Rivers

Chiefs Council, Youths Endorse Nwuke

Published

14 years ago

February 21, 2011

The Chiefs and people of Igbo Agwuruasa, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State have expressed satisfaction with the emergence of Prince Ogbonna Nwuke as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer for Etche/Omuma federal constituency, in the House of Representatives.

Acting Chairman of Igbo Agwuruasa Council of Traditional Rulers, Chief Magnus Nwuke stated this when the chiefs and youths of Igbo Agwuruasa paid a courtesy call on Prince Nwuke in his residence, in Port Harcourt.

While pledging the support of his people in the forthcoming election, Chief Nwuke said they were happy with the outcome of the PDP primaries and thanked God, in particular, and PDP members for choosing Prince Nwuke as their flag bearer for Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency.

The traditional ruler described Prince Nwuke as a man of peace, whose tenure in the Rivers State Executive Council had attracted various development projects to Etche.

“We are convinced that you (Prince Nwuke) will do well”, he said, adding that “the people of Igbo Agwuruasa will all give their votes to PDP in the forthcoming elections”.

He, however, drew the attention of the Rivers State Government to the deplorable state of Igwuruta/Etche road and Chokocho/Igbo road, which, he said, had affected them adversely.

Also speaking, the Medical Director of Nobsam Hospital, who is also a member of the Chiefs Council, Chief Samuel Amaechi attributed the emergence of Prince Nwuke as the PDP flag bearer to the handwork of God, saying “God has chosen you as a leader and not human beings”.

He assured him of the support of the people of Igbo Agwuruasa, stressing that they would move to other clans in Etche to canvass for votes for him in the forthcoming elections, expressing confidence that Prince Nwuke would make them proud at the National Assembly.

In his speech, the Youth Leader of Igbo Agwuruasa, Emmanuel Obia said they would mobilise the people of Etche Ethnic Nationality to vote massively for PDP in appreciation of the developmental projects being executed in Etche by the Amaechi administration.

Responding, Prince Nwuke thanked the Chiefs Council and the youths for the visit and informed them that the Chokocho/Igbo road is at present the responsibility of the Niger Delta development Commission, while the federal government has taken over the construction of Igwuruta/Chokocho road, being a Federal road.

He said if given the mandate to represent the people of Etche Ethnic Nationality at the National Assembly, he would speak their minds on issues affecting them and ensure that laws that would be beneficial to them and other Nigerians were made.

He also appealed to the traditional rulers to ensure a peaceful succession to the throne of Onyishi Agwuru, saying that anything short of that would be shameful.

Rivers

CDS Urges Communities To Protect Pipelines

Published

2 hours ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has urged Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) host communities to protect national assets located within their areas.

Musa made the appeal at a monthly stakeholders’ meeting organised by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in Port Harcourt.

Represented by Navy Capt. Lassie Ozovehe, he said the effects of oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism were mostly borne by the host communities themselves.

He noted that the environmental and health risks from pipeline damage affect locals more than the oil companies operating in the region.

“These assets are on your land. You benefit from them, so you must protect them and safeguard yourselves from the hazards”, he said.

He praised PINL for its consistent efforts in securing the assets, particularly its record of zero infractions on the Trans Niger pipelines.

Earlier, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, PINL’s Community Relations Consultant, urged host communities to collaborate in tackling security challenges in the Niger Delta.

Mezeh said PINL had expanded its mandate to include the security of all oil and gas infrastructure in the Eastern Corridor, including gas pipelines.

He explained that the meeting aimed to reduce pipeline vandalism and oil theft, which have major economic consequences for the country.

He stated that PINL had seen near-zero incidents over the past month, crediting host community cooperation for the achievement.

He, however, identified ongoing issues such as poor information sharing, threats to surveillance guards, stakeholder collusion, and leadership disputes.

A keynote speaker, Mr. Otoyo Sunday, discussed the serious health effects of gas flaring in the Niger Delta region.

He urged people to view the environment as living, warning that harmful activities have long-term consequences for people and nature.

Sunday condemned gas flaring caused by well testing, pressure releases, and illegal refining activities.

On his part, Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, Mr. Datolu Sokubo, called for a balanced focus on security and human development.

“You can’t protect pipelines without addressing people’s welfare. Without our cooperation, infrastructure is never truly secure”, he said.

He urged the Federal Government to prioritise development, especially in education and healthcare, across the region.

The Traditional Ruler of Ekpeye Land, Eze Kelvin Anugwu, called on oil companies to end gas flaring immediately.

Represented by Dr. Patricia Ogbonnaya, he urged PINL to raise awareness of the health and environmental concerns of the communities.

“We keep advising our youths against bunkering. But oil firms must take responsibility for the long-term effects of their operations”, he stated.

Other traditional leaders at the meeting requested improved welfare for surveillance workers, chiefs, and communities to maintain stability and protect oil infrastructure.

Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Monarch Cautions Youths Against Illicit Drug Consumption

Published

2 hours ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Eze Igbu Orlukwor II, Eze Ehie II, HRH Eze Prince Ike Ehie, has cautioned youths in his kingdom and Ekpeye at large on the need to abstain from illicit drugs consumption.

Ehie said this recently while fielding questions from newsmen in commemoration of the 2025 World Drug Abuse Day at his liaison office, Ahoada.

He emphasized that drug abuse was dangerous to the body system as it had harmed many physically, mentally and otherwise.

The Monarch noted that people should always take ‘drugs’ based on prescription by qualified medical and health personnel.

He said youths’ alleged disrespect for constituted authorities, mental challenge and various types of illnesses can be linked to the consumption of illicit drugs.

The Royal Father further noted that except government agencies saddled with the requisite responsibilities synergized with traditional institutions and other like-minded organizations, much may not be achieved against the campaign and fight against illicit drug consumption.

According to him, most youths today can do nothing without taking hard drugs, which he said makes them ‘high’ and hyper elated.

The Orlukwor Monarch wondered how the youths would take over the mantle of leadership at both communities and federal levels with such uncultured behaviour and repugnant attitudes.

The World Day of Drug Abuse, was tagged, “Breaking The Chains, Prevention, Treatment And Recovery For All”.

King Onunwor

Rivers

NDDC Inaugurates Ultra-Modern Market In Rivers Community

Published

3 hours ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has inaugurated an Ultra-Modern International Market in Ibaa Community, in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, as one of its projects to impact lives across the region.

The Rivers State Representative on the NDDC Board, Chief Tony Okocha, who was also at the event, said the project would improve local commerce and uplift economic activities in Ibaa and its environs.

Okocha commended the contractor for executing a quality job and appreciated the people of Ibaa community for their cooperation towards the timely completion of the project.

The Rivers NDDC representative said he was inspired to build the market after his visit to Ibaa community in 2024, where he witnessed women trading in makeshift stalls.

The Delta State NDDC representative, Mr. Monday Igbuya, said the market was one of its kind.

He urged the community to maintain and utilise the facility effectively.

The Traditional Ruler of Ibaa, Dr. Wobodo Jonah, the youths and the entire community presented traditional food items to Okocha as a mark of honour and appreciation.

Also, the Student Union President presented an Award of Excellence to the Rivers State Representative in recognition of his commitment to community development.

The ultra-modern market had a storey building with 20 lock-up shops, 126 open stalls, modern toilet facilities, a 12,000-gallon potable water tank, and two office rooms, fully fenced with a secured gate.

The inauguration was attended by dignitaries, including the North Central Representative, Mr. Nicholas Wend, among others.

Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso