News
Jonathan Leaves For Senegal …Mourns Ethiopian PM, Zenawi
Nigerian President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, is expected to
depart for Dakar, Senegal today on a two-day official visit.
According to a statement, the President will be received at
the Leopold Sedar Senghor International Airport, Dakar by Senegalese President,
Macky Sall.
Both leaders will hold a tete-a-tete at the Presidential
Palace, Dakar, on how to deepen cordial relations and promote trade between the
two key countries in the West African sub-region.
President Jonathan is expected back in Abuja, tomorrow..
Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday joined
other world leaders to mourn the death of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Meles
Zenawi.
The Special Adviser to President Jonathan on Media and
Publicity, Reuben Abati said the Nigeria President “received with shock and
sadness, the news of the passing away of His Excellency, Prime Minister Meles
Zenawi, of Ethiopia.
“On behalf of himself, the Government and the people of
Nigeria, President Jonathan extends his deepest sympathy and condolence to the
people of Ethiopia, especially members of late Prime Minister Zenawi’s family.”
President Jonathan describes Prime Minister Zenawi’s death
as a major loss for Africa. “He was a great African statesman, who is also a
friend of Nigeria, a nation-builder and a great servant of the Ethiopian
people.”
He further notes that “Prime Minister Zenawi will be
remembered for his vision and integrity,” adding that
“He held strong convictions about establishing a just and
prosperous society for his people, a cause to which he devoted his considerable
energies, and which deservedly earned him respect and honour among a grateful
Ethiopian nation.”
President Jonathan acknowledged the late Prime Minister
Zenawi’s vision for a united and strong Africa, a cause he pursued with
remarkable honesty and passion. Indeed, his role, along with other African
leaders, as the fulcrum of the African renaissance project, has ensured for him
a prominent place in the annals of African history.
“The passing away of Prime Minister Zenawi at this time when
Ethiopia and, indeed, all of Africa, stand to benefit from his wisdom and
experience in building a stable and prosperous continent is a great loss that
will be hard to remedy,” he said.
President Jonathan assures the people of Ethiopia that the
Government and people of Nigeria share in their loss.
The statement said that Mr Jonathan “is hopeful that the
government and the entire Ethiopian nation will be comforted by the enduring
legacy of service that Prime Minister Zenawi left behind.”
United States President Barack Obama has led tributes to
Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi with high praise after the strongman’s
more than two decades in power and despite his chequered human rights record.
His death at age 57 leaves a major power gap in the Horn of
Africa. Ethiopia has played a key role in the fortunes of many of its neighbours,
as well as host to the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa.
Obama said Meles deserved ‘recognition for his lifelong
contribution to Ethiopia’s development, particularly his unyielding commitment
to Ethiopia’s poor.’
He recalled his ‘personal admiration for his desire to lift
millions of Ethiopians out of poverty through his drive for food security’
after meeting him at the G-8 Summit in May.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Meles’ would ‘be
remembered for his exceptional leadership and advocacy on African issues within
and outside the continent, as well as for overseeing his country’s economic
growth and development,’ UN spokesman Martin Nesirky said.
The African Union hailed Meles for his promotion of economic
growth, as well as his role as peace-maker between Sudan and South Sudan and
his support for the fight against Somalia’s al-Qaeda-linked Shebab insurgents.
‘The death of Prime Minister Meles has robbed Africa of one
of its greatest sons,’ said AU commission chair Jean Ping’s office in a
statement.
‘He has played an important role in pioneering a new era of
hope and growth in Africa, driven as he was by the vision of Ethiopia and
Africa’s renaissance.’
European Commission chief, Jose Manuel Barroso said Meles
‘demonstrated his strong personal commitment over many years to improving the
lives of not just his own but all African peoples, through his work on African
unity, climate change, development and in promoting peace and stability.’
British Prime Minister, David Cameron hailed Meles ‘as an
inspirational spokesman for Africa on global issues’ who had ‘provided
leadership and vision on Somalia and Sudan’, while French President Francois
Hollande praised his ‘contribution to diplomatic efforts to advance peace in
the Horn of Africa.’
In contrast to the praise from world leaders, rights groups
have criticised Meles’s legacy, accusing his government of using anti-terrorism
legislation to stifle peaceful dissent and freedom of expression.
Nearly 200 opposition members and journalists were jailed
under the disputed legislation in 2011.
‘The government and the next prime minister should take the
opportunity for change represented by the succession of Meles Zenawi to move
towards a greater respect for human rights,’ Claire Beston, Amnesty
International’s Ethiopia researcher, told AFP.
