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South-South, South-East Professionals Demand Reinstatement Of Rivers Democratic Institutions

Published

8 months ago

March 27, 2025

The South-South, South-East Professionals of Nigeria, SESSPN, have strongly condemned the suspension of key democratic institutions in Rivers State following the declaration of emergency rule by President Bola Tinubu.

The group has called for the immediate reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, and the state’s elected lawmakers, warning that the political crisis is already deterring foreign investment.

Last Tuesday, President Tinubu imposed emergency rule in Rivers State, citing ongoing political instability.

However, in a statement released on Thursday, SESSPN’s Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Emeka Ugwu-Ojo, criticized the move as counterproductive.

He revealed that foreign investors who had previously expressed interest in the state’s non-oil sectors are now withdrawing, shifting their focus entirely to Lagos due to the absence of a constitutionally recognized government in Rivers.

Ugwu-Ojo shared an account of a recent visit by an international investor who had been keen on opportunities in Rivers, Lagos, and Abuja. Before leaving Nigeria, the investor had expressed confidence in Rivers State’s business environment following meetings with government officials. However, with the sudden dissolution of the state government, all investment plans for Rivers have been abandoned, with Lagos now the sole focus.

According to SESSPN, this situation is disastrous for the state’s economy. Rivers had been actively working to attract private sector investments to diversify beyond oil and gas.

Now, with the uncertainty created by emergency rule, no serious investor is willing to engage with a state administration that lacks constitutional legitimacy. The group warned that if the situation is not reversed, Rivers could lose billions in foreign direct investment, similar to how companies fled during the militancy era and never returned.

The ongoing political turmoil also threatens a major development initiative known as the Port Harcourt to Maiduguri Economic Corridor. This ambitious project, aimed at boosting trade and industrialization across the South-East, South-South, North-Central, and North-East regions, was set to position Rivers State as a key hub.

However, with the crisis scaring away investors, the economic vision for the corridor is now at serious risk.

SESSPN stressed that the federal government must act swiftly to prevent lasting economic damage.

The group urged the presidency and the National Assembly to reinstate Rivers’ elected leaders and restore democratic governance in the state. They argued that the people of Rivers should not be punished for political disputes among a few politicians.

With mounting public concern, the professionals’ group insisted that any political crisis in Rivers should be resolved peacefully—without undermining the democratic process.

They reiterated that investors require stability, and the current situation is sending the wrong message to both local and international stakeholders, the statement added.

News

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

7 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

News

JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

7 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

News

Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

8 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.