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Tag: rivers

  • Police in Rivers arrest suspected killer cops

    Police in Rivers arrest suspected killer cops

    Police in Rivers say they have arrested some of their men accused of killing one Eze Nyebuchi of Woji community in Obio Akpor, Rivers.

    Commissioner of Police in Rivers, Mr Olatunji Disu confirmed the arrests in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday by police spokesperson in the state, SP Grace Iringe-Koko.

    He said the suspected killer policemen were arrested alongside a suspect fingered in the torture and murder of Nyebuchi.

    “We have visited the scene of the crime and condoled with the family members of late Nyebuchi.

    “Suspects involved in the death of Nyebuchi, including the police officers, have been arrested and are currently at the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for interrogation,’’ he said.

    According to reports, policemen arrested Nyebuchi, a landlord, after he forcefully evicted a tenant from his property.

    After several days in police custody, the Woji community Council of Chiefs pressured the police to reveal the whereabouts of the landlord.

    Following public outcry, a search party was conducted and Nyebuchi’s decomposing body was found in an uncompleted building in Chokocho, Etche Local Government Area of Rivers.

    Shortly after the body was found, youths of Woji community took to the streets on Monday to vent their anger over the suspected torture and killing of Nyebuchi.

    The violent protest degenerated into a deadly clash between the protesters and the police as gunshots were fired sporadically into the air to scare the protesters.

    Paramount ruler of Woji Community, Eze Emeka Ihunwo said injuries were found on the head and jaw of Nyebuchi, indicating that he was beaten to death.

    “I call on our youths to maintain the peace as justice will be served,’’ the paramount ruler assured.

    NAN

  • Police nab cultist, a suspected killer of DPO in Rivers

    Police nab cultist, a suspected killer of DPO in Rivers

    Police in Bayelsa have nabbed one of the suspected killers of SP Bako Angbashim, former Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada Division in Rivers.

    The police spokesman in Bayelsa, CSP Asinim Butswat, stated on Saturday that the suspect, Onyekachi Ikowa (43), the second-in-command to TuBaba, leader of the dreaded “Icelander’’ cult group in Rivers, was arrested on Nov. 18.

    “Based on intelligence report that Ikowa was hibernating in Yenagoa after the callous murder of Late SP Angbashim in September, Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa, Mr Francis Iduh, charged that he be fished out.

    “The suspect has been handed over to the police in Rivers for further investigation,’’ Butswat stated.

  • Police confirm killing of suspected cultists in Rivers

    Police confirm killing of suspected cultists in Rivers

    The Police Command in Rivers said its officers killed two suspected cultists, who were members of a cult gang that allegedly killed five persons in Odiemerenyi community, Ahoada-East, Rivers.

    The cultists led by a wanted cult kingpin, Gift Okpara, alias 2Baba, reportedly murdered the five victims in cold blood in the early hours of Sunday.

    The command`s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko who said this in a statement in Port Harcourt on Monday, said the deceased cultists were killed during a gun duel with operatives.

    “On Nov. 12, operatives of Ahoada Police Station received a distress call that some suspected cultists loyal to wanted David Gift aka 2Baba invaded Odiemerenyi community in search of suspected Police informants.

    “The police division on receipt of the information swung into action and mobilised with other tactical units to the scene.

    “On getting to the community, the hoodlums who unfortunately have killed five natives before the arrival of the police, opened fire on sighting our operatives,” she said.

    Iringe-Koko said an exchange of gunfire ensued between the police and the cultists leading to the death of two suspected cultists.

    “The Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, has ordered the Ahoada Police Division and other tactical units to redouble their efforts to arrest the fleeing 2Baba and his gang members.

    “Residents of Ahoada East communities should go about their legitimate business as adequate security has been put in place to counter any security challenges.

    “The commissioner of police condoles with the families of those who were killed in the recent attack,” she added.

    Gov. Siminalayi Fubara had placed a bounty of N101 million on the head of 2Baba linked to several killings in the state.

