News

Rivers Group Faults Presidential Verdict On Political Crisis

Published

2 years ago

December 30, 2023

Editor

The Coalition of Rivers State Leaders of Thoughts has faulted some clauses in the presidential peace proclamation in the political crisis in the state, saying it is tantamount to bullying an elected governor.

They describe it as the worst and unimaginable agreement in democratic governance and that it did not recognise constitutional, judicial and legal issues regarding the state legislators who defected from a political party that gave them the platform to a new one.

Convener of the CORSLOTS, Sunnie Chukumele, who stated this at a press conference in Port Harcourt on Friday, said the peace deal failed to address the root causes of the problem.

Other members of the coalition are Prof Blessing Didia, Chief Tammy Datoru, Hajia Miriam Batubo, C.D Samuel, Wing Commander Michael Akumute (retd.), Linda Douglas Wibani, Chief Odinakachukwu Osundu, Dr Parry Benson, Alalibo Fredricks, Chief Timothy Ntedeng, among others.

Chukumele said Rivers people were worried about some of the issues, especially in clauses 5 and 7 of the peace accord which he said were obnoxious.

He said accepting Clause 5, which directed members of the state Assembly to sit wherever they want, meant that the state lawmakers could sit in a beer palour to deliberate and pass laws for the state.

On the other hand, Clause 6, according to him, will present the worst oddity in governance as it will be record breaking in executive cowardice and stupidity.

Chukumele further said representing a state budget that had been passed into law and approved by the governor was akin to what obtained in a banana republic.

He argued that Clause 7 implied that there are no other persons so qualified to serve in the State Executive Council other than those who willingly resigned their appointments. This will amount to a laughing stock.

He added, “That we welcome the implementation of the Peace Accord so far with the withdrawals of pending actions in the court by both sides. We commend the stance of the state governor on the peace process as we believe also that peace is priceless.

“That we are happy with the Governor’s Christmas Day visit to his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike. We believe by such steps, real peace based on mutual love and respect would be birthed to the Glory of God.”

He, however, condemned the sectional and ethnic colouration being introduced into the political conflict in the state, saying the problem should at all times be seen as Rivers State problem which must be solved by the people of the state.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

5 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

6 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

8 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.