News

Insecurity: RSG Vows To Wipe Out Cultism …As CP Declares War On Criminals On East-West Road, Others

Published

6 years ago

July 15, 2019

The Rivers State Government has reiterated its determination to stamp out cultism and gangsterism in all institutions of learning across the state.
The state Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo stated this during a familiarisation visit by the Council of Student Union Government Presidents (SUG) at the Government House in Port Harcourt, last Friday.
Banigo urged the student leaders to continue to maintain their peaceful disposition in their institutions and work against anything that could short change them as students.
She said as critical stakeholders, they have important roles to play by preaching the peace and providing mentorship for their followers.
“This government is totally committed to stamp out cultism in our tertiary institutions. We are also not going to condone it in our communities. We have zero tolerance for it, and all the vice chancellors and rectors are committed to it in line with the governor’s passion for zero tolerance for cultism”, Banigo stressed.
According to her, cultism has destroyed our youths and children, even down to the primary schools, noting that it was not fair at all because it destroys destinies.
“God created everyone to be good but some persons deceive and initiate others through false promises in order to destroy them; we must speak against it in order to have a more prosperous Rivers State”, Banigo further stressed.
She assured them that Governor Nyesom Wike’s promise to carry the young people along in his second tenure remains sacrosanct, stressing that his second tenure would herald more infrastructural and human capital development.
In his remarks, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone B Co-ordinator, David Bariereka, who congratulated the governor and his deputy on their successful re-election, informed the deputy governor that they were at the Government House to discuss the welfare of students and chat the way forward.
Meanwhile, the new Commissioner of Police in the Rivers State Command, Mustapha Dandaura says he would declare total war against violent crimes in the state and ensure that criminals terrorising the East-West and the Omagwa-Elele-Omerelu roads are decimated within a short period of time of his administration in the state.
The CP also said he came to the state to fight crime to a stand-still in line with the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu’s directives through the establishment of Operation PUFF ADDER in the commands across the country, noting that even though the operation has not been fully operational in the state, he has the mandate to crush the monsters of cultism, kidnapping, armed robbery, murder and pipeline vandalism bedevilling the state.
Dandaura made these assertions during his maiden press briefing with newsmen held at the Police Officers’ Mess in Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He disclosed that he was going to tackle crimes headlong and bring them to tolerable level, adding that the state would no longer be conducive for criminals, and urged them to repent or relocate to other states or be prepared to face the full wrath of the law.
According to him, the state was strategic to the economic wellbeing of the country, and therefore, much efforts was needed to curtail and minimise the security challenges that would naturally crop up, given the peculiar socio-economic environment of the state.
“I have come to change the narrative in policing strategy and rekindle the public trust in the police”, Dandaura said.
The state police helmsman said his administration would focus on five cardinal areas, including intelligence-led policing, constructive engagement and community partnership, recovery of illegal firearms, zero tolerance for corruption, and respect for sanctity of human lives as well as the provision of credible leadership.
“I shall engage the communities in my policing strategy and bring policing to the people. I will put in place some proactive measures aimed at preventing crimes. These include: visibility policing with my men dominating the security space stationed at strategic locations. We shall embark on regular raids of identified criminal hideouts and black spots, thereby taking the war to miscreants with a view to dislodging them”, he stated.
He promised to be apolitical and professional in the discharge of his responsibilities, and used the opportunity to call on all political gladiators in the state to join hands with the police and other security agencies to move the state forward.

News

Be Patient With Us, Diri Tells Bayelsans … Inspects New 60mw IPP …Expresses Confidence In Technical Partners, BECL MD

Published

4 days ago

January 2, 2026

The Tide

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri has sued for patience on the ongoing installation of the state’s new independent power project.

The Tide gathered that the 60-megawatt gas turbine project, which installation commenced in October this year, was earlier scheduled to be completed by December but suffered logistics related delays.

The governor called on people of the state to have an open mind about the project, which he said now requires a new completion date due to unforeseen challenges.

?The Tide further reports that the State’s Chief Executive who undertook an on-the-spot-assessment of the project at Elebele in Ogbia Local Government Area on Wednesday, said like other citizens of the state, he was also disappointed that the December completion deadline could not be met.

However, he stated that his reaction to the delay had been that of understanding rather than being angry as had been noticed, particularly on the social media.

?”You can see I’ve gone round the whole facility. It was based on the working agreement and information available at my disposal that I gave the December date. But as it is with every human endeavor, we must all have an open mind, when it comes to issues, particularly technical matters like this.

?”I am as disappointed as any other Bayelsan because I believed that we were going to celebrate the 2025 Christmas with our own independent power, but it turned out not to be so.

?”I call on Bayelsans to have an open mind. These technical experts are working virtually 24 hours, but delays like this will certainly come”, he said.

He implored the people 9f the state to appreciate the work of the engineers, stressing that a minor mistake was capable of jeopardising the millions of dollars expended on the project.

?”For 29 years Bayelsa has been in darkness or has endured epileptic power supply. Now that we are getting close to the day of liberation, some people have become impatient.

“Let us not behave like the proverbial tortoise in the prison for years that asked to be released immediately as the place was smelling the moment he knew it would regain freedom the next day”, the governor added.

?The Bayelss Governor gave a thumps up to the technical partners, Jampur Group, and its team on ground as well as the Managing Director of the Bayelsa Electricity Company Ltd, Engr. Olice Kemenanabo, saying they were working round the clock to ensure the job was completed.

?”Those who have been following me on this inspection would know that work has not stopped even for one day since it started. I am sure the job is more than 90 per cent complete. So let us hold our fire.

“Engineer Olice, I am not putting you under any pressure. From the reports I have, Olice is one of the best electrical engineers in Nigeria”, governor Diri said.

The governor, however, hinted that the government was looking at inaugurating the project during its sixth anniversary in February.

The MD of the Bayelsa Electricity Company Limited, Kemenanabo, who also spoke, said the state was on the right track towards actualising the project and assured that the alignment of the entire system, including the gas generator and alternator were on course.

He also stated that the remaining two turbines would be delivered to the project site in a few days.

?Speaking on behalf of the Jampur Group, Mr. Sherrif Abu-Anif said the company was in good position to meet its own end of the bargain and appreciated the state government for playing its part very well.

By Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

News

Akpabio Withdraws All Defamation Suits After Priest’s Sermon

Published

4 days ago

January 2, 2026

The Tide

The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.

Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.

He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.

“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”

In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.

In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.

Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.

Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.

The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.

With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.

News

‘Best Way To Show Gratitude Is To Deliver Tinubu in 2027’

Published

4 days ago

January 2, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.

Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.

He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.

“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”

Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.

He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.

“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.

Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.

In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.

She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.

Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.

“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.

In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.

He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.

The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.

Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.

Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.

Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.

By: Taneh Beemene