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70-464: Since achieving statehood in 1967, fifteen individuals have held the power to govern Rivers State, a majority of whom were military officers. Alfred Diete-Spiff , a navy commander and member of the Supreme Military Council, served as the first military Governor of the state, after it was created from part of the old Eastern Region, Nigeria . He held office from May 1967 until July 1975 during

140-465: A greater silt and clay foundation and is more susceptible to perennial inundation by river floods. The floodplain's total thickness rises to about 45m in the northeast and over 9m in the beach ridge barrier zones to the southwest. On coastal sand ridges, the soils are mostly sandy or sandy loams. Various crops are supported including coconut , oil palm , raffia palm and cocoyam . The drier upland region of Rivers State covers 61% of landmass while

210-421: A modified two-round system. To be elected in the first round, a candidate must receive the plurality of votes and over 25% of the vote in at least two-thirds of the state local government areas. If no candidate passes the threshold, a second round will be held between the top candidate and the next candidate to have received a plurality of votes in the highest number of local government areas. The executive branch

280-496: A multi-cultural, multi-tribal region, Rivers State has much to offer in its diversity of people. The area that makes up the modern state has been inhabited in one way or the other since the last year of the first millennium . The earliest known settled communities in what is now Rivers State include the Riverine Ijaw ; Ogoni , Ikwerre people and other Igboid groups on the mainland. Today, over 26 distinct groups are recognized by

350-509: A per capita income of $ 5,949 (PPP). The state is famous for its vast reserves of crude oil and natural gas. It was perhaps the richest and most important section of the African zone of the British Empire. Rivers State has two major oil refineries, two major seaports, airports, and various industrial estates spread across the land. More than 60% of the country's output of crude oil is produced in

420-744: A significant improvement over a meagre 30 megawatts during the late nineties. Its energy sector is protected by the government through legislation and funding. It is overseen by the ministries of Power , Energy and Natural Resources . The state's oil-refining capacity is the biggest in the country, with more than 340,000 barrels of crude oil per day. There's a vast untapped potential in the state for solar power. Interest in solar energy has been increasing but not much has been invested. Up to now, energy production has been insufficient to meet demand, resulting in frequent power outages, slow manufacturing and low business performance. Transportation within Rivers State

490-487: A taxi or rental car at the authorized vehicle area. Companies like Europcar , Avis and Hertz have offices near the airport. In addition, the Port Harcourt Air Force Base is located in the state capital. It gained popularity as a commercial destination due to the closure of the international airport. After that airport reopened, most airlines abandoned the base. However, it still has some destinations since

560-639: A vacancy arise in the office of the Chief Judge or the President of the Customary Court of Appeal , the Governor can appoint the next most senior judge of those courts to act for a period of three months. Section 212, subsection (1) and (2) further empowers the chief executive to issue pardons and reprieves , commute sentences, or remit fines and forfeitures imposed for the commission of offenses against, or for

630-466: Is annulled by a competent court of law or by a two-thirds majority of the House of Assembly. Alfred Diete-Spiff Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff (born 30 July 1942) was the first Military Governor of Rivers State , Nigeria after it was created from part of the old Eastern Region, Nigeria . He held office from May 1967 until July 1975 during the military administration of General Yakubu Gowon . He

700-467: Is annulled by a competent court of law or by a two-thirds majority of the House of Assembly. The incumbent governor is Siminalayi Fubara a member of the People Democratic Party, who heads the council of Rivers State. Fubara was sworn in on 29 May 2023. He is the 7th Democratic governor of the state and the 16th overall governor of River State The legislative authority in Rivers State is held by

770-612: Is contained in section 177 of the 1999 Constitution . According to the constitution, an individual may become governor if they meet the following eligibility criteria: Most executive power lies with the governor whose responsibility is to enforce state laws. They serve as the head of government with supreme authority over the Executive Council . Excluding the Deputy Governor, they appoint commissioners, heads of government agencies, special advisers and judicial officers subject to

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840-421: Is dominated by the state's booming petroleum industry. Although the rise of the oil industry has led to increased revenue for the state government, mismanagement and corruption have prevented the state from rapid development and meaningfully tackling poverty . Rivers State is considered one of the fastest-growing states in terms of modern infrastructure and urbanization in the country. Rivers State, named after

