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…Akunyili, Amaechi, Others React
Stand up against criminals, pay no ransom,” an elated Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili, told Nigerians yesterday following the release of the journalists who were kidnapped on July 11.
Akunyili told newsmen that payment of ransom had encouraged kidnapping which has now become an industry.
“I just feel so happy that our brothers are safe and no one succumbed to the threat of the kidnappers who are criminals that go about torturing people emotionally,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has appealed to security operatives to ensure that anyone rescued or freed by kidnappers is debriefed to understand the sociological profile of those involved.
Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi stated this yesterday at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa during a brief reception in honour of the kidnapped journalists that were rescued early in the day.
Governor Amaechi who was represented by his Acting Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Blessing Wikina, said debriefing would enable them know the thought pattern and how they communicate to tackle the problem.
The Governor explained that if they debrief those who had borne victims, the security agencies would gradually be able to compile a profile on how to deal with the situation.
Governor Amaechi thanked God for the safe rescue of the kidnapped journalists who are to be reunited with their families, but expressed sadness that in spite of several appeals to those involved in criminal act of hostage taking, such unwholesome practice was going on.
He commended the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and other security agencies for freeing the journalists unhurt and urged the victims not to allow what happened to deter them from rendering their services to society and humanity.
The State Chief Executive noted that security matters were collective issues which should not be left in the hands of one person or state government and provided the journalists with a charted air craft Topbrass Aviation Ltd with registration number ZS-SME to convey them to Lagos.
Responding on behalf of the rescued kidnappers, the Chairman, Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mr. Wahab Oba said they did not really have much to say but to thank God for His mercy on them throughout the one week they were held hostage.
Mr. Oba also expressed gratitude to President Goodluck Jonathan for the concern shown over their kidnap, especially in the speech he made during his visit to Akwa Ibom State as well as the government and people of Abia State whom he said were wonderful to them and the Rivers State Governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi whom he described as a press friendly governor for arranging a chartered flight to take them to Lagos.
The Nigeria Police was not left out as he acknowledged the consistency and aggressiveness with which they hunted their kidnappers and hinted that “throughout the seven days we stayed with our captors, we did not stay in a place for four hours because of the way the police was chasing them”.
Mr. Oba was equally happy with journalists for the solidarity they demonstrated through the way they reported the incident which according to him made even the families of the kidnappers to be on them to effect their release because there could be trouble on the land.
“In his reaction, the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Mr Gbenga Adefaye recommended that a harsh example be made of deviants to put an end to kidnapping.
“We hope government will put an end to these incidents of kidnap that embarrasses us all and makes Nigeria look like an uncharted jungle.
“We hope the President will take a strong step on security and reassure everyone that Nigeria is a safe place peopled by decent citizens.
“We also hope that journalists will not be afraid to perform their duties, as enshrined in the Constitution,” Adefaye remarked.
The National Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Leman Shuaibu, said Nigerians should resolve to make the recent episode, the last of kidnap saga in the country.
He told newsmen that it was time the nation got rid of the menace of such despicable and embarrassing act.
“For the first time, the nation stood up against an irresponsible act, but this kidnapping should be the last that would occur in this country,” he declared.
The NUJ president called on government to use all the arsenals at its disposal to flush out criminals that had taken over, especially in Obingwa Local Government Area of the south eastern Nigeria.
News
NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam
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
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
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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