OGONI RANT MEDIA (2025)

25/08/2025

PDP Vows to Resist APC’s Alleged Plot to Capture States

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised alarm over what it described as a calculated attempt by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to impose a one-party system in Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the opposition party accused the APC of using intimidation, state-backed coercion, and manipulation of democratic institutions to undermine multiparty democracy.

The PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, alleged that the ruling party was resorting to underhand tactics in a bid to capture states under its control ahead of future elections. He warned that such moves threaten the country’s democratic stability and the rights of Nigerians to freely choose their leaders.

“The PDP will continue to stand firm in defense of democracy. Nigerians must resist every attempt to drag the country into a one-party dictatorship through intimidation and suppression of opposition voices,” the statement read in part.

The party urged civil society, the international community, and democratic institutions to take note of what it described as the APC’s “authoritarian drift.”

Meanwhile, APC officials have yet to respond to the allegations.

25/08/2025

Nigeria Nears Full Oil Production as Security Crackdown Yields Results — NNPCL

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced that the country is edging closer to achieving full crude oil production capacity, attributing the progress to recent clampdowns on oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mele Kyari, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Abuja, noting that improved collaboration with security and intelligence agencies has significantly reduced disruptions in oil production.

According to him, Nigeria is now producing nearly at 100 per cent capacity, a development expected to boost revenue inflows, strengthen foreign reserves, and stabilize the nation’s economy.

“We have restored confidence in our production environment by working closely with the military, intelligence agencies, and host communities. Today, we are seeing the results in higher output and improved security around critical oil assets,” Kyari said.

He stressed that sustained vigilance and investment in security infrastructure remain crucial to consolidating the gains made so far.

Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, has in recent years struggled with dwindling production due to rampant crude theft, illegal refining, and sabotage of vital oil infrastructure. Industry analysts say the rebound in production, if maintained, could help the government fund its budget and ease foreign exchange pressure.

25/08/2025

NEMA Holds Flood Simulation Drill in Rivers State

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has stepped up its 2025 flood preparedness plan with a simulation exercise held in Rivers State.

The exercise, conducted on Monday, was aimed at testing the agency’s emergency response mechanisms and strengthening collaboration among relevant stakeholders in the event of flooding.

According to NEMA officials, the drill involved the deployment of rescue teams, evacuation of simulated victims, provision of temporary shelters, and coordination with security agencies, medical personnel, and volunteers.

Speaking after the exercise, NEMA’s South-South Zonal Coordinator, Godwin Tepikor, said the drill was part of proactive measures to ensure timely response to predicted heavy rainfall and flooding across parts of the country this year.

“This simulation is to ensure that all actors are ready to act swiftly and efficiently if flooding occurs, especially in flood-prone communities within Rivers State and beyond,” he said.

Community leaders and residents who witnessed the drill commended the initiative, stressing that regular preparedness exercises would help reduce the devastating impact of floods on lives and property.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) had earlier warned that several states, including Rivers, are at high risk of flooding in the 2025 season.

25/08/2025

Tinubu Signs Bilateral Air Service Agreement With Brazil

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed a historic Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with the Federative Republic of Brazil, paving the way for the commencement of direct flights between both countries.

The agreement, signed during the President’s official state visit to Brasília, is expected to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and Brazil. It also includes cooperation frameworks in areas of trade, investment, agriculture, and technology exchange.

Presidential spokespersons described the deal as a “major milestone” in Nigeria’s aviation sector, noting that direct flights will enhance business opportunities, boost tourism, and reduce travel bottlenecks for citizens of both nations.

Officials from Brazil expressed optimism that the partnership would expand bilateral trade, particularly in agribusiness and energy, while also facilitating cultural exchange.

President Tinubu said the agreement reflects his administration’s commitment to opening Nigeria’s economy to global opportunities and strengthening South-South cooperation.

The development marks the first time Nigeria and Brazil are formalizing direct aviation links, a move aviation experts say could also position Lagos and Abuja as key transit hubs between Africa and South America.