910-530: Is headed by the Governor , assisted by the Deputy Governor , both elected for a term of 4 years (maximum of 2 terms). The governor appoints commissioners responsible for each of the ministries and appoints the heads of parastatals and the state-owned bodies with specific regulatory or administrative duties. In some cases, a governor may be replaced or removed for example, through death, impeachment or if an election

980-552: Is mainly land and water-based. The industry has the Ministry of Transport as its chief regulating body. Apart from roads and waterways, there are functional airdromes that provide out-of-state transport. The seaports contain harbors where ships can dock and transfer people or cargo to or from land. Federal highways are A2 the Elele-Alimini-Patani East-West Rd from Elele to Bayelsa State at Mbiama, A3 east as

1050-456: Is particularly noted for its linguistic diversity , with 30 indigenous languages and dialects being said to be spoken in Rivers State, these include Ekpeye, Ikwerre, Ijaw (Okrika, Ibani, Kalabari) and Ogoni . Rivers State is the 25th largest state by area , and its geography is dominated by the numerous rivers that flow through it, including the Bonny River . The economy of Rivers State

1120-557: Is punishable with a fine of up to ₦10,000. The 1067 mm Cape Gauge Eastern Railway Line north from Port Harcourt to Aba in Abia State, built 1913–16, restored 2009–15. Both domestic and international flights are available from Port Harcourt International Airport . Airlines such as Lufthansa , Air France , Qatar Air , Ethiopian Airlines , Med-View , Air Peace and Cronos link the state to destinations including Frankfurt , Paris , Lagos and Malabo . Passengers can easily get

1190-542: The Calabar Ogoja Rivers (COR) State Movement became existent. The Council of Rivers Chiefs was later renamed in 1954 to Rivers Chiefs and People's Congress and in 1956, the organization became known as the Rivers Chiefs People's Conference. Until 1958, hopes of an independent state resonated with the region and lingered consistently in the minds of its natives. During the constitutional conference that year,

1260-521: The House 's approval. The Governor has the duty to attract investments, promote business and implement political as well as economic initiatives. Under the Constitution, every bill passed by the House of Assembly must be presented to the Governor for approval before it becomes law. The Governor may choose to sign it and make it law, veto it and return it to the House, or take no action, however. If they veto

1330-399: The Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development from April 2013 to June 2015. The Rivers State government consists of elected representatives and appointed officials. The state government has executive and legislative branches, with an independent judiciary . At the local level, elected officials are responsible for local government areas. The governor of the state is selected using

1400-484: The Nigerian National Assembly . Those chosen are grouped into 3 senators representing Rivers South East , Rivers West , Rivers East and 13 representatives representing Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro, Obio/Akpor, Oyigbo/Tai/Eleme, Port Harcourt II, Etche/Omuma, Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru, Okrika/Ogu–Bolo, Khana/Gokana, Port Harcourt I, Ahoada West/Ogba–Egbema–Ndoni, Abua–Odual/Ahoada East, Ikwerre/Emohua, Degema/Bonny. Since

1470-517: The Rivers State government , each with its own language, lifestyle, and cultural heritage. Multilingualism is a part of everyday life for the population of Rivers State and most of Nigeria. English, inherited from colonial rule is common and widely spoken in various forms in different localities. Some indigenous Riverians are also bilingual, speaking a mixture of English or Pidgin English with one of

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1540-400: The biodiversity and ecological functions of natural habitats . In most places, the dominant vegetation usually consists of Elaeis guineensis which has the highest productivity amongst all recognized oleaginous crops. The riverine part of the state has three hydro-vegetation zones such as beach ridge , salt water and fresh water. Each zone has its characteristics and composition, with

1610-417: The 1950s. In 1954, it cleared about $ 54 million worth of imports and exports, while the shipping facilities at Calabar cleared $ 11 million worth of goods. The majority of Riverians obtain their water for household use from vendors. There are also those who extract their water from private boreholes and wells and incur costs for the investment, maintenance, spare parts, pumping, and in some cases treating

1680-676: The Federal Republic of Nigeria; that I will abide by the Code of Conduct contained in the Fifty Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that in all circumstances, I will do right to all manner of people, according to law, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will; that I will not directly or indirectly communicate or reveal to any person any matter which shall be brought under my consideration or shall become known to me as Governor of Rivers State, except as may be required for

