COMMUNIQUE OF THE BONNY GENTLEMEN’S LEAGUE RELEASED AT THE END OF IT’S 46TH ANNUAL CONVENTION/4TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON THE 26TH OF DECEMBER 2025 AT BONNY
PREAMBLE:
Bonny Gentlemen’s League hereafter referred to as the ‘The League’ is a Socio-political organization committed to the advancement and welfare of the entire Bonny Communities. The League convened its 46th Annual Convention/4th Annual General Meeting on December 26, 2025, at Inyanabo’s Den, SDP, located off Akiama Road in Bonny. At the conclusion of its deliberations, The League issued the following resolutions as its official communiqué.
RESOLUTIONS:
1. Bodo – Bonny Road
a) The League commended the Federal Government headed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for its purposeful and coordinated efforts toward the completion and delivery of the Bodo-Bonny Road project. A significant milestone was achieved with the temporary opening of the road on December 8, 2025, marking notable progress in addressing critical infrastructure needs in the region. The League also conveyed appreciation for the measures and protocols articulated by the Minister of Works, His Excellency Engr. Dave Umahi, which currently govern the use of the road. Among these operational guidelines are the restriction of road usage to the hours between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM, as well as the prohibition of access to trucks, tricycles, and motorcycles at this stage of the project. These limitations are recognized as necessary for ensuring safety and orderly use during this phase of the road’s operation.
b) The League extended its commendation to Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) for its instrumental contributions to the realization of the Bodo-Bonny Road Project. In addition, the League expressed appreciation to His Majesty King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple and Bonny Chiefs Council for their supportive and collaborative roles, which were crucial in advancing the completion of this vital infrastructure. Their collective efforts have significantly contributed to the progress and success of the project, demonstrating the importance of cooperation among traditional institutions, community leaders, corporate stakeholders and Government within the Bonny Kingdom.
c) The League firmly opposed the proposed introduction of the Toll Gate Policy on the Bodo-Bonny Road, as previously announced by the Minister. The League appealed to the Federal Government to promptly withdraw this policy, emphasizing that it is not only retrogressive but also detrimental in every respect.
2. Corporate Social Responsibility and Bonny Projects:
The League commended His Majesty for reconstituting the Bonny Kingdom Development Committee (BKDC) under the leadership of Amaopusenibo (Sir) Amairigha Edward Hart. The League recognizes the role of BKDC in driving advancement and ensuring the sustained growth and development of the Kingdom. However, the League voiced its concern regarding the sluggish progress in executing several critical Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects associated with the NLNG/Train 7 initiatives within the Bonny Kingdom. The League stressed that these projects are of great significance to the community’s well-being and development and therefore called for urgent measures to accelerate their completion. The projects include:
a) Expansion of Bonny major road from Shell Gate (Now Renaissance Gate) to Coal Beach with Spur from Amaomu Junction to Perekule Palace.
b) Sports Academy with Stadium, Hostels, Clinic and other training and social facilities
c) Link Road from Workers Camp to Simidia Junction on Abalamabie Road and
d) Vehicular Terminal along the Bonny axis of the Bodo-Bonny Road.
The League, however, commended NLNG/Train 7 for the significant progress in road construction and rehabilitation works within Finima Town. It looks forward to the timely completion of all related CSR projects in Finima, recognizing their importance to the community.
3. Bonny Local Government Leadership:
The League extends its congratulations to Amasenibo Hon. Abinye Blessing Pepple, DSSRS, on his election as Chairman of Bonny Local Government, as well as to the members of the Local Government Legislative Council for their successful election as Councillors. This acknowledgment underscores the League’s recognition of the pivotal role that the Council plays in fostering growth and advancing development throughout the Bonny communities.
The League further observes that the Chairman is stepping into office during a period of substantial change. Bonny is presently experiencing a major transition characterized by considerable migration from neighbouring urban and rural communities. This influx is expected to place increased demands on existing public infrastructure, potentially leading to challenges associated with overcapacity and strain on essential services.
4. Bonny Town Planning and Urban Development:
The League in its 2024 communique, emphasized the urgent challenges facing Bonny main town. It observed that the town is currently grappling with severe overpopulation, inadequate planning, and a lack of coordinated development, leading to disorganized urban growth.
Recognizing these pressing issues, the League called upon the Bonny Local Government to take decisive action by independently engaging the expertise of Town Planning and Urban Development professionals. The League recommended that these experts should provide guidance to the Council in designing well-structured Industrial, Commercial, and Residential layouts within Bonny. Despite these clear recommendations, the League noted with concern that, over the past year, no significant progress has been made, and the prevailing situation remains unchanged.
Consequently, the League strongly urges the Bonny Local Government Council to take immediate action to reinforce its Town Planning Unit. By doing so, the Council can address the current trajectory and prevent Bonny from descending further into unplanned expansion and, ultimately, from developing into a sprawling slum.
5. Strengthening Commercial Transportation:
The League urged the Bonny Local Government to reinforce the operations of private commercial bus and taxi services in the area. This recommendation is aimed at enhancing the reliability and safety of public transportation, as well as supporting local businesses involved in transit services.
