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Tag: Rivers State

  • Appeal Court nullifies expulsion of Amaewhule, 24 pro-Wike lawmakers

    Appeal Court nullifies expulsion of Amaewhule, 24 pro-Wike lawmakers

    A Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has nullified the expulsion of Martin Amaewhule and 24 other lawmakers loyal to former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Amaewhule and the 24 lawmakers loyal to Wike, FCT Minister, were expelled from the Rivers State House of Assembly after they decamped from the People’s Democratic Party PDP (PDP).

    The lawmakers, who won their elections on the platform of the PDP had on December 11, 2023, announced their defection to the APC. Subsequently, the Rivers Assembly led by the then Speaker, Hon. Edison Ehie, on December 13, declared their seats vacant owing to their defection.

    After their defection from the PDP, the Rivers State High Court immediately granted an exparte order expelling the the pro-Wike lawmakers from the State House of Assembly.

    However, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal on Thursday held that the lower court lacked the jurisdiction to grant the exparte order.

    In the appeal, marked: CA/PH/198/2024, the pro-Wike lawmakers urged the appellate court to stay the execution of the high court judgement.

    They further prayed to the appellate court to invalidate all the legislative actions that have been taken by the Jumbo-led Rivers State House of Assembly.

    A three-member panel of the appellate court led by Jimi Olukayode-Bada, held that the State High Court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit, as such matters can only be heard and determined by a federal high court.

    It therefore, invalidated all the restraining orders that were issued against them by the high court.

    The appeal, which was filed by Amaewhule, factional speaker of the Rivers state house of assembly, and 24 others, sought to vacate the order of a high court in Port Harcourt that restrained them from parading themselves as lawmakers.

    On May 30, Charles Wali, the high court judge, restrained the lawmakers in Amaewhule’s faction from conducting legislative sittings anywhere, including within the legislative quarters.

    The judge also restrained Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, from interfacing with or accepting resolutions and bills from the 25 lawmakers.

    The suit was filed by Victor Oko Jumbo, a factional speaker, and two other lawmakers , Sokari Goodboy and Orubienimigha Adolphus Timothy. The three legislators are loyal to Fubara.

    The court also held that all of the laws made by Amaewhule and others would amount to a nullity until the matter was determined.

    The appellants had asked the appeal court to dismiss the judgment of the lower court and nullify the decisions taken by Jumbo’s faction.

    The court held that Section 272(3) of the Constitution gives the Federal High Court powers to determine whether the seat of a House of Assembly member has become vacant.

    It held that the Federal High Court has the exclusive jurisdiction to determine if the seats have become vacant.

    According to the court, the express mention of the Federal High Court in Section 272 (3) of the Constitution automatically excludes all state high courts from having the jurisdiction.

    The appellate court held that the exparte order having been made without jurisdiction is null and void.

  • Police arrest vigilante commander with human skulls in Rivers

    Police arrest vigilante commander with human skulls in Rivers

    The Rivers State Police Command on Wednesday said its operatives arrested a local vigilante member identified as Felix Nwaobakata with two human skulls and other parts at his hideout in Omoku, headquarters of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of the State.

    The Spokesperson for the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, made this known in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

    According to Iringe-Koko, Nwaobakata, who is the Commander of the ONELGA Security and Peace Advisory Committee codenamed OSPAC, was a principal suspect in the murder of two brothers in Idu in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni LGA of the State on May 1, 2024, on the allegations that they were kidnappers.

    She said the victims’ motorcycles were reportedly confiscated, while their bodies were taken to the OSPAC secretariat in Omoku.

    According to Iringe-Koko, the arrest of Nwaobakata and other OSPAC members followed numerous complaints about their operations in different parts of the State, especially in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LG, saying the operatives of the outfit recently attacked a police division in Omoku and clashed with other security agencies.

    The statement read, “The Rivers State Police Command has commenced a clampdown on the excesses of vigilante groups operating within the State.

    “This follows numerous complaints about the operations of the ONELGA Security and Peace Advisory Committee in different parts of the State, predominantly in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, as well as clashes with other Security Agencies by this Vigilante Group.

    “On May 9, 2024, Alhaji Usman Seleh, the Chairman of the Hausa Indigenous Group in ONELGA, reported that OSPAC had abducted a member of his group. He proceeded to report the matter to the police. Consequently, the police invited the ONELGA OSPAC Commander, Felix Nwaobakata, who refused to honour several invitations.

