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NASS Has A Constitutional Role in Legitimizing Governance in Rivers- House Leader.      …..As Sole Administration begs for more time to brief panel

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Speaker of House of Representative, Rt Hon Tajudden Abbas
By Our Reporter
Following the failure of Rivers state Sole Administrator to honour Hose of Representative invitation on Thursday, Leader of the House and Chairman House  of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight, Prof Julius Ihonvbere has reaffirmed the constitutional role of the National Assembly in legitimizing and overseeing the state of emergency declared in Rivers State.
According to the leader the federal legislature remains central to the state’s transitional process.
Prof Ihonvbere reaffirmed the committee’s constitutional mandate and expressed satisfaction that the administrator had finally honored the invitation after earlier delays.
He emphasized that the committee’s mandate was rooted in constitutional authority and that some of its terms had already been communicated to the administrator in an earlier letter.
Citing relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Ihonvbere reminded the administrator that the power to declare a state of emergency under Section 305 rests with the President, but that the National Assembly must approve it before it becomes effective.
“For that state of emergency, the gazette must be sent to the National Assembly for approval. It’s only that approval that gives life to the state of emergency. I repeat that so that you know how critical the National Assembly is to that process,” he said.
He further referenced Section 11(4) of the Constitution, which empowers the National Assembly to take over the legislative functions of a state assembly when it is unable to function.
“That also means that all functions of the state House of Assembly, including budget approval, must come to the National Assembly and, by implication, this very committee,” he explained.
Ihonvbere used the opportunity to clarify the committee’s efforts to engage with the administrator from the onset of the crisis.
He noted that despite multiple attempts, including written correspondence, there were delays in securing the administrator’s appearance.
The chairman encouraged the administrator to feel at ease, stressing that the committee members had been carefully selected to ensure broad representation across geopolitical zones and legislative experience.
“I want you to feel relaxed because the members you see here were carefully selected based on zonal representation and membership of the House—to advance the progress that Rivers State needs to make in order to be part and parcel of the holistic structure of democracy that Nigeria represents today,” he said.
He reiterated the committee’s readiness to discharge its duties with diligence and fairness in the interest of the people of Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
“We have demonstrated again and again our preparedness to do this job efficiently and effectively,” he assured.
Prof Ihonvbere acknowledged that the meeting was held at the administrator’s request and expressed optimism that it would mark the beginning of a collaborative process toward restoring stability in the state.
“We are glad you are here as you promised yesterday. This meeting actually at this time was at your instance, and we are happy that you are here. So you are welcome,” he said.
Responding, the Sole Administrator Rivers State Vice Admiral Ibokete Ekwe Ibas Ibas.that he respectfully acknowledges  leadership and the critical role of the committee in safeguarding the democratic and constitutional integrity of our great nation.
He said that it is both an honor and a solemn responsibility to address the lawmakers today in his capacity as the Administrator of River State.
He further expressed regrets over inability to attend earlier engagements with the House committee,
He said: “like you rightly said. Today is exactly 10 days after the first invitation and in between we’ve had four days that were off calendar as public holidays plus the weekends inclusive.
“The absence, of course, was not out of disregard, but rather due to the weighty and urgent demands of stabilizing governance in a state under a declared emergency.
“I have always held the National Assembly in the highest regard. I recognize the importance of your oversight responsibilities and your interest in the progress being made in River State, which is presently relatively calm, but still fragile.
“That said, I only request your understanding and the indulgence of this committee to grant me additional time to adequately prepare and present a comprehensive and constructive briefing. Given the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the current transitional period in River State, it is important that any engagement with this committee is done with the
depth, accuracy and clarity it rightfully deserves.
“I remain fully committed to cooperating with the committee and to ensuring that all relevant information is made available in due course to support your important work. I want to specially thank Mr. Chairman and the distinguished honorable members of this committee for your understanding and continued service to the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.
He thanked the 21 member Ad-hoc Committee of the House as well as members of the press for the role they’ve played in supporting the efforts of the federal government.
It would be recalled that President Bola Tinubu on March 18,2025 declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State and immediately suspended the Governor Sir Siminilayi Fubara, his deputy Prof Ngozi Odu and members of the State House of Assembly for six months at first instance

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2nd Phase Leaders Complete Training on Leadership and Mediation – Gen. Elaye Lauds Otuaro’s Visionary Drive

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Administrator of the PAP, High Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, flanked by trainees at the end of leadership training and their masters displayed in exposures

By David Owei,Bayelsa

The 2nd Phase Camp Leaders’ training on “Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Mediation”, sponsored by the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), has successfully come to a close Friday on a commendable note.

