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Amaechi Seeks ICT, Training For Judiciary

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Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State, says his administration will partner with the judiciary on improving its Information Communication Technology (ICT) and manpower training.

The Governor made the pledge during a special court session to mark the official commencement of the 2010/2011 Legal Year in Rivers State at the weekend in Port Harcourt.

Amaechi asserted that it was one way to upgrade the status of the judiciary to work effectively and at the same time match modern practices as obtained in other countries.

He stressed that regular training and re-training of judicial officers would also add to quality justice delivery and promised that his government would support the third arm of government in making sure that its staffers were trained within and outside the country.

Rt Hon Amaechi also stressed the need for the establishment of more courts, “the first phase of the new city will commence this January, so, I will urge you to take the opportunity by establishing more courts in that area.”

Speaking earlier at the church service held at St Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Rt Hon Ameachi pledged to partner with the judiciary in the development of the state.

In his words, “I promised at an earlier event that if fund is what determines the independence of the judiciary, that I would give the judiciary all the money they need”.

He further asserted that, “the executive would obey the law and would implement all judgements coming from the judiciary even if we disagree”.

The Governor enjoined judicial officers to always be courageous in the discharge of their duties. “In the face of challenges and temptations, our judges and magistrates must be courageous in the dispensation of justice. Be rest assured that if you discharge your responsibilities according to your conscience, you can sleep peacefully,” he said.

Delivering his sermon, Anglican Bishop of Evo Diocese, Rt Rev. Innocent Ordu harped on the need for judicial officers to dispense their duties with the fear of God.

Bishop Ordu cautioned them to avoid any form of conduct that would tarnish the credibility of the legal system noting, “God himself delights in justice because justice is more acceptable than sacrifice”.

In his remarks later, the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Iche Ndu lauded the Governor for releasing funds to the judiciary.

Justice Ndu stated that Governor Amaechi had displayed exceptional quality in making sure that the judiciary was efficient and remain independent in the state.

He assured that once this year’s funding got on stream, the judiciary would embark on massive ICT overhaul especially through the electronic satellite and recording system.

He added, “at the moment, over 50 judicial officers have undergone a special IT training for staffers.”

Justice Ndu, however, called for improvements in the status of the prisons, lamenting that despite carrying out numerous gaol delivery, the conditions in the Port Harcourt prisons were still not conducive due to congestion.

The same view was expressed by the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Rivers State, Patrice Ukposi who called for quick prison reforms in the country.

Barrister Ukposi also charged the police to improve on their investigative mechanisms in order to reduce the influx of suspects at the prisons.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the State, Barrister Worgu Boms has advocated for ethical conduct amongst the members of the bar.

Boms frowned at the increasing spate of unethical practices by members in a bid to make quick money.

He warned that if such conduct continued, lawyers would inadvertently erode the core values of the justice system built on credibility, good conduct, character and professionalism.

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NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam

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The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.

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Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence

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The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.

The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.

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Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027

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A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.

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