News
Flood Victim’s Death, Eviction …I’m Innocent, Says Ikuru
Rivers State Deputy Governor and Chairman, Rivers State Flood Relief Committee, Engr. Tele Ikuru, says he has no hand or knowledge of the circumstances leading to the death of one Mrs. Chidinma Maureen Lucky, as a result of alleged forceful eviction from the flood relief camp at Okwuzi in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of the State.
The Deputy Governor was reacting to a statement issued by Social Action, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) based in Port Harcourt, and carried in some online, national and local newspapers, alleging his involvement “in the forceful eviction and death of one Mrs. Chidinma Maureen Lucky, a HIV/AIDS positive woman and an indigene of Okwuzi in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of the State,” during the recent flood disaster.
According to his Press Secretary, Mr. Biobele Da-Wariboko, the Deputy Governor as Chairman of the State Flood Relief Committee, had no knowledge, directly or indirectly, in the purported eviction of the said HIV/AIDS flood victim from the camp along-side her children.
Contrary to Social Action’s position that the Deputy Governor visited the Okwuzi camp as a response to its report on the health condition of the deceased, Engr. Ikuru was on his normal routine visits to the camps when he visited the Okwuzi flood camp in the Ogba, Egbema, Ndoni Local Government Area of the State on Tuesday, November 6, 2012, where the campees complained of the presence of an HIV/AIDS infected person in the camp.
The Deputy Governor not only explained to them that neither the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) nor the Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV) is transmissible on physical contact but harped on the need to show care and concern to those infected or affected and why people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWAs) should be accommodated and he charged the health officials at the camp to ensure that every campee is adequately taken care of.
Engr. Tele Ikuru, did not at any time, directly or by proxy, verbally or by any other means, order the eviction of the said Mrs. Chidinma Maureen Lucky or anyone else out of the flood relief camps as alleged by Social Action.
Social Action failed to tell the public how they arrived at the HIV status of the deceased and what actions they took to bring her succour. They also failed to tell the public at what point and through what means the Deputy Governor ordered the eviction of the said AIDS patient. Was it during his visit to the camp or on a later date? And was it only Social Action that was present at the time the Deputy Governor gave such orders? The NGO also failed to explain what they aim to achieve by dragging the name, integrity, reputation and good office of the Deputy Governor into a matter that does not connect to him in any way,” the statement added.
According to the press secretary, Engr. Ikuru would not be so inhuman to order the eviction of the woman when it was under his watch to accommodate, take care and even provide medication for those who were sick irrespective of their social status at the various camps. It therefore becomes perplexing, the rational and premise Social Action is drawing its inference upon and what benefit the Deputy Governor would derive from the eviction of a person in such critical condition, having made adequate arrangement for health workers to take care of all flood victims.”
“It would interest Social Action and the general public to know that the camps set up by the Rivers State Government at the time they were operational were without any form of discrimination, neither was there any condition attached for admission in the areas affected by the flood disaster.” It is on record that the way and manner the Committee managed the camps and flood disaster necessitated the collaboration of Shelter Box, an international Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) based in the United Kingdom,” he said.
On their call for probe into the flood relief expenditure, the State Flood Relief Committee and the Deputy Governor graciously welcome any agency, civil society or any interest group that wants to probe the Committee’s accounts, records and expenditure, given the fact that all their activities were carried out in an accountable and transparent manner, and in strict compliance with due process.
“The Rivers State Flood Relief Committee therefore has nothing to hide. Its books and activities are always available for public scrutiny at anytime,” he declared.
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
-
Politics4 days agoOsun 2026: Why Adeleke Is Searching For Platform To Contest Poll – PDP Chieftain
-
News4 days ago
Tinubu Mourns Newswatch Co-Founder, Agbese
-
Business4 days ago
2,000 Women Entrepreneurs Set To Receive PINL Business Support For Host Communities
-
Sports4 days ago
New W.W. Whyte Tournament Focuses On Talent Discovery – Engr. Alabere
-
News4 days ago
Nigeria Ready For 32.2 % Emission Reduction By 2035 – NCCC D-G
-
Sports4 days ago
Barau Beat Rangers To Move Out Of Relegation Zone
-
Politics4 days agoAhead Kefa’s Defection, 16 Taraba PDP Lawmakers Join APC
-
News4 days ago
UNICEF Condemns Kebbi Students’ Abduction, Urges Stronger Security