News
Aluu 4: Omuokiri Bounces Back
Barely five months after four students of the University of Port Harcourt were allegedly murdered at Omuokiri, Aluu community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, resulting in the near total break-down of law and order in the area, peace and normal social life have finally returned in the community.
The Tide investigations reveal that normal social activities have gradually started picking up in the community as a result of the restoration of peace in the area.
The four students who were allegedly murdered in cold blood on October 5, 2012, include Chiodika Lordson (Theatre Arts), Ugonna Kelechi Chibuzor (Geology), Mike Lloyd Toku (Civil Engineering) and their friend, Tekena Erikena.
Our correspondent who visited Omuokiri community, Wednesday, reports that many people were seen to be going about their normal businesses without any form of molestation and fear, while new buildings were seen springing up in all directions in the community.
Work on the rehabilitation of the UNIPORT Aluu Road was on-going, as workers of the construction company handling the project were seen on their duty posts just as commercial bus and taxi operators made the most of the busy atmosphere to maximize profit.
Cosmetics stores, mechanic workshops, among others were visibly experiencing a beehive of activities as businesses transactions were at their peak, according to residents.
Investigations also revealed that there was no presence of heavily armed security operatives in the community as was the situation immediately after the killing last year.
Some residents of the community who spoke to The Tide said normalcy has finally returned to the community but regretted that some people who left the community were yet to return as a result of fear of arrest and harassment by police and the JTF.
Mr Best Frank, a fast food operator in the area said the community now enjoys relative peace devoid of any form of intimidation, adding that both indigenes and strangers now live in harmony in the community.
He commended the state government and the various security agencies for ensuring that peace returned in the area, which according to him was marred by students unrest and disturbances following the incident.
Also speaking, Mr Uche Nwobisike, an auto mechanic in the community while corroborating the views of Mr Frank said the only challenge facing residents was the slow pace of businesss in the area.
In their views, some students of the university who reside in the community including Ahukama Joy, Kadara Fred and Chioma Menajo, said that relative peace and tranquility has returned in the area.
They, however, regretted the ugly October 5, 2012 incident that occurred in the community and urged security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of the inhuman act are brought to book.
In his remarks, Mr Emmanuel Dick, a resident of the community, confirmed that although some level of peace has returned in the area, some of the residents who deserted the community in the aftermath of the incident were still skeptical to return.
According to him, the people of the community were noted for their peaceful and hospitable nature, especially to strangers, adding that what happened last year was strange to the people.
He commended the state government for the award of the contract for the reconstruction of the road linking the community to the university, adding that both strangers and the indigenes now live as one big family.
Responding to the situation of things in Omuokiri, the deputy registrar, Public Relations Officer (PRO), University of Port Harcourt, Dr Williams Wodi said the university has not received any complaints from either the students or staff residing in the community, adding that the management of the institution met with the community on the need to sustain peace shortly after the incident.
The UNIPORT spokesman said that Aluu community has been the second home for both students and staff of the institution, adding that the incident was not a call to arm between the university and the community
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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