), has described the ongoing bye-election in Rivers South East senatorial district as peaceful and transparent. He was speaking to journalists at his polling unit in Bera Community, Gokana Local Government Area, after casting his vote on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
NEMA urges tougher environmental control to curb flooding in South‑South
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called on governments and residents in the South‑South to tighten environmental laws and enforcement with the aim of mitigating the negative impacts of flooding. The call comes against the backdrop of recent flooding, which displaced residents and negatively impacted trading in parts of the extended Port Harcourt metropolis.
Cut Nigeria’s GHG emissions by 35% and end gas flaring, MAJI urges FG
Despite ratifying the Paris Agreement in May 2017, experts say Nigeria presently shows little sign of meeting its unconditional target of a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 and of achieving net-zero by 2060. The country’s emissions grew at a compound annual growth rate of 1% from 1990 to 2021, according to reports, with emissions from gas flares, methane, and other sources expected to reach 350–400 MtCO₂e per year by 2030.
INEC eyes free and credible Rivers bye-election, urges stakeholder participation
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Rivers State has intensified activities toward the successful conduct of the June 20 bye-election for Rivers South East Senatorial District. The election, which is to take place across 1,629 polling units, is to fill the Rivers South-East senatorial seat left vacant by the late Barry Mpigi, who passed away in February 2026.
Amaewhule, Wike’s men lead Reps primaries as APC disqualifies Fubara’s allies
Martin Amaewhule, speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, has won the House of Representatives primaries to fly the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag during the 2027 general elections. Amaewhule won the ticket following the primaries conducted in the 17 wards of Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency on Saturday May 16, 2026.
Fubara loyalists screened out as Rivers APC clears 33 for House seats
It has been confirmed that all House of Assembly aspirants believed to be loyal to Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers State governor, have been screened out by the All Progressives Congress (APC). Confirmation of the development came on Tuesday when the aspirants appeared at the party’s State House of Assembly Screening Appeal Committee for Rivers State. The Appeal Committee confirmed on Tuesday that 33 aspirants were cleared for the party’s primaries, while 65 were disqualified.
Fubara’s Assembly list cleared at APC screening
…Wike’s may also sail through The All Progressives Congress Screening Committee for Rivers State has reportedly cleared 32 House of Assembly aspirants, who are said to be loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The screening—which took place at the party’s state secretariat along Aba Expressway, Port Harcourt, on Saturday—witnessed a heavy police presence.
Rivers ADC remains strong despite Obi, Kwankwaso’s exit – Dimkpa
… as Rivers Obidents silent over movement Despite the exit of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the party remains strong and determined to win the 2027 general elections in Rivers State. Chukwudi Dimkpa, ADC’s state chairman-elect, made this known in a statement in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
‘Absence of coast guards exposes gaps in Nigeria’s maritime security framework’
The Provisional Committee of the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard (PC-NCG) has said that the absence of a Coast Guard Agency has exposed gaps in the Country’s maritime security architecture. This followed a recent visit by a United States Coast Guard (USCG) delegation to assess Nigeria’s International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) compliance. The USCG delegation, during its port facility inspection and assessment, praised Nigeria’s “measurable and encouraging” progress in security upgrades.
Ogoni leaders eye 250,000 jobs from industrial park, tech varsity
…Donate 40 hectares The Federal Government is set to begin work on the proposed industrial park, which is to be sited in Ogoni. This followed Ogoni Chiefs’ handover of 40 hectares of land to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for the development of the park on Thursday. The industrial park comes as part of FG’s confidence building measure in the run-up to the projected resumption of oil exploration activities in the area.
Global dignitaries gather as Opobo bids farewell to King Dandeson Jaja
Traditional rulers from across the Niger Delta and South West, the Rivers State government, and international representatives joined the people of the ancient Opobo Kingdom on Saturday to pay their final respects to King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, Jeki V, Amanyanabo of Opobo. King Dandeson Jaja “transmigrated” in December 2025 at the age of 83.
Wike hails Barry Mpigi as dependable ally
… says Ogoni has lost an illustrious son Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has described Barinada Mpigi, the recently deceased senator representing Rivers South East senatorial district, as a dependable ally. He was speaking during a Night of Tributes held for the late senator in Port Harcourt on Thursday, April 9, 2026. Wike described the late Mpigi as a dependable ally who remained loyal when others faltered.
Fubara releases N100m to ease gas emissions crisis in Bille community
Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers State, has announced the release of ₦100 million as part of measures to mitigate the impact of gas emissions on the people of Bille Kingdom. The people of Bille Kingdom, in Degema Local Government Area of the state, have faced worsening incidents of gas emissions since November 2025.
Rivers clamps down on land grabbers, hosts survey pillars, manager online
The Rivers State government has embarked on measures aimed at tackling the growing incidence of land grabbing in the state. These measures include: digitising survey pillars online and hosting its survey manager on the Cloud. Peter Ogolo, state surveyor general, while speaking at the 2026 Global Surveyors Day held at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, described land-grab as an evil that will soon come to an end in the state.
Rivers’ guber aspirants shun declaration amid uncertainty over Fubara’s next move
Weeks before political parties are due to hold governorship primaries in line with the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) 2027 election timetable, most would‑be aspirants in Rivers State have shied away from formally declaring their interest in the race.
Decentralise pipeline contract to stop economic bleeding, N’Delta stakeholders urge Tinubu
The Niger Delta Roundtable recently rose from an emergency meeting in Port Harcourt , Rivers State, resolving that pipeline contracts in the region should no longer be given to an individual but spread across states and communities to touch the lives of those that bear the brunt of exploration and securing national assets.
Amaechi’s ally, Eze quits APC for ADC
… begs Nigerians for forgiveness Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has given reasons for his exit from the ruling party.
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