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Tag: rivers

  • LARGE HAUL: NDLEA impounds N4bn codeine-laced syrup in Rivers

    LARGE HAUL: NDLEA impounds N4bn codeine-laced syrup in Rivers

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Rivers State said it seized a shipment of codeine-laced cough syrup worth about ₦4bn in Rivers State in the last two weeks.

    The Commander of the Agency at Onne Port, Stella Ngwoke, while speaking during an event to commemorate the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at her command on Wednesday, said the feat indicated a significant demand and supply in the state.

    She then called for the support of relevant stakeholders, to combat the abuse of cough syrup containing codeine as a psychoactive substance.

    According to her, the misuse of such substances is prevalent among youths between the ages of 15 to 24.

    This is as the Federal Government on Wednesday, pledged to mobilise funds in support of the NDLEA fight against drug abuse and trafficking in the country.

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, while representing President Bola Tinubu to mark this year’s celebration, at the banquet hall in Abuja, assured of the government’s willingness to assist the agency, in reducing the statistics of people who abuse drugs and substances in the country, by mobilising funds for the agency.

    President said, “I enjoin all and sundry to support the War Against Drug Abuse initiative, otherwise known as the WADA campaign, launched by NDLEA three years ago. I commend and urge everyone to redouble efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking in the country.

    “On this score, I wish to reassure you of this administration’s support. The Renewed Hope Agenda places the youth at the centre of its focus. Therefore, we ensure that our young people are protected from anything that could derail their future or destroy their potential.”

    The President also called for the prioritisation of evidence-based prevention strategies for drugs in the country.

  • IED explosion: Rivers Govt. confirms detention of suspect

    IED explosion: Rivers Govt. confirms detention of suspect

    The Rivers Government has confirmed the detention of an unidentified man, suspected of detonating an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) near Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, is currently under custody.

    Dr Adaeze Oreh, the Commissioner of Health, told journalists in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, that the suspect was receiving treatment at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).

    “The suspect suffered severe injuries from the explosion, he is being held RSUTH following our alert to all healthcare facilities across the state.

    “We urged our facilities to report individuals who present themselves with any injury suggestive of a traumatic amputation of an upper limb.

    “So, when a young man was brought to RSUTH with injuries supposedly from a road accident, medical staff raised suspicions,” she said.

    Adaeze explained that the medical personnel recognised that his condition did not align with injuries from a road accident but indicated signs of blast.

    “So the patient was immediately taken to the theatre for urgent resuscitation due to his semi-conscious state, with the Ministry of Health and Commissioner of Police promptly notified.

    “At the moment, the suspect is receiving medical care, and he is in a stable condition now.

    “We are working closely with the police, who have secured both the suspect and  the hospital, while conducting necessary investigations,” the commissioner added.

    Earlier, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers, Mr Olatunji Disu, told newsmen that the command had received information about four individuals who parked a white Corolla vehicle on Aba Road and detonated an IED.

    He said that two of the suspects sustained severe injuries and fled the scene after the explosion.

    “Consequently, we have urged all police units within the state to be on the lookout for the suspects, including healthcare facilities.

    “Our bomb squad have gathered particles from the blast site and has confirmed presence of IED residue.

    “Soon, we will be able to confirm the kind of IED that was detonated,” he said.

    Disu stated that investigations were ongoing to determine whether the explosion was linked to Tuesday’s protests or an isolated incident.

  • Rivers Reps caucus disowns purported leader, spokesperson

    Rivers Reps caucus disowns purported leader, spokesperson

    The Rivers caucus in the House of Representatives has disowned one of its members, Rep. Dumnamene Deekor as its leader and spokesman, saying he was never instructed to speak on behalf of the caucus.

    Rep. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, Leader of the Rivers Caucus in the house, in a statement in Abuja on Friday, dismissed a statement credited to the lawmaker.

    The statement had called for sanction of the coordinator of the G-60 Lawmakers, Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere.