    The Iceland cult gang leader is also wanted for the murder of SP Bako Angbashim, the late Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada-East Local Government Area.

    According to sources, 2Baba had vowed to continue killing natives of Ahoad-East communities until his sponsors and sympathizers currently detained by the police are released.

    NAN

  • Fubara thanks Tinubu for “fatherly intervention” in Rivers crisis

    Fubara thanks Tinubu for “fatherly intervention” in Rivers crisis

    Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers has expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his “fatherly intervention” in the political crisis that rocked the state recently.

    Fubara’s gratitude is contained in a statement he signed and issued to newsmen in Port Harcourt on Saturday.

    He said that the president’s mediation “opened a series of communication channels to facilitate the timely resolution of the festering political crisis”.

    He also thanked elder statesmen, who also waded into the matter to ensure that peace and stability returned to the state.

    Fubara gave account of what led to his visit to the Assembly complex on Monday, to assess the level of damage and initiate immediate measures to protect lives and property within the complex.

    He said that he was inundated with reports on Sunday that the hallowed chamber of the assembly had been gutted by fire.

    He said that the fire.was successfully put out by the fire service, after which security agencies took control of the situation.

    “I charged the security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and report to me.

    “Shortly after, I got reports that the assembly had broken into two factions: one claiming to have impeached and suspended the House Leader and three others, preparatory to initiating an impeachment action against me.

    “The other rival faction also claimed to have impeached the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, thus sparking off some form of political crisis.

    “Let me clearly state that my actions are aimed at restoring peace and stability in our state.

    “I am a man of peace and as governor, the advancement of our state is my primary concern.

    “Consequently, no sacrifice is too much for me to make to achieve this objective.

    “Furthermore, it is the collective responsibility of the immediate past governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and my humble self to leverage our positions and influences within and outside the state to advance the progress, security and wellbeing of our people.

    “We must, therefore, not allow circumstances that could retard all efforts at achieving greatness for our people to prevail.”

    The governor gave assurance that he was always willing and ready to embrace the path to lasting peace and tranquility.

    He further promised his commitment to consummating all other efforts and initiatives by the president and other well-meaning Nigerians toward the permanent resolution of the crisis.

    “I assure the good people and youths of Rivers that peace will certainly prevail and we shall continue to work together to advance the peace, security, progress and development of our state.

    “As Governor, I sincerely apologise to the good people of Rivers for the regrettable anxieties of the last few days.

    “I thank you all for your concern and continued support, love, and prayers,” Fubara said.

  • N/Delta leaders visit Wike, urge amicable resolution of Rivers crisis

    N/Delta leaders visit Wike, urge amicable resolution of Rivers crisis

    Leaders of various ethnic nationalities in Niger Delta have paid a solidarity visit to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to convey the region’s appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and congratulate Wike on his appointment.

    A statement issued by Dr Kingsley Kuku on Saturday, noted that the 60-member delegation of prominent Niger Delta leaders was led by Prof A.W. Obianime, a former  President of Ijaw National Congress (INC).

    On current political developments in Rivers, the leaders noted that Rivers was strategic to the South-South region and could not afford to be in crisis.

    “As Lagos State is very dear to the South West, so is Rivers State to the Niger Delta. This is because as an injury to one is an injury to all, we feel justified to condemn the macabre dance playing out there.

    “We join PANDEF, INC, IYC, MOSIEND, MOSOP, Ogbakor Ikwerre and all other responsible bodies in the Niger Delta in condemning the mischievous attempts at the State House of Assembly to impeach the State Governor on frivolous grounds of ‘gross misconduct’.

    “It is quite unacceptable to us and to the entire Niger Delta. Any person, authority or group of persons involved in stoking this fire is strongly advised to desist from it and allow peace to reign,” the statement said.

    The statement noted that as a political leader in Rivers, Wike wields the influence to broker peace as both the executive and legislators consist of his political proteges.