    “Instead, the OSPAC outfit coordinated an attack on the police division in Omoku but the attack was thwarted as the police repelled them.

    “Following this development, Tactical Units of the command stormed the ONELGA OSPAC Camp at Omoku and arrested Cheta Benjamin, Joshua Ekwosa, Innocent Ahiakwu, and four others.

    “The ONELGA OSPAC Commander, Felix Nwaobakata, was subsequently arrested in his hideout in Omoku on June 17, 2024 where two human skulls and human bones were found in his possession.

    “The arrested OSPAC Commander, Felix Nwaobakata, is also a principal suspect in the murder of two brothers, Collins Ugorji (32) and Newman Ugorji (39), of the Idu Community in ONELGA.”

  • RSIEC announces date for LG elections in Rivers State

    RSIEC announces date for LG elections in Rivers State

    The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), has fixed Oct. 5, for the conduct of local government council elections in the state.

    RSIEC Chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd), announced the date at a stakeholders meeting in Port Harcourt on Monday.

    “The aim of this meeting is to unveil the timetable and guidelines for the conduct of elections into the 23 local government councils in the state,” he said.

    Enebeli said that campaigns would take place between Sept. 4 and Oct. 3 while the election would hold on Oct. 5.

    He urged political parties willing to participate in the exercise to obtain, complete and submit their expression of interest forms to the commission, latest July 15.

    Enebeli said that the commission was empowered by Section 5 of the RSIEC Law No 2 of 2018, to provide guidelines and to conduct local government council elections in the state.

    He said that only registered political parties could sponsor candidates for the elections by submitting duly completed expression of interest forms to the commission.

    The chairman said that the commission would not tolerate multiple nomination of candidates for one position during the process.

    “Political parties that nominate multiple candidates for a particular position will be disqualified.

    “Substitution of candidates will only be allowed if the first candidate withdraws or dies before the exercise.

    Speaking at the meeting, Solsuema Osaro, the Chairman, Inter-party Advisory Council, said that political parties in the state were ready for the council elections.

    He expressed hopes that the election commission would play the role of an unbiased umpire in the conduct of the poll.

  • We are defending Rivers against predators – Gov Fubara

    We are defending Rivers against predators – Gov Fubara

    Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has said that he was not fighting anybody.

    “I am, rather, defending the state against predators; I am protecting Rivers against those who feel that they own the life of others,” he said in Port Harcourt on Wednesday when the Senate Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation, paid him a courtesy visit.

    Fubara stated that the failed attempt to detonate an explosive device at the Hotel Presidential, a five star hotel in Port Harcourt, was a deliberate ploy to strengthen the call for a state of emergency.

    “It is the handiwork of detractors who want to undermine the state to achieve their evil plans,” he declared.

    The governor alleged that some youths were hired to engage in a protest to demand for extension of tenure for former local government chairmen who had served out their statutory three-year tenure.

    “The protesters and their sponsors were aware that some members of the National Assembly were guests at the Hotel Presidential, that was their reason for the attempt to detonate an explosive device near the facility.

    “In fact, there was a plan to detonate dynamite at the Hotel Presidential because you people were there. But, this God that we serve, it happened that the man, who was trying to do it, detonated it, but just few seconds after, it blew his hands off.

    “The idea was that as you were hearing state of emergency, by the time they finish, when you return to have your sitting tomorrow, the debate will be from somebody from this state who called you people to tell you not to come.”

    Fubara wondered why the law is silent or slow to take its course over offenders because somebody appears to be bigger than the law.

    “Is there nowhere in the country where tenure elongation for former local government chairmen has been an issue?” Fubara asked.

    Fubara opined that there was no Governor in Nigeria who could take 10 percent of the abuse railed at him by former local government councils.

    “Is it that the Constitution that governs Nigeria is different from the one that operates in Rivers? These are the very pertinent questions we should ask.

    “Why should it be that when it comes to the case of Rivers, the law is always silent? Is it that there is somebody bigger than Nigeria? That is the question I want you to go back with,” Fubara said.

    Fubara told members of the committee to factor in the interest of Rivers as they recommend the privatisation and commercialisation of public companies, saying that when the state buys stakes in such companies, they could be protected and supervised to be viable.

