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10,000 Nigerians Jailed In Tripoli

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Nigeria and Libya may severe their diplomatic relationship over the illegal imprisonment of over 10,000 Nigerians in underground cells in Tripoli, the capital of Libya.

This hint was dropped in Benin City yesterday by Hon Samson Osagie representing Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode constituency in the House of Representatives who said that all attempts to secure their release proved abortive.

“I have been able to move a motion of urgent public importance at the floor of the House that over 10,000 Nigerians of which over 2,000 are indigenes of Edo State and mainly women are languishing in underground cells in Libya.

“This aroused the concern of my female colleagues in the House who are now so interested in the matter. We have opened contact with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Ojo Maduekwe on how to seek possible ways to release these people. The problem we have now is that the minister had been away and no concrete arrangement has been put in place so that we can travel on the entourage of the minister so as to meet the government of Libya, even though an open contact has been made through the Nigerian embassy in Tripoli, but much has not been achieved.

“As I speak to you now I have received over 100 calls from our people in Libya, I am seriously under pressure. I must also commend the Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Governor on Edo People in Diaspora, Mr Ehizuwa Agbonyima who has also mounted a lot of pressure on the Minister of Foreign Affairs in ensuring that these people are released on time.

“And I must also warn our people to desist from travelling oversees through the road, you could imagine that 99 per cent of these people that are detained are illiterate. They could hardly read and write, so just tell me how would they know the law of any country they get to, not to talk of Libya that is an Arabic speaking country?

So, I will advised parents, guardians to desist from sending their wards abroad via road. If you want your children abroad prepare them the necessary document and let them travel by air so that we can be saved from this embarrassment.

“You could remember how I equally fought the Spanish government over our own brother that was tortured to death by their police and at the end we dialogued and arrived at a compromise. I would have expected the Libya government to show this sign of understanding but instead they are just adamant, keeping deaf ear to all our moves. It is really sad. And I hope the president would take the matter up himself.

His Majesty, Eze Robinson O. Robinson, Eze Ekpeye Logbo (right) presenting  cola-nuts to Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Rivers State Governor, during a courtesy visit to his palace as part of the Governor’s meet-the-people tour of Ahoada-West Local Government Area, recently. Photo: Ibioye Diama

His Majesty, Eze Robinson O. Robinson, Eze Ekpeye Logbo (right) presenting cola-nuts to Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Rivers State Governor, during a courtesy visit to his palace as part of the Governor’s meet-the-people tour of Ahoada-West Local Government Area, recently. Photo: Ibioye Diama

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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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