25/08/2025

Youths Raid Drug Hideouts in Nkpolu Rumuigbo, Nab Suspects Including Police Officer

The campaign against drug abuse in Nkpolu Rumuigbo community, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, has taken a dramatic turn as local youths stormed suspected hideouts and apprehended individuals allegedly involved in drug use and sales, among them a police officer.

Community Youth President, Chamberlain Owhondah, told reporters that the menace of drugs had devastated the area, forcing some young people to sell their property to sustain their addiction. He added that others had dropped out of school, suffered mental breakdowns, or become threats to public safety.

Owhondah commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Rivers State Command, for collaborating with the community in tackling the scourge. “We are grateful to the NDLEA for their support, but more needs to be done to rid our community of drugs completely,” he said.

Some women in the area also expressed relief over the youths’ intervention but appealed for a lasting solution.

Meanwhile, a viral video circulating on social media shows suspects, including the alleged police officer, lying on the ground while being flogged by community youths. The suspects were reportedly caught in the act of consuming hard drugs.

As of the time of filing this report, the Rivers State Police Command has yet to comment on the alleged involvement of one of its officers in the incident.

25/08/2025

Civil Society Group Drags Tinubu, Others to Court Over Rivers LG Polls

A civil society organisation, Initiative for Freedom, Conflict Prevention and Social Integration (FREECON), has instituted a suit at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt against President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) alongside its Chairman.

The suit is challenging the conduct of the forthcoming local government elections in Rivers State. FREECON is seeking an injunction to restrain RSIEC from holding the polls, making announcements, or distributing election materials until the matter is decided.

FREECON’s counsel, Lezina Amegua, told the court that the case would determine whether the President has the constitutional authority to assume the powers of a state governor in appointing the leadership of RSIEC, citing sections 197 and 198 of the 1999 Constitution.

However, defence counsel, Olumide Oluji, SAN, argued that some of the defendants were not properly served and requested additional time to respond.

Presiding judge, Justice Turaki Mohammed, ordered that court processes be properly served on the defendants through their counsel and adjourned the matter to September 3 for further hearing.

25/08/2025

The Heartbreaking Story of Mr. Gospel

In 2007, at the age of 14, Mr. Gospel went missing from the Rumuolumeni area in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. His sudden disappearance led to the tragic death of his parents, who couldn't handle the overwhelming stress of losing their son.

For 18 years, Mr. Gospel's family had no answers. No one knew where he was, or even if he was alive. But then, in 2017, a glimmer of hope came when someone contacted his elder brother, saying Mr. Gospel was seen working in a prison yard.

When his brother went to investigate, the prison denied it. No one knew of anyone by that name.

Then, two weeks ago, another group reached out, urging his brother to go back to the prison to seek his release. This time, the impossible became real. Mr. Gospel was found, but there was no record of his case, no file, just a man lost in the system.

After his release, Mr. Gospel was not the same. He couldn’t communicate normally, and the trauma of 18 years without proper documentation had taken its toll.

Thanks to the tireless efforts of the 360 Foundation and the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Mr. Gospel was finally set free. But the question remains, how does someone disappear for 18 years with no explanation?

His story sheds light on the grave issue of wrongful detention and the importance of accountability in our justice system.

Let’s keep asking the hard questions.

🎥:

25/08/2025

FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF ENVIRONMENT AND TECHNOLOGY, KOROMA/SAAKPENWA- OGONI, TO BEGIN ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES WITH SIX FACULTIES

The Federal University of Environment and Technology, Koroma Ogoni, is set to commence academic activities with six pioneer faculties, according to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Chinedu Mmom.

Prof. Mmom revealed that the development follows official approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC), marking a major milestone in the university’s journey toward full operational status.

The approved faculties are:

1. Faculty of Natural & Applied Sciences
2. Faculty of Agricultural Technology
3. Faculty of Environmental Management Sciences
4. Faculty of Engineering Technology
5. Faculty of Educational Technology
6. Faculty of Management Technology

The Vice Chancellor expressed optimism about the university’s future, emphasizing its focus on environmental and technological advancement, which aligns with the unique challenges and opportunities in the Niger Delta region.

The university, located in Koroma, Ogoni, was established to drive research, innovation, and development in critical sectors affecting the environment and technology.