    “I will also appeal to you that in this process of privatisation, anything that has to do with our own state here that needs to be privatised, the Rivers Government will be interested.

    “So, as a committee, if there is anywhere you can support us; if there is anyone that is still available, let us know, and let us get the details so that we can own it.

    “It is only when we own it that those assets can be protected. It is only when we own it, that is when those assets become viable to the state, and also become viable to the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he stated.

    Committee chairman Orji Uzo Kalu had earlier said that the team was in Rivers to carry out oversight duties on some projects under its purview.

    Kalu, who represents Abia North Senatorial District, commended Fubara for his love for peace and his determination to offer quality governance.

    He also commended him for keeping pace with providing the right climate to engender economic growth.

    Kalu urged FCT minister Nyesom Wike to shealth the sword and call his supporters to order to
    foster peace in Rivers.

    “Wike must put the interest of the state above all considerations,” he said.

    Kalu commended Fubara and his team for the good things they were doing in the state, pointing out that it was good to have peace.

    “I want to thank you because you look like a very peaceful man. Your face shows a peaceful man. Your laugh shows a peaceful man. So, I want you to continue in that manner of peace.

    “There is nothing like peace. Let people who are eating from this problem stop eating from it.

    “We want to plead with you; continue to hold your people back because if your people demonstrate like the other people, we will have a state of anarchy, and it is not good to have anarchy.

    “I want to plead with you to abide by the rules of the land. I plead with you to abide by what the Constitution says. I plead with you to also abide by the decisions of the Judiciary.

    “Wait for every judicial interpretation and act on judicial interpretation,” he added.

    Kalu pledged the readiness of the committee to work with the state government to achieve mutually beneficial goals that would advance the interest of all Nigerians.

  • Just in: Major suspect in Rivers State explosion found in hospital

    Just in: Major suspect in Rivers State explosion found in hospital

    The Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Adaeze Oreh, says the prime suspect in the explosion that rocked Port Harcourt, the state capital on Tuesday, has been found.

    The commissioner said the suspect was found at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, formerly Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital (BMH).

    She said the doctors at the hospital alerted the state government last night, that a patient with an injury believed to be caused by a blast, was presented as a victim of a road traffic accident.

    She said the suspect was brought to the state government facility in a semi-conscious state, but was quickly taken into the theatre for resuscitation.

    Dr. Oreh said the suspect is now in stable condition.

    Recall that there was an explosion on Aba-Portharcourt Road on Tuesday morning.

  • Crisis: Fubara removes Rivers traditional council chairman

    Crisis: Fubara removes Rivers traditional council chairman

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced the Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom, Eze Chike Worlu Wodo, as the new Chairman of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers following the inactivity and the absence of effective leadership of the council under Eze Ohna Sergeant Chidi Awuse.

    Governor Fubara made the announcement at a special meeting he had with members of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers at the Banquet Hall of Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.

    Eze Chike Worlu Wodo is the Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the State.

    The Governor, in announcing the new chairman, terminated the appointment of the Paramount Ruler of Emohua Kingdom, Eze Ohna Sergeant Chidi Awuse, who, within his statutory one-year tenure as chairman, failed to steer the affairs of the council aright, and unable to promote cordial relationship among members and with the State Government.

    Governor Fubara pointed out that, under Eze Sergeat Awuse, the council produced a calendar for the year 2024, and insulted the State Government by deliberately refusing to include the photographs of the Governor and the Deputy Governor.

    Such posture, Governor Fubara noted, among others, clearly demonstrated that the council under that kind of leadership had not, and would never live up to expectations.

    He said, “I want the council to live up to its responsibility. From my observation, the council is moribund. So, I can feel that the council, for a while now, has been very inactive. Inactive because, maybe, the chairman has decided not to be responsible as a chairman. I think that is the best way to describe it.

    “I am not talking about other things that have been happening. But I feel there are responsibilities of the chairman, and so far, I have not felt it and you can also attest to that, that you are not seeing that leadership that you expect.

    “I would like to draw your attention to a special insult that was meted to this government. The council produced a calendar for the year of our Lord 2024, and the Governor’s picture, and the Deputy Governor’s picture are not in the calendar.

    “I want to ask you: does it show any sign that, that leadership is working with this government? I hope you have a copy of it? Does it show that your chairman is working with this government?

