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ALGON Condemns Aluu KIllings

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The Caretaker committee Chairmen in the 23 local government areas of Rivers State, have condemned, in the strongest term possible, the recent mindless killings in Aluu and other communities in the state, and challenged security agencies to leave no stone unturned in bringing perpetrators to justice.
They said this during a one-day town hall meeting, organized recently by the Port Harcourt City Local Government Council in partnership with 92.3 Nigeria Info, at the council’s Main Hall, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the event, Chariman of ALGON in the state and Mayor of Port Harcourt City, Sir Soni Samuel Ejekwu, said: “evil acts of cult-related murders, kidnappings and robberies in Rivers State, must be condemned in the strongest term possible. We are gathered here to collectively chat the way forward.”
Ejekwu noted that, “Following the increasing spate of heinous murders in several neighbouring local government areas (LGAs) in our beloved state, which are associated with cult activities, we have decided not to wait until it manifests in PHALGA before calling stakeholders in all the LGAs together to find a common ground.
“Our council appreciates that there exists a nexus between poverty and criminality in general terms. But we are also cognisant of the fact that the poorest societies in the world are not necessarily the ones with the highest crime rates.
According to him, “Most of those involved in these crimes are not the poorest among us. AK-47s and other dangerous weapons that they use for their illicit trade cost a lot of money. And many of the young men involved in these criminal acts are not ready to accept an 8am to 5pm jobs to earn salaries between N40,000 and N100,000 per month.
“We, therefore, have the responsibility to bring these evil acts down to their barest minimum in our LGA, considering the fact that we are the hosts to the Government of Rivers State,” Ejekwu added.
He called on all criminal gangs to sheath their swords, and give peace a chance, noting that the lure for quick riches and illusion of creating an imaginary empire would not lead them anywhere.
Ejekwu urged community leaders, chiefs, and all stakeholders in the local government areas to take responsibility for any crime committed around them, and called on all those who live, work and do business in the state to give useful information to security agencies so as to fast track effort to curb crimes and criminality in the state.
He further announced the release of hotlines: 08032003514 and 08098880134, which he advised residents of the state to call when in distress.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Police Commissioner, Musa Kimo, commended the mayor for organising the town hall meeting, and said that the police were ready now, more than ever before to partner well-meaning persons to combat violent crimes and criminality in the state.
Kimo, who was represented by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Patrick Ogowe, said that security was not the responsibility of police alone, but that of all citizens and residents of the state, and tasked all stakeholders to provide useful information, no matter how minute, as it could help the police in nipping any crime in the bud.
Those that attended the town hall meeting were the 23 chairmen of caretaker committees, leaders of the various security agencies in the state, traditional rulers, women and youth leaders, Christian and Muslim leaders, among others.

 

Susan Serekara-Nwikhana

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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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