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Tag: Rivers State

  • Rivers State: Test your popularity by conducting LG polls – APC tells Gov. Fubara

    Rivers State: Test your popularity by conducting LG polls – APC tells Gov. Fubara

    The All Progressives Congress, (APC) has dared Rivers State governor, Siminilayi Fubara, to test his popularity by conducting local government elections in the state.

    According to them, one of the resolutions reached during the peace meeting summoned by President Bola Tinubu over the political crisis in Rivers State was to conduct local government elections.

    They also added that the declaration of support for Tinubu by some members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who are loyal to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is hypocritical.

    It would be recalled that members of the defunct PDP Presidential Campaign Council in Rivers State had on Thursday declared support for Tinubu and Fubara.

    The group was led by a former national chairman of the PDP, Uche Secondus and former Director General of PDP Campaign Council, Dr Abiye Sekibo.

    However, the Chairman of APC in Rivers State, Tony Okocha, while addressing a press conference at the national secretariat of the party on Friday in Abuja, said the undeniable fact of the matter was that all those PDP elements are still Atiku’s supporters.

    Okocha said, “When governors of states like Lagos and others are working, ours is holding weekly thanksgiving services. Each of those thanksgiving services gulped 150 million. What value has that added to us? You don’t use state funds to fund that kind of charade.

    “Let him go and conduct local government elections. He should test the waters. He has been governor for quite some time now. That was one of the eight resolutions reached with the President.

    “Why do they want to further insult Mr President and APC by telling him that he as leader of APC, appointed a kleptocrat into his cabinet as minister?

    “When have they repented and withdrawn their suits in court, challenging the powers of Mr. President to mediate in the political crisis in Rivers State?

    “Have they repented from emboldening Governor Fubara to disrespect Mr. President by refusing to implement all the indices on the 8~point Presidential Proclamation, as panacea to the political crisis in Rivers State, which by their actions, they have continued to fuel?”

  • Police kill notorious cult leader in Rivers State

    Police kill notorious cult leader in Rivers State

    The Police Command in Rivers said its officers killed the notorious Greenland cult leader, Izuma Odiereke, also known as Solution, in a shootout in Ahoada Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers.

    The Commissioner of Police in Rivers, CP Olatunji Disu, disclosed this through a statement released by the command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

    He said that the suspected cult leader had been on the run since 2016 after  being linked with multiply assassinations and unlawful killings in the state.

    “Odiereke met his end during a gun battle with law enforcement officers at his camp in Api Forest between Odiereke Ubie and Joinkarama communities in Ahoada around 4 a.m. on Monday.

    “Law enforcement officers have faced attacks by Odiereke and his cult group on several occasions, leading to his placement on our wanted list since 2016.

    “Odiereke, a serial killer, was implicated in numerous killings and criminal acts that left his clan deserted,” he said.

    Disu alleged that the deceased cult leader and his accomplices were responsible for the killing of a prominent traditional ruler in the state on Feb. 2.

    “The command appreciates the Ahoada Area Command officers for ending Odiereke’s reign of terror.

    “Nevertheless, officers are reminded to remain steadfast in maintaining peace and security in the region,” he urged.

    Disu praised the community residents for providing valuable information that assisted law enforcement agents during the operation.

  • Why Fubara cannot be distracted by critics – Aide

    Why Fubara cannot be distracted by critics – Aide

    Dr Darlington Orji, Special Adviser to Gov. Siminalayi Fubara on Political Affairs and Strategy, said on Friday that his principal would not be distracted from the efforts to make Rivers a model.

    Orji was reacting to the accusation by the Rivers APC Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, that Fubara’s administration had no vision and direction.

    It would be recalled that Okocha on Tuesday in a press briefing in Port Harcourt, accused the administration of Fubara of being “visionless”.

    Okocha also accused the administration of spending the state’s fund frivolously, saying that the governor was not consolidating on the achievements of his predecessor Gov. Nyesom Wike.

