TheNewsGuru

Tag: Rivers State

  • Police dismiss officer accused of extorting $3,000

    Police dismiss officer accused of extorting $3,000

    The Police Command in Rivers has dismissed one Insp. Michael Odey, accused of kidnapping and extortion of 3,000 US dollars from two persons at gunpoint in Rivers.

    The files of two other officers, ASP Doubara Edonyabo and ASP Talent Mungo, who were allegedly involved in the incident, have been forwarded to the police headquarters for review.

    The command’s spokespersom, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

    “Insp. Odey’s dismissal was confirmed following the conclusion of Orderly Room proceedings and a review by Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 16, Yenagoa, AIG Alifa Omata.

    “AIG Omata upheld the recommendation for dismissal from the Force, and as such, Odey was relieved of his duty, effective Feb. 7, 2024.

    “Similarly, Edonyabo and Mungo, have been queried and recommended for dismissal in compliance with established procedures,” she said.

    Iringe-Koko stated that the recommendation has been forwarded to the Secretary of the Nigeria Police Force for necessary action.

    “The disciplinary process for Edonyabo and Mungo will involve review by the Inspector General of Police and the Police Service Commission to ensure a fair resolution.

    “The three officers remain in custody as investigations continue into two additional cases of a similar nature.

    “The command encourages residents to report any misconduct by law enforcement agents promptly, as any officer involved in misconduct will be met with appropriate actions for fairness and justice,” she added.

  • Navy uncovers 15 illegal refineries in Rivers

    Navy uncovers 15 illegal refineries in Rivers

    The Nigeria Navy has discovered 15 massive illegal refining sites with the capacity to process 2.7 million litres of crude oil per day in Rivers, a senior navy official revealed.

    Commodore Desmond Igbo, the Commander, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, Port Harcourt, made the disclosure on Friday when he led journalists to the illicit refining sites at Ke community in Degema.

    He said that the troops made the discovery as part of the ongoing Operation Delta Sanity, recently launched by the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogala, to combat oil theft.

    “The uncovering of the illegal refining camps was made in line with the renewed mandate to combat and eliminate crude oil theft from the country.

    “Upon receiving the CNS mandate, troops were deployed, and they uncovered 15 illegal refining camps, each equipped with six cooking pots and metal storage tanks.

    “Each storage tank has the capacity to hold about 30,000 litres of crude oil, culminating in about 2.7 million litres of crude oil illegally refined in the 15 sites.

    “It’s unfortunate that unpatriotic Nigerians are stealing from the country, but we are here to stop these illegal activities from continuing,” he said.

    Igbo emphasized that the discovery of the illegal bunkering sites was a significant breakthrough in the Federal Government’s efforts to rid the country of oil thieves and economic saboteurs.

    “The oil thieves steal the crude oil from wellheads and then proceed to refine it into adulterated petroleum products for sale to unsuspecting members of the public.

    “It is unfortunate that these illegal activities have continued, considering that crude oil is where Nigeria gets most of her revenue.

    “But some unscrupulous citizens engage in this act of sabotaging the nation’s economy through their nefarious engagement in this criminal enterprise,” he added.

    The officer said that Ogalla had given naval troops the marching order to end attacks on the nation’s oil and gas facilities and safeguard the maritime environment.

    He expressed concerns that frequent vandalism of pipelines and wellhead had further polluted and damaged the environment.

    “This is not our first time of finding and destroying illegal refineries. We have been doing this day and night, and we will not relent until the criminals stop.

    “As a result, we have begun engaging with the communities, and the community leaders have promised to help us in their own capacity.

    “We believe people in the communities know the people who are involved in this, and so, we are kinetically, dialoguing and sensitising the youths, women and their leaders,” he said.

    Igbo said that however, no arrests were made during the raid as the labourers in the illegal refineries fled the area on sighting the advancement of naval troops on several gunboats.

  • Suspected Rivers Assembly’s arsonists refused bail

    Suspected Rivers Assembly’s arsonists refused bail

    A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, rejected the bail applications filed by five suspects arrested in connection with the burning of the Rivers House of Assembly on Dec. 29, 2023.

