
President Bola Tinubu flanked by suspended Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike at a reconciliation meeting Thursday night at the Presidential Villa

President Bola Tinubu flanked by suspended Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike at a reconciliation meeting Thursday night at the Presidential Villa
ABUJA – The Senate has passed the 2025 budget of Rivers State, totaling ₦1.485 trillion, following the third reading of the appropriation bill on the Senate floor today.
The passage came after the upper chamber considered the report of the Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State during the Committee of Supply session.
The bill seeks to authorize the issuance of N1,485,662,592,442 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Rivers State for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025.
The approved budget breakdown includes ₦120.8 billion for debt servicing, ₦287.38 billion for recurrent (non-debt) expenditure, and ₦1.077 trillion for capital expenditure.
While supporting the passage of the bill, Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central), however, raised a concern regarding the additional 50 billion naira earmarked for the payment of outstanding pensions and gratuities.
He urged the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee to conduct more rigorous oversight to ensure that the funds reach the rightful pension beneficiaries without delay.
The Rivers State 2025 budget will now proceed for assent and implementation.
In May, President Bola Tinubu submitted the 2025 Appropriation Bill for Rivers State to the National Assembly for consideration, following the suspension of the state’s House of Assembly.
In a letter addressed to the Senate President, Senator Goodwill Akpabio, the proposed budget totals ₦1.481 trillion, with major allocations aimed at revitalizing key sectors.
Tinubu also wrote to the House Representatives for the Rivers State budget approval, reminding the House that the Supreme Court had nullified the 2025 budget presented by suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
After months of political squabbles between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly members who are loyal to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state on March 18, 2025.
Tinubu instead appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state for the first six months.
ABUJA – The 17 candidates nominated by President Bola Tinubu to oversee the affairs of Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Rivers State Civil Service Commission and Rivers State Local Government Service Commission have officially declared their assets before the Code of Conduct Bureau.
The assets declaration came on the heel of security clearance by the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Police.
The Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, disclosed this during the screening exercise by the Senate ad hoc committee to oversee the activities of the Rivers Sole Administrator, Vice Adm Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd).
The development comes barely one week after President Tinubu transmitted the names of nominees to the Senate for confirmation.
The five nominees for the Rivers State Civil Service Commission are Dr Barikor Baribuma (Chairman), Lot Egopija, Ms Maeve Ere-Bestman, Mrs Joy Obiaju and Mrs Charity Lloyd Harry.
Rivers State Electoral Commission has seven nominees – Dr Michael Ekpai Odey (Chairman), Mr Lezaasi Torbira, Prof Arthur Nwafor, Prof Godfrey Mbudiogha, Prof Joyce Akaniwor, Dr (Mrs) Olive A. Bruce and Prof Chidi Halliday.
The category of Rivers State Local Government Service Commission also has seven appointees namely Israel N. Amadi (Chairman), Linus Nwandem, Lady Christabel George-Didia, Dr Tonye Willie Pepple, Richard Ewoh, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ofik (retd) and Sammy Apiafi.
The 17 nominees were all presented before the Senate committee by the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Basheer Lado, who divided them into three categories.
The nominees for the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board are expected to take place on Wednesday at the Senate.
Bamidele who doubles as the chairman of the 18-member committee, however, reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to upholding democratic processes in the oil-rich state.
He said, “Let me quickly inform distinguished colleagues and members of the public that the nominees who are seated before us have gone through security screening by the various security agencies, including the Department of State Security as well as the Nigerian Police.
“And none of them had had any issue with security clearance, which is germane to what we are doing here. We will just be speaking to your CV because I will have no issues with security clearance.
“Members of the public are also to be told that we have also insisted that they should go through the constitutional requirement of going to do their assets declaration by the Code of Conduct Bureau, which they have also complied with.”
The Ekiti lawmaker also disclosed that once they finished the screening exercise, the results and recommendations would be presented to the Senate leadership at the next plenary.
“Finally, it is also for me to report that as a committee we did not have any petition against any of the nominees who are here. So there is no inhibiting factor that would really prevent us from screening any of the nominees.
“The screening exercise itself is a process and all of these individual steps that I have mentioned are part of the process.
“Once we are done with this, we then make our recommendations to the Senate in plenary for the confirmation or otherwise based on our findings and recommendations,” he said.
PORT HARCOURT- No fewer than 2,247 fresh university graduates have been deployed to Rivers under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The corps members, comprising graduates from both local and foreign universities, were posted to the state to undertake the mandatory one-year national service.
