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Kidnapping, Cultism: RVHA Okays Death Penalty For Offenders …Passes Three Bills Into Law …As RSG Hails Killing Of Waney’s CSO In Delta
Finally, three bills seeking to amend the Rivers State Secret Cult and Similar Amendment Bill 2018, Rivers State Nieghbourhood Safety Corps Bill 2018 and Rivers State Kidnap Prohibition Amendment No 2 Bill 2018 were passed into law by the Rivers State House of Assembly, yesterday.
The new kidnap and secret cult bills have death penalties attached to them, as culprits are to face capital punishment, if found guilty by the courts.
The Neighbourhood Safety Corps Bill is to boost security and enhance citizen and security agencies’ collaboration in protecting the state.
Before the bills were passed into law by the legislators, they had intense debate on whether death penalty should be attached to them, but majority of the lawmakers backed capital punishment.
Member representing Emohua Constituency, Hon Samuel Ogeh supported death penalty as he quoted the Bible, arguing that even natural justice demands that anyone who takes life should also be killed.
Hon Chisolm Dike of Oyigbo Contituency also spoke in favour of capital punishment as he enumerated the negative image kidnappers and cultists have given the state in recent times.
Dike insisted that death penalty will serve as deterrent to would be contraveners.
Barineh Deeyah of Khana Constituency I supported Dike as he listed the economic implications of such acts, particularly in driving away investors.
However, Deputy Speaker, Hon Marshall Uwom expressed a different view, and sought for severe measures outside capital punishment for offenders.
On his part, the Speaker, Rt Hon Ikuinyi Owaji-Ibani said that time had come for the state to act very tough on such social vices.
“Kidnap is a crime against humanity and against God. We will not relent in our effort to bring about good governance,” he added, and ruled that death penalty should be included as measure for punishing culprits.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has restated its commitment to sustain support for security agencies’ concerted efforts to fight crime and criminalities, including cult-related violence in the state.
The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Barrister Emma Okah said this while reacting to the killing of Augustine Agulegbu, the Chief Security Officer of notorious kidnapper, late Don Waney, in a battle with operatives of the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Okah said that the state government would continue to support the security agencies to deliver on their mandate of maintaining law and order, and ensuring the peace and security of the state, adding that it would not rest until all those declared wanted in connection with the New Year Day killings in Omoku are brought to justice.
The Tide learnt that Agulegbu, who led the killing of 23 persons on New Year Day in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, was killed on February 14, 2018.
The operation, which led to the killing of Agulegbu was carried out by troops of 222 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in conjunction with operatives of the Department of State Services in Rivers State.
Agulegbu, described as the sixth in command to Waney, was traced to his hideout at a location along New Sapele Road, Obiaruku in Ukwani Local Government Area of Delta State in the early hours of February 14, 2018.
A statement by the Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Col Aminu Iliyasu said Agulegbu was shot in an encounter with the security operatives and died before reaching the hospital.
Illiyasu added that Agulegbu’s body has been brought to Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, and handed over to the Rivers State Police Command.
It was gathered that Agulegbu, also known as Nana, was an integral part of Don Waney’s killer squad known as ‘The Red Squad’ and was the second-in-command to Emenike, the leader of the squad.
It was learnt that the deceased was until his death the sixth-in-command to the slain Don Waney.
The main leader of the Don Waney’s killer squad (Emenike) had since been declared wanted by the Rivers State Security Council.
It was also gathered that Emenike was one of those granted amnesty by the Imo State Government, last week.
Speaking in Omoku, headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, Chairman, Caretaker Committee of the LGA, Osi Olisa, confirmed the killing of Agulegbu, disclosing that the deceased’s corpse was displayed at the local government secretariat in Omoku, last Wednesday.
Olisa expressed gratitude to the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army and the DSS for their commitment towards ensuring that peace returned to the area.
He said, “The once bewildered people of ONELGA are beginning to lead a normal life once again. The return of peace may not have been possible without the commitment of our peace-loving Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.
“We also appreciate all the security agencies, especially the Department of State Services and the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, for the killing of Don Waney’s CSO, Augustine Agulegbu, a.k.a. Nana.
“The crackdown on the chief security officer of the late Omoku gang leader, Johnson Igwedibia, a.k.a. Don Waney, is part of the ongoing efforts to cleanse ONELGA of all social vices.
