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Tag: rivers

  • Navy arrests 5 suspected oil thieves in Rivers

    Navy arrests 5 suspected oil thieves in Rivers

    No fewer than five sailors suspected to be oil thieves have been arrested in Rivers by the Nigerian Navy, for allegedly attempting to sell adulterated diesel to motorists.

    The all-male sailors were arrested alongside eight large wooden boats laden with thousands of litres of petroleum products, suspected to be illegally refined diesel.

    Cdr. Umar Sidi, Base Operations Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder Port Harcourt, on Saturday handed over the suspects and items to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

    Sidi said: “The five suspects were arrested on Jan. 6 by NNS Pathfinder’s tactical riverine squadron acting on credible intelligence.

    “Shortly after receiving intelligence on the activities of the illegal bunkers, troops conducted a simultaneous raid at Isaka Junction and Cawthorn Channel River in the state.

    “At the end of the raids, troops arrested five suspects and seized eight large wooden boats laden with an unspecified quantity of petroleum products, suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (diesel).”

    The base operations officer said that preliminary investigation revealed that the petroleum product might have been illegally refined by the sailors for sale to unsuspecting motorists and other users.

    According to him, the navy under the command of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo, has zero tolerance to illegal bunkering and illegalities on the nation’s waters.

    “So, we are here to hand over the suspects and wooden boats to the NSCDC for further investigation and possible prosecution, in line with the Harmonized Standard Operating Procedure,” he sad.

    Sidi denied claims that the rising soot pollution in Port Harcourt and environs, was partly as a result of the destruction of illegal refineries by the navy.

    He said that the navy was concerned over the soot pollution, and had already taken steps to tackle the menace and bring the perpetrators to book.

    “The Navy does not set ablaze illegal refineries during operation. We only destroy the metallic tanks and reservoirs with the Swamp Buggy Excavator machine.

    “The soot is as a result of the burning of crude oil during the refining process by oil thieves and illegal bunkers.

    “However, we have observed that the illegal refiners are very determined to continue with their illicit activities, hence our adoption of a new strategy to effectively tackle them.

    “The new mandate is to destroy the illegal refineries and at the same time intercept the movement of the petroleum products either on sea or on land,” he said.

    The officer noted that the naval base had intensified its riverine operations to mitigate the effect of the soot pollution.

    Receiving the suspects and the items, Mr Ichela John, the Head of Intelligence and Investigation of NSCDC, Port Harcourt, promised speedy investigation and prosecution of the suspects, if found culpable.

    He commended the navy for its collaboration with the NSCDC in tackling crimes and criminalities on the nation’s waterways.

    “Through the support of the navy and other security agencies in Rivers, we received 205 suspects and secured 50 convictions in 2021,” John said.

  • Police investigate attack on Teni in Rivers

    Police investigate attack on Teni in Rivers

    The police in Rivers State have commenced an investigation into claims that a popular Nigerian artist, Teniola Akpata, aka Teni, allegedly escaped a mob attack while performing at an event in Buguma Town, Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.

    It was gathered that gunshots, which rented the air during the performance forced Teni out of the stage.

    Teni was reportedly invited to perform at a carnival, which was going on peacefully before the unfortunate incident.

    When contacted, the acting spokesperson of the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the incident but said Teni was rescued by security operatives unhurt.

    She said: “She was invited for a carnival where she was performing; some miscreants started throwing stones and all that.

    “But the police and other security agencies were on the ground to ensure nothing happened and the command has started an investigation into the incident to ascertain what happened.

    “The police division in Buguma has been mandated to fish out those behind the attack.”

  • Wike bans nightclubs, street prostitution in Rivers

    Wike bans nightclubs, street prostitution in Rivers

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has banned Nightclubs and prostitution in the state.

    Wike gave the order in his New Year broadcast in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Wike banned nightclub activities including nighttime trading and street prostitution especially along Abacha road and surrounding streets particularly in the Casablanca area.

    According to Wike, the move will “Stop the harmful effects of this depraved activities on the moral development of the children and society at large.”

    However, it remains unclear how long the ban will last, but certainly, the Governor has less than two years left in office.

    Wike further directed security agencies in the State to arrest and prosecute anyone attempting to violate the ban. He said a taskforce would be set up to this effect.

    The Governor Wike-led administration will come to an end after the general elections in 2023.

  • Wike offers N50m, automatic employment to physically challenged PhD student

    Wike offers N50m, automatic employment to physically challenged PhD student

    Gov Nyesom Wike has honoured Dr. James Daniel, a student of the Rivers State University (RSU), living with disability, with N50 million and automatic appointment as a university lecturer for bagging a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree.