The Sole Administrator of Rivers, Retired Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas, officially inducted the 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream II corps members during a brief ceremony held on Friday in Nonwa-Gbam, Tai area of Rivers.
Represented by Prof. Ibibia Worika, Secretary to the State Government, Ibas urged the corps members to be creative and resourceful throughout their service year.
He reminded them of their responsibility to render selfless service to the nation as part of their contribution to national development.
“We are pleased to welcome the new corps members, in whom we have full confidence to contribute meaningfully to the development of our dear state.
“The Rivers State Government remains committed to prioritising the welfare and security of corps members deployed to the state,” he said.
Ibas also commended the scheme for their longstanding contributions to key sectors in the state, including education, agriculture, primary healthcare, and rural infrastructure.
Mr Moses Oleghe, the NYSC Coordinator in Rivers, encouraged the corps members to view their deployment as a valuable opportunity to contribute to nation-building.
He said that of the 2,247 corps members posted to the state, 903 are males while 1,344 are females.
According to him, the newly inducted corps members will be redeployed to various assignments across the state as part of their mandatory service.
“We are confident that the good people of Rivers State will continue to support the corps members, thereby advancing the NYSC Scheme to an enviable position in the national rankings,” Oleghe said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Oath of Allegiance was administered by Justice Asivosou Oriye on behalf of the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi. (NAN)
The governor emphasised the need to safeguard lives and property through robust security measures, while maintaining a government rooted in transparency and accountability.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, Fubara called for collaboration across political divides to build a society where every citizen’s voice is heard and supported.
Acknowledging the recent political turbulence in Rivers, Fubara noted that democracy must be actively protected and nurtured, especially during challenging times.
He stated that his administration remained focused on fairness, civil liberties, and responsible governance, prioritising inclusive policies and strong oversight mechanisms.
Fubara also urged citizens to unite, innovate, and pursue common goals, stressing the importance of honoring the legacy of those who sacrificed for Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Expressing optimism about the state’s future, he said Rivers would emerge stronger and more united in spite of current challenges.
He appealed to residents of the state and Nigerians at large to commit themselves to building a society where everyone could contribute meaningfully to national and state development.(NAN)
LAGOS- Former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to, in the spirit of the June 12 anniversary, reinstate suspended Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers.
George made the appeal on Wednesday in an open letter to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the June 12, 1993 election.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN)reports that the presidential election was won by late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, but was annulled on June 23, 1993 by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida,
NAN recalls that Fubara was suspended by Tinubu on March 18 due to political tensions in the oil-rich state.
Meanwhile, Fubara visited Tinubu in Lagos during Sallah celebration.
George said: “If Tinubu could forgive Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, then he should extend same gesture to Fubara.
“On June 12, we will be celebrating Democracy Day. This is a reminder of the true meaning of democracy – the will of the people.
“Since Tinubu has forgiven Sanwo-Olu, then it makes a lot of sense, spiritually, to also forgive Fubara and let him return to office. I am talking as an elder”,he said.
George noted that Tinubu was in the forefront of those who fought the military, seeking a return to civilian rule.
The PDP chieftain said Tinubu was passionate about return to civil rule during the military era, aspiring for top political positions in Lagos.
“He later joined NADECO to fight for democracy. Some of those who fought alongside him for democracy have died. It is not of his making that he is alive today.
“So, he should thank God, honour the memory of those who fought alongside him for democracy and return Fubara to office immediately.
“I also appeal to him, in the spirit of my maternal grand uncle who founded the first political party in Nigeria in 1922, Herbert Macaulay, to please reinstate Fubara.
“Tinubu should listen to, and honour this appeal in memory of all those who died in the journey to our democracy,” George said. (NAN)
Ibas made this known in Abuja on Wednesday while defending the budget before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight.
According to him, the proposed budget aligns with the strategic objectives of the River State Development Plan 2017-2027.
He also noted that the proposal presents a strategic and integrated framework designed to raise revenues and accelerate infrastructure development, enhance human capital, and promote inclusive economic growth across all sectors.
He said, “In anticipation of the eventual return to constitutional order, the draft budget prudently retains provisions for the offices and functions of suspended political actors, some of whom have already drawn on allocated resources in the first quarter and are expected to resume their duties at the expiration of the emergency period.”
He, however, accused some suspected Rivers State officials of failure to provide the administration with useful information required to prepare the budget proposal.
Ibas added, “Regrettably, some state officials withheld critical information required to ensure a more complete capture of those expenditures at the time of submission of the budget estimates.
