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OGONI RANT MEDIA, Port Harcourt (2025)

29/07/2025

STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT MUST REFLECT Local Needs – RIVERS ADMINISTRATOR TELLS BCDA

The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has called for a more coordinated, community-centered approach to development in Nigeria, urging government agencies and donor partners to align their projects with the real needs of the people.

Speaking at Government House in Port Harcourt during a courtesy visit by the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA) on Tuesday, the Administrator decried the imposition of projects that do not address local priorities, describing such efforts as unsustainable and inefficient.

“We are too richly endowed as a country to have so many communities still lacking basic infrastructure,” Vice Admiral Ibas stated. “The challenge is not a lack of resources or support, but the lack of coordination and true consultation with the communities concerned.”

The BCDA delegation was led by Executive Secretary, Dr. George-Kelly Dakorinama Alabo, who presented the agency’s 2025 intervention plan for Rivers State, which includes 69 projects—43 constituency-based and 26 core capital projects—spanning sectors such as water, education, health, agriculture, energy, and social services.

Vice Admiral Ibas welcomed the proposed interventions but urged deeper collaboration with state ministries to ensure optimal delivery. He also expressed support for the establishment of a permanent BCDA Zonal Office in the South-South region, pledging to make office space available in the state.

Dr. Alabo, in his remarks, said the projects were informed by a nationwide needs assessment targeting both land and maritime border communities. He emphasized that over 26 million Nigerians in 105 local government areas live in border regions, many of which are underserved and disconnected from national infrastructure.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for increasing the agency’s funding tenfold, noting that the boost has enabled BCDA to scale up its reach and impact.

The Rivers State Government reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive, community-led development and pledged continued cooperation with federal agencies to deliver sustainable solutions to underserved areas.

29/07/2025

Sowore Reveals Why He Was Expelled Twice from UNILAG and Denied NYSC Certificate

Human rights activist and founder of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, has disclosed that he was expelled twice from the University of Lagos due to his involvement in student activism and anti-government protests during the military era.

In a recent interview, Sowore recounted how his leadership of radical student movements led to clashes with university authorities, culminating in his expulsion on two occasions. Despite eventually completing his degree, Sowore said the aftermath of his activism continued to haunt him.

He also revealed that after completing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 1996, he was never issued a discharge certificate—an unusual and unexplained decision by the authorities.

Sowore believes both actions were politically motivated attempts to silence his activism, which began in his university days and continues to this day.

28/07/2025

Koo Dancers' performance at Epellema, Opobo Kingdom.

28/07/2025

ASUU Issues Fresh Warning to Federal Government Over Stalled Negotiations

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government over what it describes as prolonged inaction and unfulfilled promises regarding key issues affecting the country’s university system.

ASUU President, Professor Chris Piwuna, stated on Sunday that the union is running out of patience after what he described as “seven years of failed negotiations and unmet commitments.” He said the union is preparing to take decisive action in the coming days if the government fails to address longstanding demands.

These demands have been clearly articulated since the 2009 agreement,” Professor Piwuna said. “They include improved funding for universities, better remuneration for academic staff, full autonomy for institutions, and the payment of earned academic allowances.

He criticised the Federal Government for repeatedly reneging on its obligations, adding that the lack of political will to implement agreements is crippling Nigeria’s public university system.

Professor Piwuna also stressed the importance of including non-teaching staff in any salary review process, arguing that a holistic approach is vital to ensure industrial harmony and stability in the tertiary education sector.

ASUU’s renewed warning has raised concerns about a potential disruption in academic activities, particularly as the union hints at another round of strike action if progress is not made.

Efforts to reach the Ministry of Education for a response were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

28/07/2025

President Tinubu confers National Honours of Office of Order of Niger (OON) on Super Falcons players, crew.

Tinubu also allocated a three-bedroom apartment each at the Renewed Hope Estate, $100,000 each to Super Falcons Players, and $50,000 each to members of the technical crew.

28/07/2025

Popular Ogoni Born writer, Burabari Nwilo, ties the nuptial knot with his heartthrob in a private ceremony.

Congratulations to the couple

28/07/2025

RSIEC REVISES LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION DATE TO AUGUST 30, 2025

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has officially rescheduled the 2025 Local Government Council Elections to hold on Saturday, August 30, 2025. This change was announced by the Chairman of the Commission, Justice Adolphus Michael Odey (rtd), during the release of the revised timetable for the election.

Justice Odey explained that the decision to postpone the earlier scheduled elections was informed by prevailing circumstances in the state. He cited Sections 13(5) and 20(1)(a) of the RSIEC Law No. 2 of 2018 (as amended), which empower the Commission to make necessary adjustments to the election timetable in the interest of public order, safety, and proper planning.