    “So, I have decided today, we have to move forward. By the special grace of God, the administrative life-span of the chairman is one year, which is renewable. So, at this particular time, I have to say that with the power vested on me, I announce that the tenure of Chief Sergeant Awuse has been terminated.”

    Governor Fubara said, at such critical time of his administration, when peace is cardinal with traditional rulers, who are closer to the people, not properly coordinated, it will be difficult to achieve the required harmony and coexistence among the people.

    The Governor pointed out that there was need to have a more competent and diligent traditional ruler with the presence of mind, and ability to carry everybody along, stressing that Eze Chike Worlu Wodo most appropriately fits into that cap, with a fatherly personality, mature character, integrity and pedigree.

    Governor Fubara clarified that Eze Apara Kingdom can also access every traditional ruler, elicit their cooperation and be able to provide the needed direction that the council dearly needed.

    “So, going forward, there is need to have a leadership that will accommodate everybody and move this council forward.

    “Let me, before saying other things, announce here that the new chairman from this particular moment will be Eze Chike Worlu Wodo, Eze Ohna Apara, Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom. He will be the chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, and I believe strongly that he is going to do better and accommodate everyone.”

    Governor Fubara said: “Traditional Rulers are the closest to our locals. If you want peace in the community, we must work with the traditional rulers. And our government is a government that pays serious priority to peace. So, I want everyone of you to ensure that we maintain peace in our localities.

    “Let me request from our new chairman that: please, as we leave here, there is every need for you to call for meeting immediately and commence the process of uniting the council.”

    Governor Fubara recalled how a former governor in the State had sternly warned a traditional ruler in Ahoada East Local Government Area during a public event but added that he would not take that route.

    Instead, the Governor said that his approach would be, as a respecter of elders, rather appeal to all traditional rulers to ensure cooperation with the State Government.

    Governor Fubara said, it is such cooperation that will ensure the peace in your domains, notwithstanding your political inclinations, and will foster a stronger and united Rivers State.

    He said, “I am not bothered or interested in your political affiliations, but when it comes to issues of the council, that should bring you together, your decision should and must flow in the direction of government.

    “If you are doing anything outside, that is your own, but you cannot, I repeat that when it comes to the issues of the council, government has given you recognition to belong, you cannot go against the government, it’s very wrong.

    “You can be in whatever it is, but when it comes to our own interest as a State and Government, you must work with our interest. I remember when we went to Ahoada-East, in Ekpeye land to perform an activity, a former Governor openly threatened one of you, and warned that if you try it, I will do this, I will do that.

    “But I am not going to warn any of you because you are our fathers. I will appeal to you to please give us all the necessary support and cooperation so that we can have a united State that everyone of us will be proud of.

    “Let me appeal to everyone of us, today is an opportunity that God has provided to Eze Chike Worlu Wodo. Tomorrow, it can be any other person’s. You need to give him the respect. You need to give him the support to succeed; so that when it comes to your turn, that same measure will be given to you.”

    Governor Fubara assured of addressing the issues of making available official vehicles to the traditional rulers, and other allowances due them soonest.

    The Governor also urged the new chairman to commence the process of updating the record of all First Class, Second Class and Third Class traditional rulers in the State, and make it available to his office next Tuesday.

    In his acceptance speech, the new Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Chike Worlu Wodo, the Eze Ohna Apara, Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom, said he was overwhelmed with joy for the opportunity to serve the State in such capability.

    Eze Wodo pledged that he will foster unity, devote his time and energy to the assignment given to him, and work in synergy with every member of the council to ensure that there was peace within their various domains.

    He also assured the readiness of the council to synergise with the State Government to maintain peace and harmony in the communities so as to fast track the development of the entire State.

  • Rivers crisis: NASS told to amend LG laws

    Rivers crisis: NASS told to amend LG laws

    A Civil Society Organisation, the Coalition of Rivers State Leaders of Thoughts, has urged the National Assembly to holistically amend the laws governing local government administration in the country.

    The group’s Convener, Chief Sunnie Chukumele, said at a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Thursday that the amendment would streamline issues surrounding local government administration.

    “This call is as a result of the ongoing crisis over local government councils tenure elongation in the Rivers.

    “The crisis may throw the state into anarchy if left unchecked. So, something has to be done quickly,” he said.