    Abiante said the leadership of the Rivers caucus in the house had always been based on seniority.

    He added that a second term lawmaker could not lead the caucus when there are more senior lawmakers.

    He explained that as a lawmaker, Deekor is aware of the fact that every member had the right to comment on any issue affecting any part of the country.

    This, he said,  was because they had sworn to defend the integrity of Nigeria.

    “The Rivers caucus in the house of representatives read with dismay,  a statement purportedly issued by the member, representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency, Deekor.

    “The statement called for the discipline of the Coordinator of the G-60 Lawmakers in the Green Chamber,  Ugochinyere over his position on vexed issues in the polity.

    “We refused to collectively accede to Deekor’s self serving stands as he has never been elected by the Rivers caucus to speak on our behalf.”

    He said that Deekor being a second term lawmaker,  could not have arrogated to himself, the position of caucus leader in the midst of third and fourth term lawmakers.

  • Group faults APC over call for emergency rule in Rivers

    Group faults APC over call for emergency rule in Rivers

    The Concerned Citizens Forum of Nigeria (CCFN), a civil society organisation,  has faulted the call for emergency rule in Rivers by Rivers chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Mr Promise Ekeanyanwu, the Executive Director of the group, made this known at a news conference in Abuja on Friday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that APC, Rivers chapter, on Wednesday called for state of emergency in the state as the political tension there escalated.

    The caretaker committee chairman of the party, Mr Tony Okocha, told newsmen that “APC Rivers state is calling for a state of emergency in Rivers state so that I and you can have peace in this state’’.

    Ekeanyanwu said that declaring a state of emergency would undermine democratic governance.

    He also said the call for a state of emergency, if heeded to, would exacerbate the existing instability in the state.

    According to him, implementing such a measure would erode the trust of the populace in the democratic process.

    He said it would further disenfranchise the people of the state and potentially exacerbate the existing tensions.

    He urged President Bola Tinubu to order an investigation into to determine if APC was involved in the crisis in Rivers and if found culpable hold it accountable for any wrongdoing.

    The CCFN executive director stressed that the security situation in the state should be a concern that required attention.

    He urged the relevant authorities to adopt proactive measures that would address the root causes of the issue.

    “Declaring a state of emergency is not a viable solution, as it will only lead to further violence, displacement and human rights violations’’, he said.

  • Rivers: Lawmakers want Reps member, Ugochinyere punished

    Rivers: Lawmakers want Reps member, Ugochinyere punished

    The Rivers Caucus in the House of Representatives has urged the leadership of the house to discipline Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP-Imo) for allegedly spreading “falsehoods” on the escalating political crisis in Rivers.

    In a statement  by the leader of the caucus, Rep. Dumnamene Dekor (PDP-Rivers), the caucus alleged that Ugochinyere also engaged in spreading held-truth in the media.

    According to the caucus leader, Ugochinyere had thrown caution, decorum, and responsible conduct, expected of the high office he now occupies, to the wind.

    Delay said his interventions in the media were laden with blackmail, half-truths, outright lies, misinformation and disinformation, and malicious propaganda.

    The lawmaker explained that Ikenga’s prejudicial media statements also constituted a thoughtless assault on due process and ongoing judicial processes aimed at resolving the disagreement in Rivers.

    Dekor said the conduct of Ugochinyere impinged on the privileges of members of the caucus,  integrity of the house itself, and constituted a reckless violation of sections 49 and 72 of the Constitution.

    “The attention of the Rivers Caucus has been drawn to yet another unfortunate and misleading press briefing by Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere on Tuesday, June,  18, on the ongoing disagreement between the Governor of Rivers and the House of Assembly, and latterly, Local Government Chairmen.

    “To begin with, Ugochinyere is not from Rivers, so his political value is unquestionably non-existent, except to those who are naive enough to fall for his cheap gimmicks.