    “They will listen to you when you talk to them. All eyes are on you. Be the peacemaker that you are and do all you can to timely quench this fire before it becomes devastating.

    “The consequences will do no one any good. It will not also speak well of us as Rivers people in particular and Niger Deltans in general.

    “Your silence in this matter will not be golden and the world will think you’re playing the ostrich.

    “We plead with you to step into a peaceful resolution of this matter so that the Nigerian populace will not say that Pompey was drinking tea when Rome was burning,” the statement said.

    It further noted that the leaders drawn from various states of the Niger Delta region paid the visit to show their support to Wike following recent comments by Sheik Gumi and advocate a resolution of the political turmoil in Rivers.

    “Hon. Minister, a pertinent area that invites our attention and solidarity with you concerns your recent verbal encounter with Sheikh Ahmed Gumi. Although many people have reacted in various ways to this statement, we feel duty bound to also lend our voices.

    “To say the least, Gummi’s arrogation of exclusive ownership and monopoly of administration of Abuja by a given ethno-religious region in Nigeria is not only disgusting, senseless but also puerile, hubristic, irresponsible and divisive.

    “It clearly goes against the grain of Abuja as the melting pot of Nigeria and therefore highly condemnable.

    “We are glad for the avalanche of criticism against his unguarded statement from every nook and cranny and the denial of his mean and myopic position even by the Northern Elders Forum (N.E.F),” the statement said.

    According to the statement, Wike is not a political orphan from the Niger Delta as he has a very strong socio-political base.

    “So, we take very serious exception to the call for the Minister’s sack and to the blackmail on the President with denial of electoral/political support in far away 2027 should the President fail to do his unholy bidding.

    “We wonder where Gumi has got the right and audacity to threaten the President. We also wonder what electoral value Gumi carries in Nigerian Politics,” the statement added.

    The statement said the Niger Delta leaders urged Wike to ignore these diversionary distractions and remain focused on his assignment as Minister.

  • Impeachment: I want my offences made public – Fubara challenges Rivers lawmakers

    Impeachment: I want my offences made public – Fubara challenges Rivers lawmakers

    Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, on Monday, challenged the state House of Assembly to make public the offences that warrant impeachment proceedings against him.

    Fubara issued the challenge in a statement issued in Port Harcourt by his Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Mr Boniface Onyedi, and made available to newsmen on Monday.

    The statement was his first official reaction to the announcement of the commencement of impeachment proceedings against him by the House.

    The Deputy Speaker, Mr Maol Dumle, had during the house plenary session on Monday moved a motion to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor.

    Maol hinged his motion on the governor’s alleged ‘’misconduct, unbecoming of a governor”.

    Meanwhile, Fubara has condemned the bombing of a section of the House of Assembly complex by suspected hoodlums, who allegedly attacked the building with Improvised Explosive Device.

    In a statement, he described as unfortunate the attempt by “some disgruntled persons to forcefully take over control of the assembly”.

    “The truth is that everybody who knows me know that I am a peaceful person.

    ‘’I can never ever, even if I am aware that there is a plot to impeach me for whatever reason, be part of such destruction.

    “I am worried that a facility like this that we used taxpayers money to build will be destroyed for selfish reason just to please somebody,” he said.

    Fubara described as null and void any illegal legislative actions that had been taken by some members, who held a purported plenary session.

    According to him, whoever masterminded the attack at the assembly was trying to divert attention.

    The governor said that he would resist any attempt without justification to impeach him.

    “Let them tell Rivers people my offence.

    “Come out and tell the people of Rivers that offence that Fubara committed that warrants impeachment.

    “My happiness this morning is that the people of Rivers, represented by everyone of you here, are with us.

    “Let me assure you people that we will continue to defend you.

    “We will protect you and you will enjoy the dividend of democracy,” he stated.

    Fubara alleged that some security operatives had been compromised.

    He alleged that his vehicle was directly shot on his way to the assembly complex to access the extent of damage caused by the early morning bombing.

