News
Rivers Orders Inquiry Into B-Dere, K-Dere Clashes
Rivers State Government is to set up a Judicial commission of inquiry into the Inter-communal clashes between B-Dere and K-Dere communities in Gokana Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi announced this yesterday at the inter-denominational thanksgiving service held at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Diobu Port Harcourt, as part of activities marking the third anniversary of his administration.
Governor Amaechi who decried the incessant killings and destruction of properties said government would implement whatever would be the outcome of the white paper to forestall a re-occurrence of the urgly incident.
The governor gave an assurance that there would be no rigging in the forthcoming general elections in Rivers State, and appealed to the people to register when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) commences its registration exercise, to boost the political strength of the state.
“The only way we can bargain in Abuja is if we have two million voting strength, we can say give us what we want or we keep back our votes”, the Governor declared, as he emphasised that the exercise might last for only two weeks.
The State Chief Executive who explained that voters registration was part of the people’s obligation to government, said parents must show evidence of registration before their children could be admitted into the model primary and secondary schools, as well as other social services.
He also appealed to the people to embrace the social services contributory levy, explaining that Government decided to ask for the levy, not because it has no money, but to ensure sustainability and maintenance of the model schools and free health services.
Governor Amaechi noted that some of the decisions his administration had taken may have been harsh, but stated that such decisions were taken in the overall interest of the state.
“In course of governing, I know I may have hurt a lot of people, but consider, if we did not demolish people’s houses, we would not have been able to expand most of our roads”, he said, and apologised to such people.
The Governor emphasized that development projects ought to be sited according to need, not as a result of political considerations, urging the people not to politicise issues of development.
Governor Amaechi used the occasion to express appreciation to the legislative and judicial arms of government, members of his cabinet, the clergy and the people of the state for their support, which he said had enabled him to succeed these past three years, and called for continuous prayers of the church.
In his sermon, the Arch Bishop, Niger Delta Province and Bishop of Niger Delta North Diocess, Most Rev. Ignatius Kattey urged the governor to remain steadfast in prayer the way he started, pointing out that he has so far demystified the office of the governor.
Bishop Kattey pointed out that the past three years of Governor Amaechi’s administration had been glorious to the state, as there had been improvement in security and infrastructural development, adding that, Governor Amaechi should not forget that as a leader people must continue to criticise Him.
The first lesson of the service was read by Governor Chibuike Amaechi while the Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Tonye Harry read the second.
The Service featured special prayers for the Governor and his family, the state and the country as well as special renditions and thanksgivings.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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