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Polls: Onne, Bodo Monarchs Endorse Peterside
The traditional rulers of Onne community and Bodo community in Eleme and Gokhana local government areas, respectively have endorse the candidature of All Progressives Congress (APC) Dakuku Peterside for the governorship of Rivers State in the April 11 elections.
The traditional ruler in Onne has also described the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP as enemy of the people of Eleme.
The traditional ruler said this during the All Progressives Congress (APC) ward rally which took place at State School, Ogale, Eleme.
“Your Excellency, it might interest you to know that there are Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), in Rivers State, today. The people of Ekporo are displaced persons in our state, they are refugees in their fatherland because power is in the hands of one man and his wife, so they decided to dehumanise us.
“Here in Eleme, we are working hard to ensure that PDP suffers a humiliating defeat in the hands of APC, it is a promise that must be accomplished. I speak as a paramount ruler because I know my people and my people know me. If my people are angry and I speak, when they hear my voice, they will be calm.
Today, like other days, I am asking them to reject PDP so that they can be free. They have no choice than to believe me because we are all victims of PDP’s oppression, intimidation and harassment. PDP has even taken that which God gave us because they are in power in Abuja”, he said.
The chief assured the governorship candidate of the APC Dr. Dakuku Peterside, of his peoples support for him and his party. Okpabi said the entire people of Eleme are working for Peterside because they believe he can liberate them from the oppression of the ruling party.
He warned his subjects of the dangers of voting for PDP, a party that continues to inflict pains on his people for no particular reason.
He called on Eleme people to use both the presidential and gubernatorial elections to free themselves from slavery and domination, adding that a vote for PDP is a vote for an enemy, which translates to total obliteration of Eleme land.
In his speech, Peterside commended Eleme people for their rare courage and determination to move ahead, even in the face of unjustifiable harassment, adding that “if you don’t change them now, they will continue to molest you and trample on your rights”.
The APC governorship candidate, who promised to protect the interest of Eleme people, pledged to urgently address the issue of unemployment by providing jobs, building of cottage industries and providing funds for small businesses.
He said the APC government at every level will also work for the wellbeing and progress of every Nigerian, irrespective of geographical location, age, sex, creed or party affiliation. Stating that justice, equity and fairness will constitute the critical building blocks of his administration.
Similarly, the traditional ruler of Bodo in Ogoni Kingdom, His Royal Highness, King John Berebon, has said that he is solidly behind governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress APC in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Peterside,.
The monarch made the statement when the Greater Together Campaign Organisation led by Peterside paid him a courtesy call in his palace in Bodo City.
Berebon also declared his support for APC and its presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari.
“I am very happy to welcome you, Your Excellency. All of us in Bodo are confident that God will see you through because you are a peaceful man and we believe in you; so we will continue to pray for you. You have honoured our palace, God will honour you. You have also honoured our people, so God will honour you.
“I wish to state that I am solidly behind you and the APC. I was a school boy when Buhari came here to commission the Niger Basin project many years ago. I believe you are a blessing to this community. I know that APC-led Federal Government with Buhari as president will be beneficial to our towns and region. So we are voting APC all the way”, he added.
In the same vein, spokesperson for the palace, Chief Livinus Kiebel, said Bodo people are traditionally APC and would remain so because the party serves their interest.
In his welcome address, spokesman for the community, Sir Clement Menegbo said it will be disastrous for Rivers State to entrust the leadership of the state into the hands of men without integrity and of questionable characters who cannot seriously say why they want power.
“Money was not shared in bags, which is why we have crisis in Rivers State. Rather than open the state’s treasury to a few, Amaechi chose to build infrastructure and improve the living conditions of his people, that is why they are persecuting him. This election is about our future and our life. We must support Peterside and the APC so that our dreams will come true”, he said.
Responding, Peterside called on the people to be peaceful and law-abiding.
“The people of Bodo must be concerned about peace. Tell our children that this election will come and go, political parties will come and go, but Bodo will remain. I am concerned about peace and security because without peace, there will not be progress. Nobody should deceive Bodo people. If you place everybody who wants to be governor on a pedestal, I am the only one who has a stake here.
“My brother attended St. Pius, Bodo, and my childhood friends are from here. I cannot be governor and look the other way. I know the challenges of Bodo, and I will pay attention to this place because I belong here. So, vote for me so that we can build together a greater Bodo”.
He said he will always defend their interest like he did when he staged a walk-out over the non-budgetary allocation for Bodo—Bonny Road, during Federal Ministry of Works budget presentation. Urging them to vote and leave the rest to him, adding that political interest must be reciprocal.
Meanwhile, Deputy National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC , Oji Ngofa, has described his party, as the hope and emancipator of his troubled people of Eleme.