“However, recognising the exigencies under the state of emergency and the need to ensure fiscal credibility, the budget framework integrates expenditure information made available before the submission of the budget proposal to ratify the first quarter expenditures in a lawful and transparent structure.
“This ensures alignment with statutory appropriation protocols while safeguarding the integrity of public finance management.”
The budget, totalling ₦1.48tn in expenditure with a projected ₦1.4tn in revenue, was transmitted to the National Assembly following presidential approval after the Supreme Court ruled on the legality of the Rivers State 2025 appropriation process.
In his opening remarks, Ibas thanked the committee for its dedication.
“We in Rivers State are most grateful for your commitment. Despite your tight schedules, you have shown unwavering resolve to fulfil your constitutional duties,” he said.
Ibas highlighted several major allocations including ₦324.50bn for infrastructure and transportation projects; ₦55bn to relocate and expand Rivers State University Teaching Hospital; ₦50bn for zonal hospital upgrades; ₦38.85bn for shoreline protection and erosion control; ₦30bn for zonal secondary schools and ₦5.75bn for primary school rehabilitation.
Others are ₦2.5bn for women’s economic empowerment and ₦3bn for youth resource centres; ₦20bn to recapitalise Rivers State Microfinance Bank for Medium and Small Scale Enterprises support, and ₦117bn in pension, gratuities, and employee benefits.
Responding, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Rivers State oversight, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, commended Ibas for the detailed presentation and affirmed the committee’s readiness to partner with the administrator in restoring peace and development to Rivers State.
He also pledged the committee’s readiness to scrutinise the budget estimate in the interest of the oil-rich state and its people.
Ihonvbere said, “I want to especially thank you and let you know that this committee is committed to working with you to restore stability, peace, growth, and development in Rivers State.
“Rivers has always been a shining example of what is possible with good leadership, and that is why this commitment is here.
“We will scrutinise the budget. We will invite you to send your relevant officials for a proper defence of the budget. In as much as we are committed to joining hands with you to get Rivers State back on track, we are not going to cut corners.”
Ihonvbere, who doubles as the House Majority Leader, also highlighted key social welfare components in the budget, such as women’s empowerment and pensions for retirees, describing them as necessary and people-centred interventions.
“These are areas that touch people’s lives, and we know the plight of their families. We appreciate you for making these bold commitments,” he added.
This response came after Wike mocked the former Rivers State governor, alleging that Amaechi was not hungry for food, as claimed in his 60th birthday speech, but rather for power.
Wike said, “We have no time to listen to nonsense in Nigeria. I don’t understand why a man like Amaechi would choose his 60th birthday to lie to Nigerians about being hungry.
“He was Speaker from 1999 to 2007, Governor from 2007 to 2015, and Minister from 2015 to 2023. He never spoke about hunger during those years.
“Now they are regrouping. They are only hungry for power. This shows his failure. How can you trivialise the issue of hunger? He joined Atiku and claimed hunger. He cannot stay out of power. From 1999 to 2023, Amaechi stood before Nigerians and claimed hunger. He was a former governor who couldn’t secure even 25% for Buhari during elections, despite being the campaign DG.”
In reply, Amaechi told Arise Television on Tuesday that Wike was once his chief of staff and therefore politically subordinate.
“I was once his boss, whether he likes it or not. I hired him. I could have said no. God, Peter Odili, the judiciary, and the people of Rivers State made me governor. I say this because I don’t want to engage in childish disputes.”
Recall that in 2021, Wike claimed he made Amaechi governor.
“I was the one God used to make Amaechi governor. I even have a tape from church where he said that after God, I’m next. But he went on national television to say that I was his staff, his employee. It wasn’t funny, but I said no problem.
“We all sat to make him governor, and I championed it. How do you call someone who made you governor an employee?
“Even after he became governor, he sought my advice on running his government and offered me commissioner of finance, but I rejected it because I wanted to remain chief of staff.”
Denying Wike’s claim, Amaechi stressed that the FCT minister was his chief of staff and that he could have declined the appointment.
“Ask him how he made me governor. I wanted him as chief of staff so I could supervise him. I didn’t offer him commissioner for finance. He made himself chief of staff, governor, minister, and local government chairman,” he said.
Amaechi also criticised Wike’s political style, accusing him of immaturity and tarnishing his family name.
“There is no longer respect for family names. People say and do anything,” Amaechi lamented.