The newly released schedule indicates that political parties can begin to express interest from Monday, July 28 to Wednesday, July 30, 2025. Party primaries are expected to be conducted between Saturday, August 2 and Monday, August 4, while submission of names of candidates and issuance of nomination forms will follow immediately.

Screening of candidates, delivery of final lists, publication of candidates’ names, voter education, and training of ad-hoc staff have all been appropriately rescheduled within the new timeframe, with electoral campaigns expected to end by midnight of Thursday, August 28, 2025.

Justice Odey emphasized RSIEC's commitment to ensuring that the election process is credible, free, and fair, stating that all logistics have been adequately planned for smooth conduct of the exercise. He urged political parties, candidates, and all stakeholders to adhere strictly to the new schedule and maintain decorum throughout the period.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command has assured residents of adequate security before, during, and after the elections. The Command noted that strategic deployments will be made across all polling units, wards, and collation centers to guarantee the safety of voters and electoral officials.

Run-off elections for chairmanship positions, elections in wards with no nominated candidates, and adjourned polls, where necessary, have been fixed for Saturday, September 6, 2025. A second run-off, if required, is scheduled to hold on Saturday, September 13, 2025.

With the new timetable now in effect, the 2025 local government polls in Rivers State are set to proceed under a restructured schedule aimed at enhancing electoral integrity and public confidence in the process.

28/07/2025

FIVE UNIPORT STUDENTS D!E IN EARLY MORNING AUTO CRASH

Tragedy struck this morning along Eliozu‑Rumuokoro Road when a University of Port Harcourt (Uniport) shuttle bus, reportedly speeding, was involved in a fatal accident opposite First Bank before Eliozu Flyover.

According to eyewitness accounts, the bus was transporting the students to school when the driver lost control. At least five students reportedly d!ed in the crash, with additional victims rushed to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital’s A&E unit in critical condition.

An eye witness confirmed seeing the lifeless bodies of two of the victims at the UPTH mortuary early afternoon, including one identified as Oluchi. All victims are said to be students of the University of Port Harcourt.

28/07/2025

RISIEC RELEASES TIMETABLE FOR 2025 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISIEC) has officially released the timetable for the conduct of the 2025 Local Government Area (LGA) elections across the state.

According to the schedule, party primary elections are expected to take place on Saturday, 2nd August, 2025, paving the way for the selection of candidates who will represent their political parties at the polls.

Following the primaries, RISIEC has fixed the screening of candidates for Friday, 8th August and Saturday, 9th August, 2025.

Electoral campaigns are scheduled to commence on Monday, 11th August, and will run through Thursday, 28th August, 2025, allowing candidates and parties ample time to engage with the electorate.

In preparation for the exercise, the training of adhoc staff will be held from Saturday, 16th August to Monday, 18th August, 2025, to ensure the smooth and credible conduct of the elections.

RISIEC has fixed Saturday, 30th August, 2025 as the official date for the Local Government Elections across Rivers State.

The Commission urges all political parties, candidates, and stakeholders to adhere strictly to the timetable and maintain peace throughout the process.

28/07/2025

BREAKING: Reps Propose Single-Day Voting for All 2027 Elections in Electoral Act 2025 Draft

In a landmark move aimed at overhauling Nigeria’s electoral process, the House of Representatives has proposed that all five major elections scheduled for 2027 be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on a single day.

The proposal is contained in the draft of the Electoral Act 2025, currently under consideration by lawmakers. If passed into law, the amendment would mandate INEC to conduct the presidential, governorship, national assembly, state assembly, and area council elections simultaneously.

Proponents of the reform say it will reduce election-related costs, limit electoral violence, and improve voter turnout. Speaking on the floor of the House, the Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters said the proposal reflects public demand for a more efficient electoral system.

This reform will streamline the voting process, lessen the economic burden on the country, and strengthen democratic participation.

Critics, however, have expressed concerns over the logistical and security challenges such a large-scale operation may pose for INEC.

INEC has yet to issue an official response to the proposal.

The Electoral Act 2025 bill is expected to undergo further legislative scrutiny and public hearings in the coming weeks.

28/07/2025

SDP EXPELS NASIR EL-RUFAI FOR 30 YEARS OVER ALLEGED ANTI-PARTY ACTIVITIES

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, from the party for a period of 30 years.

In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the SDP said the decision followed thorough investigations into El-Rufai’s controversial claims of membership and alleged backdoor political activities.

According to the NWC, El-Rufai was found to have falsely presented himself as a member of the SDP while engaging in actions deemed unconstitutional and detrimental to the party’s internal structure and stability.

The statement further accused the former governor of manipulating internal processes and attempting to destabilise the party through deceptive political manoeuvres.

“The party cannot afford to tolerate conduct that undermines its core values and unity,” the statement read, emphasizing that the expulsion takes immediate effect.

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