    “The current situation in Rivers does not concern him in any way because he is from Imo, a state that is grappling with myriad political and social issues of its own in respect of which Ugochinyere cannot find his voice.

    “The disagreement in Rivers has never been brought to the floor of the House of Representatives to warrant other members’ intervention in a debate.

    “His actions impinge on the privileges of members of the Rivers caucus, the integrity of the house itself, and constitute a reckless violation of the constitution vide sections 49 and 72.

    “We, hereby,  publicly call on the leadership of the House of Representatives to take urgent steps to discipline Ugochinyere,” he said. 

  • Just In: Declare a State of Emergency now, Fubara confused, police bias, APC tells FG

    Just In: Declare a State of Emergency now, Fubara confused, police bias, APC tells FG

    The All Progressives Congress, Rivers chapter has asked the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the state as the Governor Sim Fubara is confused and police corrupt.

    The APC Caretaker Committee Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, on Wednesday made the call during a media briefing in Port Harcourt.

    He stated, “Rivers State is at war. And the dramatis personae who are responsible for the mayhem that has claimed lives are known.

    “The governor is helpless, the police bias helpless. Therefore the APC in Rivers State is calling for a state of emergency in Rivers State as a way of taming the mayhem, and the upsurge that is going on in the state.

    “I call on the federal government to act fast in this regard.”

    Details to follow…

  • There’s no constitutional provisions for LG chairmen’s tenure elongation – Fubara

    There’s no constitutional provisions for LG chairmen’s tenure elongation – Fubara

    Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers says there is no provision for  tenure elongation  for  elected Local Government Chairmen in the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as Amended).

    Fubara made this known while addressing newsmen at the end of a security council meeting with heads of security agencies in Port Harcourt.

    The governor said  that the security council meeting was called because of the  threat to the peace of the state brewing from the tenure expiration of the outgone local government councils chairmen.

    ”We will fearlessly lead the way to ensure that peace continues to prevail in the state while  protecting all patriotic supporters for their stand on the path of truth.

    ”The law on local government tenure is unambiguous. The court clearly affirmed the position of the law.

    “The law is the law, there is no extension of the local government tenure in it. The court says so,” he said.

    The govrnor promised to protect his supporters and resist any ”grand plan to arrest” them.

    Fubara thanked the media and the peace-loving people of the state for their support, and urged everyone to continue to remain law-abiding for the unity and progress of the State.

    According to reports, Fubara directed heads of administration in the 23 local government areas to take over from the elected council chairmen whose three-year tenure elapsed on Monday.

    Fubara gave the directive in a state broadcast on Tuesday in Port Harcourt.

    He said the decision ties with the Constitution’s provision and the need to ensure peace and order in the state. Fubara appreciated the efforts and dedication of the council chairmen to public service.

    The police confirmed that the two people were killed in Omuma LGA during a clash.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Grace Iringe-Koko, who confirmed the killings, said an investigation was ongoing to apprehend the culprits and bring them to justice.

    Iringe-Koko said in a statement that the two were killed during a bloody clash between supporters of two political groups at the council headquarters.

    She said the police had now occupied the council secretariats to forestall violence.

    The statement reads: “Following the breakdown of law and order in the various local government council secretariats in Rivers State where supporters of the two political factions clashed over the tenure of council chairmen, a case of death was recorded at Eberi-Omuma, Omuma LGA, where a police officer and a vigilante were killed.

    “To forestall more bloodshed and prevent a further breakdown of law and order, the police have taken over all the 23 council secretariats and some critical government infrastructure in the state.

    “Conventional police officers and anti-riot police officers have been deployed to these facilities.

    “While urging all groups and individuals to be law-abiding, the Command also warns anyone who intends to cause mayhem as we will not hesitate to impose the full weight of the law on them.

    “We also wish to ask the law-abiding residents and visitors in the state to go about their lawful businesses without fear. We are resolved to carry out our constitutional duty of protecting lives and property.”