PORT HARCOURT- The Police Command in Rivers has apprehended a suspected notorious car snatcher, believed to be involved in multiple vehicle hijackings within the state.
SP Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the command, made this known in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Iringe-Koko said that the suspect was arrested at about 11:30 p.m., on May 5, along Abacha Road in Port Harcourt.
She explained that the suspect was intercepted by police operatives while riding a bicycle, adding that a search conducted on him led to the recovery of seven master keys.
”The suspect was immediately taken to the station for further questioning,” she disclosed.
The spokesperson said the suspect confessed during interrogation to his involvement in various criminal activities, including car snatching.
”He led police operatives to his residence, where officers recovered a red Hyundai Sonata saloon car with registration number EKY 531 GG, which had previously been reported stolen,” she added.
She further revealed that the suspect had provided valuable information to the police, including the identities of other gang members operating across Delta, Edo, and Lagos states.
Iringe-Koko said that a full investigation had been launched into the case and assured the public that the command would continue to provide updates as investigations progresses. (NAN)
The appointment was contained in a Special Government Announcement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
The three-paragraph statement was signed by the Acting Head of Service, Rivers State, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown and sent to newsmen.
The statement said the newly appointed permanent secretaries would be sworn in by the sole administrator on a date to be made known.
The statement reads, “His Excellency, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd), the Administrator of Rivers State has approved the appointment of the under-listed persons as Permanent Secretaries.
“They include: Imaonyani Roselin Ephraim-George, Dr. Mina T. Ikuru, Dabite Sokari George, Soibitein Duke Harry, Lauretta Davies Dimkpa, Uche R. Ideozu, Chimenum Mpi, Jeremiah Egwu, Nicholas Iminabo Wokoma, Vera Sam Dike and Aleruchi Akani.
“The newly appointed permanent secretaries will be sworn in by His Excellency, the Administrator of Rivers State, on a date to be announced.”
Speaking on Monday during a media parley in Abuja, Wike asserted that the ex-Rivers State governor is hungry for power, not food, contrary to Amaechi’s claim.
Amaechi had, during an event marking his 60th birthday last week, commented on the state of the economy, stating, “We’re all hungry, all of us are. If you’re not hungry, I am. For us, the opposition, if you want us to remove the man in power, we can remove him from this power.
“In Nigeria, there are no capitalist ideas among the politicians; it’s about sharing.”
Responding to this, Wike said, “We have no time to listen to nonsense in Nigeria. I don’t understand why a man like Amaechi would choose his 60th birthday to lie to Nigerians about being hungry.
“He was Speaker from 1999 to 2007, Governor from 2007 to 2015, and Minister from 2015 to 2023. He never spoke about hunger during those years.
“Now they are regrouping. They are only hungry for power. This shows his failure. How can you trivialise the issue of hunger? He joined Atiku and claimed hunger. It is clear he cannot stay out of power. From 1999 to 2023, Amaechi stood before Nigerians and claimed hunger. He was a former governor who couldn’t secure even 25% for Buhari during elections, despite being the campaign DG.
“Thank God we did not support the PDP; otherwise, he would have taken the glory. He is now in a coalition. I don’t like to talk much. Let them form their team and start from home in Rivers.
“Let’s see how he plans to remove the president. Is it a military coup? The term ‘removal’ is synonymous with dictatorship or military coup. Nigerians remember what happened in 2015, and now he claims Nigerians are hungry.
“I am not a liability; I am an asset. You may dislike me, but I am an asset in ensuring President Tinubu wins a second term.”
Both Wike and Amaechi served as governors of Rivers State. Amaechi was a two-term governor from 2007 to 2015 before being appointed Minister of Transportation by former President Muhammadu Buhari. He also chaired the Nigerian Governors’ Forum from 2011 to 2015.
Prior to his governorship, Amaechi was Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2007 and served as the pioneer chairman of Nigeria’s Conference of Speakers of State Assemblies.
RIVERS – Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, marked his second year in office with a heartfelt address to the people of the state, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support and reaffirming his commitment to peace, reconciliation, and inclusive governance.
In a statement to mark the anniversary of his May 29, 2023, swearing-in, Fubara described the occasion as a moment for sober reflection and renewed determination.
Fubara declared that the people’s backing has given him the courage to continue pursuing unity and healing amid ongoing political turbulence.
“Your support has emboldened me to press on and not to retreat, but to work harder to foster peace, reconciliation, and forgiveness,” he said.
“These are essential to restoring normalcy and delivering transformational infrastructure, impactful programmes, and life-changing services across the State.”