Furthermore, the League advocates for a prohibition on the use of motorcycles for commercial transportation within Bonny. This measure is motivated by concerns over safety and security, aligning Bonny with the practices adopted by major urban centers across Nigeria, where such bans have already been implemented to safeguard public welfare.
6. Enforcement and Traffic Management
To ensure effective traffic regulation and promote road safety, the League recommends that the Council should engage and train road marshals. These marshals would be responsible for enforcing road discipline and managing vehicular traffic within the town, thereby fostering an orderly and secure transport environment.
Additionally, the League calls for the prohibition of use of major roads as parking spaces for cars, buses, or trucks by residents. This action is intended to alleviate congestion, improve the flow of traffic, and maintain the accessibility of primary thoroughfares for all road users in Bonny.
7. Rivers State Government Leadership and Renewed Commitment:
The League formally welcomes His Excellency, Amaopusenibo (Sir) Siminalayi Joseph Fubara, along with his Deputy, Dr. Ngozi Ordu, and the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, upon their return from a six-month suspension. The League acknowledges the challenges that led to this period of absence and encourages all involved to move beyond the issues that contributed to the suspension.
The League urges the Governor, his Deputy, and the legislative assembly members to refocus their efforts on effective governance. The League specifically calls for a more engaged and interactive approach, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and open communication in addressing the needs of Rivers State. By putting past disagreements aside, the leadership can better serve the interests of the state and foster a period of positive development and unity in governance.
8. Neglect of Bonny Local Government Area by Rivers State Government
The League formally drew the attention of the Executive Governor of Rivers State to the longstanding neglect experienced by Bonny Local Government Area since the beginning of civilian administration in 1999. Despite Bonny’s significant contribution to the State’s Revenue, the League deeply regrets that, for the past 26 years, no Rivers State Governor has initiated or commissioned any State Government project within Bonny Local Area.
Considering this persistent oversight, the League urges the Governor to prioritize Bonny Local Government Area for the immediate award of legacy projects. These projects should be flagged off, completed, and formally commissioned by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Rivers State, before the conclusion of his current tenure in 2027. This call seeks to acknowledge and reward Bonny’s substantial contributions to the State’s economic development and ensure tangible progress and recognition for the community.
Projects requiring immediate action include, but are not limited to:
a. Bonny Ring Road Project to link Bonny Communities in the Eastern flank of Bonny with Bonny mainland. This project was presented to the State Government and OMPADEC/NDDC by the Bonny Community in 1993.
b. Bonny Internal Roads – Including a link road from Coal Beach traversing through the Eastern coastline to link the Bodo-Bonny Road after the New Workers Camp.
c. Upgrade of Bonny National Grammar School and Government Girls Secondary School, Finima – Bonny; and
d. Peterside/Fibiri/Kalaibiama/Kuruma road in the Western flank of Bonny Island to link the State capital (Port Harcourt) through the Trans Kalabari Road.
9. Establishment of Bonny Judicial Division:
The League extends its sincere commendation and gratitude to the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sir Siminialayi Fubara, and the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Hon. Justice Simeon C. Amadi, for their instrumental roles in the approval and creation of the Bonny Judicial Division. This significant development marks a crucial step forward in strengthening the legal framework and administration of justice within Bonny Local Government Area.
The League urged the Bonny Local Government, under the leadership of Hon. Abinye Blessing Pepple and the Amanyanabo-in-Council, to seize this unique opportunity and promptly secure suitable land and ensure the provision of essential judicial infrastructure.
These measures are critical for facilitating the smooth and efficient commencement of operations for the new Judicial Division in Bonny Town, thereby advancing access to justice for the community.
10. Strengthening Healthcare Facilities in Bonny:
The League once again emphasized the urgent need for Bonny Local Government to ensure that all Primary Health Centers within the Local Government Area are fully functional. It is crucial for the Council to prioritize the proper equipping and staffing of Primary Health Centers located at Oloma, Peterside, Dema-Abbey, Banigo, and Greens-Iwoama. By addressing these requirements, the Council can significantly enhance the quality and accessibility of primary healthcare services for residents across the LGA, thereby promoting better health outcomes and community well-being.
Furthermore, the League called on the Federal Government to give priority to the establishment of a Federal Medical Center in Bonny. The creation of such a facility would not only address the advanced medical needs of the community but also serve as a critical step in strengthening the overall healthcare system in the area. With a Federal Medical Center in place, Bonny would benefit from improved medical infrastructure, increased access to specialized care, and enhanced capacity for managing complex health emergencies.
11. Conclusion and Appreciation
In conclusion, the Chancellor, Executives, and Members of the Bonny Gentlemen’s League express their profound gratitude to God Almighty for His unwavering love, abundant grace, mercies, protection, provisions, and all other blessings bestowed upon them throughout the year 2025. The League collectively offers prayers for an even more fruitful and fulfilling year in 2026, seeking continued guidance and favor. The League extends heartfelt wishes to all its members and the wider community for a Happy and Prosperous 2026.
Amaopusenibo Barr. Torudoghubo D. Jamaica
Chairman, Current and National Affairs Committee
Dr. Victor Ibigoni Jumbo
Registrar
Warisenibo Kalada Dublin Green.
Chancellor
Dated this 8th Day of January 2026.