  • Gunshots as Rivers LGA chair allegedly moves to access office

    Gunshots as Rivers LGA chair allegedly moves to access office

    Heavy shooting at the premises of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of Rivers State following a move by the chairman of the LGA, Hon Allwell Ihundah, to access his office.

    The development has sparked tension as businesses in the area have shut temporarily.

    It was alleged that the Chairman of the LGA, Ihundah had arrived at the council secretariat this morning with his security personnel to access his office, but that he was stopped by the youths who resumed occupation of the premises, Monday.

    TheNewsGuru.com earlier reported that the three years’ tenure of the elected Chairmen of Local Government and Councillors expired on the 17th of the June as provide by the Constitution.

    But the LGA bosses have insisted that they would not vacate office following a purported amendment on the Local Government Administration Law of the State by the Martin Amaewhule led State Assembly.

    Although, a State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt had in its ruling voided the amendment in which the legislative arm of the state extended the tenure of the elected chairmen by six months.

    However, the Governor Siminialayi Fubara had in a statewide broadcast this morning, bided the elected chairmen and councilors farewell, noting that their period to occupy their positions legally has elapsed.

    But, Tuesday, the Chairman of PHALGA allegedly came to the council secretariat to pick some of his property, but he was stopped by the angry youths.

    It was learned that in the process police attached to him started shooting in the air to scare the LGA occupants, but that the youths resisted the security action.

     

  • Vacate seats immediately- Fubara directs outgoing Rivers council chairpersons

    Vacate seats immediately- Fubara directs outgoing Rivers council chairpersons

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has directed the administrative heads of local governments to take charge of the councils and to await further directives following the expiration of the tenure of the elected council chairpersons and councillors on Monday.

    “Heads of local governments administration are hereby directed to immediately take charge of the councils and await further directives,” the governor said in a broadcast on Tuesday morning.

    Fubara congratulated the outgoing chairpersons on completing their tenure and wished them well in their future endeavours.

    There have been controversies in state as youths in some local government areas, including Degema and Asari-Toru, took over the council headquarters, insisting that the council chairpersons vacate office as their tenure expired on Monday.

    The three-year tenure of elected local government officials in the state ended on Monday. They were sworn into office three years ago under the administration of the immediate past Governor Nyesom Wike, now the minister of FCT.

    At a recent function in the state, Governor Fubara reminded the council chairpersons that their days in office are numbered.

    Tuesday’s directive by the state governor is expected to cause more confusion in a state that is on the brink of violence.

     

  • Rivers: Police surround LG secretariats amid tension over expiration Chairmen’s tenure

    Rivers: Police surround LG secretariats amid tension over expiration Chairmen’s tenure

    Following the expiration of the tenure of LG chairmen in Rivers state, the police have stationed armed operatives at the secretariats of four local government councils in the state.

    Police vans are currently positioned at the entrances of Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor, Ahoada East and Ogu/Bolo LGAs.

    Earlier, youths in Degema and Asari/Toru LGAs occupied their respective council secretariats in protest against the extension of the tenure of the LG chairmen.

    The youths chanted solidarity songs in support of those Governor Siminalayi Fubara is expected to appoint to manage the local councils on a temporary basis.

    Recall that the outgoing LG chairmen, who are loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, had their tenure extended by an amended Local Government Law Number 5 of 2018 by the faction of the State House of Assembly headed by Martins Amaewhule.

    However, the extension was nullified by a Rivers State High Court ruling on May 21, 2024, which declared the Local Government Law No. 2 of 2024 as inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution.

    Despite the court’s ruling, the chairman of Ikwerre LGA, Samuel Nwanosike, has vowed to remain in office.

    It was learned that two LG chairmen from Bonny and Opobo/Nkoro, who are loyal to Fubara, celebrated the expiration of their tenures with a thanksgiving service on Sunday.

    Rivers governor,  Fubara hasn’t made any official statement concerning their tenure expiration and the next line of action in the state.