Ngofa, who was recently appointed caretaker committee chairman of Eleme Local Government Area made the declaration at State School, Agbeta, Onne during a ward rally by APC governorship candidate in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Peterside.
He said every Eleme son and daughter already knows that the alternative to APC is slavery and oppression adding that they are not prepared to be slaves in their country.
He called on voters in Eleme and the entire Rivers State to reject the PDP. According to him, the ruling party represents the worst form of subjugation and repression.
“I am here to affirm as deputy national secretary of our great party, that the mantra of change has taken firm roots in our local government. APC represents our hope and the only means of our survival. Without APC, Eleme is finished. Therefore, we will give everything to the party, including our blood, if necessary.
In his remarks, member, Rivers State House of Assembly and APC candidate Josiah Olu, said Eleme will deliver block votes to Peterside and the APC.
“We are for APC. Though we are under serious threat from the ruling party, our loyalty will continue to be with APC because they have peaceful and God-fearing people like Dakuku. I am happy that everybody here fully appreciates the fact that this election is all about our future, so we are not leaving anything to chance”, he said.
Responding, Peterside promised to pay special attention to Eleme because of its potentials.
“PDP should not even get a vote here and you know why. On my part, I promise to work with you. Nobody will harass you again because they are not God. They boast because they have power but I want you to put your hope in God. I will fight for you, I will protect your interest and I will complete every project that Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi started. Let me also assure you that our government will recognise and give special place to women and the youth”, he said.
Dr. Peterside reminded the people of Onne that his government will be driven by the desire for peace, unity and economic opportunity for all Rivers people.
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have foiled attempts by drug trafficking syndicates to smuggle illicit substances concealed in carton walls, winter jackets, and body cream containers through Murtala Muhammed International Airport and a Lagos-based courier firm.
The agency said two consignments bound for Italy were intercepted at the Lagos airport, leading to the arrest of suspects linked to the shipments.
In a statement released yesterday, the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said one of the suspects, 37-year-old Friday Ehianuka, was intercepted on Friday, March 20, 2026, while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Rome, Italy.
The statement partly read, “Two of the consignments heading to Italy were to be moved through the Lagos airport where two suspects linked to the shipments were promptly arrested.
“One of them, 37-year-old Friday Ehianuka, was going to Rome, Italy on Friday, March 20, 2026, when he was intercepted while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight with 2,698 pills of tramadol 225mg concealed in containers of skin-lightening body cream, all packed in the suspect’s luggage.
“In his statement, Ehianuka, who is a resident of Milan, confirmed that he was to be paid a negotiated fee in Euros if he had succeeded in trafficking the consignment to Italy.”
In another operation on Wednesday, March 18, Babafemi said NDLEA officers at the departure hall intercepted another passenger, Christian Agbonhese, attempting to board a Lufthansa flight to Milan.
A search of his luggage uncovered 23,150 pills of tramadol 225mg, 4,000 tablets of tapentadol 250mg, and 1,320 pills of tramadol 100mg concealed in two large winter jackets.
“No fewer than 23,150 pills of tramadol 225mg; 4,000 tablets of tapentadol 250mg; and 1,320 pills of tramadol 100mg, all concealed in two large winter jackets, bringing the total number of opioids recovered from him to 28,470 pills. The 38-year-old Agbonhese is also a resident of Milan,” the statement added.
In a separate operation at a courier firm in Lagos, Babafemi said NDLEA officers on Monday, March 16, intercepted two parcels of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis weighing 1kg, hidden in a carton shipped from the United States.
“Also thwarted was an attempt to export 158 grams of methamphetamine concealed in the walls of a carton to New Zealand,” he said.
In Kano State, operatives arrested Abdulkadir Mamuda, 35, with 102.5kg of skunk at Dan-Tsalle, while another suspect, Uche Johnson Festus, 47, was nabbed at Naibawa Gabas with 95.5kg of the same substance.
Babafemi said the agency also recovered 21,737 bottles of codeine-based syrup during a raid at Otto, Ijora area of Lagos on Wednesday, March 18, adding that two suspects, Chidiebere Anigbogu and Paul Nwagbara, were arrested the same day on the Third Mainland Bridge while conveying 8,380 bottles of the syrup.
In Edo State, operatives recovered 97.5kg of skunk from the residence of Akeem Idde, 37, in Ojah, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area on March 16.
In the FCT, officers intercepted a commercial bus along the Gwagwalada Expressway on March 18, recovering 91,840 pills of tramadol hidden in body compartments of the vehicle. The driver, Aminu Ali, 27, was arrested.