The 2009 anti-terrorism law has seen several opposition
figures and journalists, including two Swedes, jailed for lengthy terms, and
should be overturned, said the New York-based Human Rights Watch.
Meles, a former rebel fighter who came to power in 1991
after toppling the bloody dictatorship of Mengistu Haile Mariam, died in
hospital in Brussels, officials said.
Meanwhile, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that
the death of Ethiopian Prime Minister Menes Zenawi has robbed Africa of a
“committed, forthright, visionary and fearless leader’’.
Our correspondent
reports that Zenawi , 57, died yesterday from a sudden infection while
recovering from an undisclosed aliment at a hospital abroad, according to the
Ethiopian state television.
Obasanjo told newsmen that Zenawi was one of the bright
lights of leadership in present day Africa.
“He has shown his sterner stuff that he is made of in
fighting for his country’s emancipation from the rudderless, despotic military
dictatorship to bringing his country up in development terms as one of the
beacons of Africa.
“I have seen his performance at the African Union (AU), and
it is because of his brilliance that leaders of Africa and I decided to hand
over the AU NEPAD programme to him.
“His death robs Africa of a committed, forthright, visionary
and fearless leader.
“I condole with his family, the people, the government and
his successor,’’ Obasanjo said, adding that his death was a shock to him.
Our correspondent quotes
the Ethiopian television as saying that Zenawi’s body would be returned to
Ethiopia soon, while a committee had been set up to organise his funeral.
The television stated that Hailemariam Desalegn, his deputy,
would act as prime minister.
“Nothing in Ethiopia will change. The government will
continue. Our policies and institutions will continue. Nothing will change in
Ethiopia. Desalegn will be confirmed by parliament.”
News
Rivers DPOs Receive Awards For Outstanding Performance In Crime Prevention …As Students, Media Group Honour CSP Worgu, CSP Yusuf
Two Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in Rivers State have been honoured by separate groups for their contributions to security, crime prevention and improved community-police relations in their respective areas of responsibility.
The beneficiaries are the DPO of Afam Police Division, CSP Endurance Worgu and his counterpart at Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf.
CSP Worgu was honoured by a group of students under the aegis of Rivers State Graduate Students Associations for what they described as his commitment and outstanding performance in the discharge of his duties.
The students, led by Chidi John Enyie, Esq. said CSP Worgu was selected based on his track record and status as one of the longest-serving young DPOs of Rivers State origin.
According to the group, CSP Worgu has made significant contributions to the protection of lives and property in the area since assuming office following the #EndSARS period.
The students said they were particularly impressed by the improvement in community-police relations under his leadership, noting that professionalism had remained a key feature of his service.
Enyie represented by Comrade Briggs Soku, said the students community was pleased to identify with a Rivers indigene who had distinguished himself in the police force.
He said the students considered it necessary to encourage and celebrate CSP Worgu because of his achievements as a young Rivers man excelling in a profession that many people from the state were often reluctant to join.
Receiving the award at his office in Afam, CSP Worgu expressed gratitude to God and the students for finding him worthy of the honour.
The DPO said the recognition had boosted his morale and encouraged him to sustain his efforts towards maintaining peace and security in the area.
He said he least expected the honour, particularly because it came from the students, adding that the recognition would further motivate him to serve the people better.
CSP Worgu assured residents of Afam that the police would sustain the existing peace in the area.
He appealed to members of the public to support the police by providing credible and timely information, stressing that useful information from residents would make the job of security personnel easier.
Meanwhile, the Ikwerre/Etche Media Association has also honoured the DPO of Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf, for his efforts in tackling criminal activities in the area.
The media group presented the award following the swift tracking and arrest of five suspected kidnappers who had allegedly terrorised residents of the Kom-Kom axis and other parts of Oyigbo.
The group commended CSP Bello for what it described as his determined efforts to restore confidence and security in the affected communities, particularly Kom-Kom and Obeama.
According to the group, the arrest of the suspects demonstrated the DPO’s commitment to tackling criminality and safeguarding residents.
The media association said residents had received the development with relief, noting that the police action had sent a strong message to criminal elements operating in the area.
Responding, CSP Yusuf appreciated the group for the recognition and reaffirmed that there would be no room for criminality in Oyigbo.
He also commended the media for its role in disseminating credible information to the public, saying the media had remained supportive of the police in the fight against crime.
CSP Yusuf warned criminal elements operating in Oyigbo to leave the area or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.
He assured residents that the police would continue to pursue criminals and work to dismantle their hideouts, regardless of where they might be operating.
