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Tag: Rivers State

  • Police launch manhunt for killers of Rivers CDC chairman

    Police launch manhunt for killers of Rivers CDC chairman

    Police have launched a nationwide manhunt for the killers of Ndidi Livingstone, Chairman, Community Development Committee, Mgbuoshimini community in Obio/Akpo Local Government Area of Rivers.

    The Commissioner of Police in the state , CP Olatunji Disu ,said this  during a visit to the family of the deceased  at their residence in Port Harcourt on Thursday

    Livingstone was shot to death on Saturday by unidentified assailants after a church service at the Rumueme Waterfront area in Port Harcourt.

    The attackers, who were in a black Sport Utility Vehicle, quickly fled the scene, after firing multiple shots.

    Disu commiserated with the deceased’s family ,assuring that Livingstone’s killers would not go unpunished.

    “We have come to offer our condolences to the family of late Livingstone, who is survived by his wife, children, and other relatives.

    “I empathise with the pain the family is going through and felt compelled to come and commiserate with them.

    “We will not allow this matter to go unresolved. The killers of Ndidi Livingstone will not go unpunished, and we will soon unravel those behind this dastardly act

    “A manhunt is already underway for the killer squad, and we are edging closer to apprehending them.

    “The police cannot combat crime in isolation, and therefore, we need all the support we can get,” he said.

    Disu emphasised that the police required the support and cooperation of the public to effectively combat crime and criminalities.

    Mr Godspower Livingstone, the elder brother  of the deceased CDC chairman, praised Disu for the visit and appealed to him  to ensure the swift arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.

  • How Rivers Assembly confirmed re-nominated commissioners

    How Rivers Assembly confirmed re-nominated commissioners

    The Rivers State House of Assembly has confirmed nine Commissioner nominees designated for reinstatement.

    The nominees were, however, requested to take a bow and leave, exempting them from rigours usually associated with screening processes.

    The confirmation was reached at Wednesday’s plenary, held at the temporary chambers of the assembly residential quarters in the state.

    The nominees for reinstatement include Zacchaeus Adangor (SAN), Mr Jacobson Mbina, Mr Gift Worlu, Mrs Inime Chinwenwo- Aguma, Mr Chukwuemeka Woke.

    Others are Prof. Chinedu Mmom, Mr George-Kelly Alabo, Mr Isaac Kamalu and Mr Austin Chioma.

    During the session, Speaker, Mr Martin Amaewhule (Obio Akpor 1), read a letter from Gov. Siminalayi Fubara which was dated Dec. 11, 2023.

    The letter requested the screening and confirmation of the nine Commissioner nominees who resigned from office at the heat of political crises in the State.

    Responding to the letter, the House Majority Leader, Mr Major Jack (Akuku-Turu 1), moved a motion permitting the nominees to take a bow and leave since they had been previously screened for the same purpose.

    The motion was supported by Deputy Speaker, Mr Dumle Maol (Gokana), and also unanimously supported by all 22 legislators present at the plenary, hence.

    Apart from the formal introductions, the nominees were simply asked to take a bow and leave.

  • Gov Fubara gifts cars to 16 newly sworn-in Perm Secs

    Gov Fubara gifts cars to 16 newly sworn-in Perm Secs

    Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers on Tuesday  sworn-in 16 new permanent secretaries, urging them to be professional in the discharge of their duties, to ensure effective service delivery.

    Fubara gave the advice shortly after the permanent secretaries were sworn-in at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

    The governor said that the permanent secretaries were chosen not because they were lucky but they were found competent in their various ministries.

    He added that the state chose them because they could be trusted to offer greater service to the state.

    “Your responsibilities as permanent secretaries are so much, knowing that the state has a lot of ministries not maned by adequate authorities for a while.

    “This brought the reason for government to appointment more permanent secretaries to fill the spaces,” governor said.

    He said that the number of the newly appointed permanent secretaries would enable all the ministries to have heads pending when they would have political heads.

    He urged to give their best in their ministries so that their best could be felt by government and the good people of the state.

    “You are given the responsibilities today as the heads of ministries so that we can achieve the purpose of government.