Acknowledging the political challenges that have characterized his tenure, Fubara noted that while progress may have been slowed at times, his administration remained committed to its mandate.
He highlighted strides in healthcare, education, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and gender inclusion as signs of steady progress under his leadership.
“Despite the turbulence, I have remained steadfast and focused, guided by the oath I took and the solemn promise I made to always put Rivers State first,” the suspended governor said.
He assured the people that his commitment remained unshaken.
He praised the people of Rivers State for their sacrifices and roles in sustaining the vision of a united and prosperous state, promising to double down on efforts aimed at consolidating gains in peace, security, and socio-economic development.
Fubara also used the occasion to call on political stakeholders and aggrieved parties to let go of past grievances and join hands in building a stronger and more unified state.
“To those still carrying the weight of our recent political struggles, I appeal to you—let us turn the page, come together, and focus on our shared goal of progress and unity. The time to rebuild and rise is now,” he urged.
The governor concluded with a hopeful message for the future, pledging that all decisions to be taken by his administration will continue to be in the best interest of the people and the lasting development of Rivers State.
READ FULL STATEMENT BELOW
OUR JOURNEY: CHALLENGING BUT PROGRESSIVE AND IMPACTFUL!
My dear good people of Rivers State,
Today marks exactly two years since I took the oath of office as your 7th democratically-elected Governor. On May 29, 2023, I was sworn in following the clear and overwhelming mandate you gave me during the March 18, 2023 elections. Once again, I thank you for the trust, honour, and privilege to lead our beloved State.
In the past two years, our political landscape has undergone significant changes. Despite the turbulence, I have remained steadfast and focused, guided by the oath I took and the solemn promise I made to always put Rivers State first. I pledged to protect and promote our collective interests and ensure you enjoy the real dividends of democracy and good governance. That commitment remains unshaken.
While we have faced daunting political challenges that have, at times, slowed our pace, these two years have not been without meaningful progress. I am proud of the visible milestones we have achieved, modest but significant strides in healthcare, education, infrastructure, youth empowerment, human capital development, and the inclusion of women in governance.
These achievements would not have been possible without your unwavering support and hope in the brighter future we all envision for Rivers State. For your sacrifices, contributions, and the roles you’ve played in your respective capacities, I say a heartfelt thank you.
As we look ahead, I reaffirm my pledge to consolidate on our gains and remain fully committed to the key priorities of this administration: peace, security, community welfare, and the socio-economic advancement of our State. Though our momentum may have been affected by political circumstances, our focus remains clear, and we are determined to emerge stronger, more united, and more result-oriented.
Your support has emboldened me to press on and not to retreat, but to work harder to foster peace, reconciliation, and forgiveness. These are essential to restoring normalcy and delivering transformational infrastructure, impactful programmes, and life-changing services across the State.
We are at a crucial point in our journey, where difficult decisions must be made. Be assured that every step we take will be guided by your best interests and the enduring good of Rivers State.
As we reflect on the lessons of the past two years, I am hopeful for what lies ahead. I look forward to working hand in hand with all of you to build a State we can all be proud of: a RIVERS STATE that stands as a model for the rest of Nigeria.
To those still carrying the weight of our recent political struggles, I appeal to you, let us turn the page, come together, and focus on our shared goal of progress and unity. The time to rebuild and rise is now.
Thank you once again for the opportunity to serve.
God bless Rivers State.
Signed
His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS
Governor Rivers State
Thursday, May 29, 2025
Bamidele explained that the Senate had assumed legislative powers over Rivers State following the declaration of a State of Emergency in the state.
Supporting the motion, Senator Solomon Adeola Olamilekan emphasised the urgency of passing the budget to ensure that the people of Rivers State feel the impact of governance.
He said, “Mr. President, I am not exactly sure under what title this document is categorised, but from what I can see, it pertains to a budget under the state of emergency. I hereby support its passage for second reading so that the people of Rivers can feel the presence of government.”
With no opposition to the motion, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, conducted a voice vote and referred the budget to the Ad-hoc Committee on Overseeing the Rivers State of Emergency for further legislative action.
On Tuesday, the Senate announced that the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, along with other key state officials, would appear before a Joint National Assembly Ad-hoc Committee to defend the state’s 2025 budget.
PORT HARCOURT – The Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre has decried the devastating effects of oil spill in Ogoni community which disrupted farmlands, water collection, and livelihoods across the affected areas.