News
College Of Bishops Endorses Tinubu, APC Candidates For 2027 Polls
The 5000 Achievers Christian Forum and Colleges of Bishops, Archbishops and Apostles, a Christian interdenominational organisation, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State for the 2027 general elections.
International President of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, disclosed this during the ordination and consecration of three new Bishops, as well as an award ceremony held in Port Harcourt.
Aroh said the performance of the APC-led Federal Government had endeared the party to the organisation, prompting the forum to declare its support for President Tinubu and other APC candidates in Rivers State.
He said the forum would support all APC candidates in the state during the 2027 elections and urged Nigerians to vote for the party.
Aroh, who is also the General Overseer of Caring Peoples Church, Port Harcourt, charged the newly consecrated Bishops to see their new positions as a great responsibility and dedicate themselves to the advancement of the kingdom of God.
He cautioned them against conduct capable of bringing their offices into disrepute, stressing that their activities would be closely watched by members of the public.
“As Bishops, the eyes of the public are on your activities. You must therefore conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of your calling,” he said.
Also speaking, the International Coordinator of the forum, Bishop Saint Robinson, urged the newly consecrated Bishops to work diligently towards winning souls for the kingdom of God.
Robinson, who was the guest speaker at the event, stressed that the activities of Bishops must at all times be guided by godly principles.
He also called on members of the church to support and cooperate with the newly consecrated Bishops in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The Secretary of the College, Apostle Elizabeth Ayadi Abaye, said the organisation was established to advance the kingdom of God and promote spiritual development.
According to her, the forum has organised several crusades, conferences, prayer meetings, ordinations, consecrations, enthronements, empowerment programmes and other spiritual development activities across the country as part of efforts to win souls for Christ.
Abaye said the organisation has members across the world and disclosed that more programmes had been scheduled to promote the spiritual development and wellbeing of humanity.
The three Bishops consecrated at the ceremony were Prince Alban Chike, Testimony Omenihu Shedrach and Prince Ifemena.
Among those honoured at the event were the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Abali Community, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Manuchimso Prince Lemmy Wopara, and Clifford Oko Jaja, Coordinator of the 5,000 House-to-House for President Tinubu.
By: John Bibor
News
Police Arrest Fake Soldier, Others For Armed Robbery, Kidnapping
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 49-year-old suspected fake soldier, Andrew Atausi, and several other suspects in connection with various criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, one-chance robbery and the alleged murder of police officers.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this in Port Harcourt, recently during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, where he said the arrests formed part of the operational achievements recorded by the Command between June and August 2026.
Adepoju said Atausi was arrested on August 10 by police operatives along Ada George, Port Harcourt, while dressed in military uniform and driving a Toyota Hilux painted in Army colours.
The Commissioner said investigation revealed that Atausi was not a member of the Armed Forces, adding that he was suspected to be a serial car snatcher, with three suspected stolen vehicles recovered from him.
He said the recovered vehicles included three Toyota Hilux vehicles without registration numbers and a Toyota Corona Premio with registration number BNY 380 ES, noting that the chassis and engine numbers of the vehicles had allegedly been tampered with.
Adepoju added that an axe and military accoutrements were also recovered from Atausi, as investigation continued into the circumstances surrounding the vehicles and other items recovered from him.
On the June 29 attack on police officers at Aluu Division, the Commissioner said three members of the gang allegedly responsible for the incident had been arrested by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU-AKU.
The suspects, identified as Maduabuchi Emeka, 34, alleged gang leader; Doctor Chinedu Owhor, 42, and Kamachi Joe, 28, alleged armourer, reportedly led operatives to their hideout at Omagwa where two AK-47 rifles stolen during the attack were recovered.
Adepoju recalled that two police officers were killed during the Aluu attack, while others were wounded and one officer had his leg amputated, stressing that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fourth suspect.
On kidnapping, the Commissioner said five members of a suspected kidnapping syndicate were arrested in Oyigbo Local Government Area, adding that they allegedly confessed to operations in Kom-Kom, Railway, Obeama and Afam communities.
He said two other suspects from the same network, Anele Ogbogu, 35, alleged to be the gang’s armourer, and Kenneth Eke, 38, were arrested on July 27, with one AK-47 rifle and one SMG rifle recovered.
The Commissioner further disclosed the arrest of suspects in connection with alleged firearm offences, armed robbery, cultism and one-chance robbery, with firearms, ammunition and other exhibits recovered during the operations.
Adepoju assured residents that the Command would sustain intelligence-led, proactive and community-oriented policing in collaboration with other security agencies, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information that would assist the police in combating crime across Rivers State.
By; King Onunwor
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