    “You are the administrative heads, so we are doing this because we want to chat a proper course for this government.”

    The governor urged the permanent secretaries to see their appointments as a call to duty.

    “it is not a position that you see as political ground, but you are purely chosen because you have what it takes to man these ministries. Some of you are already manning the ministries.”he said.

    Fubara also pledged to provide conducive environment for them to give their best service to the government and the people of the state

    According to him, my administration will focus on the better welfare of Rivers people with thriving security, and you are required to key into his policies to ensure better service delivery.

    Fubara directed the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr George Nwaeke, to hand over official cars to the 16 newly sworn-in permanent secretaries.

    The newly appointed Permanent Secretaries included Hebron Wisdom, Dede Sampson Friday, Briggs Atemea Karibo, Nyempe Gregory, Ndah Emmanuel, Ngochindo James Epobari, Ishmael Tomonialadieokuma and Wakama Boma A. George.

    Others were Nweke Onyeche Kelvin,

    Okereuku Alwell Chinedum, Ndukue Patrick, Ichemati Maxwell Mbadiwe, Iwarilama-Brown Invingi Sabina, Ogolo Maurice Eric, Kejeh Ruhuoma Chinedu and Jacob Fayeofori Francis.

  • BREAKING: Gov Fubara appoints 16 Permanent Secretaries [SEE FULL LIST]

    BREAKING: Gov Fubara appoints 16 Permanent Secretaries [SEE FULL LIST]

    Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has appointed 16 Permanent  Secretaries to serve in the State civil service.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the 16 Permanent Secretaries appointed were serving Directors in the State civil service promoted by Governor Fubara.

    According to a statement by Dr. George C. Nwaeke, Head of Service of Rivers State, the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries are expected to be sworn in on Tuesday (tomorrow).

    The serving Directors appointed as Permanent Secretaries in the Rivers State Civil Service include:

    1. HEBRON WISDOM

    2. DEDE SAMPSON FRIDAY

    3. BRIGGS ATEMEA KARIBO

    4. NYEMPE GREGORY

    5. NDAH EMMANUEL

    6. NGOCHINDO JAMES EPOBARI

    7. ISHMAEL TOMONIALADIEOKUMA

    8. WAKAMA BOMA A GEORGE

    9. NWEKE ONYECHE KELVIN

    10. OKEREUKU ALWELL CHINEDUM

    11. NDUKUE PATRICK

    12. ICHEMATI MAXWELL MBADIWE

    13. IWARILAMA-BROWN INYINGI SABINA

    14. OGOLO MAURICE ERIC

    15. KEJEH RUHUOMA CHINEDU

    16. JACOB FAYEOFORI FRANCIS

  • Anxiety in Rivers as Supreme Court reserves ruling on Gov Fubara’s fate

    Anxiety in Rivers as Supreme Court reserves ruling on Gov Fubara’s fate

    The Supreme Court on Monday reserved judgement in the appeal filed by the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Patrick Tonye-Cole, against the victory of Gov. Siminalayi Fubara.

    A five-member panel headed by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun reserved judgement on the appeal after all parties in the suit adopted their briefs of arguments.

    Tonye-Cole had approached the apex court, insisting that Fubara did not resign as Accountant-General of the State and acted as accountant general exceeding the stipulated time as provided by the Constitution and Electoral Act before the election.

    The APC candidate also argued that Fubara was not qualified to contest or even to be declared winner of the election.

    Recall the Appeal Court sitting in Lagos State had affirmed the election of Fubara as the Governor of Rivers.

    The court dismissed the petition filed by Tonye-Cole, against Fubara, PDP and INEC.

    The APC candidate had requested that the court order INEC to declare him winner of the March governorship election in Rivers.

    But the court held that all the appellants failed to prove the allegation of non-compliance with the Electoral Act.

    The court also faulted the tribunal for dismissing Tonye-Cole’s appeal on the ground that APC sponsored him and had withdrawn the petition against Gov. Fubara’s victory.

    The appellate court further held that the fact that APC withdrew its petition against Fubara’s victory did not prevent its candidate, Tonye-Cole, from pursuing his appeal.

