News

Rivers: Collation Officer’s Husband Alleges Threat To Wife’s Life For Refusing Result Falsification

Published

2 years ago

March 6, 2023

Editor

Dr Amoniia Lulu-Briggs, husband of the Port Harcourt City Local Government Area Collation Officer for the February 25 presidential election, has raised the alarm over continued threats to the life of his wife.

Briggs said his wife, Prof Omiete Briggs, had been receiving several threatening calls and messages after the election from unknown persons for standing by the truth.

Briggs disclosed this while speaking to newsmen at the Nigeria Union of Journalists’ secretariat in Port Harcourt on Monday.

Recall that a group of men had besieged the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission along Aba Road, Port Harcourt, during the collation of results on February 27th, accusing Prof Briggs of manipulating and running away with the PHALGA election results.

According to The PUNCH, the collation Officer was escorted into the INEC premises by armed security operatives who shielded her from being attacked.

Speaking further, Dr Briggs said there had been strange human and vehicular movements around their residence, adding that the threats had spiralled to the university campus where his wife teaches.

He stated, “There has been a viral video, where it emanated from we don’t know but we feel that it was something done within the confines of INEC.

“During the elections, she was under so much pressure to act otherwise. However, because of her belief and her faith, she stood by the results and declared what the people voted for.

“Now, in as much as we thank Nigerians for calling and commending her, on the flip side, there have been so many threats and unknown numbers calling, threatening her left, right and centre.

“She came to serve her country. The purpose of this briefing is to let the security agencies, especially the Inspector General of Police and INEC know what is happening.

“This is a non-politician that was called upon to serve her nation. In serving her nation, what we are seeing now is that there are threats to her life.

“The situation was so unbearable. In the last two days, we have seen unusual movements around our house.

“Last night, our dogs were like crazy. This morning, we saw tinted vehicles moving to and fro. So, I had to move her to a safe abode.”

Continuing, he said, “More disturbing again is even in the university community. We have to call on the university community to protect her because the fillers we have, fellow persons that did not do what she did are now like she is proving to be a righteous person.

“How else can we save this country if we don’t stand by the truth? I came to let Nigerians, the security agencies, and INEC itself know otherwise it will discourage others from rendering such services to the nation.”

While noting that citizens want the country to move forward to secure a better place for our children, he said, “How do we do it when we start compromising our conscience?

“She has stood by the truth. I am very proud of my wife and I think she has done what she is supposed to do.

“If anything happens to my wife, I want the IGP and INEC to know that it was as a result of what came out from this election,” Prof Briggs’ husband said with rage.

PUNCH

News

NCAA Seeks K1 De Ultimate’s Arrest, Petitions AGF, IG

Published

8 hours ago

August 7, 2025

Editor

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has formally petitioned the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police, asking them to investigate and prosecute veteran Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, over an incident that occurred aboard a domestic ValueJet flight.

The incident, which happened on Tuesday, reportedly disrupted standard operational procedures and has raised serious concerns about passenger behaviour and compliance with aviation safety protocols.

According to preliminary reports, K1 De Ultimate was allegedly involved in conduct during ValueJet flight VK201 that contravenes the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations.

According to a statement signed by the agency on Thursday, it noted that in the petition, the NCAA urged the Attorney-General and the IGP to “launch a thorough investigation into the incident” and commence “appropriate prosecution in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Civil Aviation regulations 2023 supra and all other applicable laws.”

In a further move to reinforce compliance and accountability, the Director General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo has issued an advisory to the Airline Operators of Nigeria recommending that K1 De Ultimate be placed on a No-Fly List for all commercial flights pending the conclusion of the investigation.

The advisory, according to the NCAA, is in line with international aviation best practices designed to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and aircraft operations.

The statement read, “In a letter addressed to both the Attorney-General and the Inspector-General of Police, the NCAA called for a comprehensive criminal investigation and the initiation of appropriate prosecution in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Civil Aviation regulations 2023 supra and all other applicable laws.

“Furthermore, and in light of the growing concern, the Director General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, has also issued an advisory to the Airline Operators of Nigeria, urging the immediate consideration and institution of a No-Fly List for K1 De Ultimate (on any commercial flight), pending the outcome of official investigations.

“This advisory is in line with global aviation standards that prioritise the safety of passengers, crew, and airline operations.

“The NCAA reiterates its commitment to ensuring that no individual, regardless of their status or public image, undermines the integrity of our aviation industry as passengers are held to the same standards of behavior and compliance within Nigeria’s airspace.”

The Authority emphasised that aviation safety and discipline remain non-negotiable and that the industry cannot afford to tolerate acts that could endanger lives or compromise the integrity of flight operations.

News

FG Unveils Four Water Projects In Ogoni, Commits To Implementing UNEP Report

Published

8 hours ago

August 7, 2025

Editor

The Federal Government has commissioned four new water projects in Ogoniland, with renewed commitment to addressing public health concerns and full implementation of the report of the United Nations Environment Programme.

The water projects located in Bodo community (Gokana LGA), Eteo (in Eleme LGA), Uegwere-Boue, and Taabaa communities (both in Khana LGA) now brings the number of Ogoni communities with reticulated potable water to 40, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, has said.

Also unveiled was a new HYPREP Area Office in Kpor, headquarters of Gokana LGA, which aims to improve engagement with host communities.