    Chukumele also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to wade into the situation in the state to avoid a total breakdown of law and order.

    The convener called on the Inspector-General of Police to ensure thorough investigation on the crisis with a view to prosecuting the perpetrators.

    He urged the judiciary to be upright in deciding matters concerning the crisis that were currently before the courts.

    “As the last hope of the common man, the uprightness of the judiciary on the matters before the courts will help to enthrone lasting peace,” he said.

    Chukumele said that Gov. Siminalayi Fubara acted rightly by appointing caretaker committees following the expiration of the tenure of the 23 council leaderships.

  • Rivers peaceful, not under siege – Gov Fubara

    Rivers peaceful, not under siege – Gov Fubara

    Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has dispelled fears in some quarters that the state was under siege, saying that Rivers is peaceful.

    Fubara made the statement on Thursday during an inspection tour of the 14.6km Omodu-Eberi Road project in Omuma Local Government Area.

    The governor said that Rivers people were enjoying a peaceful atmosphere, and that it was wrong to say that the state was in a crisis situation.

    “Rivers people are living peacefully in their various communities; projects are ongoing without challenges.

    “The negative narrative about the state being in crisis is misguided, unpatriotic and mischievous

    “It is important for people to know that governance is ongoing, movement of people is unhindered, social and economic activities are going on smoothly.

    “If there is any problem anywhere, I know that Nigerians know where the problem is coming from, it’s not from us,” he said.

    He reiterated his administration’s commitment to implementing people-oriented policies, and to enthrone sustainable development in the state.

    “We shall continue to create the enabling environment for investments, we are here to make the state attractive to investors,” he said.

    Fubara said that the Omodu-Eberi Road project was delayed because of the government’s decision increase the length.

    “It was an eight kilometre long road, but we decided to increase it to 14.6km in order to link up with Abia,” he said.

  • Rivers State begins preparations for LG elections

    Rivers State begins preparations for LG elections

    Justice Adolphus Enebeli, Chairman of Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), has invited stakeholders for a meeting as the body prepares for election into Local Government Councils (LGCs).

    Enebeli, in a statement on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, listed the stakeholders to include leaders of parties leaders, traditional rulers, security agencies, religious groups and the media.

    Others are professional organisations, civil society groups, Non-Governmental Organisations, community-based groups and the electorate.

    “The meeting will hold on Monday, July 1 at the RSIEC headquarters,” Enebeli said.

    Recall Gov. Siminalayi Fubara had earlier assured the people of Rivers that the processes to conduct elections into the LGCs had commenced.

    He also promised that the tenure of the Caretaker Committee Chairmen of the 23 LGCs would not be long.

    Commencement of the election processes is expected to douse tension generated by the expiration of the tenures of the former local government leaders.

    They had vowed to remain in office until their successors were elected while the state government insisted they must give way after their tenures ended on June 17.

  • Rivers crisis: IGP condemns killing of policemen, escalated insecurity in Rivers

    Rivers crisis: IGP condemns killing of policemen, escalated insecurity in Rivers

    The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has condemned in the strongest terms the recent outbreak of violence and subsequent breakdown of law and order at various Local Government Council secretariats in Rivers State, where supporters of two political factions clashed over the tenure of Local Government Council Chairmen, which unfortunately led to the tragic deaths of a Police Officer – Inspector David Mgbada, and Samuel Nwigwe, a vigilante member at Eberi-Omuma in Omuma LGA.

     

    In response to these heinous acts, the IGP has directed the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olatunji Disu, to heighten security measures across the state and institute thorough investigations into the killing of the Police officer and the vigilante operative, as well as the general violence which erupted in the state.

    The IGP has specifically deployed operatives of the Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT) to assist the Rivers State Command in apprehending the killers of the Police officer and the vigilante member.

    The IGP seriously warned individuals and groups of people who have a penchant for senseless attacks and mindless killings of Police officers and other security operatives across the country to desist forthwith as the fullest force of the law will be meted on them.

    The CP has also been directed to focus on increased patrols, strategic deployment of officers, and enhanced intelligence operations to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of all residents. The IGP extended heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased Police officer and the vigilante member noting that their dedication and sacrifice in the line of duty will not be taken for granted.

     

    The Inspector General of Police called on all residents and political stakeholders in the State to exercise restraint and seek peaceful means of resolving differences.