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Upata Assembly Declares War Against Cultism
Irked by the spate of criminal activities in Ahoada-East Constituency II, Upata Kingdom made up of 21 towns, has constituted a Security Committee to liaise with law enforcement agencies in fishing out perpetrators of heinous crimes in the area.
This was the outcome of an Upata Assembly meeting held at Edeoha town, the political headquarters of the constituency on Saturday and facilitated by the lawmaker representing the area at the State House of Assembly, Hon. Ibiso Nwuche.
Announcing the resolution of the meeting after an intensive deliberation, an opinion leader in the area, Mr Pedro Egbe said cases of kidnap and cult clashes were on the increase, and that people have resolved to set up a Committee that would identify suspects within their various communities and involve the security agencies in dealing with them.
Mr Egbe explained that the people had earlier canvassed traditional approach of confronting the parents of suspects or ostracise them from the community but superior argument punctured the idea.
He, however said that the names of the committee members to work with security agencies would not be made public because of the sacred and serious nature of their assignment.
According to him, “we want to ensure that we move Upata kingdom forward by ensuring peaceful coexistence,” adding that the meeting also deliberated on the procedure for the emergence of Eze Upada whose stool has been declared vacant following the death and burial of Eze C. Nwuche.
In a chat with The Tide, Hon. Ibiso Nwuche, said he was moved to initiate the meeting because his Constituency had experienced an high level of criminality such as kidnapping and cult-related fighting for the last one year.
Hon Nwuche hinted that the stool of his late father that became vacant had started to generate division among the people, hence the need to hold the meeting made up of chiefs, CDC members, opinion leaders and youths to streamline issues.
The lawmaker remarked that the issue of crime had been addressed, adding that the Dvisional Police Officer (DPO), the JTF and State Security Service were present to hear the resolutions of the congress of the people in zero tolerance to crime.
On the vacant stool, he said it is not hereditary and the guidelines for ascendance are simple enough for everybody to understand, and denied eyeing the office.
High Chief James Balike, commended the lawmaker for the initiative, noting that cases of kidnapping and cultism were on the increase, and expressed satisfaction that the measure taken would stem the ugly trend.
Eze Friday Eze said the people had declared the stool vacant beginning Saturday, and urged the interested persons to comply with the guidelines produced in 1987 which specify conditions to the occupant of Eze Upata stool, adding that the process would be done in a peaceful, fair and credible manner.
He urged youths to desist from anti-social vices and engage in meaningful activities, otherwise the leadership of the kingdom would ensure that they are brought to book.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene
