Connect with us

Rivers

RSG Debunks Alleged MEND Attack On Oil Installations

Published

17 years ago

on

The Rivers State Government, Sunday, described as false the alleged attack on an oil installation in Abonnema, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND.

The State Commissioner for Information, Mrs. Ibim Seminetari in a chat with newsmen, said all the oil installations in Rivers State are intact, and that no damage has been detected in any part of the state.

She said no oil company operating in the state has reported any damage on their pipelines or facilities anywhere within the state.

According to the commissioner; “there is no iota of truth, not a single iota of truth. The fact is that all the oil installations in Rivers State are intact; no damage has been done to any pipe anywhere. We have sent security agents to verify, and as I am speaking to you, the information we have is that Shell has all its oil installations intact, all other oil companies have their installations intact, Abonnema is peaceful, the people of Rivers State are ready to welcome the Christmas celebration, every body is keen right now, and so there is actually no problem”.

Mrs Seminetari, however, advice the people of Rivers State who wish to travel for the Christmas season to riverine communities to do so without fear of molestation.

She said that Rivers State is calm, and that security has improved, “was there is no reason for worry, security in Rivers State has been very much taken care of, and the Governor of Rivers State has invested time, not only in  security but in development projects, so the people of Rivers State are happy. No body is interested in making trouble”.

The commissioner also called on Rivers State indigenes outside the state and abroad to come and partake in the beauty that the state has become.

However, the MEND, Saturday said that it has broken the cease fire agreement with the federal government as it is said that it attacked a major Shell/Chevron crude oil pipeline located in Abonnema.

About 35 militants belonging to the group armed with rocket launchers, heavy calibre machine guns and assault rifles carried out the attack, MEND claimed.

Jomo Gbomo, spokesman of MEND, who confirmed  the attack, said the operation which was carried out in  five boats was a warning strike and added that MEND would review the indefinite cease-fire it ordered Sunday, October 25 within thirty days from December 19.

The MEND spokesperson said the militant group decided to carry out the attack because “while the Nigerian government has conveniently tied the advancement of talks on the demands of the group to a sick president, it has not tied the repair of pipelines, exploitation of oil and gas as well as the development and re-tooling of troops in the region to the president’s ill-health”.

Spokesman for Chevron and Shell did not respond to calls for comment Saturday morning but a repentant militant leader, Ateke Tom, has condemned the attack with advice to all repentant militants involved in the President Yar’Adua’s amnesty deal to remain patient and committed to the agreement.

 

 

Corlins Walter

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Rivers

Residents Embrace MNCH Week Services In PH

Published

1 week ago

on

June 17, 2026

By

Antenatal care and immunization services recorded high patronage during the just-concluded Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week as residents in various communities across Port Harcourt took advantage of the free healthcare interventions.
The exercise, which was aimed at improving maternal and child well-being, attracted women, caregivers and children to different health facilities where a range of free healthcare services were provided.
Findings from selected health centres visited during the exercise showed encouraging participation by beneficiaries despite a few operational challenges experienced by health workers.
At Ozuboko Health Centre, the doctor in charge, Dr. Flag Amachree, said the facility recorded a good turnout throughout the exercise.
 The Tide  gathered that the team of immunization officers embarked on outreach immunization activities to schools to ensure that more children benefited from the programme.
She, however, identified inadequate supplies of deworming tablets as a challenge, noting that available stocks were being carefully managed to meet demands.
One of the beneficiaries, Emmanuella Edwin, who visited the facility for antenatal registration, expressed satisfaction with the services provided by the health workers.
She commended the staff for their dedication, professionalism and friendly disposition, adding that the registration process was stress-free and without any major challenge.
Similarly, Mrs. Esther Abbey said she registered for the free medical services offered during the healthcare week and described the process as smooth and simple.
She added that the programme also created an avenue for her daughter to benefit from immunization services through arrangements by her school.
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Philomena Ezekiel, said she was unable to access the service for her children after she was informed that a National Identification Number (NIN) was required before the test could be carried out.
At Amadi Health Centre, the Medical Officer in charge, Dr. Ebere Ikonwa, attributed the low turnout recorded at the facility to inadequate community mobilization, noting that no town crier was assigned to create awareness.
Despite the situation, she said the facility carried out outreach immunization services successfully and recorded significant patronage in antenatal care and immunization services.
By: Esuuk-Awaji Oyet, Princess Akinyemi
Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Continue Reading