    But Orji, in a reaction, stated that Fubara could not be visionless when he understood the need of promoting civil servants and the importance of paying workers and pensioners their salary arrears and gratuity.

    “The governor has ensured that construction of roads and bridges are ongoing in Alesha road in Eleme.

    “When you go to Bori internal roads, you will see the signature of the governor which shows that he is focused and not ready to be distracted.

    “I thank God that Okocha agreed that the governor is carrying out the ring road project; the ring road is one of the signature project of the governor.

    “Gov. Fubara is focused and he believes in the feelings of the people, that is why he directed that the Local Government workers should be promoted and paid the 30 percent minimum wage.

    “The governor is generally accepted by the people because he is doing what the people want.

    “We can see the rehabilitation of the Psychiatric Hospital ordered by the governor, and the reopening of the employment project at the Ignatius Aguru University and other programmes done by his administration,” Orji said.

    According to him, Okocha may have deliberately decided not to see or appreciate the effort of the governor.

    “The accessibility of the governor has shown clearly that he is working for the people and the people will continue to rally round him.

    “We are satisfied with Fubara’s developmental stride and the way he is carrying out his electioneering promises made to Rivers people.

    “Government is a continuity and the governor has continued with the projects that were not completed by his predecessors.

    “Let it be on record that the governor is not funding the thanksgiving that Okocha described as a jamboree, rather people are happy, thanking God for the victory at the courts; it is worth thanking God for.

    “This is the reason the opposition parties have continued to align themselves with the governor for his good works.

    “Yes, criticism is part of governance, but it should be in good faith. What we are seeing is criticism meant to undermine all the good development that the governor has brought to the people,” Orji added.

    Similarly, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, in his reaction, said that Okocha had lost touch with happenings in the state.

    According to Johnson, Fubara is the best thing that has happened to the state and the majority of Rivers people are appreciative of his ability to rewrite the political history of the state.

    “We are rebuilding the entire state and the revival fire is sweeping through the entire 23 LGAs, not by making noise.

    “The governor has completed most projects initiated by his predecessors within the few months of his administration.

    “Some of these projects are the completion of Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borikiri, Port Harcourt Local Government Area and the Government Secondary School, Eneka, Obio Akpor Local Government Area.

    “Other projects completed are the Government Secondary School, Emohua, Emohua Local Government Area and Government Secondary School, Okehi, Etche Local Government Area.

    “He has also completed the 19.1 kilometer Oyigbo-Okoloma (Afam) road in Oyigbo Local Government Area and the 8.1 kilometer Abua-Omoku-Iyak-Ighom-Elok road, in Abua-Odual local government area.

    “Fubara has completed the Egbeda Internal road in Emohua Local Government Area and the 10.3 kilometer Indorama-Agbonchia-Ogale-Ebubu-East/West link road.”

    Johnson also listed the University of Port Harcourt Convocation Auditorium, the Mgbuodohia internal roads in Obio Akpor Local Government Area and the Gbene-nu/Ohoro road in Tai Local Government Area as projects completed by Fubara.

    “The Dental Maxillofacial, Ear, Nose, Throat & Ophthalmology Hospital, Garrison junction and Kelsey Harrison Hospital, Mile 2, Diobu, in Port Harcourt Local Government Area, have also been completed by Fubara.”

    The Commissioner also highlighted some of the projects initiated by Fubara’s administration outside that initiated by Wike.

    They include the 50.15km Port Harcourt Daul carriage Ring Road, the Elelenwo Internal Roads in Obio Akpor LGA, ongoing Omuakali-Eberi Road, Omuma LGA, ongoing 10 kilometer Aleto-Ebubu-Eteo road (old Port Harcourt-Bori Road) in Eleme LGA and ongoing Igbu-Ehuda Internal Roads in Ahoada-East.

    “Fubara also initiated the ongoing Bori City Internal Roads in Khana Local Government, ongoing Emohua-Ogbakiri Road in Emohua LGA and the ongoing 6.5 kilometers Woji-Aleto-Alesa-Refinery link road with 200 meters bridge,” Johnson added.