    Justice Bolaji Olajuwon, in a ruling, refused to grant them bail on the ground that the defendants did not provide special circumstances to warrant their respective release from remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre.

    Justice Olajuwon held that the defendants, who were charged with capital offence that bothered on terrorism, required extra circumstances’ evidence which they failed to supply before the court.

    The five defendants are Chime Eguma Ezebalike, Prince Lukman Oladele, Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Osiga Donald and Ochueja Thankgod.

    Delivering ruling on the bail applications, Olajuwon said the defendants, especially Chime Ezebalike and Prince Oladele, failed to give cogent and verifiable evidence to back up their request for application.

    The judge held that in their affidavits in support of the application deposed to by Mariam Alawiye, an office assistant, claimed to have obtained information and exhibits on the defendants from some persons, but refused to share the identities of the persons with the court.

    Olajuwon said to worsen the situation, the deponent did also not make any documents or exhibits available to the court to support all her assertions in the affidavit evidence.

    The judge explained that an affidavit evidence must supply names of those who volunteered information about defendants in a criminal charge as stipulated by Section 115 of the Evidence Act.

    She held that rather than containing facts as required by law, the affidavit contained extraneous issues that were not relevant to persuade any court to grant bail.

    She also disagreed with an assertions by the deponent that the defendants would not jump bail, commit any other offence or interfere with witness and investigation, adding that the claims were vague and hearsay because the deponent did not establish or produce any evidence.

    The judge added that the offences with which the defendants were charged with, were not ordinarily bailable.

    In the application of Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Justice Olajuwon said that the claim of his 10 years of chronic hypertension and high blood pressure was not supported with any medical documents.

    Besides, the judge held that the counter claim by the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police that the sickness could be managed by medical personnel of the prison was not disputed

    Justice Olajuwon, therefore, ordered them to remain in the correctional centre pending the hearing and determination of the matter.

    Olajuwon, who granted accelerated hearing in the matter, fixed Feb. 8 for commencement of trial.

    The five defendants were, on Jan. 25, arraigned on seven-count bordering on terrorism charges.

    They were alleged to have invaded, vandalised and burnt down Rivers assembly on Dec. 29, 2023 in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/25/2024 preferred against them by the I-G.

  • There will be consequences – Gov Fubara sends strong warning to Commissioners returned to his cabinet

    There will be consequences – Gov Fubara sends strong warning to Commissioners returned to his cabinet

    Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has warned that there will be consequences should the commissioners who were sworn in last week attempt to work against his administration to destroy.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Fubara gave the warning in his remarks shortly after swearing in the Chief of Staff, Government House and five Special Advisers at the Executive Chambers of Government House in Port Harcourt on Monday.

    Those sworn in were Rt Hon. Ehie Edison as Chief of Staff, Government House with Dr Darlington Orji, Solomon Abel Eke, Barr Aminayanasam Fiberesima, Engr. Deeyah Bariene and Ohia Prince as Special Advisers

    Fubara said his administration and all contending challenges have been surrendered to God with the confidence that He will continue to intervene in a manner that will shock the world.

    He stressed that the purpose of governance is to render services even in the face of difficulties and their appointment serves as evidence that concrete machinery is being put in place to help solve those problems.

    The Governor urged them to see their appointment as a call to duty, rise to the occasion of adding value to governance and demonstrate that they are truly credible men of the State.

    “Let me add, don’t use this position to antagonise anybody, even in your localities. I want to speak to you and I will continue to say it, what God cannot do does not exist.”

    “That you succeeded in battle is not because of your power. It is the grace of God. When God says it will not happen again, whoever you are, it ceases from that moment. I am not appointing you today because I want you to go to your areas and start fighting, no.”

    “We have surrendered our situation to God and God is going to solve it in a way that will shock the world for everybody to know that God is always God. Please, I don’t want this position to be a platform for you to start stalking anyone. Do what you know is right.”

    While urging the newly sworn-in to support the government in a way that will promote its image, Fubara said: “Let me also use this medium to direct the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) to assign the commissioners that were sworn in last week with their responsibilities.

    “Let the SSG assign only those of you who are here today back to their former offices. Let it be part of my birthday gift to you.”

