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Desist From Crime, RSHA Warns Hoodlums, Kidnappers …As New Bill On Violence, Kidnapping Reaches C’ttee Stage
Worried over the spate of violence recorded in the state in recent times, the Rivers State House of Assembly has warned hoodlums and kidnappers threatening the peace of the state to desist and turn a new leaf.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani gave the warning during yesterday’s plenary of the House, as he reiterated the resolve of the Governor Nyesom Wike administration to protect lives and property of citizens.
Ibani said the only way to attract development and democracy dividends was for peace, and tranquility to reign, stressing that current scenario can drive investors away and threaten the economy.
“I, therefore, admonish all those involved in such acts to turn a new leaf and have a change of heart. This government is doing enough to protect lives and property for us to have a thriving economy”.
He assured the citizens that soon all that was happening would be a thing of the past, as the Assembly was doing all it could to eliminate all forms of criminality.
Consequently, the Assembly has sent the State Violence Against Persons Prohibition Amendment Bill 2019 to the committee stage.
The bill got serious debate and was thereafter moved to a five-member Ad-Hoc Committee headed by Hon. Enemi George Alabo of Asari-Toru State Constituency ll.
The speaker, who committed the bill to committee stage while relying on Order 46(5) of the House, argued that the bill would stem the tide of violence, kidnapping and all forms criminality in the state.
Specifically, he submitted that the bill was intended to protect those violated in society.
He, therefore, urged the committee to be thorough to ensure that it does not conflict with any federal law and reflects the needs of the state.
On his part, Majority Leader, Hon. Martin Amaewhule, who is a co-sponsor of the bill with Hon Sam Ogeh of Emohua, assured that the bill would reduce the rising violence and criminality in the state.
Amaewhule thanked the lawmakers for giving the bill the attention it deserves.
It would be recalled that at the first reading of the bill a month ago, it was discovered that the bill it provides serious penalties against any person who engages in any form of violence, and also provides maximum protection and effective remedy for victims.
According to the bill, the dehumanizing of any body through kidnapping, weapon or any harmful substance was liable on conviction to prison for five years and a fine of N500, 000.
Meanwhile, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has hailed the bill, and said it was ready to support its quick passage.
The Chairperson of FIDA in Rivers State, Ngozi Odukwe Ighosevbe said the body would contribute its quota at the committee stage to ensure the bill was effective.
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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.
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