    Johnson further said that the governor was eager to see the lives of Rivers people improve tremendously with the signing of N4 billion Small, Medium Enterprise Scales Fund with Bank of Industry to encourage small businesses.

    “Currently, the Rivers State Micro Finance Agency (RIMA) has called for loan application from Rivers people.

    “There is also the approval and implementation of promotion for all Rivers Civil Servants that were stagnated for eight years and payment of their financial entitlements.

    “It is on record that Fubara approved the implementation of N100,000 Christmas bonus for all state civil servants, and appointed 16 permanent secretaries with provision of SUVs as official vehicles for their effective service delivery.

    “He also approved and increased the number of scholarships for Rivers indigenes in PAMO Medical University, and released N2 billion grant to Rivers State University Nkpolu, Oroworukwo for 2023.

    “The governor approved the implementation of free registration of WAEC/SSCE for all Rivers children and distribution of textbooks and school materials across the schools in the State.

    “He also approved the promotion of 400 health workers at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and recruitment of 500 new staff for the hospital,” Johnson added.

    The Commissioner equally drew the attention of Okocha to the procurement of fire fighting trucks for the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) by the governor.

  • Rivers APC chairman tackles Fubara over alleged frivolous spendings

    Rivers APC chairman tackles Fubara over alleged frivolous spendings

    Chief Tony Okocha, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers, has accused Gov. Siminialayi Fubara of spending frivolously, the money meant for the development of the state.

    Okocha made the accusation on Tuesday in Port Harcourt while briefing newsmen on the state of development in Rivers, in the last 10 months of Fubara’s administration.

    According to Okocha, APC in Rivers has come to a conclusion that Fubara’s administration is “visionless”.

    “The governor is busy spending money on Thanksgiving in all the local government area of the state.

    “We are here to condemn in absolute term, the inactivity of this government; the governor is meant to consolidate on the road plan of his predecessors, but we have seen stoat the governor has derailed from the consolidation plan.

    “Government should be about continuity, that is why the current governor of Akwa Ibom continued with the laid down plans of the government.

    “The governor of Rivers is completely out of the road plans, apart from the ring road initiated by the former governor Nyesom Wike, there is no other road project initiated in the state by the current administration.

    “We need to know what is happening in Rivers state; people are saying, the governor is transforming Songai farm, rehabilitating cassava plant.

    “How does that translate to good governance for Rivers people. So, the support is highly orchestrated by the governor himself,” Okocha said.

    On the economic hardship witnessed in the country, Okocha  explained that the hardship was a global phenomenon and not as a result of leadership failure.

    He said that President Bola Tinubu was eager to bring Nigerians out of suffering, just as he demonstrated political will and removed the fuel subsidy which he said was “anti-people”.

    “The Federal Government added the funds gotten from the removal of subsidy to the states allocation to cushion the effect of hardship.

    “This is why states now get not less than 20 billion as their monthly allocation.

    “Some state government were busy giving palliatives to people in their states to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy.

    “Rivers state is number three in terms of federal allocation, what has the state government done with the funds allocated to it,” he added.

    He urged the governor to ensure that he conduct local government election as enshrined in the constitution.

    He also urged the governor to constitute the State Executive Council (SEC) and not to run the state single-handedly without the State Assembly because APC members are in majority.

  • Tears flow as remains of Wigwes lay to rest in Rivers

    Tears flow as remains of Wigwes lay to rest in Rivers

    Tears flowed as the remains of Ex-Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Dr. Herbert Wigwe; his wife, Doreen Chizoba and son, Chizzy, were buried in a private tomb inside the Wigwe University in Isiokpo, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

    The bodies were moved from the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Isiokpo after a funeral service to the private mausoleum and buried around 2.45 pm.on Saturday.

    Wigwe, alongside his wife, Doreen, and son, Chizzy. died in a helicopter crash in California near the Nevada border, United States of America.