25/08/2025

Rivers Lawyers Fault RIWAMA’s Sanitation Restriction Order

The Chairman of the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, has announced the return of the state’s monthly environmental sanitation exercise, scheduled from 7 am. to 10 am. Every last Saturday of the month, with restrictions on human and vehicular movement.

However, the decision has drawn criticism from legal practitioners who argue that the directive infringes on citizens’ fundamental rights.

Speaking to our correspondent, Chizy Enyi, a lawyer, faulted the restriction, describing it as unlawful and inconsistent with court rulings. He noted that both the High Court and the Court of Appeal had previously declared such movement restrictions during sanitation exercises illegal. Enyi further questioned RIWAMA’s authority to issue movement passes, even to essential workers.

Another legal practitioner, Ndamzi Ekwulo, also condemned the directive, calling it unconstitutional. He reminded the agency that Justice Omotosho of the Federal High Court had already delivered a judgment nullifying such restrictions, stressing that RIWAMA was acting beyond its legal powers.

The agency is yet to respond to the concerns raised by the lawyers.

25/08/2025

RIVERS STATE CHIEF JUDGE CONSTITUTES LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION TRIBUNALS AHEAD OF AUGUST 30 POLLS

The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Hon. Justice Simeon C. Amadi, has formally constituted the Local Government Election Tribunals in preparation for the upcoming council polls scheduled for Saturday, August 30, 2025.

According to an official document from the Chief Judge’s Chambers, the appointments were made pursuant to Section 1(1)(2)(3) and (4) of the Rivers State Local Government Election Tribunals Law No. 3 of 2000 (as amended).

Three panels were constituted, with the following officials appointed as Chairmen and Members:

Panel 1:
- Kilsi Giadom, Esq. – Chief Magistrate (Chairman)
- Promise Green, Esq. – Member
- Ven. Christian John-Jaja – Member

Panel 2:
- Harry Sotonye Linda, Esq. – Chief Magistrate (Chairman)
- Anthony Enyinda, Esq. – Member
- Azubuike Georgewill – Member

Panel 3:
- Chimenem B. Okekem, Esq. – Chief Magistrate (Chairman)
- Israel Dagogo Israel, Esq. – Member
- Ala Atonibere, Esq. – Member

The Chief Judge congratulated the appointees and disclosed that their swearing-in ceremony will take place next week, with the date and time to be communicated by the Chief Registrar.

The move is seen as part of the judiciary’s readiness to handle post-election disputes and ensure justice in the forthcoming local government elections.

25/08/2025

TINUBU ARRIVES IN BRAZIL FOR STATE VISIT

President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Brasília, the capital of Brazil, to commence a state visit focused on enhancing bilateral relations between Nigeria and the South American nation.

The visit, which began on Monday, is expected to feature high-level discussions with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and other top government officials on trade, investment, agriculture, energy, and security cooperation.

According to the Presidency, Tinubu’s trip underscores Nigeria’s commitment to building stronger economic and diplomatic partnerships across the Global South.

This is the first official state visit by President Tinubu to Brazil since assuming office in May 2023.

24/08/2025

NLC rejects RMAFC’s salary review for political office holders

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has faulted the decision of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to initiate an upward review of salaries and allowances for political office holders.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the NLC described the proposal as “insensitive and unacceptable,” particularly at a time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with severe economic hardship.

The labour body argued that political leaders should be considering measures to reduce the high cost of governance instead of seeking salary increments for themselves.

“The move by RMAFC is not only ill-timed but also shows a lack of empathy for the struggles of ordinary citizens,” the NLC said, noting that workers in both public and private sectors are still demanding a living wage to cushion the rising cost of living.

The Congress further urged the federal government to channel resources toward job creation, infrastructure development, and social welfare programmes rather than rewarding public office holders with higher pay.

It also called on state assemblies and the National Assembly to reject the proposal in the interest of equity and justice.

The NLC maintained that labour unions would resist any attempt to implement the reviewed remuneration, insisting that the focus should be on improving the welfare of Nigerian workers and vulnerable groups.

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