News
New Rivers CP Pledges To Remain Apolitical
In less than two years of the administration of Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, the 7th Commissioner of Police, Zaki Muhammed Ahmed has assumed duty in the state police Command with an assurance to remain apolitical and fight crimes effectively in discharge of his constitutional duties.
The assurance of the new Rivers CP was not unconnected with what played out since the inception of Wike administration, leading to the rapid removal and replacement of police commissioners in the state.
In his maiden press briefing in Port Harcourt, the Kebbi-born Commissioner of police said there would be massive deployment of police within the state. According to him, the presence of heavy police men in the society, scare criminals away from perpetrating their evil acts.
Ahmed, who took over as the 38th commissioner of police in the state following the demise of his predecessor, Francis Odesanya, emphatically said his leadership of police command in the state would tackle crimes and criminality effectively.
He said he would improve on the existing strategies already in place in order to fight crimes and criminality, adding that the mission of the police was to provide enabling security that would promote economic and social political activities.
The new Rivers CP, who was a one-time Deputy Commissioner of Police in the state, noted that presently the state is faced with two societal challenges namely politically induced crises and crime, and assured that his leadership would work in conjunction with other security agents to provide secured environment in the state.
“It is the state responsibility to protect life and property. We shall employ intelligent gathering mechanism and build data base for all criminal activities committed in the state”, he said.
While pledging a total clampdown of criminal hideouts in the state, the new Rivers CP said the police would also launch massive onslaught against kidnappers and cultists in the state.
On the tactical structure of the state command, Ahmed said it would be restructured and repositioned to facilitate the eradication of crime even as he directed all police formations to go after criminals and smoke them out of the state.
He said his administration would also promote community police participation as well as put a deliberate policy in place that would ensure that illegal arms wrongly in the hands of criminals were recovered.
He solicited the support of officers and men of the command. He also commended the efforts of the former Acting Police Commissioner, DSP Ahmed Magaji for holding forth the command during the death of the last CP.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
Rivers State Government has reiterated its commitment towards the reduction of all incidences of cancer through an effective healthcare delivery system in the State.
Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, stated this in a speech to mark the 2026 World Cancer Day in Port Harcourt.
Oreh said part of the strategies to reduce cases of cancer include investment in training of healthcare professionals as well as upgrading of health facilities across the state with a view to equipping them for better cancer treatment.
She added that the State government would also pay more attention to the prevention of cancer.
“As a Government, we remain committed to reducing the burden of cancer through effective policies, strengthened health care system and strategic partnership,” she said
Oreh said part of the administration’s strategies was to improve cancer prevention programme, expand screening and diagnostic services, and ensure that treatment and care are accessible and affordable by all citizens.
She said the government is also investing in the training of healthcare professionals and upgrading of health facilities to provide better cancer care.
Oreh, however, acknowledged that prevention remains the best option as far as cancer treatment is concerned, and stressed the need for citizens to adopt healthy lifestyle as well as prioritize regular medical check-up
“I urged all residents of Rivers state to adopt healthy lifestyle and to prioritize regular medical check ups.
“Early detection saves lives. Cancer such as breast, cervical, prostrate and colorectal cancer can have better outcome when diagnosed early.
“Prevention is a key pillar in fighting against cancer; avoiding tobacco use, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy diet, engagement in physical activities and seeking protection against cancer related infection can significantly lower cancer risk
“We, therefore, encourage our people to utilize available screening services and to overcome fears, stigma and misinformation surrounding cancer,” she said.
By: John Bibor
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his resolve to remain steadfast in delivering development projects across the state, declaring that political distractions will not derail his administration’s commitment to the people.
The governor gave the assurance last Wednesday, while inspecting the ongoing rehabilitation of major roads within the old Port Harcourt Township, including the Creek Road Market project.
Apparently reacting to the prevailing political atmosphere, Fubara insisted that his priority remains governance and service delivery, not political pressures.
“I have promised our people that no matter the situation, we will not lose focus on governance,” he said.
“They entrusted us with leadership, and the least we owe them is confidence, stability and the assurance that governance will continue strongly.” he added.
Accompanied by Engineer Michel Issa of Setraco Nigeria Limited, Fubara toured several completed and ongoing roadworks, inspecting rehabilitated streets around Moore House before concluding the exercise at the Creek Road Market.
Speaking on the market redevelopment, the governor described the project as central to the revival of the old Port Harcourt township, noting that the modernisation of the facility would restore its lost glory and improve commercial activities in the area.
He explained that the new market was designed to accommodate traders currently operating on the roads, a situation he said contributes to traffic congestion and the rapid deterioration of road infrastructure along Creek Road.
“What are we trying to do? You can see the difficulty in driving through Creek Road because we don’t have proper settlement for marketers,” Fubara said, adding, “If we fix this market, those trading on the streets will move inside.”
According to him, relocating traders into the market will make it easier to properly rehabilitate the roads and preserve their structural integrity, while also enhancing the aesthetics of the township
On the road network, the governor disclosed that the rehabilitation works span from Borokiri through all major streets in the old township, stressing that the approach is holistic and aimed at delivering lasting infrastructure upgrade.
