News
RSG Sacks GSM Market …Prosecutes Nine Streets Traders
In line with its policy to check the defacement of Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital and restore its Garden City status, the Rivers State Government, has ordered the closure of markets operating at strategic locations in the state capital.
A statement from the Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Dr Tammy Danagogo said the development of the city of Port Harcourt requires adherence to standards in terms of planning, adding that government policy on the restoration of the Garden City will not be compromised.
The commissioner, who spoke through the Special Adviser on Media, Mr Ovie Igho, said that the ministry would implement the urban development policy to the letter, and restated its commitment towards restoring the Garden City from urban defacement.
The Tide investigations reveal that one of the areas affected in the course of government’s move to restore Port Harcourt to its deserving status, is the GSM market within Garrison bus stop.
In recent times, the Garrison market had been incessantly invaded by taskforce operatives from the Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, apparently acting on government’s directives.
The traders are however, crying foul that they have not been treated fairly as the task force operatives last Tuesday carted away their wares and physically assaulted some of their members.
A trader in the affected market, Lovelyne Ajuizieogu, who spoke with The Tide, said that the taskforce operatives, armed with hammers, axes and other burglary equipment, arrived the market environment unnoticed with a team of military patrol escort and harassed everyone on sight.
She added that the taskforce operatives confiscated their wares displayed along the road, and also invaded rented shops and removed the traders goods. She said the operations were mostly carried out in a vicious manner under the supervision of military escorts.
Another trader, Mr Victor Izomah, who registers SIMs cards and repairs phones lamented the mode of operations of the taskforce, which he described as barbaric and inhuman.
Izomah, who explained that the GSM market at Garrison has suffered incessant harassment from taskforce operators, said the market had created jobs for the teeming youths in the state.
He pointed out that the traders should be properly briefed by the government, if there was a planned relocation or closing of the market.
Another victim, who simply identified himself as Udeme and deals on glasses, said he was physically assaulted by the taskforce operators, who also went with all his goods.
He said the mood in which the taskforce carried out their operations also provided opportunity for hoodlums who joined to loot the place as a result of the rowdiness of the market environment.
Mr Godspower Amaijan, who repairs GSM phones at the market, also called on the government to put a proper check on the activities of taskforce operators, as some of them operate like outlaws.
Amaijan said , “ genuine taskforce on removal of illegal street trading has no business invading people’s rented shops and removing goods belonging to traders”.
Also affected in the task force operation were vendors, whose newspapers and books were removed.
A vendor, who spoke with The Tide on the condition of anonymity, said, this is the first time we are facing harassment from taskforce, I have been at this newsstands for over eight years.
When The Tide approached the head of the taskforce team, simply referred to as Boby, by his colleagues, he simply ignored the reporter with impunity.
It would be recalled that recently, some miscreants who disguised as officials of the Rivers State Ministry of Urban Development were arrested by law enforcement officers and are presently facing prosecution.
When contacted, the Press Secretary of Port Harcourt City Local Government, Mr Bolingo Elenwo said the task force members were operating on a mandate from the governor to stop the market operating at Garrison. He said the council would do everything possible to ensure that the market operators were evicted permanently.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government says it has arrested and prosecuted nine persons for indulging in street trading within the Port Harcourt metropolis and its environs.
The state Commissioners for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Dr Tammy Danagogo who disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt last Wednesday, said the arrest was in keeping with the ministry’s commitment in ensuring that the state was rid of illegal street trading to reinforce the present administration’s war against street hawking.
Dr Danagogo, who did not disclose the identity of the arrested persons, however said that the accused persons were arrested along Slaughter market in Trans- Amadi and Sangana Street, Diobu in Port Harcourt respectively by the task force on development control of the ministry.
According to him, the activities of the arrested persons had led to terrible traffic jam as well as the harassment of motorists along the area, adding that they had since been charged to a court of competent jurisdiction for prosecution.
The Commissioner averred that the accused persons were among the group of persons previously arrested by the task force team, adding that they were properly warned not to indulge in the act again which he said, they did not heed to.
“Incredibly, after they were released on bail, they were unrepentant and promptly returned to their criminal escapades. They were re-arrested and have been detained in police custody”, he added.
Taneh Beemene
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
The new Commissioner of Police Eastern, Ports Command, Mr Tijani Fatai has promised to ensure a crime- free ports operations in the zone.
He said effective policing will be mounted across the ports in the zone in tackling the high rate of community unrest, activities of port rats and other social vices.
Fatai while speaking to newsmen shortly after taking over as the 17th commissioner said he wants to be remembered as a peace maker during his tenure as Commissioner of Police in the Eastern Ports Command.
According to him,’’the community policing is the sure way of addressing most conflicts and other social vices bedeviling our society today and I will explore it to its fullest” .
The Commissioner also assured officers of the rank and file of improved welfare whoch he described as a cardinal objective of the present efforts of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
He said,” the Inspector General of Police has sent me to assure you all of welfare, promotions as and when due,no officers particular rank and file will be left behind in the coming months.
Fatai before his recent posting was an operational officer,who spent most of his years with the Police Mobile Force (PMF) where he served as Unit Commander (UC) and Commander, PMF.
Before his redeployment as a Commissioner of Police,(CP), he was the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, DCP, Operations, Lagos State Command.
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