    He commended the youths for standing up to protect the interest of the state.

    Recall that the house also moved four additional motions to remove the Majority Leader of the House, Edison Ehie, for alleged inability to effectively discharge his responsibilities.

    The other three motions were for the suspension of Mr Victor Okoh (Bonny constituency), Mr Goodboy Sokari (Ahoada West constituency) and Mr Adulphus Timothy (Opobo/Nkoro constituency).

    No fewer than 24 of the 32 lawmakers voted in favour of the motions.

  • NAF air strikes destroy over 30 illegal oil refining sites [Photo]

    NAF air strikes destroy over 30 illegal oil refining sites [Photo]

    The Air Component of Operation Delta Safe has in the last two months, destroyed more than 30 illegal oil refining site in the strikes around Cawthorne Channel and Bille, in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers.

    The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    Gabkwet said the air strikes ramped up efforts at denying oil thieves and operators of illegal oil refining sites the opportunity to burst pipelines, operate their illegal oil refineries sites while damaging the environment.

    See photo:

    He said the air strikes conducted at Cawthorne Channel on Friday, destroyed four active illegal refining sites with dug out reservoirs and surface storage tanks suspected to be containing illegally refined products.

    According to him, similar air strikes were also conducted at Bille on Saturday and early hours of Sunday which destroyed three illegal oil refining sites with storage tanks and reservoirs were destroyed.

    “In one of the sites, a Cotonou boat suspected to be siphoning crude oil from a flow station was engaged in several passes and destroyed.

    “In the last two months, Cawthorne Channel and Bille have accounted for the majority of oil theft and illegal oil refining activities in Rivers State.

    “Within this period, over 30 illegal oil refining sites in these two locations have been destroyed by the Land, Maritime, and Air Components of Operation Delta Safe.

    “These efforts will be sustained in these locations and others until oil thieves and their accomplices desist from their illegal activities,” the statement added.

  • Rivers governorship poll: Tribunal reserves judgment in Tonye Cole’s petition

    Rivers governorship poll: Tribunal reserves judgment in Tonye Cole’s petition

    The Rivers State Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja, on Wednesday, reserved judgment in the petition filed by Mr Tonye Cole, the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s candidate in the March 18 governorship poll in Rivers.

    Cole is challenging the victory of Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The three-member tribunal, headed by Justice Cletus Emifonye, adjourned the matter for judgment after parties adopted their final written addresses and presented their arguments for and against the petition.

    While Fubara scored 302,614 votes to win the election, the APC candidate had 95,274 votes while Beatrice Itubo of the Labour Party (LP) scored 22,224 votes to come third.

    Speaking to newsmen shortly after the sitting on Wednesday, Chief Tuduru Ede, SAN, the lead counsel to Cole, said about 40 witnesses were called and exhibits running into a thousand were tendered in the course of the case.

    “The main plank of our case is that the 2nd respondent (Fubara), as at the time of the election, was not qualified to run.

    “He didn’t resign from his post as Accountant-General and Permanent Secretary in Rivers State.

    “We led evidence to that effect and we await the judgment of the tribunal,” he said.

    Also speaking, Mr Cole, who was at the tribunal, said he was trusting the tribunal and God that justice would be done in his petition.

    “First of all, I am extremely grateful to the team of lawyers that stood their ground, refused to be intimidated, put very accurate facts forward.

    “I am very satisfied with what has been presented today as our final address.

    “And I am trusting the tribunal and trusting my Lord, God Almighty, that justice will be done,” he said.

    He said he was in the tribunal to ensure that he took back the mandate that was stolen from him.

    “We know exactly what happened at the election day but that is very different from what we are doing in court.

    “What we are here to do in court is to ensure that we secure the mandate that was taken off us in March and I just want to assure everybody in Rivers that we will do everything within our power to ensure that justice is done.

