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  • Policeman who shot female colleague dead in Rivers dismissed

    Policeman who shot female colleague dead in Rivers dismissed

    Sergeant Bitrus Osaiah, the Policeman who shot and killed a policewoman, Lavender Elekwachi has been dismissed by the Police Force after the conclusion of investigation and orderly room trial.

    The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, CP Joseph Mukan, disclosed this on Monday when led members of his Management Team on a condolence visit to Ozuzu, in Etche LGA, over the death Elekwachi who was killed last week by a Police Sergeant attached to the State Government on Illegal Trading and Road Decongestion.

    A statement signed by DSP Omoni Nnamdi, spokesman for the Rivers State Police Command, said the Command was deeply touched by her untimely death and assured them that the interest of justice would be served in the circumstance, while praying to God Almighty to grant her soul eternal rest.

    Receiving the CP and his Team, the Paramount Ruler, Onyi-Ishi Agwuru, Ozuzu, Eze Josiah Nwagwu, on behalf of his Council, thanked the CP for coming to show empathy to the family and the entire clan, maintaining that the news of their daughter’s death came to them as a rude shock.

    He said the community relied on the CP’s promise to bring the perpetrators to justice, while seeking the Command’s continued Community partnership and pledged the support of his Kingdom to making him succeed.

    The CP, who was accompanied in the visit by the DC Operations, DCP Adamu Abubakar; DC State CIID, DCP Ahmed Kontagora, among other Senior Officers, said Sergeant Bitrus Osaiah would be arraigned in Court to face justice soonest.

    He warned that under his watch the rights of officers and men, including that of the citizens of Rivers State would be protected.

  • Lockdown disaster: Policeman shoots female colleague dead in Rivers

    The Rivers State Task Force enforcing lockdown measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic has killed an unidentified policewoman in the state.

    It was gathered that a trigger-happy policeman attached to the task force pulled the killed his colleague, who was not a member of the force.

    The incident was said to have happened at Eneka Town, Obio-Akpo Local Government Area, at about 5 pm.

    Sources said the tragedy occurred when members of the task force arrived at the area and began to destroy goods belonging to defiant street traders.

    The new Commissioner of Police, Joseph Mukan, who confirmed the development, said the policeman attached to the taskforce misused his weapon.

    He said: “A policeman attached to the taskforce did the shooting.

    “He was shooting anyhow and in the process killed another policewoman. The policewoman was hit by a stray bullet”.

    Mukan, who spoke at about 8:20 pm, said the policeman was immediately arrested, disarmed, and subjected to orderly room trial.

    “As I am talking to you, the orderly room trial is ongoing. If we conclude it this night, we will arraign him tomorrow”, he said.

    He insisted that there was no justification for the killing adding that the law must take its course.

  • COVID-19: PETAN donates food items to 10 Communities in Rivers, gets NCDMB support [Photos]

    COVID-19: PETAN donates food items to 10 Communities in Rivers, gets NCDMB support [Photos]

    As part of their efforts to give succour to members’ host communities, the Petroluem Association of Nigeria (PETAN) with the support of Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has donated food palliatives to 10 members host communities in Rivers State, Saturday, April, 18th.

    Speaking during the distribution of the food palliatives by members, the Chairman of PETAN, Mr Nik Odinuwe said, the move, was part of PETAN and NCDMB efforts in helping the government stop the spread of COVID-19 and aid residents in cushioning the effect of the lockdown in the state.

    Odinuwe added that PETAN is aware that the current lockdown has made it very difficult for many Nigerians to eke out a living as they are compelled by government directives to stay at home, more so as responsible corporate organization, deem it wise to assist government to curtail the spread of the virus.

    He further added that the initiative to give out food items was inspired by the need to provide succour to the communities, as many of those who survive on daily earning from their work & farms, can no longer work due to the stay at home directive by the state government geared towards ending COVID-19 Pandemic.

    The COVID-19 support committee chairman Chief Dr Emi Membere-Otaji noted that the food presentation was the phase two of the donations by PETAN, stressing the need for people to adhere to the safety measures recommended by Federal, State governments and WHO.

    On his part, the publicity secretary of PETAN, Dr Lucky Akhiwu said the items were in support of the efforts of the Federal and state governments towards fighting COVID-19 in the state.

    The beneficial communities within Port-Harcourt in this first phase are; Elekahia, Oginigba, Nkpogu, Amadi-Ama, Woji, Azuabie, Rumuodara, Rumuigbo, Elelenwo and Abuloma Communities.

    The donated items include rice, gari, indomie, tomatoes, vegetable oil, face masks and hand sanitizers.

  • Indigenes of Rivers state condemn NIMASA, over selective distribution of Covid 19 items

    Indigenes of Rivers state condemn NIMASA, over selective distribution of Covid 19 items

    A group in Rivers state under the aegis of Rivers Peoples Alliance has condemned plans by Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, to deliver Covid-19 items to the University of Portharcourt Teaching Hospital instead of the Rivers State Government.