    Wike announced the N50 million reward and automatic appointment on Saturday during the 33rd convocation of the Rivers State University in Port Harcourt.

    He said the honour bestowed on Daniel is in recognition of his academic excellence and for being a source of inspiration to persons living with disabilities.

    In his remark, Wike directed the Governing Councils and managements of state universities to sanitize their internal academic systems by stopping every inappropriate policy, practice or procedure that compromises the high quality academic standards required of tertiary institutions.

    The Governor, however, cautioned all Rivers State-owned universities to stop indiscriminate conferment of doctoral degrees on all manner of questionable candidates and people of material influence.

    He emphasised that serious universities jealously guard their reputation and award doctoral degrees only to students who have gone through years of rigorous intellectual research and interrogation and whose dissertation is independently adjudged to be sound and contributory to new learning.

    He described as unfortunate, the current trend and practice in universities, including the Rivers State University, to award doctoral degrees indiscriminately, like chieftaincy titles, to all manner of questionable candidates.

    “First of all, the programmes that you offer must equip the students with relevant skills, entrepreneurial or otherwise, so that on graduation they can start their own businesses and professional practice and become creators of jobs from the beginning; and not jobless seekers for elusive jobs,” Wike stated.

    He assured that the infrastructural development in the university started by his administration, including the four new campuses at Ahoada, Emohua, Ebara and Sakpenwa, will be completed by the second quarter of 2022.

    The RSU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nlerum Okogbule, expressed gratitude to Governor Wike for his enormous support to the institution.

    In his speech, the Pro-Chancellor and chairman of the governing council of the University, Justice Iche Ndu (rtd), commended the graduands for the successful completion of their academic endeavour.

    The Chancellor and the Emir of Lafia, Dauda Sidi Bage, noted that university education is indispensable to national development.

    “I have carefully examined the academic components of this great university, particularly courses and research thematic areas taught to students in this university, and I am delighted to confirm, by way of unequivocal amplifications, that they are focused on preparing our students for nation building and solving societal challenges,” he said.

    The Chancellor, who is a retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, lauded Wike for his unparalleled support for the judiciary, and his intervention in the construction of a brand new campus of the Nigerian Law School in Port Harcourt.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a total 4,970 students graduated from different faculties.

  • Militants blow up Agip oil facility in Rivers

    Militants blow up Agip oil facility in Rivers

    Suspected militants have attacked an oil facility of Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) located at Ogba-Egbema-Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.

    The action signals resurgence of militancy aggression in the region.

    The new militant group in the Niger Delta region under the aegis of Bayan-Men which blew up the oil well, OB5, (Obiavu-5) claimed their action was triggered by an alleged failure of NAOC to deal directly with their host communities.

    Owning the attack on the facility which as at Sunday still have the inferno razing on the facility after a few days, the General of the Bayan-Men in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Capital, on Sunday said their aggression was borne by a refusal of the oil firm to allow the natives to benefit from their operation in the area.

    Alleging that the firm was given to divide and rule tactics, the group demanded that the oil firm deal directly with the 27 communities of Omoku, according to the Federal Government resolution, threatening that a failure would attract stiffer aggression on the firm’s facilities.

    He was quoted: “The only thing we want Agip to do is to deal directly with the 27 communities of Omoku, according to the Federal Government resolution.

    “We don’t want Agip to be negotiating with anybody. They should deal with the communities. If they continue like this, what we have done now is small to what we will do if they continue.

    “They should not keep us together and treat us like one. They should treat communities individually.

    “We are not joking. We are not interested in killing anybody. Our interest is that they must do the right thing else we will keep blowing up their facilities. We are giving them 24 hours to start the process of doing the right thing.”

    In a reaction obtained, the Coordinator-General of Omoku Community Youth Leaders Forum, OCYLF, Comrade Ekeuku Pureheart, who confirmed the ugly development called on the Federal Government and its relevant Agencies to intervene swiftly before the situation degenerates into uncontrollable circumstances.

    He was quoted to have said: “Federal Government intervened a long time ago. Now some uncontrollable boys and some militia groups have blown up Agip oil well, OB5. Obiavu-5 is the name of the oil well.

    “The boys are still threatening that if Agip does not engage directly with the communities of Omoku and give them what is due them that they will do more.

    “We are calling on the Federal Government and other relevant agencies to intervene before things get out of hand. This may cause a drop in production. The government does not need any situation that will result in to further drop in production to occur.