  • Tinubu’s pact: Rivers Assembly set to reconfirm 9 ex-commissioners

    Tinubu’s pact: Rivers Assembly set to reconfirm 9 ex-commissioners

    The Rivers State House of Assembly is to re-screen and re-confirm nine former Commissioners who resigned from the State executive council on Wednesday.

    This is contained in a statement signed by the Clerk of the House, Mr Emeka Amadi, on Monday in Port Harcourt.

    The clerk said the commissioners include Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor (SAN); Commissioner for Works, Dr Des George-Kelly; Commissioner for Special Duties, Emeka Woke; Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs Inime Aguma, and Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu.

    Others are, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Chinedu Mmom; Commissioner for Housing, Dr Gift Worlu; Commissioner for Transport, Dr Jacobson Nbina and Commissioner for Environment, Austin Ben-Chioma resigned.

    He said they are expected to produce 40 sets of their Curriculum Vitae (CV), photocopies as well as original copies of their credentials to the State House of Assembly, Legislative Quarters (venue for the screening).

    Recall on December 16, 2023, a gale of resignations had hit the State’s Executive Council following the political crisis between the Governor of the State, Fubara and his predecessor, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

    The reinstatement of the former commissioners who resigned their appointments formed part of the demands of President Tinubu’s peace agreement with the Gov. Fubara.

  • Resolution of political logjam: Rivers Assembly to re-screen resigned commissioners

    Resolution of political logjam: Rivers Assembly to re-screen resigned commissioners

    There seems to be a ray of hope at the end of the tunnel as Rivers State House of Assembly led by Hon Martin Amaewhule has invited for screening the nine commissioners who resigned their positions last.

    Recall that the political logjam that recently engulfed the oil rich state took a fresh dimension as President Bola Tinubu waded into it to avoid its escalation.

    This was contained in a Monday statement by the Clerk of the Rivers State House of Assembly Emeka Amadi.

    Recall that part of the 8-point peace agenda signed by Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike included the reappointment of the commissioners who resigned.

    Read statement below:

    Public Announcement The Rivers State House of Assembly hereby invites the following Commissioner -nominees for screening and confirmation as Members of the Rivers State Executive Council.
    1. Zacchaeus Adangor SAN DSSRS
    2. ⁠Dr. Jacobson Mbina DSSRS
    3. ⁠Dr. Gift Worlu
    4. ⁠Mrs Inime Chinwenwo- Aguma DSSRS
    5. ⁠Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke FNSE DSSRS
    6. ⁠Prof. Prince Chinedu Mmom DSSRS
    7. ⁠Dr. George-Kelly D. Alabo FNIQS DSSRS
    8. ⁠Hon. Isaac Kamalu DSSRS
    9. ⁠Engr. Austin Ben Chioma

    Date: Wednesday 17th January, 2024
    Time: 10 am
    Venue: Hallowed Chamber, Rivers State House of Assembly, Legislative Quarters, Off PH/Aba Expressway, Port Harcourt.

    “Nominees are to come along with 40 sets of Curriculum Vitae (CV), photocopies of their credentials and their originals.”

    The move came months after the nominees resigned their positions as commissioners in the Fubara cabinet owing to the political impasse between Wike, the immediate past governor of the state, and Fubara.

  • Gov Fubara pledges continuous support for Armed Forces

    Gov Fubara pledges continuous support for Armed Forces

    Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers,on Sunday pledged continuous support for the Armed forces as they continue to defend the integrity of the country.

    Fubara gave the assurance at the Interdenominational church thanksgiving service in commemoration of the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day held at St.Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt.

    “For us as a government, we will continue to give our support, not just to the fallen heroes as we are doing, but to also those who are alive defending the integrity of our country,” he said.

    Fubara also affirmed that his administration would  continue to perform as expected by addressing critical issues of governance and furthering the development of the state.

    Fubara stated that his administration would intentionally be remembered for good and positive deeds after his tenure as the governor of the state.

    Fubara said that in attending to the duties of governance, he had prayed to God to grant his administration the grace to perform and ensure that its activities and programmes implemented would meaningfully solve the socioeconomic and developmental problems of the people.