    Recall that recently, the same agency delivered Covid-19 materials directly to the Lagos Government that coordinated the Lagos affairs, who then sent same to the LUTH.

    Peeved by this development, the group in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Pius Okechukwu described the action as selective because Rivers is being controlled by an opposition party.

    In the statement, the group alleged that”our state government has been in the forefront to ensure that the scourge is contained.

    “Now that a Federal Government Agency wants to distribute items, it choose to ignore the state government for obvious reasons and deal directly with the teaching hospital, against what it did in Lagos.

    “Coronavirus knows no colour or race, we demand an immediate explanation why Rivers should be treated differently from Lagos.

    “When it was the turn of Lagos it was express delivery via Lagos Government but now that it’s the turn of Rivers FG now remembers that it’s an opposition state and would go directly to its crony.

    “Adopting selective approach to end a scourge that cannot differentiate between political parties, race and religion is not good for our democracy.

    Adding that NIMASA should retrace its plan to handover materials to another body when there’s a democratically elected Government in Rivers State.

    All the agencies of government ( Federal, State or Local Govt) should work in tandem to get best result.

  • COVID-19: PETAN partners NCDMB, donates to Bayelsa, Rivers, and Delta States

    COVID-19: PETAN partners NCDMB, donates to Bayelsa, Rivers, and Delta States

    As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) endeavours, and in her effort to alleviate the anguish of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) has partnered with the Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to donate Ambulances , Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other medical equipment to Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers State governments

    This was made known by the Chairman of the Association, Mr. Nik Odinuwe, in Port Harcourt. He said the association is aware of the immense strain COVID-19 pandemic has placed on the healthcare system in Nigeria, and that, with the PETAN and NCDMB donations,he hopes a substantial fight against this virus will be won, in the three states.

    The partnership between PETAN and NCDMB will continue in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic and other areas for the benefit of Nigerians.

    Echoing some of the sentiments of the Chairman, Dr. Lucky Akhiwu, the Publicity Secretary of the Association, said the whole country is working tirelessly to slowdown the spread of Coronavirus and that PETAN will be proud to help on a continuous basis. He also added, that PETAN member companies are presently reaching out to their host communities, to provide them with palliative materials to help ease their struggles in this time of need.

    In his final remark, the Chairman of the association, Mr. Nik Odinuwe, thanked the members of PETAN for their selfless service in the fight against the virus, and urged members of the public to stay in their homes, wash their hands regularly, and comply with the stipulated social distance gap.

    PETAN as a reputable association, continuously takes care of the wellbeing of her staff, and is working in close association with her members host communities, to mitigate the spread of COVID -19 pandemic.

  • Lockdown: How Caverton Helicopters flew 220 passengers into Rivers – Wike

    Lockdown: How Caverton Helicopters flew 220 passengers into Rivers – Wike

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has defended his action in arresting two pilots of Caverton Helicopters and 10 passengers, saying the company had frequently violated his executive order on the Coronavirus lockdown by previously flying 220 passengers into the state.

    He accused the Federal Government of playing politics with the issue by sponsoring articles in the newspaper against the Rivers State Government.

    Wike spoke through Paulinus Nsirim, Commissioner for Information and Communication, who said “The case in point is the promotion and sponsorship of a misleading narrative on the arrest of two pilots and 10 passengers of Caverton Helicopters by the Ministry of Aviation.”

    “Contrary to the view being peddled by the Minister of Aviation, Alhaji Hadi Sirika, the two pilots of Caverton Helicopters and their 10 passengers were not arrested because they operated a permit granted them by the Ministry of Aviation.

    “They were arrested because they constantly contravened the Executive Order issued by the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, which requires that everyone coming into the state for essential duties subject themselves to mandatory health checks to ascertain their coronavirus status .

    “Before their arrests, the Rivers State Government issued several warnings to Caverton and other operators to ensure that their pilots and passengers are tested by Rivers State Health Authorities. Caverton Helicopters disregarded the warnings.

    “At the last count, Caverton Helicopters flew over 220 passengers into the State without allowing health professionals of the Rivers State Government ascertain their coronavirus status. They also refused to avail the State Government their contacts, so they can be traced and tested,” he said.

    He further said that Rivers State Government remained committed to the protection of the over six million citizens of the state.

    Nsirim said the government was not struggling to issue landing permits to airlines, “neither are we contending for the control of the air space. Therefore, the issue on ground has nothing to do with the Exclusive List.”

    He said that the focus of the Rivers State Government was to ensure that nobody under the guise of transporting workers on essential services, flew persons who would compromise the state’s health system.