    “But let me also say this, coming and taking back your position is not for you to use it to destroy my government. “Whatever it is that you’re doing, it is not about me. It is about the things that you can stand to defend and be proud of many years after”.

  • Rivers APC fetes Gov Fubara on 49th birthday

    Rivers APC fetes Gov Fubara on 49th birthday

    Chief Tony Okocha, Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers on Sunday congratulated Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers on his 49th birthday.

    Okocha, who is also the Rivers  representative on the Management Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), said he joined the rest of the world in celebrating Fubara.

    “On this special day of your birth,we pray for God’s wisdom and surpassing peace  to be upon you.

    “As you navigate life’s  journey,  especially in superintending the  affairs of our dear state we pray for God to continue to guide your steps.

    ”We wish  you many more fruitful years ahead in good health and prosperity,” he stated.

  • How God endeared me to Wike, PDP leaders to become Rivers Gov – Fubara

    How God endeared me to Wike, PDP leaders to become Rivers Gov – Fubara

    Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has declared that his initial promotion,  then  elevation and eventual triumph in his current political journey was divinely made possible by God.

    Governor Fubara emphasised that he was first promoted by God, who later stirred the hearts of the leaders and members of his political party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), to agree on presenting him as their governorship candidate to win the election.

    The Governor made this known at the 2024 Port Harcourt Holy Ghost Rally of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) with the theme : “Promotion for a purpose” which held at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Igwurutali in Ikwerre Local Government Area on Sunday.

    Fubara, who described the theme of the rally as a personal gift because it directly reflects his own story, expressed confidence in God to make it permanent.

    “I was promoted by God first, through my party and the leaders. So, promotion comes from God and God alone.

    “Let me take the theme of the rally to be a personal gift from RCCG because the theme is not different from my story.

    “I have a thanksgiving in my place where I will return this wonderful success in thanksgiving to the only Person (God) who will make it permanent and forever.”

    He expressed special gratitude to the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, for his love for Rivers State as demonstrated by  the choice of Port Harcourt for the special Holy Ghost Rally  and blessings at the beginning of every year.

    The governor promised the continued support of the government to ensure that the rally is a success in the State. He urged RCCG to keep praying for his administration towards achieving the purpose of governance.

    “I want to say a big thank you to this family for your support, before, during and after our elections.

    “You have shown so much support to us. Your prayers have kept us going. I want to thank you specially for that, and to say that our government will continue to support this programme in this State.

    “It is important to mention that prayers cannot be enough. So, continue to pray for us so that the purpose of governance will be achieved in this State.”

    In his welcome address, the Intercontinental Youth Pastor of RCCG, Pastor Belemina Obunge acknowledged the immense support RCCG had received from the state government towards the hosting of the rally, which he noted has prophetically coincided with the birthday of Governor Fubara.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Fubara emerged Rivers State Governor with massive support of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, whom he is currently at loggerheads with.

  • Gov Fubara makes fresh appointments after swearing in 9 commissioners

    Gov Fubara makes fresh appointments after swearing in 9 commissioners

    After swearing in nine (9) commissioners, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Friday made three fresh appointments to head some agencies of the State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Tammy Wenike Danagogo, Secretary to the State Government made this known in a statement made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt.

    According to the statement, Goodlife Ben was appointed as Acting Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, (LGSC).

    While Tonte Davies was appointed Acting Administrator, New Cities Development Authority (NCDA), Mrs. Ine Briggs was appointed Acting Director General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

    “The appointments take immediate effect,” the statement by Wanagogo reads.

    Let posterity remember you for good – Fubara tells re-sworn in commissioners

    Meanwhile, Governor Fubara has advised newly sworn-in commissioners to engage in activities for which they will be positively remembered by posterity.

    Fubara gave the advice shortly after swearing in nine (9) commissioners into the State Executive Council at Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.

    The newly sworn-in were former commissioners, who, citing several reasons, had resigned their appointments during the political crisis that engulfed the State.

    They, however, returned on their own to be reabsorbed into the administration.

    Observing that they have already read the charge as contained in their oath of office, Governor Fubara enjoined them to uphold and defend the state’s constitution.