    “The group is saying enough is enough. Agip is working with few individuals in Omoku to oppress the people and the boys are saying they will no longer take that.

    “The group is saying that Agip should deal with individual communities, that is what the law provides. Omoku is a cluster of communities. And the law says when you reach any land treat them differently and give them what is due them.

    “They should adhere to FG resolution of February 27th, 2021, and that agreement must be implemented in line with the Petroleum Industry Act. We are urging the FG to stop up to ensure that the agreement is implemented in full.”

  • Wild fire destroys good, properties worth millions in Rivers

    Wild fire destroys good, properties worth millions in Rivers

    Goods and properties worth millions of naira have been lost to a devastating fire incident in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    The fire, which lasted for over 10 hours since Saturday, began in an old premises of a moribund private company on Isiokpo Street in the D-Line Area of the city.

    While the cause is yet to be known, residents and the Rivers State Government suspect that the abandoned tankers in the premises may have been used by people who trade in illegally refined petroleum products which ignited the fire.

    Although the fire has been put out, men of the Federal Fire Service and the Government have urged residents to be observant and careful to avoid a fresh spark.

  • JSC Odili: IGP must make outcome of investigation public-Sen Sekibo [Video]

    JSC Odili: IGP must make outcome of investigation public-Sen Sekibo [Video]

    …so that we can now know cause of incessant invasion to her house

    Chairman Senate Committee on Navy, Senator George Sekibo on Tuesday said the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba must declare the outcome of his investigation public into the invasion of Justice Mary Odili’s residence in Abuja.

    Senator Sekibo who represents Rivers East Senatorial District and also the Rivers State National Assembly Caucus Leader made this submission in his contribution on a motion brought to the floor of the Senate by Rivers State lawmakers, on the incessant invasion of Justice Odili’s residence.

    The Rivers born lawmaker went on memory lane stating that”a couple of monthss ago, Odili’s residence in Portharcourt was raided by thugs, over a judgement she gave and two weeks ago her Abuja residence too was invaded this has led to serious concerns over the safety of the Judge.

    The debate on the floor of the Senate was led by Senator Betty Appiafi, Justice Odili’s representative in the Senate.

    Sekibo who is also the Chairman of South South Senators Forum, stressing further in his contribution on the motion explained that “I am happy because the IGP, the EFCC and the Attorney General to the Federation, AGF have denied any link to the invasion, which apparently has link to one of her judgments.

    “The Invaders claimed they had a warrant that was difficult to substantiate but this investigation must produce meaningful results and the report must be made public.

    “If this trend continues, it will adversely affect the efficiency of such a person and lead to fear.

    “And if there’s fear, it will lead to High Blood Pressure and as we all Know BP leads to stroke so there’s need to check these invasions.

    Sekibo added that”what we hear in most cases is that the police will always say investigation is ongoing and in most cases the reports are not made public.

    “The IGP must make public this investigation for us all to know the cause of these incessant invasions to the residence of Justice Odili.

  • Lagos, FCT, Rivers top list of states with highest IGR in Nigeria

    Lagos, FCT, Rivers top list of states with highest IGR in Nigeria

    The 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory generated N849.123bn as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in 2021 compared to N612.87bn in 2020.

    A report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) yesterday disclosed that N398 billion was generated in the first quarter of 2021 and N450bn in the second quarter, making a positive growth of 13.21 percent.

    The report categorized the IGRs into five subheads of: PAYE, Direct Assessment, Road Taxes, Other Taxes and revenue from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

    It stated that Lagos State had the highest IGR with N267bn followed by the FCT with N69bn and Rivers, N57bn.

    Yobe State had the least amount with N4bn; Taraba, N4.7bn; Gombe, N5.4bn.

    The IGR of other states within the period under review were Abia, N7.5bn; Adamawa, N6bn; Akwa Ibom, N18bn; Anambra, N12.7bn; Bauchi, N9.4bn; Bayelsa, N6.4bn; Benue, N6.7bn; Borno, N9.8bn; Cross River, N14.7; Delta, N41.9bn; Ebonyi, N7.7bn; Edo, N17.6bn; Ekiti, N6.5Bbn; Enugu, N14.1bn; Imo, N9.9bn; Jigawa, N9.3bn; Kaduna, N26.4bn and Kano, N15bn.

    Others were Katsina, N7.4bn; Kebbi, N7.3bn; Kogi, N9.6bn; Kwara, N15.9bn; Nasarawa, N9.5bn; Niger, N7.9bn; Ogun, N54bn; Ondo, N17.9bn; Osun, N13.6bn; Oyo, N25.9bn; Plateau, N14.4bn; Sokoto, N8.4bn and Zamfara, N8.4bn.

