Lady Rejects N2.5m From Rivers LGA Chairman After Alleging Assault Over Dilapidated School Exposure

A young woman who accused the Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area in Rivers State, Hon. Eugene Cheta Epelle, of ordering an assault on her after she exposed the poor condition of a school in her community has rejected N2.5 million sent to her bank account. The lady had earlier taken to social media to draw attention to the deteriorating state of a secondary school in her area, a move that sparked widespread reactions online. She later alleged that the council chairman confronted her over the video and that she was subsequently assaulted. In a recent update, she disclosed that the chairman transferred N2.5 million into her account, which she described as a bribe, stressing that she neither asked for the money nor agreed to any form of settlement. “Transparency is very important to me, especially at a time like this. The Chairman Hon Eugene Cheta Epelle transferred N2.5 million Naira bribe money to me, and I want to make it very clear to the public that this money was not requested by me and no agreement was reached between us for any form of compensation. I have been trying to refund the N2.5 million, but due to issues with my bank transfer I have been unable to complete the transaction yet. I am still making efforts to return it. This is also a direct message to the Chairman: Please understand that I did not reach any agreement with you regarding this case. Matters like this should be handled properly and transparently, not through shady payments. I cannot be bribed. What I want is simple do the right thing and let justice and accountability take its proper course.” She explained that she has been attempting to return the money but has faced difficulties completing the bank transfer, adding that she remains determined to refund it. The development has continued to generate reactions on social media, with many Nigerians calling for accountability over the alleged assault and renewed attention to the poor condition of public schools in the area.

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Rivers LG Chairman Accused Of Ordering Attack On Former Media Aide

Tensions have risen in Ahoada West Local Government Area, Rivers State, after former media aide Minnie Ogadinma accused the council chairman, Eugene Ekpelle, of ordering an assault on her. The allegation follows Ogadinma’s social media post highlighting the poor condition of Community Secondary School in Odioku. Ogadinma claimed that after sharing a video showing dilapidated classrooms and lack of basic facilities, Ekpelle allegedly came to her residence with his younger brother and aides. She said the chairman accused her of trying to tarnish his image and instructed his brother to “teach her a lesson.” She alleged that the confrontation turned violent, with both she and her mother reportedly assaulted and a shovel brought into the altercation before neighbours intervened. Ogadinma said she sustained injuries and was relieved of her duties as media aide later that day. She insisted her only intention was to highlight the school’s condition and appeal for help. The council, through the Chairman’s Chief Press Secretary, dismissed the claims as “false and deliberately misleading.” According to the statement, Ekpelle visited Ogadinma’s home for a peaceful discussion, during which she became confrontational. The council maintained that the chairman was not involved in any physical altercation and challenged the public to provide evidence supporting the allegations. The council also noted that Community Secondary School falls under the Rivers State Government, not the local council, and urged residents to ignore attempts to politicize the matter. Civil society groups and rights advocates have expressed concern over the incident. A Port Harcourt-based human rights lawyer called for a thorough investigation, emphasizing that no citizen should face violence for speaking out on public infrastructure. The Director of Pilex Centre for Civic Education said Ogadinma acted within her constitutional rights, while the Director of Relief International Africa demanded the chairman’s arrest and prosecution if the allegations are verified, along with a public apology and compensation for medical expenses. The police are yet to issue an official statement, and residents of Ahoada West have called for calm as investigations continue.

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Rivers Governor Fubara Appoints Dr Dagogo Wokoma As SSG, Sunny Ewule As Chief Of Staff

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has approved the appointments of Dr Dagogo Wokoma as Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Mr Sunny Ewule as his Chief of Staff (CoS). The announcement was made in a press statement issued on Thursday in Port Harcourt by Mr Onwuka Nzeshi, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary. Governor Fubara stated that the appointments take effect immediately and disclosed that the new officials would be sworn in at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday at the Executive Council (Exco) Chamber, Government House, Port Harcourt.