    “I wish you well in your coming back. Stand for justice, and stand for the interests of our dear state. That is the purpose of your appointment and that is the truth.

    “I can see how heavy your hearts are. But I assure you that I don’t have anything against anyone of you. You were caught in between during the crossfire.”

    Governor Fubara spoke further: “I will advise that you give your best. Like I said the first time, let this State and posterity remember you for what is good.”

  • BREAKING: Court quashes Fubara’s 2024 budget for Rivers State

    BREAKING: Court quashes Fubara’s 2024 budget for Rivers State

    A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, the federal capital territory (FCT) has quashed the 2024 budget signed into law by Governor Siminalayi Fubara for Rivers State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the court declared null and void the passage of the 2024 Rivers State appropriation bill by the four-member Rivers House of Assembly, headed by former House Leader, Edison Ehie.

    Recall Governor Fubara had signed into law an N800 billion budget passed by five members of the House led by the Edison Ehie-led faction.

    Justice James Omotosho, in a judgement, held that the presentation of the appropriation bill by Fubara on Dec. 13, 2023 and its passage by the lawmakers amounted to nullity following an interim order made by the court on Nov. 30, 2023.

    Justice Omotosho, who made an order of injunction restraining Fubara and other defendants from interfering with the state’s assembly led by Martin Amaewhule, held that the passage of the bill into law was a wilful breach of the court order.

    The judge also stopped the governor or any members of the state executive arm from appointing or reposting any person as a clerk or deputy clerk of the assembly in contravention with the laws governing the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission.

    He further made an order restraining the National Assembly from taking over the state’s assembly.

    Justice Omotosho held that the decision of the court was premised on the earlier order made on Nov. 30, 2023 and the facts that Fubara, who was 11th defendant in the case, withdrew his processes in opposition to the plaintiffs’ originating motion.

    Having withdrawn his counter affidavit and other processes in this case, the judge said, it is deemed that the governor has admitted the facts in the motion since it was not challenged.

    The Rivers House of Assembly and Amaewhule are 1st and 2nd plaintiffs in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1613/2023.

    In the amended originating summons dated Dec. 7, 2023 but filed Dec. 11, 2023 by their team of lawyers including Ken Njemanze, SAN, Ferdinand Orbih, SAN, among others, the plaintiffs sued the NASS, Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Senate Majority Leader, Senate Minority Leader as 1st to 5th defendants respectively.

    Also joined in the suit include House of Representatives Speaker, House Deputy Speaker, House Majority Leader, House Minority Leader, Clerk to NASS as 6th to 10th defendants.

    They also sued the Governor of Rivers, Attorney-General of Rivers, Commissioner of Finance, Accountant-General of Rivers, Rivers State Civil Service Commission, Inspector-General (I-G) of Police and Rt. Honourable Edison Ehie, who is also listed as Rivers Assembly’s Speaker in the suit, as 11th to 17th defendants respectively.

    The plaintiffs sought an order directing all parties to maintain status quo as at Nov. 29, 202

    They also a sought an order of injunction restran‘ng the 1st to 10th defendants (NASS) from entertaining any request from the 11th defendant (Fubara) to take over the performance of the functions of Rivers Assembly, including its role to make laws for the peace, order and good government of Rivers in respect of matters that are within its constitutional and legislative competence.

    “AN ORDER OF MANDATORY INJUNCTION compelling the Inspector General of Police (whether by himself or by officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force under his command) to provide and continue to provide adequate Security and protection for the 1* Plaintiff under the leadership of the 2” Plaintiff as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly for the purpose of transacting the business of the 1% Plaintiff.

    They sought an order of injunction restraining Gov. Fubara from impeding or frustrating the assembly under Amaewhule’s leadership as its speaker.

    They equally sought an order restraining Fubara including the 12th, 13th and 14th defendants from withholding any amount standing to the credit of Rivers Assembly in the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund, including salaries and emoluments due and payable to the speaker, deputy speaker and other members of the house as well as to the clerk, deputy clerk and other members of staff of the assembly.