    “As a government, we are performing. My prayer is for the Almighty God to grant us the grace to perform in a manner that when we leave office, people will remember us positively, not for negative purposes,” he said.

    Fubara described the duties of the security agencies as giving their time to perform on the stage of life when they discharge their duties.

    “It is not an easy thing for you to be on the stage just like we are today, and after performing people will remember you. So, I am happy that we are all associated with the good performance of the armed forces,”he said.

    Earlier, the Bishop of the Diocese of Niger Delta,Rev. Emmanuel Oko-Jaja called on the government and all Nigerians alike to reflect on, honour and to support members of the military for their various levels of sacrifices in the protection of the territorial sovereignty of Nigeria.

    Oko-Jaja acknowledged that the positive traits of patriotism, firm belief in the unity of Nigeria, continual selfless sacrifice, commitment to building the nation and uncompromised dedication to duties are enviable qualities that make soldiers worthy of being celebrated.

  • Police confirm killing of suspected cult leader in Rivers

    Police confirm killing of suspected cult leader in Rivers

    The Rivers State Police Command has announced the death of suspected cult leader, Silas Oderereke, following a state-wide manhunt initiated in 2020.

    SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s spokesperson, revealed in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday that Oderereke died during a raid on his camp in Oderereke community, Ahoada-West area of Rivers.

    “Oderereke, also known as ‘General,’ a notorious armed robber and cult leader, had been on the run and evaded arrest for the past four years.

    “However, his reign of terror came to an end when he resisted arrest by opening fire on personnel, resulting in his death.

    “Oderereke, who headed the Greenlanders cult group in Ubie clan of Ahoada-West, along with his gang, was infamous for criminal activities,” she said.

    Iringe-Koko said that the gang was involved in armed robbery, land grabbing, unauthorised sale of buildings, and alleged demolition of houses of those who opposed him in the community.

    She alleged that they were responsible for the vandalism of property belonging to the late paramount leader in the area, Eze Robinson O. Robinson.

    “Consequently, on Jan. 11, the Police received information about the cult leader’s gang robbery operation and swiftly responded by chasing the criminals out of town.

    “Later, Oderereke rallied his gang and launched an attack on the community-owned tank farm with the intent to loot the farm.

    “It was during this attempt on the farm that our operatives confronted the gang. However, they opened fire on the police team, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

    “In the shootout, Oderereke and one of his accomplices were neutralised while others sustained injuries,” she said.

    The spokesperson stated that two other leaders of the cult, Danger Boy and 2-Man, who frequently collaborated with the deceased cult leader, escaped the scene.

    Iringe-Koko mentioned that operatives recovered a G3 Rifle and 19 7.62x51mm ammunition from the gang’s hideout.

    “Personnel also uncovered another camp between Oderereke and Olokuma communities, used by the gang to launch robbery attacks on innocent victims in neighbouring communities.

    “The Commissioner of Police, Mr Olatuni Disu, has issued a stern warning to cultists to renounce cultism and shun criminality or face the full wrath of the law,” she stated.

  • Rivers Assembly asks Fubara to re-present 2024 budget

    Rivers Assembly asks Fubara to re-present 2024 budget

    The Rivers House of Assembly on Tuesday, passed a resolution, urging Gov. Siminalayi Fubara to re-present the state 2024 budget and the medium term expenditure framework for consideration.

    This followed the adoption of a motion by the Speaker, Mr Martin Amaewhu during the 90th plenary of the House at the legislators’ quarters, Port Harcourt.

    Presenting the motion, Amaewhu said it was worrisome that the House had yet to receive the budget and the expenditure framework from the executive.

    He said that the governor must present them for approval in line with the 1999 Constitution.

    Recall Fubara had on December 13 presented a budget of N800 billion for 2024 to a four-man House of Assembly for approval.

    The governor also signed the budget into law on December 14 barely 24 hours after it was presented to the lawmakers.

    However, under the peace accord facilitated by President Bola Tinubu, Fubara was expected to re-present the budget as part of conditions to end the political crisis in the State.