Mr Nsemeke Asanga, Spokesman for the centre, who made the remarks during an interview with journalists in Port Harcourt on Friday, said that the affected community, B-Dere, in Ogoni, Rivers, had been polluted greatly.
Asanga disclosed that the Trans Niger pipeline had ruptured, releasing thousands of barrels of crude oil into residential areas, waterways, and farmlands within the community.
According to him, the incident marks the second time the pipeline rupture in the area within a two-month period.
He blamed the incident on the alleged neglect of aging oil and gas infrastructure in Ogoniland area.
He said that the latest oil spill on May 6 had catastrophic consequences, displacing over a hundred families and rendering their homes uninhabitable due to widespread crude oil contamination.
‘’Air quality has also been severely compromised, posing serious health risks, including respiratory irritation. Many families have been unable to cook for fear of fire outbreaks.
‘’Families living near the site have abandoned their homes. We are concerned that those affected will soon face food shortages and lack of basic supplies.
“Farmlands, critical to the community’s subsistence, have been polluted, destroying crops and fisheries,’’ he said.
According to him, resident reported that over 80 hectares of farmland have been impacted, affecting cassava, palm trees, and other essential crops.
Asanga, however, urged the government to act swiftly to assist the B-Dere community, adding that the Centre had recently dispatched a team to assess the extent of the damage and ongoing remediation efforts.
The team, he said, observed that the pipeline trench was inadequately backfilled and the remediation workers were simply covering the crude oil with sand.
According to him, this approach contravened international oil spill response standards, as trapped hydrocarbons in the soil risk contaminating groundwater and hinder effective remediation.
The Kebetkache’s spokesman condemned what he described as the continued neglect of B-Dere residents by the company operating the pipeline.
Asanga reported that community leaders had repeatedly reached out to the company for an explanation and dialogue over the spill but had received no response.
“The community wants to know the cause of the oil spill. They are demanding the company to disclose its clean-up plan and discuss compensation.
“This inaction is in violation of Nigeria’s National Oil Spill Contingency Plan, which mandates cooperation with local stakeholders and regulatory bodies such as NOSDRA.
“The company’s refusal to engage has deepened mistrust and has left the community, particularly women, without a clear path to justice,” he added.
The Centre called on the government and relevant regulatory agencies to immediately halt the oil flow, undertake full remediation of the polluted environment, and provide compensation to the affected families for their losses. (NAN)
ABUJA – The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that Section 3 of the East-West Road, which stretches 15 kilometers from Eleme Junction to Onne Junction in Rivers State, will be completed and opened to the public by December 2025.
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, gave the assurance during an inspection tour of the project site in Rivers State.
He further announced that the long-awaited Eleme section will be ready for public use in the next 10 days.
Speaking with journalists after touring the area, Umahi emphasised the economic importance of the road corridor to the nation, particularly its role in facilitating movement to key oil and gas infrastructure located in the Onne area.
The minister, who was accompanied by the Controller of Works for Rivers State, Tarilade Enwereama, interacted with representatives of Reynolds Construction Company (RCC), the contractors handling the project.
Enwereama praised the quality of work done so far, boldly stating that the rehabilitated section of the road is expected to last between 50 to 100 years.
“This road is being done with the highest engineering standards, and we expect it to serve Nigerians for many decades,” Enwereama noted.
Umahi reiterated that the entire Section 3—including areas earmarked for flyovers—will be delivered on schedule.
He pegged the total cost of the ongoing construction work at ₦156 billion, reaffirming the Tinubu administration’s commitment to completing high-impact infrastructure projects.
“This is a national economic asset, and we are determined to finish it. The Eleme portion will be open in 10 days, and the entire stretch to Onne by December,” Umahi said.
This marks the ninth visit of the Minister to the site since work commenced. His frequent inspections, combined with visible progress on the ground, signal a renewed focus on infrastructural delivery in Nigeria’s South-South region.
Residents and commuters along the corridor have expressed cautious optimism, hoping the December deadline will finally bring an end to years of traffic nightmares and economic disruptions along the busy route.
The President said the budget proposal became necessary because of the nullification of the 2025 budget of the state by the Supreme Court and the fact that the state is currently under emergency rule.
The President said that ₦324bn of the amount will be expended on infrastructure, ₦166bn on health, ₦75.6bn on education and ₦31.4bn on agriculture.
He added that by the provisions of the budget; agriculture is expected to generate about 6,000 jobs and appealed to the parliament to urgently pass the budget for the good of the state and its people.
More Details later…