    Alternatively, they sought an order of injunction restraining them from denying the assembly of the due funds for running its affairs including the payment of salaries, allowances, emoluments and meeting its financial obligations no matter how described, among other 11 reliefs.

  • Army arrests 6 operators of illegal oil refinery in Rivers

    Army arrests 6 operators of illegal oil refinery in Rivers

    The Nigerian Army has reported the arrest of six labourers at an illegal oil refinery capable of producing about three million litres of adulterated petroleum products within weeks.

    The artisanal refining site spans over 40 plots of land and is strategically concealed beneath dense forest cover to evade aerial surveillance.

    Maj.-Gen. Jamaal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigeria Army, Port Harcourt, led journalists to the expansive site at Odagwa community in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers.

    He said that investigations revealed that operators of the illegal facility were stealing crude oil from a wellhead located at Imo River 2 Oil and Gas Oil field in the community.

    “The discovery is part of 6 Division efforts to ensure that the Federal Government receives what is rightfully due.

    “The illegal refinery is totally forested that even a helicopter or drone cannot be able to see what we have seen on the ground.

    “This operation was carried out based on credible intelligence that led us to this location, where we uncovered numerous illegal activities,” he said.

    Abdussalam stated that during the raid, troops found over 14 reservoirs, each with the capacity to store over 200,000 litres of crude oil.

    “We also discovered about 49 boilers capable of processing crude oil, as well as cables, tools, and a network of pipes connected throughout the area.

    “The crude oil we discovered in this site is in excess of daily crude export of Nigeria – which is quite pathetic and very sad.

    “On the other side of the bridge (near the refining site), we also found numerous wellheads, which most of them are not in use.

    “It is from these (functioning) wellheads that these individuals (oil thieves) install pipes to siphon crude oil from,” he added.

    The GOC emphasised that the theft of crude oil in the country has had a detrimental impact on the nation’s economy and the living conditions of its people.

    He said that the nation’s budget heavily relied on proceeds from crude oil production and expressed bewilderment at the continued sabotage of oil installations to the detriment of fellow citizens.

    “Consequently, the illegal site will be dismantled as we remain steadfast in our commitment to curbing illegal bunkering activities in the Niger Delta.

    “While a few arrests have been made, those apprehended are not the key players in this criminal enterprise. Those arrested are primarily labourers.

    “The main players have not yet been caught, but now that we have uncovered this place, we will conduct proper intelligence and investigations to apprehend the operators,” Abdussalam assured.

    The army chief cautioned those involved in illegal bunkering of petroleum products to cease such criminal activities immediately and embrace legitimate means of earning a living.

  • Court sends three kidnappers to death by hanging in Rivers

    Court sends three kidnappers to death by hanging in Rivers

    The High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State has convicted and sentenced three persons to death by hanging for kidnapping and murder.

    Out of four suspects, who stood trial for the kidnapping and killing of late Chief Abbot Ogbobula in June 2017, one of them was discharged and acquitted by the court.

    The three convicts were identified as Boma Thompson, Emelike Mathias, and Daniel Thankgod.

    They were found guilty on four counts of conspiracy to kidnap, kidnapping, conspiracy to murder, and murder of late Chief Abbot Ogbobula.

    On conspiracy to kidnap, Justice Monina Danagogo in a copy of the judgment he delivered on Thursday, January 18, convicted and sentenced the 1st, 2nd, and 4th defendants to seven years imprisonment with no option of fine.

    On the kidnapping of late Chief Abbot Ogbobula, the judge convicted and sentenced the 1st, 2nd, and 4th defendants to death by hanging.

    On conspiracy to murder late Chief Abbot Ogbobula, he sentenced the 1st, 2nd, and 4th defendants to 14 years imprisonment with no option of fine.

    On the murder of Chief Abbot Ogbobula, the 1st, 2nd, and 4th defendants were convicted and sentenced to death by hanging or by lethal injection.

    It could be recalled that in June 2017, the late Chief Ogbobula was kidnapped in Ahoada and whisked away to Manikin Bush in Degema LGA where he later died at the hands of his abductors.

    Though his abductors buried him in a shallow grave in the bush, his body was later exhumed by the police during investigations.