    “Therefore, these pilots and passengers must be subjected to health checks before they carry out their responsibilities. That is standard practice.

    “The Federal Government as we speak, has quarantined Chinese Doctors who are in the country on invitation of the operators of Exclusive List. These Chinese Doctors will be isolated for 14 days as a precaution before they mix with Nigerians.

    “If the Federal Government has done that in Abuja for Chinese officials that they invited, why do they insist that persons coming into Rivers State must enter the state without health check? What are they hiding?“ He queried.

  • Notorious kidnapper shot dead in Rivers, guns, others recovered

    The Rivers State Police Command has killed a suspected kidnapper, Samuel Nakpoo, who was said to be among hoodlums responsible for all criminal activities along Ogoni-Uyo axis of the East West road.

    Samuel Nakpoo who had earlier been arrested and confessed to the crime led the officers to their camp in a forest at Ogu/ Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State and attempted to escaped but was shot in the leg.

    He was confirmed dead at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

    According to the spokesman of the Rivers State Police Command, DSP Nnamdi Omoni, “A joint operation by officers and men of “Operation Sting” and Anti-cultism unit, led by CSP Ahijo Lawson, stormed the kidnappers den, the hoodlums on sighting the police took to their heels.”

    Omoni said items recovered from the camp includes; one GPMG, G-3rifles ,one SMG rifle,one rocket launcher ,five pump action guns ,933 rounds of 7.62mm Live ammunition etc.

    He assured that efforts were on to arrest the fleeing members of the gang, appealing to residents of the state to assist the police in the fight against crimes by providing useful information.

  • Bayelsa, Abia, Ebonyi, Kogi, A’Ibom, Rivers, relax lockdown

    Bayelsa, Abia, Ebonyi, Kogi, A’Ibom, Rivers, relax lockdown

    Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, on Thursday directed his officers and men to enforce the restrictions designed to contain the spread of coronavirus during the Easter celebration

    While felicitating with Christians as they mark Easter, he urged worshippers to observe prayers and worship programmes in their homes.

    Police spokesman Frank Mba urged religious leaders in Lagos and Ogun states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as well as others affected by the restriction orders to continue to cooperate with relevant government agencies.

    “The IGP notes that the call has become necessary in order to curtail the community spread of the COVID-19 pandemic which has immensely challenged humanity across all spheres of life,” he said.

    States, such as Imo, Ebonyi, Bayelsa and Abia, which earlier imposed restrictions, relaxed them yesterday.

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma said residents were free to shop today for Easter.

    Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, said in a statement that food markets and food vending supermarkets would be allowed to open from 6 am to 6pm today.

    “The total lockdown of the state resumes with full force from Saturday, April 11, 2020,” he added.

    Ebonyi State government also granted a partial restoration of religious activities in the state.

    The government relaxed the ban on burials by giving those in the state between April 9 and 20 to bury their dead loved ones.

    Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Uchenna Orji, said worshippers are expected to attend their normal service only on Sunday for Christians and Friday for Muslims with effect from April 12, 2020.

    “Every worshipper must wear a face mask, including handkerchief or head tie. The service Centre must be provided with hand sanitisers and running water for washing of hands. There shall be no religious gatherings other than on Sundays.”

    Also yesterday, Abia State government announced a two-day intra-state movement.

    Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chris Ezem, said residents were free to move about on Good Friday and Easter Sunday to enable them to shop and perform other religious activities in commemoration to Easter.

    Rivers State Government also temporarily relaxed the restrictions.

    In a broadcast on Thursday, Governor Nyesom Wike said the directive permits the Muslim community to observe their Jumaat Prayers today, while Christians can hold Easter services on Sunday.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the relaxation on mass religious gathering is limited only to the afore-mentioned respective dates.”

    The Lagos State debunked reports that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has relaxed the lockdown order in the state, describing the news as false. Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said: “The lockdown order was made by the President and it is only the President that can relax or extend it.

    “Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has not relaxed the lockdown order. He is not in a position to do so because he did not impose the lockdown order in the first place. The Governor will not unilaterally relax the restrictions of movement.

    “The lockdown order is in the best interest of everyone. I, hereby, urge Lagosians to exercise more patience by staying at home so that the gains recorded so far in our fight against COVID-19 will not be frittered away.”

    Bayelsa State government also relaxed its lockdown measures for Easter celebrations.

    Governor Duoye Diri’s Acting Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, said the measure was specific to church services during the Easter celebration.

    He said churches with large congregation would be permitted to have 50 persons during services, while 20 worshippers would be allowed for smaller churches.

    Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello lifted the ban on religious grounds.

    Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, said it was to allow religious bodies to have their normal worship, but called for caution.

    Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa states also lifted the ban on movement for Easter.