    Prominent Nigerians present at the funeral service include Kayode Fayemi, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Bukola Saraki, Aliko Dangote, Sanusi Lamido, Alex Otti, Dapo Abiodun, and Babajide Sawno-Olu.

    Also present are Senate President Godswill Akpabio, James Ibori, CEO of GTCO Holdings, and Segun Agbaje, among other dignitaries.

  • Wike’s Councillor resigns, declares support for Fubara

    Wike’s Councillor resigns, declares support for Fubara

    Mr Achor Nna, the Councillor representing Ward 9 in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers, has resigned his position as the Leader of the Legislative Council.

    Mr Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, is from same ward as Mr Nna.

    The Councillor resigned via a letter dated March 7, 2024 and addressed to the Clerk of the House, Mrs Rosemary Brown.

    In that letter, Nna declared support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara, generally seen as Wike’s political rival.

    The letter read in part: ‘’This resignation is borne out of my personal conviction to align with the truth in the face of the current political issues in Rivers’’.

    He attributed his action to “unwarranted intimidation, marginalisation, coercion, bullying and arm-twisting from the leaders of the Obio/Akpor Local Government.

    “I want to align with the progressive minds to liberate and develop Rivers.

    “Let it be known that this resignation will never negate my earlier resolve to work in consonance with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope,” he said.

  • Rivers Crisis: I could give up my office for peace to reign in the state – Gov. Fubara

    Rivers Crisis: I could give up my office for peace to reign in the state – Gov. Fubara

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said that he’d be willing to give up his office in order for peace to reign  in the State.

    Fubara made this disclosure while granting an interview with African Independent Television, AIT on Thursday morning.

    Recall that Fubara and the former governor of the State, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has been enmeshed in a political crisis as a result of political differences.

    There has been  a supremacy battle between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike in the state and it has reached a  dramatic height, creating tension and anxiety before the intervention by President Bola Tinubu.

    Amid the crisis, Wike was alleged to have demanded a certain percentage of Rivers revenue, a claim he has denied.

    There was also an attempt by the State House of Assembly to impeach the governor.

    The Assembly complex was bombed in the process, with Wike accusing Fubara of orchestrating the act.

    Also, twenty-seven members of the State House of Assembly loyal to Wike defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC, in an attempt to impeach the governor.

    Tinubu would later move in to end the rift by brokering peace between Wike and Fubara, which many believed put Fubara in a disadvantageous position.

    However, the governor is now saying that no sacrifice would be too big for him to pay for the success of the administration.

    Fubara said he was more worried about the fate of Rivers people who had made sacrifices.

    He said: “No sacrifice would be too big for me to pay for the success of this administration. And the reason is simple: it’s not political love. It’s not because I want to gain any favour from anybody, my interest and love for our dear state is genuine. I am not trying to say I want to be one man that will be there to decide the fate of all. No. But let Rivers State remain.

    “My burden at that time was not the issue of all the drama, it is the issue of Rivers people who have made sacrifice, who are seeing opportunity, and it looks as if their hope has been dashed. They were the one I was worried about; what would be their fate, that was my trouble, it was not about me.

    “If leaving this position is what I need or what is needed to bring more peace to the State, I can even tell you to come and take it. It’s not about me. People should know although definitely I am here, I will go but Rivers State will remain.

    “I’m the governor, there are things I could have done and there would be total crisis but the ability to restrain in the face of crisis even when you have the power to do things is maturity.”

  • Military uncovers illegal bunkering sites in Rivers village

    Military uncovers illegal bunkering sites in Rivers village

    The joint military task force, “Operation Delta Safe’’ (OPDS), uncovered two illegal oil bunkering sites in Samkiri, a settlement in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers on Wednesday.

    The task force found 30 illegal refining camps operating in the area, its Commander, Rear Adm. John Okeke, said.

    “Here in Samkiri, around `Cutting Channel 1’, we have seen so many illegal refining sites behind the village.