Rivers

NUJ Summit to Strengthen Media/Security Partnership, Tackle Misinformation

Published

1 week ago

on

June 17, 2026

By

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is set to convene a two-day National Security Summit in Abuja aimed at strengthening collaboration between the media and security agencies in advancing national stability, public trust and sustainable development.
The summit, scheduled to hold on June 18 and 19, 2026, will bring together key actors in governance, security and the media sector to deliberate on pathways for improved engagement in addressing contemporary national security concerns.
Themed, “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building”, the gathering is expected to serve as a strategic platform for dialogue on responsible information management and enhanced institutional cooperation.
Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Comrade Abimbola Oyetunde, who disclosed this in a statement, said the initiative was conceived as a high-level engagement to deepen understanding between journalists and security operatives in safeguarding the country.
She explained that the summit would provide opportunities for critical conversations on crisis communication, information sharing, conflict reporting and strengthening citizens’ confidence in public institutions.
According to the statement, the event will attract senior government officials, heads of security agencies, media executives, editors, civil society groups and other stakeholders drawn from across the country.
According to the organizers, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, will attend as Special Guests of Honour.
The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, is expected to deliver the keynote address, while the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, will host the summit.
Also expected to chair the occasion is the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
The statement noted that the summit comes at a critical period when Nigeria continues to confront evolving security challenges, growing concerns over misinformation and heightened public anxiety over national issues.
It emphasized that structured engagement between the media and security institutions has become imperative in improving crisis communication, reducing panic, combating fake news, and ensuring the dissemination of timely, accurate and responsible information.
Participants at the summit are expected to examine issues such as responsible reporting of security operations and conflict situations, access to credible information and official briefings, management of sensitive information and the safety of journalists covering security-related assignments.
Other areas of focus include countering disinformation, propaganda and hate speech, as well as building mutual trust and professional respect between journalists and security personnel.
The summit will also feature goodwill messages, panel discussions, breakout sessions, experience-sharing by frontline reporters, and interactive engagements with security chiefs before concluding with the adoption of a communiqué and an action framework to guide future collaboration.
The NUJ restated its commitment to press freedom, ethical journalism and promoting national peace, security and democratic governance.
By: King Onunwor
Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Continue Reading

Rivers

Anaka Community Seeks Development, Unity  … Advocates Devine Guidance In 2027 Leadership Selection

Published

1 week ago

on

June 17, 2026

By

The Paramount Ruler of Anaka Community in Akpor Clan, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, HRH. Eze  Marcus Oriji, has reiterated the kingdom’s commitment to unity, development, and peaceful coexistence among its people.
HRH Oriji, who spoke through his son, Alloy Marcus, in an interview with newsmen in the community, said the community is committed to peace.
 He described Anaka as a community known for peace and unity, noting that the kingdom continues to attract visitors and residents because of its welcoming nature.
According to him, while the leadership of the kingdom has recorded progress in various fronts, several challenges still remain.
Anaka Community, he continued, has faced developmental challenges similar to those confronting many communities across the country.
He identified the provision of key infrastructure, including a modern market, schools, healthcare facilities, and a police station, as critical areas requiring attention to enhance the growth and development of the kingdom.
On concerns raised by residents over the poor condition of the road linking St. John’s to Ogbogoro, Eze Marcus commended the Rivers State Government under the leadership of the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara,ii for commencing work on the Ring Road project, which he described as a significant development for the area.
Marcus explained that Anaka Kingdom stands to benefit from the project and appealed to the government to accelerate construction efforts, particularly on sections connecting St. John’s and other adjoining communities, to ease traffic congestion and improve accessibility.
Expressing optimism about the project’s completion, he said improved road infrastructure would not only enhance movement within the area, but also attract investors, businesses, and visitors to the kingdom.
Commenting on the 2027 general elections, Eze Alloy Marcus called for divine guidance in the selection of leaders, stressing the need for God-fearing individuals who would govern with integrity and commitment to national development.
He also advised young people to shun electoral violence and resist being used by politicians for unlawful activities such as ballot box snatching and election-related disturbances.
He urged youths to play constructive roles in strengthening democracy by supporting free, fair, and peaceful elections.
The royal representative emphasized that sustainable development, improved infrastructure, and peaceful democratic processes remain essential for the continued progress of Anaka Kingdom and Rivers State as a whole.
By: Azubuike Chiwendu, Akpelu Godspower
Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Continue Reading

Trending