“As a local government council, we shall continue to offer our best support to the Government of Rivers State and all the security agencies to make ONELGA safe for everyone.”
Also speaking, the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed the killing of Agulegbu, adding that the hoodlum was shot dead during a sting operation.
Omoni added that the operation that led to Agulegbu’s death was carried out by the DSS operatives in a community in Delta State.
Omoni confirmed that Agulegbu was the sixth-in-command in Don Waney’s gang, stating that security operatives would continue to comb the forest in search of criminals in the state.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the State Executive Council.
Under the new disposition, Barrister Christopher Green, who until now served as Commissioner for Sports, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Justice as the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
This is contained in an official statement signed by Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications.
According to the statement, Barrister Green will also continue to coordinate the activities of the Ministry of Sports pending the appointment of a substantive Commissioner to oversee the ministry.
The redeployment, which takes immediate effect, was approved at the last State Executive Council meeting for the year 2025, underscoring the Governor’s commitment to strengthening governance, ensuring continuity in service delivery, and optimising the performance of key ministries within the state.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration will ensure the delivery of developmental projects and the prevalence of peace in all parts of Rivers State.
The Governor emphasized that the achievement of these lofty ideals can only occur through the unwavering contributions of all Rivers stakeholders.
Speaking during the commissioning of the 10.7-kilometre Egbeda–Omerelu Road constructed by his administration, the governor said Rivers State can only move forward when its people choose unity over division.
He assured Rivers people that development projects would reach every part of the State but cautioned that progress cannot thrive where conflict persists.
Reflecting on the project, Governor Fubara recalled that the road was a promise he made during the inauguration of the first phase about a year ago.
“We made a promise that we were going to do this project, and today I am happy that the government has fulfilled that promise made to Emohua people, Egbeda community and Omerelu people,” he said.
He noted that the essence of governance is service to the people, adding that responding to their needs is a core responsibility of any administration.
“We decided to do this because you know where we are coming from, and if we don’t tell our story, many won’t know what we are doing. Even in the face of tribulations, we have remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We will continue to serve our people with respect and honour,” he affirmed.
Governor Fubara also reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to back all groups working towards securing the President’s victory in 2027.
Giving technical details of the project, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, explained that the contract was awarded on October 27, 2024, to Messrs Johnson Roadworks Limited.
He said the road links communities in Emohua and Ikwerre LGAs and shortens travel time for motorists commuting from Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Omoku through Egbeda to Owerri in Imo State.
He added that the infrastructure features a 12-metre clearing width and an 8-metre asphalt surface, comprising a 50mm binder course and a 40mm wearing course. It is complemented by 24 kilometres of drainage channels with a 1.05m² cross-sectional capacity to ensure durability and efficient water flow.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, described the road as a crucial link for surrounding communities, significantly easing movement for residents.
He praised the governor for demonstrating continuity and consolidation and prayed for God’s strength to enable him to achieve even more for the people.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers State remains the best investment destination for investors in the oil and gas sector.
Governor Fubara stated that since the economic development of Rivers State is closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry, his administration has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government and host communities to protect natural assets in the sector.
The Governor stated this during the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he pointed out that since the economy of Nigeria relies substantially on the oil and gas sector, his administration will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ramp up production.
“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90% of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State, home to numerous national and multinational oil and gas companies, is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40% of the country’s revenue.
“?Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry. That is why, since the beginning of this administration, we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets in collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders, and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.
“Furthermore, we have established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State as part of a strategic plan to stimulate our economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of our citizens.
“We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he stressed.?
Governor Fubara affirmed that Nigerian-funded companies can only succeed and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic prosperity when challenges that limit the nation are effectively tackled, and expressed his administration’s stand to support indigenous organisations such as the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation.
Declaring the roundtable open, the Governor assured the Nigerian-Owned companies in the oil and gas sector, that “we are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State.”
The Founder of the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation, Mr Emeka ugwu-Ozu, disclosed that the summit, held only in an oil and gas producing place, is a forum for all in the industry to brainstorm and suggest best practices for local players.
“This roundtable discussion takes place in only oil and gas producing states, and it is intentional. And that is to make sure that sooner, it becomes like what we say is the equivalent of Houston in the United States of America.
“I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he said.