    “There are about 10 boiling points at a spot and more than 20 points at another spot.

    “The task force will not relent in its efforts to rid this environment of crude oil theft and associated crimes.

    “We shall not give opportunity to people bent on impinging on the country’s source of income,’’ he said.

    Okeke noted that it was unfortunate that the illegal refining sites were right behind the settlement.

    “It seems that every house in the community has its own illegal refining site and it is not good for the image of the country and for the well-being of the people.

    “One of the wellheads is still pumping crude into a pit dug out by perpetrators of the act.

    “The operation was conducted by personnel of the Nigerian Navy, Army, Air force, and those of paramilitary organisations working with the OPDS.

    “The joint operation was mounted to rid this environment of crude oil theft and the production of adulterated diesel,’’ Okeke added.

    He was represented by the Maritime Component Commander of the OPDS, Commodore Adedokun Siyanbade.

    On Feb. 13, the OPDS destroyed some illegal refining sites at Ataba, near Bonny, also in Rivers.

  • Military airstrikes destroy illegal refining sites in Rivers

    Military airstrikes destroy illegal refining sites in Rivers

    The Air Component of Operation Delta Safe, has destroyed illegal oil refining sites in air strikes in Krakama and Temakiri, Degema Local Government Area of Rivers.

    The Director, Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), AVM Edward Gabkwet, in a statement on Sunday, said the air interdiction was conducted on Friday.

    He said it was in continuation of efforts to tackle the menace of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

    Gabkwet said both locations were about 50 km Southwest of Port Harcourt, the Rivers capital.

    According to him, the two Illegal sites and boats were destroyed.

    “The armed reconnaissance was also extended to Abisse and Omoma, but only abandoned illegal refining sites were observed.

    “Efforts to rid the Niger Delta region of the activities of oil thieves by the NAF and other security agencies remain on course and will continue until total success is achieved,” he said.

  • Gunmen kill police officer in Rivers

    Gunmen kill police officer in Rivers

    Gunmen, driving in a Sienna Bus, fired at police officers conducting a stop and search operation in Port Harcourt, killing one officer in the process.

    SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the Police Command in Rivers, condemned the attacks as senseless and unprovoked in a statement released on Friday.

    She revealed that one of the attackers was, however, killed during the ensuing exchange of gunfire.

    “The sad incident occurred at about 9:45 p.m. on Feb. 21 when unidentified hoodlums targeted policemen from Operation Sting of the Rivers State Police Command.

    “While the officers were carrying out stop and search at Eliozu flyover, they were attacked by the hoodlums traveling in a carton-coloured, glass-tinted Sienna bus.

    “The vehicle’s registration number remains unknown at this time.”

    Iringe-Koko said that the criminals fired directly at the unsuspecting officers without any provocation.

    “The attackers, arriving from the Rumuodumaya axis, opened fire on the police team, resulting in the tragic loss of one Inspector who valiantly sacrificed his life in the line of duty.

    “Undeterred, the police team responded bravely, engaged the attackers, and managed to neutralize one of them who was wearing a mask.

    “Unfortunately, the others managed to escape, but potentially sustaining gunshot wounds,” he added.

    The official stated that an investigation has been initiated by the command to apprehend the culprits, with the criminal gang responsible for the attacks already identified.

    She affirmed that the police force would not relent its until all individuals involved in the despicable act are brought to justice.

    “Such acts of aggression against security forces impact the safety and security of society, hence, we shall remain resolute in our duty to preserve peace and protect lives.

    “The Commissioner of Police in Rivers, CP Olatunji Disu, has pledged that those who perpetrate violence against law enforcement and civilians will face the full weight of the law.

    “We extend our deepest condolences to the family and colleagues of the fallen Inspector, and we assure them that his sacrifice will not be in vain,” Iringe-Koko noted.

    The police spokesperson encouraged citizens to continue their lawful activities without fear, emphasizing that the command would enhance its strategies to ensure their protection.