1750-499: The Federal and the old Eastern Nigeria government. On 27 May 1967, under the administration of General Yakubu Gowon , Decree No. 14 was issued, allowing the creation of Rivers State. From then on, complaints about political marginalisation, environmental degradation and economic pauperisation remained among the Ijaw groups , such that a separate Bayelsa State was carved out of Rivers State by

1820-566: The Nigerian Association of Auctioneers. He was in the 2005 Confab and served in the Committee on Models and Structure of Government. He has a son who auditioned for Nigerian Idols Season 7. In October 2022, a Nigerian national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) was conferred on him by President Muhammadu Buhari . This biographical article related to

1890-535: The Nigerian military is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Rivers State Rivers State , also known as Rivers , is a state in the Niger Delta region of southern Nigeria (Old Eastern Region). Formed on 27 May 1967, when it was split from the former Eastern Region , Rivers State borders include Imo and Anambra to the north, Abia and Akwa Ibom to the east, and Bayelsa and Delta to

1960-680: The Port Harcourt Enugu Expressway to Abia State and A231 north from A3 in Port Harcourt 42 km via Igwuruta and Omagwa to A2 in Elele. Other major roads include Taxicabs , buses and ferries dominate public transport. They are usually inexpensive and are often used for multi-passenger pick-ups. Commercial vehicles in Port Harcourt maintain sky blue, white and sky blue livery . Operating without these government-approved colours

2030-768: The Revenue Courts, the Sanitation Courts, the Mobile Courts and Ports Related Offences Courts. It is governed mainly by the Chief Judge of the High Court of Justice. There are about 26 serving judges in the High Court of Justice, which comprises 10 Judicial Divisions including Port Harcourt , Ahoada , Degema , Nchia, Bori , Omoku , Isiokpo, Okrika , Okehi, and Oyigbo . Elections are conducted every 4 years in which Riverian voters will directly elect 16 representatives to

2100-457: The administration of General Yakubu Gowon and is the state's only military Governor to serve two consecutive four-year terms. In October 1979, Melford Okilo became the first elected Governor of Rivers State and ruled until December 1983. More recently, two governors in the state's history have served two consecutive terms. They are: Dr. Peter Odili (1999–2007) and Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi (2007–2015). Rivers State's shortest-serving governor

2170-571: The airport is closer to the centre than the main airport. Seaports handle much more diversified import cargo activities than airports. The Port of Onne is one of the largest and busiest seaports in the country. Its mobile harbour cranes are one of the biggest in Africa, with a lifting capacity of 208 metric tonnes. Another important seaport is the Port of Port Harcourt . It was the second-largest port in Nigeria in

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2240-418: The authority vested in me as governor so as not to impede or prejudice the authority lawfully vested in the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and so as not to endanger the continuance of federal government in Nigeria; that I will not allow my personal interest to influence my official conduct or my official decisions; that I will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of

2310-440: The best of my ability, faithfully and in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the law, and always in the interest of the sovereignty, integrity, solidarity, well-being and prosperity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that I will strive to preserve the fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy contained in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that I will exercise

2380-542: The bill, a two-thirds majority of the House may override it, and the bill will become law without the governor's signature. If the Governor does not act, the bill will automatically become law after a 30-day period. Judicial officers are appointed by the governor on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council subject to confirmation of the appointment by the Rivers State House of Assembly. Should

2450-535: The coast, the typical Niger Delta environment features many mangrove swamps . Rivers State has a total area of 11,077 km (4,277 sq mi), making it the 26th largest state in Nigeria. Surrounding states are Anambra for four km, Imo for about 122 km), and Abia for 87 km (54 miles, partly across the Imo River) to the north, Akwa Ibom to the east across the Imo River and Bayelsa and Delta to

2520-466: The coast, to about 1,700 mm (67 in) in the extreme north. It is 4,698 mm (185 in) at Bonny along the coast and 1,862 mm (73 in) at Degema . For Port Harcourt , temperatures throughout the year are relatively constant with little variation throughout the seasons. Average temperatures are typically between 25 and 28 °C (77 and 82 °F). Some parts of the state still receive up to 150 mm (6 in) of rainfall during