In Oyo State, a suspect, Bankole Bari, was on Tuesday, March 17, arrested at Oke-Oyan, Ibarapa LGA, with 71.2kg of skunk, which he smuggled into Nigeria from Benin Republic through the Oyan River.
In a similar development, “Not less than 586,000 pills of tramadol and Exol-5 were recovered by NDLEA operatives from Lawal Anas, 28, along Kaduna-Zaria Highway, Kaduna, on Tuesday, March 17, while 7,290 tablets of tramadol 225mg were seized from Musa Shuaibu, 22, at the same location on Friday, March 20,” Babafemi said.
In Taraba State, officers intercepted Aliyu Adamu, 26, along the Takum-Jalingo Highway with 77,660 capsules of tramadol, while in Adamawa State, six suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure of 82.8kg of tramadol in a truck in Yola.
The suspects include Ramatu Aliyu, Jungudo Abdullahi, Najid Abdullahi, Musa Mohammed, Usman Abdulrahim, and Musa Mohammed.
The agency said its commands across the country also intensified War Against Drug Abuse sensitisation campaigns in schools, worship centres, and communities during the week.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers of the MMIA, DOGI, Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Edo, Oyo, FCT, Taraba, and Adamawa commands for the arrests and seizures, urging them to sustain the balanced approach to drug control efforts.
News
RSG Applauds FRSC, NDLEA For Enhancing Security In Rivers …As NDLEA Pushes For Drug Tests In Schools, NYSC Camps
The Rivers State Government has commended the dedication and collaboration of federal government agencies in sustaining security in the State.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the State Commander of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), CN Bature Dawa, in Port Harcourt, last week, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, said Governor Siminalayi Fubara appreciates the strong synergy between the agencies in promoting his administration’s vision of peace, prosperity and progress in the State.
Wokoma urged residents to remain law-abiding, noting that respect for the law is essential for good governance and sustainable development in all parts of the state.
He stated that the governor has remained committed to initiatives that promote peace and social order, stressing that the administration will continue to support programmes of federal agencies aimed at strengthening security and public safety.
“Our governor is committed to peace, progress and prosperity in Rivers State. I therefore encourage all residents, especially young people who are often targeted by those involved in drug abuse, to stay away from drugs, crime and reckless driving,” he said.
In his remarks, the State NDLEA boss, Dawa, disclosed that the agency has arrested 39 suspects in the state from December 2025 to date, including 16 new cases currently under investigation.
He explained that the NDLEA, through its Drug Demand Reduction and Drug Supply Control Units, has intensified efforts to curb the spread of illicit drugs and ensure offenders are brought to justice.
Dawa also called on parents and guardians to closely monitor their children, while urging hotel owners and managers to remain vigilant and prevent their facilities from being used for drug-related activities.
He further advocated the introduction of drug integrity tests in schools and within the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme as part of measures to discourage drug abuse among young people.
In a related development, Dr Wokoma received the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), CC Inyang Umoh, during a courtesy visit, and urged residents to abide by road safety laws and drive in consideration of other road users.
In his remarks, the FRSC boss expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the continuous support to the Corps.
Muslims in Rivers State have commended Governor Siminialayi Fubara for his dedication and commitment to the development of the state.
They also lauded the governor for promoting peaceful co-existence among various religious groups in the state.
Vice President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs ,Alhaji Nasil Awhelegbe Uhor, gave the commendation last Friday during the Eid-el Fitri prayer to mark the end of Ramadan fasting period, at the Port Harcourt Central Mosque, Niger Street, Port Harcourt.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the prayer, Alhaji Uhor said Governor Fubara has shown exemplary leadership in the affairs of the state.
Uhor who is the leader of the South South Muslim Ummah of Nigeria, called on Muslims to remain committed to the ideal of peace and fear of the Almighty Allah.
According to the Rivers State Islamic leader, the message is for Muslims to imbibe and allow the lessons of Ramadan to sink into their lives and shape their ways of doing things.
He urged Muslims to imbibe the culture of love and respect for one another.
“My message is that all Muslims should imbibe and allow the lessons of Ramadan to sink with them,” he advised.
Uhor stressed the need for Muslims and all Nigerians to remain patriotic, while avoiding all forms of anti-social behaviours.
He also called on the political leaders to put the country first, stressing that there is no need for Nigerians to continue to wallow in abject poverty when the country is so rich with natural resources.
Also speaking, the Chief Imam of Rivers State, Alhaji Ibrahim S Yalo, urged Muslims to fear God, and speak the truth always.
According to him, time has come for Nigerians to cultivate the habit of peaceful coexistence, speak the truth and be each others keeper.
“Nigerians own a duty to ensure peace, live together in fear of God and speak the truth always,” he said.
By: John Bibor
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