     

  • COVID-19: Court remands 10 helicopter passengers in Rivers

    COVID-19: Court remands 10 helicopter passengers in Rivers

    The Chief Magistrates Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has remanded the 10 passengers of the Twin-Otter Caventon Helicopter following their arraignment by the police.

    The passengers, who were flown into the state by two pilots through the Air Force Base, Port Harcourt, were reportedly arraigned before Chief Magistrate D. D. Ihua-Maduenyi on Wednesday.

    They were accused of contravening paragraph eight of the State’s Executive Order, which closed all borders as part of the ongoing measures to contain the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic in the state.

    The defendants, were arraigned on four-count of conspiracy and disobedience to lawful order.

    Though they pleaded not guilty to the charge, the court remanded them in any government facility to enable medical personnel determine their COVID-19 status.

    The prosecution team is lead by the ste’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Z. Adangor.

    The court on Tuesday remanded the two pilots that brought them in prison custody, for allegedly disobeying the Executive Order issued by the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.

    The court remanded the two pilots in the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre till May 19, 2020 when their trial would commence and also ordered that COVID-19 tests be carried out on them to ascertain their status.

  • Enforcement of COVID-19 Lockdown in Rivers and the Trial of Carveton Helicopter Pilots: Law and Reasoning may drown ego, By Achinike William-Wobodo

    Enforcement of COVID-19 Lockdown in Rivers and the Trial of Carveton Helicopter Pilots: Law and Reasoning may drown ego, By Achinike William-Wobodo

    I had resolved that throughout this trying times, I shall do everything not to compromise the actions of the Rivers State Governor in the fight of the Corona Virus by the tone of my criticisms and policy analyses. This is a resolve that I do not intend to take lightly. In the light of that therefore, I shall in few paragraphs call/appeal to the Attorney General, and indeed the Governor and Government, of Rivers State to review the ADJOURNMENT of the trial of the two Carveton Helicopter Pilots, whose case was adjourned to 19th May, 2020. I shall do so by posing some questions.

    For those who may not be aware, the facts were that two Pilots of Carveton Helicopter were arrested by the Rivers State Government Task Force on the Fight against Covid-19 for flying some expatriate workers in the Oil and Gas sector into Rivers State. The Pilots and expatriates claim to have work exemption permit to operate. They were arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court for “disobedience to order of Rivers State Government” among others. The Chief Magistrate remanded the pilots in prison custody till 19 May 2020, when their trial is to commence. Senior Law Enforcement Officials within and of the Rivers State were in Court during the arraignment, including the Officer in Charge (O/C) Legal, Rivers State Police Command and the Honorable the Attorney General of Rivers State. Note that my concern is not the propriety or otherwise of the defense of the pilots or how the Government decides to screen them, thus I refrain from commenting on those.

    As I have maintained, the Governor and his team have better facts to mine as far as the Covid-19 fight in Rivers State is concerned, therefore I shall concede to their answers without attempting any of the questions. However, I honestly seek clarification on the following questions:

    – What is the primary arm of the Executive Order made by the Government and the Social Distancing Policy?

    – What is the maximum term for the offense committed by the pilots (if such offense exists in Rivers State)? one month, years, life, death, fine, all?

    – Is not the period between 7th April (today) to 19th May when the case is adjourned to more than a month?

    – Might they be serving out the terms for the offense even before they are tried?

    – Is the duration for quarantine for a Covid-19 suspect not 14days?

    – Which is the Law and the section of which the Pilots violated by the “disobedience to order of Rivers State Government”?

    – Has the AG Rivers State the authority of the AG Federation to prosecute the federal offense?

    – Is the purpose of the enforcement to persecute offenders rather than to correct them and deter others?

    – Is the offense committed not a summary conviction offense which the magistrate is empowered and could hear evidence and dispense with within the same day or the day following, assuming they pleaded not guilty?

    – Were the Pilots remanded and in which facility? And if in any public holding facility, is it not likely they are risk to other inmates should they have Covid-19 or the others a risk onto them should they be clean?

    – Is this case a reaction of the Rivers State Government and to drive home “our” allegation that the Federal Government is “politicizing“ the fight against disease?

    – What is the reason, reasoning for adjourning the trial for more than one month, at this time?

    So many questions space will not permit me to ask. I do not know these men and I am not their Attorney. However, I appeal to the Honorable Attorney General of Rivers State, Prof. Zacheus Adango (my former teacher), as the Chief Law Officer of the State, to please put a human face to the enforcement of the Executive Order of the Governor. He should call for the review of the Adjournment date. It is consistent with good conscience, the policy of social distancing, the powers of the Attorney General and above all it is
    in the best interest of justice.

    Persecution breeds Resistance, Requital, Treachery; and these are not what the State need at this time. It will not augur well at a time like this

    Long Live Rivers State.

    Achinike William-Wobodo
    Lawyer & Public Policy Analyst
    Writing from Port Harcourt.