2590-635: The country's nationhood was affirmed while an agreement was reached on some measures to mitigate the fears of the ethnic minorities in the area. Around this time, the COR State Movement had broken away to press their case. Thereafter, the British launched a commission led by Sir Henry Willink to look into the misgivings of these autochthons. The Willink Commission initiated the conception of the Niger Delta Development Board (NDDB). The purpose

2660-490: The creek belt, Ogoni languages - about 5 of them are spoken across the southern parts of the state, Igboid group of language is spoken in the Northern Areas of the Rivers State. Languages of Rivers State listed by LGA: Rivers State has maintained its importance as a leading supplier of wealth to the nation for centuries. In 2021, the state ranked 2nd nationwide with a gross domestic product (GDP) of $ 51.529 billion and

2730-415: The dry period. Relative humidity rarely dips below 60% and fluctuates between 90% and 100% for most of the year. The land surface of Rivers State can be divided into three zones: freshwater swamps, mangrove swamps and coastal sand ridges. The freshwater zone extends northwards from the mangrove swamps . This land surface is generally less than 20m above sea level. As a lower Niger floodplain , it contains

2800-428: The due discharge of my duties as governor; and that I will devote myself to the service and well-being of the people of Nigeria. So, help me God.” Although a Governor is normally elected to serve a complete four-year term during the national elections, in exceptional cases, before a term of such four years expires, the officeholder may be replaced or removed as the case may be, through death, impeachment or if an election

2870-622: The early days of the colonial period , several protection treaties were signed between various indigenous communities and the British colonial government . Between 1941 and 1952, agitation for the creation of Rivers Province began with the formation of the Ijo Rivers People's League . By 1953, the Council of Rivers Chiefs was birthed as a replacement body for the League, the same year, another organization,

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2940-596: The forest is very shady and as a result a wide variety of shade tolerant forbs (e.g. Nephrolepis biserrata , Culcasia scandens , Laportea spp., Chromolaena odorata , Aframomum melegueta and Costus afer ) and various sedges form thickets on the forest floor. By dry season, a large cushion of litter cover the floor because of increase in abscission rate of some plants such as Musanga cecropioides , Hallea ledermannii , Calamus deeratus , Gmelina arborea , Raphia spp. and Elaeis guineensis . Mammals , reptiles and amphibians are also found in

3010-476: The forest, the emergents include Symphonia globulifera , Cleistopholis patens , Uapaca spp., Musanga cecropioides , Hallea ledermannii , Terminalia spp., Anthostema aubryanum , Tectona grandis and Elaeis guineensis . The understory is composed mainly of Calamus deeratus , Alchornea cordifolia , Monodora tenuifolia , Harungana madagascariensis , Strophanthus preussii , Rauvolfia vomitoria and Raphia spp. The interior of

3080-415: The freshwaters encompassing the upper and lower floodplains of the Niger Delta . Finima Nature Park is a protected area and forest reserve on Bonny Island covering an area of approximately 10 km (3.9 sq mi). The park's vegetation has progressively developed into a high forest considering the form from which it began in 1999. There are two storeys that can be distinguished from outside

3150-438: The highest nationwide. Rivers State has a rich cultural heritage, and its people are friendly and known for their hospitality. The state has 23 distinct ethnic groups including Ekpeye, Ogba, Kalabari, Ikwerre and Ogoni amongst others. It is on record that Port Harcourt is the second biggest commercial, agriculture and busiest airport & seaports in Nigeria. Rivers state has two seaports situated in Port Harcourt and Onne. As

3220-458: The highest number of inhabitants of any local government area, while Ogu–Bolo and Omuma had the lowest. The total area of the state was 11,077 km (4,277 sq mi) and the density was 635.89 inhabitants per square kilometre (1,646.9/sq mi). According to the world population review (Population of cities in Nigeria), the capital city of Rivers state, Port Harcourt is ranked 4th on

3290-456: The list. Rivers State has a higher literacy rate compared to most states in the South South geopolitical zone. Its male literacy as of 2006 was 52.3% while the female literacy rate was 47.7%. In the same survey, it ranked as 26th most extensive and the 6th most populous of all the states of Nigeria. A 2015 estimate put the number of residents of Rivers State at over 7 million, nearly triple