The intensive leadership-building initiative, held under the distinguished leadership of the Administrator of the PAP, High Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, aimed to equip leaders with practical skills in peacebuilding, mediation, and conflict resolution—critical tools for sustaining peace in the Niger Delta region.

Reacting to the successful completion of the programme, General Elaye ThankGod Dollar Slaboh, National Chairman of the Third Phase Presidential Amnesty Programme, alongside his national leadership, congratulated the participants for their commitment and active engagement throughout the training.

General Elaye commended Dr. Otuaro for his visionary leadership and strategic direction, which is rapidly changing the dynamics of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, shifting it towards human capital development and long-term peace.

He emphasized that such initiatives are essential for reinforcing grassroots leadership and consolidating the peace already being enjoyed in the region.

> “This training is not just a success for the 2nd Phase; it is a win for the entire Niger Delta. The wisdom of High Chief Otuaro in investing in leadership and conflict resolution will continue to bear fruit,” General Elaye stated.

 

The Presidential Amnesty Programme continues to champion developmental engagements that bridge gaps, empower beneficiaries, and promote sustainable peace in the Niger Delta.

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Regional Development Minister,Engr Momoh bags Awards

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Minister of Regional Development, EngrAbubakar Momoh (right) receiving a n award from Executive Secretary/ National Coordinator of the Institute, Dr. Musa Aliu Yakub Okhumeode

 

Regional Development Minister,Engr Momoh bags Awards

By Our Correspondent

Minister of Regional Development, Engineer Abubakar Momoh has been conferred with two Awards by the Institute of Professional Economists and Management Policy (IPEPM) tagged ‘ Excellent Leadership Award and Professional Doctorate Fellowship Award”.

Receiving the Awards today in his office, Engr. Momoh, expressed profound gratitude for the recognition and reiterated that true governance is about leaving a lasting legacies.

He further said “My track record speaks for itself and is a testament to the awards I have received “.

He used the opportunity to commend the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and resilience in ensuring the holistic development of the country.

According to him, the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development is a bold step to integrate all Regional Development Commissions under one coordinated umbrella.

The Ministér said that the recognition bestowed upon him further reinforces his commitment to service and to impact mankind.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation who is the Executive Secretary/ National Coordinator of the Institute, Dr. Musa Aliu Yakub Okhumeode, said the courtesy visit was to present the prestigious Awards in recognition of his exceptional leadership and contribution to regional and national Development, as well as to seek partnership in strategic training programmes.

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Minna Lack of Sensitisation responsible for transporting small arms and light weapons to criminal gangs-Enanch and offi officials

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The Zonal Director, North Central, National Centre for Small Arms and Light Weapons Mr Abdul Adamu,NUJ council chairmen and otticials and others omrade Abu Nmodu

By Uthman-Baba Naseer,Minna

The Zonal Director, North Central, National Centre for Small Arms and Light Weapons Mr Abdul Adamu Enenche made the submission during a visit to the Niger State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ in Minna.

Of recent, many Nigerians have been apprehended with cache of arms and ammunitions meant for delivery to bandits, kidnappers and other criminals.

This has raised questions as to why some individuals will willingly allow themselves to be used as couriers of illegal weapons to criminals.

The Zonal Director, National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Mr Abdul Adamu Enenche said lack sensitisation on dangers of such acts and intelligence from people are contributing to the spread of arms.

He observed that porous or poorly managed borders and activities of local fabricators who manufacture guns are other sources of weapons proliferation that the Centre is trying to address.

Mr Adamu Enenche who solicited the support of members of the NUJ to enable the Centre to achieve its objectives, promised to synergize with other sister agencies.

The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Niger State Council, Comrade Abu Nmodu expressed optimism that there would be great reduction of criminal activities once the issue of small arms are resolved.

Comrade Nmodu urged the Centre to be open for collaboration with the Union especially in the area of training members on it’s activities.

Across section of members of the Union who spoke on the occasion stressed the need for the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons to deploy officers of the Centre to the grassroots for easy intelligence gathering.

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