By George Mgbeleke

The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, extends heartfelt condolences to a former Governor of the State, the Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, on the transition of his mother, Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi.

In a condolence message issued on behalf of the government and people of Rivers State, Governor Fubara expressed deep sympathy with the former governor, describing the death of his mother as an irreparable loss not only to the immediate family, but to the Catholic congregation, the entire Ubima community and Rivers State.

Governor Fubara stressed that the loss of a mother is a deeply painful experience. He, however, urged the family to take solace in the good life Mama lived and the legacies she left behind.

He acknowledged the vital role Mama “played in shaping the character and values of her family and the community at large.”

He prayed God Almighty to comfort the entire family at this difficult period and grant the soul of the departed matriarch a peaceful rest.

Ahead of 2027 general election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has informed the United Kingdom government of its dependence on deeper collaboration in security, technology, cybersecurity, and voter education as it intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan made the appeal while receiving the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.

The electoral body described the UK as a longstanding partner in Nigeria’s democratic journey, noting that the relationship has evolved beyond election observation and technical assistance into broader institutional support for strengthening democratic governance.

Amupitan explained that the commission has made significant progress in preparing for the 2027 polls despite a compressed electoral timetable, including the rollout of enhanced technology, improved cybersecurity architecture and expanded voter registration.

He further explained that the commission recently extended the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by two weeks to allow more eligible Nigerians to register before the statutory deadline.

According to him, “We decided to extend the registration to ensure that those who did not have the opportunity to register are not left out. At the same time, we must comply with the legal timelines for publishing the voters’ register ahead of the elections.”

The chairman also noted that “the commission had introduced additional digital services that allow eligible voters to begin registration online before completing the process physically at designated centres.”

“We have equally strengthened our technological infrastructure through upgrades of voter accreditation and result management systems while conducting extensive cybersecurity assessments, including penetration testing, disaster recovery planning and software resilience reviews,” he noted.

Amupitan also disclosed that INEC is working closely with security agencies through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to protect election personnel, infrastructure and voters.

The electoral umpire explained that regular consultations are also being held with political parties, civil society organisations and the media to promote peaceful and credible elections.

While identifying key areas where Nigeria and the UK could deepen cooperation, the commission chairman listed election technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, combating misinformation and disinformation, crisis communication, conflict prevention, civic education, and the inclusion of women, youths and persons with disabilities in the electoral process.

He added that the commission is also interested in knowledge-exchange programmes and specialised training for election officials, stressing, “We value our partnership with the UK and look forward to strengthening cooperation in areas such as election technology, cybersecurity, voter education, and combating misinformation as we prepare for the 2027 general elections.”

Speaking earlier, the British High Commissioner reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democratic institutions, describing the relationship between both countries as a strategic partnership.

He revealed that his team and he had been engaging with INEC to better understand the commission’s level of preparedness for the upcoming off-cycle governorship election in Osun and the 2027 general elections.

“We regard ourselves as partners in Nigeria’s democratic journey. We have a strong interest in supporting the country’s democratic process and hope our engagement will be seen as a sign of both moral support and practical cooperation,” he noted.

The envoy noted that the UK and Nigeria have strengthened bilateral relations in recent years through expanded cooperation in trade, security, migration, justice, and governance.

Disclosing that he would complete his diplomatic assignment in Nigeria in about six weeks, Montgomery expressed confidence that his successor would continue building a productive relationship with INEC as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

By David Owei,Bayelsa

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bayelsa State, has called on the All Progressive Congress (APC)- led government to stop engaging in name -calling but concentrate on building infrastructure that drives job creation and boosts local businesses in Bayelsa State

The publicity secretary of the party, Hon Ikaebimo Mark, in a statement reacting to the name-calling by the leadership of the APC over its criticism of the ₦100 billion stadium project, insisted that Bayelsans deserve infrastructure projects that create jobs, stimulate local enterprise and drive inclusive economic growth.

Mark further, while noting that the Senator Douye Diri government is evading providing answers to the high rate of hunger, poverty, and unemployment in the state, asserted that the 25,000-capacity stadium raises serious questions about priorities, local economic benefits, and value for public funds.

Mark, while stating that name-calling and abuse by the APC leadership cannot reduce the price of food, create employment for our teeming youths, revive struggling businesses, or improve the purchasing power of ordinary Bayelsans, demands answers to the rising level of unemployment and households finding it difficult to feed, despite unprecedented increased revenues.

‘’The PDP has never opposed infrastructure development. We recognise that roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, and sporting facilities are necessary for development. However, infrastructure development is most meaningful when it creates opportunities, improves living standards, and enhances the quality of life of the people. Infrastructure must catalyse economic growth, industrial expansion, private investment, job creation, and improved household incomes,’’ he added.

The opposition party maintained that the ₦100 billion cost for the stadium project raises legitimate questions about priorities and value for public funds.

‘’Bayelsans deserve to know the project’s economic justification, its long-term sustainability, its expected returns, and the number of permanent jobs and business opportunities it will create beyond the hosting of occasional sporting events.

‘’Government should also assure Bayelsans that major public projects are deliberately structured to maximise local participation by engaging qualified Bayelsa professionals, contractors, artisans, suppliers, and businesses. Public investment should stimulate the local economy, strengthen indigenous capacity, and ensure that the benefits of government spending circulate within the state’s economy,’’ he stated.

Mark also dismissed the claims that sports remain the government’s preferred vehicle for youth empowerment, stressing that plans to upgrade Samson Siasia Stadium due to deliberate neglect have vindicated the PDP government must move beyond rhetoric and embark on timely, strategic investments that genuinely promote sports development, create employment opportunities, and deliver measurable economic benefits to the people of Bayelsa State.

‘’Beyond sports, Bayelsans deserve a broader economic vision. They deserve industries that create jobs, policies that attract local and foreign investment, support for agriculture and small businesses, functional skills development programmes, affordable access to finance, and a deliberate strategy for wealth creation. These are the foundations upon which genuine prosperity is built. The transportation sector has completely collapsed, with the fate of Bayelsans left in the hands of unregulated keke riders who milk the hell out of citizens, particularly residents of Yenagoa, Bayelsa’s Capital City. The lack of access to clean and healthy water makes Yenagoa the only capital city in the country where residents rely solely on meruwa for water supply, a very embarrassing situation. A State whose economy is solely dependent on monthly federal allocations cannot reasonably justify spending a whopping 100 billion naira on a stadium, simply because we want to host the National Sports Festival. That is a misplaced priority,’’ the statement reads.

The opposition party further asserted that infrastructure is most impactful when it is deliberately conceived as a driver of economic growth rather than an end in itself, adding that across the country, truly transformative infrastructure is increasingly being designed to stimulate commerce, attract private investment, create sustainable jobs, expand local enterprise, and improve the daily lives of citizens.

‘’ Bayelsa deserves the same vision. Beyond constructing impressive physical structures, the government must ensure that every major capital project delivers measurable economic returns, strengthens the local economy, empowers indigenous businesses, and creates lasting opportunities for the people. Development is meaningful only when citizens can genuinely feel its impact in their homes, businesses, and livelihoods.

‘’The PDP therefore renews its call on the Douye Diri administration to immediately declare a comprehensive Economic Recovery, Wealth Creation and Food Security Initiative with clearly defined targets for employment generation, investment attraction, industrialisation, entrepreneurship development and poverty reduction.

‘’As a responsible opposition party, we remain committed to constructive engagement. We will continue to support every sincere policy capable of improving the welfare of Bayelsans while holding the government accountable where necessary. Accountability is not hostility; it is an essential pillar of democracy and good governance.