3360-459: The main revenue source of the country. In a sample survey carried out by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, about 40% of the rural inhabitants were committed to farming in 1983. Rivers State is one of the leading states in the production of yam , cassava , cocoyam , maize , rice and beans . About 39% (760,000 hectares) of the state's total land mass, particularly in

3430-685: The many rivers that border its territory, was part of the Oil Rivers Protectorate from 1885 till 1893 when it became part of the Niger Coast Protectorate . In 1900, the region was merged with the chartered territories of the Royal Niger Company to form the colony of Southern Nigeria . The state was formed in 1967 with the split of the Eastern Region of Nigeria. In 1996 the state lost territory to form Bayelsa State . In

3500-539: The military government of Sani Abacha on 1 October 1996 and Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State was created on the same day to include communities such as Umuru in Ofeh. Rivers State is a predominantly low-lying pluvial state in southern Nigeria, located in the eastern part of the Niger Delta on the oceanward extension of the Benue Trough . The inland part of the state consists of tropical rainforest , and towards

3570-493: The native languages. This is partly due to the frequent exposure of the younger generations to foreign dialects, especially in the country's largest cities. Excluding Pidgin, all other ones spoken in the state belong to either Benue–Congo or Ijoid and Ogoni Languages within the Niger–Congo language family . The Benue–Congo is subdivided into Cross River , Igboid , and Edoid groups. The Ijoid languages are predominant around

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3640-420: The north west of Ahoada and west of Upper Orashi Forest have also been designated an Important Bird Area. The forest has an area of 219 km (136 mi) within which mammals like red-bellied monkey and yellow-backed duiker are found along with raffia palms and some woody broadleaved species such as Symphonia globulifera and Ficus spp. The state has many rivers. Notable rivers include: Over

3710-468: The number recorded in 1991. According to the National Bureau of Statistics projection, the population in the state was 4% of the total population of the country. Data of 2010–2015 showed life expectancies for male, 54 years and female, 57 years were very low. General mortality rate was 60 per 1000, under-5 mortality rate was 90 and maternal mortality rate was 889 per 100,000 live births, one of

3780-567: The park. The common mammals are mona monkeys and pygmy hippopotamuses . Among the reptiles and amphibians are snakes and crocodiles , turtles , frogs , lizards , and skinks . One of the world's Ramsar Convention -listed wetlands , Upper Orashi Forest , is a 252 km (97 sq mi) protected area in Ahoada West . It has been identified by BirdLife International as an IBA because of its importance to global populations of grey parrots and other birds. The Biseni Forest in

3850-484: The period from 1991 to 2006, the total population of Rivers State increased by close to 3 million people. The last official census showed that 5,198,716 people were living in the state, of whom 2,673,026 were male and 2,525,690 were female. Adults and adolescents aged 15 to 64 years accounted for 61% of the population in the state. Children below the age of 15 accounted for 36% of the population, and those aged 65 years and above, another 3%. Port Harcourt and Obio-Akpor had

3920-534: The population. A number of towns and villages with iron-contaminated H 2 O have resorted to treating one chemical contaminant with another. Most of the water collection in low-income urban residential areas is done by women. In 2008, NDHS reported that 26% of adult females collect drinking water more than adult male counterparts at 21%. In order to improve access to safe, reliable, affordable, and sustainable water supply services, USAID , through its Sustainable Water and Sanitation in Africa program collaborated with

3990-485: The riverine areas, with a relief range of 2m to 5m, take up 39%. Due to its geographical location, Rivers State has always played an important role in the natural history of Nigeria, having been found to host a vast array of wildlife and plants. Its tropical rainforests are home to more species than all other local biomes combined thanks to its climate and canopy structure. Some of the upland forested areas have seen disruption from human activity, impacting negatively on

4060-431: The riverine areas. The state provides valuable seafood such as crabs , oysters , shrimps and sea snails among others. Vertebrates like birds , mammals and reptiles are also found in the region. Energy, and especially electricity is the key factor for economic growth. Rivers State has one of the nation's highest per capita energy consumption rates. As of 2012, it had a power generation capacity of 400 megawatts ,

