The Rivers Equity Group Foundation (REG), a non governmental organisation advocating fairness and inclusion, has raised alarm over what it described as “unsettling developments” that could undermine the established principle of power rotation in Rivers State.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, the group through its leader, Elder Clapton Ogolo, said the state stands at a critical juncture in its political history, warning that any attempt to deny the riverine axis a full tenure would erode trust, deepen divisions, and destabilise the fragile balance that has guided governance since the return to democracy in 1999.

The group noted that although unwritten, the practice of rotating political power between upland and riverine communities has served as a stabilising mechanism, fostering inclusion and reinforcing a sense of belonging among the state’s diverse population.

According to REG, this “moral covenant” has been instrumental in sustaining political harmony, assuring all sections of the state that leadership is a shared responsibility rather than the preserve of a few.

However, the group recalled that the balance was disrupted following the tenure of former governor Peter Odili in 2007, after which power remained in the upland for 16 uninterrupted years under successive administrations.

During that period, it said, stakeholders from riverine communities consistently agitated for fairness and a return to the rotational arrangement.

REG described the emergence of Governor Siminalayi Fubara in 2023 as a “long-overdue correction,” noting that it restored confidence in the principle of equity and reaffirmed the collective commitment to inclusive governance.

But it expressed concern over reports suggesting moves to truncate what it considers the rightful eight-year tenure of the riverine region.

“Such actions, if allowed to prevail, would undermine the very foundation of fairness upon which our state’s political stability rests,” the statement said.

The group insisted that equity, justice, and fairness must not be sacrificed for political expediency, stressing that denying the riverine axis a complete tenure after years of waiting would perpetuate exclusion and grievance.

“It would send a dangerous signal that agreements, even moral ones, can be disregarded when convenient. Such a path does not lead to peace; it leads to division,” it added.

REG therefore called on political actors, elders, and opinion leaders within and outside the state to place collective interest above partisan considerations and uphold the principles that have sustained the state’s political structure.

It emphasised that the strength of democracy lies not only in periodic elections but also in adherence to the norms and understandings that ensure inclusiveness and fairness.

The group urged all stakeholders to allow the riverine region to complete its tenure, insisting that doing so would reinforce unity, stability, and long-term prosperity in Rivers State.

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced that all prospective corps members will, from the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream I orientation course, be required to present a compliance certificate issued by the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) as part of the mobilisation process.

Director-General of the scheme, Olakunle Nafiu, disclosed this in Abuja on Monday during the 2026 Batch ‘B’ pre-mobilisation workshop themed “Strengthening Institutional Accountability and Compliance in the NYSC Mobilisation Process.”

He said the new requirement aligns with a directive of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and is aimed at enhancing transparency, curbing certificate fraud and ensuring that only duly qualified graduates participate in the national service scheme.

“In line with our drive towards greater accountability, the NYSC shall enforce the directive mandating all prospective corps members to obtain and present a compliance certificate from NERD,” Nafiu stated, adding that the policy represents a decisive step towards sanitising the mobilisation system.

The NYSC boss emphasised that the integrity of the mobilisation process depends on effective collaboration among critical stakeholders, including Corps Producing Institutions and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), noting that the exercise is a shared responsibility.

“The mobilisation process is not the responsibility of NYSC alone; it is a collective enterprise. Synergy among stakeholders ensures a seamless, transparent and credible transition from student life to national service,” he said.

Nafiu further warned tertiary institutions against manipulation or distortion of graduate records, urging strict adherence to established guidelines. He also called for the adoption of innovative digital solutions to improve efficiency, monitoring and accountability within the system.

According to him, JAMB remains central to the authentication of admission and graduation records, while regulatory bodies are expected to provide policy direction and enforcement to safeguard the credibility of the scheme.

Also speaking, Director of Corps Mobilisation, Mrs Rachel Idaewor, described the workshop as a vital platform for strengthening collaboration among stakeholders, including the National Universities Commission (NUC), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the Federal Ministry of Education.

She noted that although progress has been recorded in recent years, gaps still exist in the mobilisation value chain, requiring continuous reforms driven by technology and data accuracy.

“This workshop underscores our commitment to improving service delivery through enhanced accountability and compliance.

Leveraging digital tools will help streamline processes and maximise efficiency in mobilising Nigerian youths,” Idaewor said.

She urged Student Affairs Officers in tertiary institutions to ensure the accuracy and integrity of records submitted to the NYSC, stressing that institutional diligence remains critical to the success of the mobilisation framework.

The workshop drew participants from Corps Producing Institutions, regulatory agencies and senior NYSC officials nationwide, with deliberations focused on addressing systemic challenges and charting a sustainable path for reforms in the mobilisation process.

Amnesty International has raised fresh alarm over the abduction of dozens of schoolchildren by armed groups in northern and southern Nigeria, warning that the escalating attacks on schools are compounding the country’s education crisis.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the organisation described the incidents as “alarming,” noting that schools, children and entire communities were targeted within days.

According to Amnesty, no fewer than 82 schoolchildren were abducted between May 13 and 15, 2026, in separate attacks across Borno State and Oyo State.

The group said 42 pupils were kidnapped during attacks on schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas of Borno State on May 13 and 14. It added that another 40 children were abducted on May 15 after gunmen invaded communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The affected schools include Primary and Government Day Junior Secondary School (GDSS) Mussa, Local Authority School in Askira Uba, as well as Ahoro-Esinele and Community Grammar School in Oriire LGA.

Amnesty called on Nigerian authorities to take “immediate and decisive action” to investigate the incidents, ensure the safe rescue of the victims and strengthen measures to protect schools nationwide.

“The Nigerian authorities must take urgent steps to rescue the victims safely and adopt concrete measures to end the persistent targeting of schools and children,” the organisation said.

It noted that some of the victims were as young as two years old, warning that repeated attacks on educational institutions are forcing millions of children out of school.

“Many abducted children and teachers are never released by their abductors. The constant threat of abduction is compelling children to abandon education,” the statement added.

The organisation also accused authorities of failing to adequately investigate previous abductions and prosecute perpetrators, leaving victims and their families without justice or effective remedies.

Amnesty maintained that the inability of authorities to guarantee the safety of citizens amounts to a violation of Nigeria’s obligations under the Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, urging stronger accountability and protection of vulnerable communities.