News
Obuama, ALGON Mourn Tonye Harry
The people of Obuama Town in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, kinsmen of Late former Speaker of the State’s House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tonye Harry have declared an indefinite mourning period for the late lawmaker, after a meeting of the chiefs and people of Obuama at the town square last Saturday.
Chairman of Obuama Council of Chiefs and Paramount ruler of Obuama Community, Chief Ombo Clinton Tom-Big Harry said that beginning from last Saturday, Obuama and its people had gone into mourning until the remains of late Tonye harry was buried, stating that all festivities in the community stand postponed until after the burial.
He described the death of the former Deputy Speaker, Speaker and Member, representing Degema constituency in the House of Assembly as a great loss to the people of the community, Degema LGA, the State, country and the sporting family.
“It is a loss Obuama Community cannot estimate. We’re still in shock at the loss of a hero, and benefactor who contributed so much to the development of the community.
“We find it difficult to tell the widows, women, students, youth and others what has happened to their benefactor”, said the Paramount Ruler.
The chief debunked insinuation that people from the community jubilated at the news of the lawmaker’s demise and explained that people were rather rejoicing on hearing a misleading information that he had recovered fully from his ailment.
“Late Tonye Harry is our hero, we couldn’t have rejoiced at the death of such a great man”, he stated.
The chief lamented that barely 10 years ago, the community lost a great hero, Chief Marshal Harry, noting with sadness that another hero has died on the 10th Anniversary of Chief Marshal’s death.
He prayed that God would forgive the community if it had erred in any way and strengthen the people, especially, the widow and children left behind.
He appealed to the government, political class, associates of the Late Harry and everybody to unite and accord the late lawmaker a peaceful and befitting burial.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Association of All Local Governments Of Nigeria (ALGON), Rivers State chapter, Hon. Chimbiko Iche Akarolo, has described the death of the former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Late Rt. Hon. Tonye Harry as a colossal loss not only to his family but also to the government and people of Rivers State.
Akarolo who stated this during a condolence visit by ALGON to the family of the late former Speaker at his residence in Port Harcourt, enjoined the family to take solace in God, adding that the deceased left a legacy that could not be wiped away in the political history of Rivers State.
In his response, the Degema Local Government Chairman, Hon. Pokima Daddy who spoke on behalf of the deceased family, said the death of their son came at a time when his contributions to his fatherland were highly needed.
He further thanked ALGON, Rivers State chapter for finding out time to commiserate with the family, the late Harry left behind.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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