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I’m Ready To Work With Rivers Assembly For State Progress – Fubara

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has reaffirmed his commitment to working hand in hand with members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to advance development across the state. The governor made this known while congratulating Ukalikpe Napoleon and Loolo Bulabari Henrietta following their victories in the recent bye-elections conducted in Ahoada East II and Khana State II constituencies. The polls, organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Saturday, February 21, were held to fill vacant legislative seats. Both candidates, who contested under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), emerged successful in their respective constituencies. Governor Fubara described their emergence as a reflection of the people’s confidence in their leadership abilities and urged them to justify the mandate given to them. “It is the beauty of democracy. When the people believe in your capacity, they will give you their votes,” he stated. He further said, “I look forward to working with them and their colleagues in the Rivers State House of Assembly for the progress of our state.” The governor also applauded the people of Ahoada East and Khana for maintaining peace throughout the electoral process, noting that their orderly conduct demonstrated political awareness and democratic responsibility.

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Rivers Senator, Barinada Mpigi Dies At 64

Barinada Mpigi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, has died at the age of 64. His death was confirmed on Thursday by close sources, though the cause has not yet been disclosed. The news has sent shockwaves through the National Assembly and political circles in Rivers State. Mpigi represented the Rivers South-East Senatorial District and was widely recognized for his strong advocacy on infrastructure development and addressing security challenges in the Niger Delta. Born on June 23, 1961, Mpigi began his political journey in the House of Representatives in 2011. He served two terms after being re-elected in 2016, before winning a Senate seat in 2019 under the Peoples Democratic Party, marking a significant step in his legislative career. During the Ninth Assembly, he chaired a special joint Senate committee tasked with investigating crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, playing a key role in national efforts to safeguard oil revenues and combat economic sabotage. As head of the Senate Committee on Works, Mpigi supervised federal road and infrastructure projects across Nigeria. Colleagues remember him as a dedicated lawmaker committed to accountability and excellence in public service. Tributes continue to pour in from lawmakers and political leaders, praising his service to Rivers State and the nation. The Senate is expected to officially announce his passing and carry out formal proceedings in his honour.

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Fubara Dissolves Rivers Executive Council, Directs Immediate Handover

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has officially dissolved the State Executive Council, with the directive taking immediate effect. All commissioners and special advisers are required to hand over their duties to the permanent secretaries or the most senior officials in their respective ministries. Governor Fubara thanked the outgoing members for their contributions and wished them success in their future endeavors. The development was confirmed on Thursday in a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi.

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Rivers State High Court Stops Impeachment Proceedings Against Governor Fubara and Deputy

A Rivers State High Court sitting in Oyigbo on Friday issued an interim injunction halting all steps linked to the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu. The court barred the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, the Clerk, and other officials from sending any documents or correspondence to the Chief Judge of Rivers State regarding the impeachment. It also prohibited Chief Judge Justice Simeon Amadi from receiving, considering, or acting on any request, resolution, or articles of impeachment aimed at setting up a panel to investigate the governor and deputy governor, pending further court proceedings. Justice F.A. Fiberesima granted the order following an ex parte motion filed in two separate suits by Governor Fubara and Deputy Governor Odu. The court also allowed the claimants to serve the interim order and other court documents on the defendants via substituted service at the Rivers State House of Assembly and on the Chief Judge through any staff member at his chambers within the High Court premises. The matter has been adjourned to January 23, 2026, for hearing of the substantive motion. Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly reportedly resolved on Friday to proceed with the impeachment process. In a related development, four lawmakers who had earlier distanced themselves from the move reversed their position, citing dissatisfaction with the governor’s response to calls for dialogue.

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Rivers Assembly Reaffirms Impeachment Bid Against Governor Fubara and Deputy

The Rivers State House of Assembly on Friday confirmed it would continue with the impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu. At a live press conference in Port Harcourt, the lawmakers accused Fubara of blackmail and said he had lost the trust necessary to tackle the ongoing crisis in the oil-rich state. They also alleged the governor had violated the 1999 Constitution, leaving the Assembly with no alternative but to use its legislative powers to remove him from office. The Assembly members further claimed that Fubara and his deputy had tried to intimidate parliament. They thanked President Bola Tinubu for intervening in the situation and called on Speaker Martin Amaewhule to reconvene the House. Four lawmakers who had earlier advocated for a political solution recanted their position and pledged support for the impeachment process. The group then moved to the chambers to begin a parliamentary session.

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