4130-471: The state House of Assembly , which is made up of elected representatives from all constituencies of the state. Its functions at the state level are relative to those of the National Assembly at the federal level, creating laws for the good governance of the state, as well as acting as a check and balance on the powers and actions of the state's Chief Executive. The House of Assembly consists of three times

4200-569: The state. Other natural resources found within its boundaries are silica, glass sand and clay. Prior to the discovery of oil in commercial quantity in 1951, Agriculture was the primary occupation of the people of Rivers State. Around the 19th century when the Industrial Revolution reached its peak in England, the area was then referred to as Oil Rivers Protectorate , this was due to its abundant palm oil and kernel which basically constituted

4270-583: The total number of seats which the state has in the House of Representatives. The judicial branch of the state government has sole authority and responsibility for the interpretation and application of the state's laws as well as the adjudication of disputes or controversies. It consists of eight courts: the High Court of Justice, the Magistrates Courts, the Customary Courts, the Juveniles Courts,

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4340-477: The upland area, is suitable for cultivation. Major cash crops produced are oil palm products , rubber , coconut , raffia palm and jute . Other crops grown for food include vegetables , melon , pineapples , mango , pepper, banana and plantain . The fishing industry is an important sector in Rivers State. Besides being lucrative, fishing is also a favourite pastime activity. There are approximately 270 species of fish existing; with many artisanal fishermen in

4410-530: The violation of the state laws. Such authority must be exercised on the advice of the Rivers State Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, and should not be wielded independently. Governors take the following oath: “I do solemnly swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that as the Governor of Rivers State, I will discharge my duties to

4480-449: The water. Several others receive their domestic water from rainwater catchments , nearby streams or rivers. In the oil-bearing communities, many residents have easy access to basic infrastructure systems, although, most of the facilities are nonfunctional. In large urban localities such as Port Harcourt and Obio-Akpor , Port Harcourt Water Corporation handles the provision of urban water supply and wastewater management services for 15% of

4550-674: The west across the Niger River for about 50 km. On the south, it is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean . Its topography ranges from flat plains, with a network of rivers to tributaries. Rainfall is generally seasonal, variable, as well as heavy, and occurs between March and October through November. The wet season peaks in July, lasting more than 290 days. The only dry months are January and February having little to no effect. Total annual rainfall decreases from about 4,700 mm (185 in) on

4620-473: The west.The State capital, Port Harcourt , is a metropolis that is considered to be the commercial center of the Nigerian oil industry . With a population of 5,198,716 as of the 2006 census and 7,234,973 in 2023, Rivers State is the 8th most populous state in Nigeria. Rivers State is a diverse state that is home to many ethnic groups : Ijaw , Ogoni , Ikwerre , Ogba , Ekpeye , and Kalabari . The state

4690-455: Was Celestine Omehia who served only five months in office before the Supreme Court annulled his election on 25 October 2007. The Governor and Deputy Governor are directly elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms, and are limited to two consecutive terms, for a total of eight years. Qualifications required for an individual aspiring to become the Governor of Rivers State

4760-472: Was a Naval Lieutenant Commander aged 25. In 1973, a correspondent for the Nigerian Observer wrote an article about an impending teacher's strike, which was published on Diete-Spiff's birthday. Taking this as a deliberate insult, Diete-Spiff's aide Ralph Iwowari had the reporter's head publicly shaved and had him beaten with 24 lashes of a cane. In December 2009, Diete-Spiff was National Chairman of

4830-660: Was also a member of the Supreme Military Council. Diete-Spiff is an Ijaw from Bayelsa State and the Amayanabo (King) of Twon-Brass , Bayelsa State, born on 30 July 1942. He was educated at St. Joseph's College in Western Cameroon and Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, England. He joined the Nigerian Navy and was commissioned ships diving officer in 1964. When appointed Military Governor of Rivers State in 1967, he

4900-409: Was to tackle the problems of underdevelopment, however, this failed to rise to the expectations of the masses. After much discontent, some of the people attempted to take the extralegal route to achieve their goals. In February 1966, Isaac Boro , Sam Owonaro and Nottingham Dick alongside their supporters proclaimed a "Delta People's Republic". The rebellion persisted for twelve days but was resisted by

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