    The report stated that the IGR by the six geo-political zones in the first half of 2021 showed that South West recorded the highest revenue of N385,414,274,922.27; South-South, N156,171,326,501.04; North-East zone recorded the least internally generated revenue with N42,915,002,928.39 billion.”

    It added that Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) contributed the highest amount to the states with N488bn, followed by revenue from MDAs, N173bn with Road Tax contributing the lowest with N16bn

  • Gunmen kill two policemen, cart away AK-47 rifle in Rivers

    Gunmen kill two policemen, cart away AK-47 rifle in Rivers

    Two policemen on stop and search duty were on Tuesday night killed by gunmen who opened fire on them at the Okija axis of Mile One in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    The two officers were attached to the Mile One Police Station, Diobu in Port Harcourt.

    The circumstances leading to the attack could not be ascertained but eye witnesses said the incident occurred at about 8pm, saying the operatives died on the spot.

    One of the eyewitnesses, a taxi driver who gave his name simply as Okey told our correspondent on Wednesday morning that the assailants rode in a vehicle when they launched the attack.

    “It was not a small thing at all. Just past 8pm last night, I was driving past the area when I heard gunshot. They were in a car and speeding. Next thing two policemen were on the ground with blood.

    “They were taken unawares. I think the gunmen took their rifle. Most of the shops in the area had closed for the day when it happened,” he explained.

    A resident of the area who did not want his name in print for security reasons said the gunmen fled through the D/lime axis of Port Harcourt.

    He further said about 15 minutes after the incident, a team of policemen arrived the scene with a patrol van, which made him leave for fear of arrest.

    When contacted, Spokesman of the state police command, Nnamdi Omoni confirmed the incident, adding that the operatives were on stop and search duty.

    Omoni, a superintendent of Police also confirmed that an AK-47 rifle was carted away from one of the slain cop, poimting out that vehicle used by the gunmen was abandoned at the scene.

    The Spokesman, in a short message to newsmen, said, “I can confirm the attack by unknown gunmen on our men posted to Okija Street on stop and search.

    “Two Police officers were killed. Investigation has been ordered by the Commissioner of Police.

    “One Toyota Corrola, with Reg. No. Rivers ABU 380 AW, used by the attackers was abandoned. One AK47 Rifle belonging to one of the officers carted away.”

  • APC Ready To Take Over Rivers Governorship in 2023 – Dakuku

    APC Ready To Take Over Rivers Governorship in 2023 – Dakuku

    An All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Dr Dakuku Peterside says the party is ready to take over Rivers governorship come 2023.

    Dr Peterside stated this following the successful conduct of the party’s state congress election and constitution of a new executive.

    He commended members of the party for their patience, commitment and determination to right the wrongs of the past and chart a new way forward.

    According to him, “I must commend members of our party for their unquestionable determination to take all the right steps since the conduct of ward and local government congresses.

    “Despite the seeming challenges, our party members have remained steadfast under the leadership of Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi and have weathered the storm.

    “Today marks a watershed in our journey to sack the lackluster PDP from the government house in 2023 and install an APC-led administration that has the right policies and programmes to impact meaningfully on the people.”

    He tasked the newly elected state executive of the APC to hit the ground running by winning new converts and consolidating on previous membership drive.

    Dr Peterside took a swipe at Governor Nyesom Wike for abandoning senior citizens over his non-refusal to pay their pension and gratuities.

    He was particularly piqued that the governor could resort to borrowing to fund his whims and caprices but finds it difficult to pay retired civil servants or promote workers.

    The former House of Reps member also lambasted the governor for being clueless as regards programmes, policies and actions that can benefit Rivers youth.

    Said he: “Governor Wike should be ashamed that people who are old enough to be his father have been abandoned to their fate, with many already dead without getting their due benefits.

    “There is no greater wickedness than this, in fact, his action is callous and inhuman. Here is a man who has received hundred of billions of naira in both federal allocation and internally generated revenue.

    “Since 2015, Wike has not promoted a single civil servant, neither has he employed anyone. A brick and mortar governor does not fit into a proactive governance anchored on human capital development, which is the main driving force of economic wellbeing worldwide.

    “Rivers youth have benefitted nothing under Wike. He prefers to hire them for political rallies rather than create platforms through which they can contribute to the economic prosperity of the state.”

    He appealed to Rivers youth to put politics aside and demand from the governor what will benefit them for life, not the dishing out of peanuts during rallies.