    “We have presented the case, we are just waiting for the result. The judgment is just a few weeks away. So let’s be patient, stand firm, we are fighting this all the way to the end,” he said.

    The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, who also attended the proceeding, however refused to speak to newsmen.

    He simply said: “Go and speak to them (pointing to the lawyers).”

    Efforts to also speak to counsel to the respondents; Mr Kanu Agabi, SAN (INEC); Mr Emmanuel Ukala, SAN (Fubara), were unsuccessful as they declined to speak, while Mr Joseph Daudu (PDP) could not be reached.

    While Tonye Cole is the petitioner, INEC, Fubara, and PDP are 1st to 3rd respondents respectively in the case.

    The tribunal had, on Sept. 7, also reserved judgment in the petition filed by the governorship candidate of Labour Party against Fubara’s victory.

  • Oil Theft: JTF arrest vessel, 10 crew members in Rivers

    Oil Theft: JTF arrest vessel, 10 crew members in Rivers

    The Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), on Tuesday arrested an oil vessel MV Ofuoma and 10 crew members conveying alleged illegally refined petroleum products in Rivers.

    The Component Commander OPDS, Commodore John Siyanbade, who represented the OPDS Commander, Rear Adm. Olusegun Ferreira said MV Ofuoma was arrested on Aug. 15, at Abuloma jetty in Port-Harcourt by the Nigerian Navy Ship, Pathfinder.

    According to him, the vessel is being used as a storage facility for illegally refined oil products.

    He said: “The vessel was receiving product suspected to be illegally refined AGO from a dug out wooden boat alongside it.

    “As it was intercepted by OPDS, about 20,000 litres of the product have already been transferred from the dug out boat to the vessel. Currently we have about 35,000 litres still remaining on board as you have seen.

    “The operation was conducted by troops of the JTF Operation Delta Safe Headquarters.”

    The commander said that the 10 suspects intercepted included both the crew on board the vessel and those on the boat.

    “The suspects have given credible information about where they source the product from; operation is on going to deactivate the illegal refining site in the area and the operation will be for some time.”

    He assured that the OPDS would not relent in the efforts to eradicate crude oil theft and other forms of illegality in the region, and warned those involved to look for legitimate means of livelihood before they are caught.

  • Govt will not tolerate sabotage on Andoni road project, warns Fubara

    Govt will not tolerate sabotage on Andoni road project, warns Fubara

    The Rivers Government will not tolerate any act of sabotage against the smooth execution of the re-awarded Andoni road construction project in Andoni Local Government Area of the state.Gov. Siminalayi Fubara made this known during a meeting with stakeholders from Andoni and leaders in Port Harcourt.

    Fubara while addressing the Andoni leaders, led by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor decried lack of commitment on the part of the previous contractors (Raffoul Nigeria Ltd) handling the projects after the agreeable contractual terms had been paid by 90 per cent.

    ”About two years ago, the immediate past Governor of Rivers, Chief Nyesom Wike, held a meeting with Andoni leaders and the contractors to work out modalities of smooth implementation of the project.

    “There was a contractual review and the money was paid by the government. But, it is so unfortunate that there wasn’t any progress on the project by the contractors. It pains us as a government, that a project paid for up to 90 per cent is re-awarded”, he said.

    He alleged that the non-commitment of the Raffoul Nigeria Limited led to the revocation and re-award of the project to a new contractor, Monier Construction Company,( MCC).

    The governor said that 30 per cent of the new contract sum had been paid to the new contractors, MCC to deliver the project within twelve months.

    Fubara urged the people of Andoni to give the necessary support to the new contractors to complete the project within the next twelve months, noting that the project will expand economic development of the area.

    In his response, the Traditional ruler of Andoni, Aroan Ikuru, who is also the Chairman Andoni Council of Traditional Rulers on behalf of the Andoni stakeholders, thanked the governor for his commitment towards the execution of the Andoni Road project.

    Ikuru assured the state government of the support of traditional leaders to the contractors to deliver the project on specified time.