Speaking at the ceremony in Bodo community on Thursday, Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas, described the development as a major step in the federal government’s resolve to restore the dignity of the Ogoni people after decades of environmental degradation from oil pollution.

Abbas stated, “The biggest victim of pollution is water. Water is what gets polluted first, and so the whole essence of HYPREP is to restore water, land, and a better environment. Access to clean and safe water is not just a basic necessity, it is a fundamental human right.”

While noting that the projects are not just infrastructure, but “symbols of hope, equity, and justice” for communities that had long suffered the impacts of oil-related pollution.

He urged residents to take ownership of the facilities and protect them from vandalism.

“Today, as we commission these projects, we are not only laying a physical foundation but also upholding human rights. These commitments underscore our shared dedication to the health, dignity, and well-being of our people,” he stated.

The minister reaffirmed the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to full delivery of UNEP’s report and sustainable development of the Niger Delta region.

“On behalf of the federal government, I affirm our unwavering commitment to the full implementation of the UNEP report. The Ogonis have suffered for too long. It is our duty to address their worries,” Abbas said.

In his address, Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, said progress is also being recorded across other UNEP-aligned thematic areas, including soil remediation, mangrove restoration, health infrastructure, and youth empowerment.

Zabbey stated, “We have completed remediation of 50 simple-risk sites, while work on medium-risk, complex sites is 38% done. Our mangrove restoration project is already 93% complete.”

He stated that over 5,000 Ogoni youths and women have been trained in 20 skill sets, while 7,000 direct jobs have been created through the programme, which he described as a major boost to local livelihoods and stability.

He said, “Work on the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration and Ogoni Power Project is 90% and 40% complete respectively, while the Buan Cottage Hospital and Ogoni Specialist Hospital are nearing completion at 98% and 86%.

“With the Ogoni Health Study now underway, HYPREP has reached the point of simultaneous implementation of key UNEP actions, remediation, water, health and livelihood, working together to transform Ogoni holistically.”

Managing Director of Renaissance Africa Energy Company, Engr. Tony Attah, represented by the General Manager of Relations and Sustainable Development, Igo Weli, praised the federal government and HYPREP for achieving a key milestone.

“This marks a significant moment in our journey to improve public health and the quality of life of Ogoni people. We also commend the resilience and commitment of the communities. Your support reflects a shared desire for progress,” Attah said.

News

FG Warns Of Flooding In Lagos, Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, 26 Others

Published

8 hours ago

August 7, 2025

Editor

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency on Thursday warned of potential flooding in 198 local government areas across 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The alert, obtained by our correspondent, covers August 7 to August 21, 2025, a span of 15 days during which vulnerable communities are advised to take precautionary measures.

The alert categorised flood risk levels as very high, high and moderate, depending on local topography and rainfall intensity projections.

The affected states are Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, the Federal Capital Territory, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.

According to NiHSA, very high-risk states are Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Delta, Gombe, Kebbi, Kogi, Lagos, Niger, Ogun, Rivers, Yobe, and Zamfara.

While states categorised as facing high to moderate risk include Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Cross-River, Ebonyi, Edo, FCT, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kwara, Nasarawa, Ondo, Plateau, Sokoto, and Taraba.

The agency also noted that 832 communities are at risk of varying degrees of flooding.

The alert also warned of the potential disruption of over 100 major transportation routes, particularly in flood-prone areas.

“High likelihood of displacement, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. NiHSA urges residents in affected regions to remain vigilant, adhere to early warning directives, and cooperate with emergency response agencies,” it stated.

To mitigate the potential impacts of flooding, NiHSA recommended that all emergency management stakeholders should get prepared for response protocols to ensure timely intervention.

It added, “Communities at risk should put evacuation plans in place.

“Follow up on NIHSA’s state-level weekly forecast for community-specific forecast, and monitor updates from NIHSA.”

The Director General of NiHSA, Umar Mohammed, said, “This alert is issued in line with our commitment to safeguarding lives and property. We call on state governments, local authorities, and the public to take proactive measures to mitigate risk and ensure community safety.”

He emphasised that they will continue to monitor the hydrological situation and provide timely updates as necessary.

On Tuesday, the National Emergency Management Agency revealed that in 2025, no fewer than 191 lives have been lost to the floods that have ravaged parts of the country, while 94 people remain missing.

The report by NEMA showed that Niger State recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 163 deaths, followed by Adamawa State, where 26 people lost their lives. One death each was reported in Borno and Gombe states.

The data further indicated that, so far this year, the floods have affected 134,435 people across 20 states and 47 local government areas.

Additionally, 48,056 people have been displaced, while 239 injuries have been reported. The floods have also damaged 9,499 houses and affected 9,450 farmlands.

NEMA’s dashboard also revealed that among those affected are 27,121 men, 41,539 women, 60,071 children, 5,704 elderly persons, and 1,874 persons with disabilities.

In 2024, the floods affected 5,264,097 individuals, displacing 1,243,638 people across 35 states and 401 local government areas. The disaster resulted in 1,237 deaths and left 16,469 individuals injured.

Also, 116,172 houses were destroyed, and 1,439,296 hectares of farmland were affected, further worsening the economic and humanitarian impact of the flooding across the country.