News
Bayelsa: AssaBayelsa: Assassins Invade Traditional Ruler’s Home
The traditional Ruler of Opueme, a community in Ogbia Local Government of Bayelsa State, King Amalate J. Turner has described the invasion of his country home as an attempt to assassinate him.
King Turner, a retiree in Bayelsa State Civil Service, an ally of Vice President Goodluck Jonathan, and presently, the chairman of Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) said while conducting newsmen round the building that the invaders were of the opinion that he was at home hence they struck.
He contended that those hoodlums were hired to eliminate him, “because nothing, even not a pin was removed from any of the rooms they broke into while searching for him.”
Though not expected to be at home on that fateful Sunday night, King Turner said he was surprised to receive a distress call that suspected assassins have broken into his six-room duplex in his country-home.
“If I had come home, as they thought, I would have been a dead man by now,” he lamented.
“They were not armed robbers, otherwise they could have collected some valuables in the house,” he also commented.
Asked whether he suspected some political undertones, King Turner said: “I have never involved my self in any shady deals even as a civil servant, nor plan evil against any person as a politician to warrant reprisal attack.”
“It is sad, the way things are going on in this state. I am inclined to think that this attack has political undertone.”
The Divisional Crime Officer in charge of the local government area, Mr. Vitus Alligwekwe who with his men conducted on – the – spots assessment of the damages, told reporters at the scene that the incident is first of its kind in the area and promised to beef up security net-work within the community, and appealed to the youths of the area to assist him.
In its reaction, the Action Congress (AC) through its secretary described the incident as criminal, saying it is left for the new Commissioner of Police in the state Elder Udenka Onuoha to act as he has been challenged.
It could be recalled that King turner who retired from service in controversial manner is one of the 70 influential PDP stalwarts in Bayelsa State that signed a document demanding reconstitution of the party executive, an action seen in certain quarters as challenging the authorities of the State Governor, Timipre Sylva.
The Renewed Hope Initiative in conjunction with the Rivers State Government has empowered 500 elderly citizens in Rivers State with financial support of N200,000 each.
The empowerment programme was part of activities to celebrate the third anniversary of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme RHIESS, a social investment policy initiated by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Speaking at the event which held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, recently, under the theme, ‘Finding Joy in Old Age,’ Senator Tinubu said the gesture which has become traditional since 2023 was a mark of gratitude in recognition of the invaluable contributions of the senior citizens to nation building.
The First Lady who was represented by the wife of the Rivers State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Lady Valerie Fubara, said the scheme was to “support two hundred and fifty (250) vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) totalling 9,500 selected beneficiaries across the nation.
She urged the beneficiaries to engage in activities that will make them find joy in old age.
“I encourage you to continue playing your part by staying healthy and active, nurture both your body and mind through regular exercise and meaningful engagement,” Senator Tinubu advised.
On her part, Lady Fubara said the State Government through the magnanimity of the governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has increased the beneficiaries of the programme from 250 to 500.
She restated the commitment of the State Government towards provision of social welfare and improving the standard of living of the elderly in the State.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr Vetty Agala, said the State Government has through the Health4allrivers Initiative, introduced free medical care for senior citizens in the State, in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to expedite the prosecution of the Director of the now distressed MBA Forex Trading, Mr. Maxwell Odum, in the interest of justice.
The Rivers State NUJ made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the EFFC’s Ag. Zonal Director, ACE Hassan Saidu, in Port Harcourt, recently.
The council’s chairman, Comrade Paul Bazia, said the appeal became imperative after it considered the number of Nigerians and others involved in the financial misconduct.
According to him, it has caused hardship among many households in the country and should be given the attention it deserves.
He said that investors cannot come into a country or invest in an economy or nation ridden with fraud.
This, he said, has made it more imperative to arrest, prosecute and convict alleged fraudsters like the MBA Forex Director, who is alleged to have defrauded thousands of unsuspecting Nigerians, to serve as a deterrent to others.
The chairman also requested that while the trial lasts, part of the swindled funds should be given to the victims that suffered loss and trauma as a result of the fraud.
The NUJ reiterated its resolve to change the narrative of reportage from crisis to developmental communication.
According to him, the NUJ’s main focus is blue economy and tourism.
He expressed the readiness of the Council to partner the agency in the area of information dissemination.
“We believe you have a responsibility to fight financial crimes. We also know that you need the Press to publicize your activities and NUJ can provide that,” he said.
Responding, the Zonal EFFC’s boss commended the NUJ’s vision to change the narrative of reporting from crisis to developmental communication.
According to Saidu, the Western world have since imbibed such culture, hence the negative stories about them are carefully sifted to allow only positive ones to be released to the outside world.
As for the trapped funds to be released, the EFCC Zonal Director stated that only the court can authorize such action, stressing that the primary responsibility of the Commission is to arrest and prosecute.
He pledged to partner with the NUJ now that the leadership has visited the Commission.
The Head of the Legal & Prosecution Department, DCE Odiase Stephen, corroborated the Zonal Director’s position and stressed that it was only when the matter has been determined by the court that such funds can be released.
He further stated that once a matter is before a court of competent jurisdiction, it cannot be discussed outside.
By: King Onunwor
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