Rivers

2015: Amaechi Urges Church Leaders To Preach Free, Fair Elections

Published

12 years ago

May 29, 2014

As the 2015 general elections
draw closer, Rivers State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has called on church leaders to enlighten their members and the masses on the need to ensure free, fair and non-violent elections in the state.
He also urged the clergy to preach against the use of Police and the Military to violate civic rights of citizens in the current democratic dispensation, adding that citizens are obliged under the constitution to enjoy freedom, social justice and the right to choose leaders of their choice.
Amaechi spoke Wednesday when the Dean of Nigeria, Archbishop Province of Niger Delta and Bishop Diocese of Niger Delta North, Most Reverend Ignatius Kattey led a delegation on a courtesy call to the Governor at Government House, Port Harcourt, the state capital.
According to him, “The Priest or clergy of our churches should begin to preach free and fair elections in 2015. They should also preach against the use of Police and the Military against the people and allow the people choose their Governor.”
While apologizing to Most Reverend Katty over the security situation that led to his sudden kidnap, Amaechi expressed worry over the ambition of politicians who are desperate to capture power by all means.
“I am sure you are aware that some of those involved in your kidnap 8 months ago have been arrested. God wanted them to be exposed. It may interest you to know that we on this side are open to any reconciliation. But, we need to give you one person to brief you further, and to tell you that it is difficult on the opposition because it is not about quarrel, it is all about struggle for power, and who wants to hold power. So, the only way you can reconcile us is to call on one party to say, ‘OK, I give you all the power, you can take President, Governor etc,’ and until that issue is resolved, they may not allow you achieve that objective”.
He explained further that for democracy to thrive in the state, good governance should be the basis for which eligible candidates are selected and voted into office by the electorate under a level playing ground.
Amaechi urged the church leaders to preach against corruption, violence, and rigging of elections stating that any attempt to violate the legitimate rights of the people will be considered as a rape on democracy.
“So, I plead with you Sir, to enjoin our leaders in the church to preach against corruption, violence and rigging. We want our people to choose their leaders freely, so that, the people elected will be accountable, and that choice is meant for the people legally. We are accountable to the people who elected us to power. And if they do that, the government will be more open”, Amaechi said
Earlier, Most Reverend Ignatius Kattey said they were in Government House to thank Governor Amaechi for the role he played over his unfortunate kidnap and release of his wife eight months ago.

Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Dame Judith Amaechi with children interceding in prayer for the release of the Chibok Girls, during the Children’s Day celebration at Government House, Port Harcourt, last Tuesday. Photo: NAN

Rivers

Delta CP Seeks More Support From Traditional Institutions

Published

3 days ago

July 3, 2026

The Tide

The Commissioner of Police (CP) Delta State Command, Mr. Yemi Oyeniyi, has urged traditional institutions to continue to support law enforcement in the country.

Oyeniyi gave the advice on Tuesday at the palace of the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Dr. Emmanuel Sideso, Abe 1, in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of the state.

The Commissioner, who was on a familiarisation tour of police formations across the state, including the Effurun area command, solicited continued partnership of the Uvwie domain in strengthening intelligence gathering and promoting peaceful co-existence.

He commended the Ovie of Uvwie for his unwavering commitment to peace, security, and community development.

“I acknowledge the invaluable role of traditional institutions in supporting law enforcement in the country.

“I equally solicit continuous partnership of the Uvwie domain in strengthening intelligence gathering and promoting peaceful co-existence among the people”, he said.

In his remarks, the Ovie of Uvwie, welcomed the Commissioner and his entourage to the domain.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the people to supporting the Nigeria Police and other security agencies.

The royal father urged his subjects to continue to cooperate with the security agencies by way of providing timely and credible information.

The Commissioner, thereafter, proceeded to perform the groundbreaking of the Effurun area command at the instance of the Insp.-Gen. of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu.

Rivers

IAUE Senate Approves Leadership, Language Center Establishment

Published

3 days ago

July 3, 2026

The Tide

The Senate of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, has approved the establishment of a University Leadership Assessment Centre as proposed by Professor Veronica Okogbaa of the Department of Educational Management.

A statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the university, Dr. Ngozi Okiridu, said the centre will, among other things, identify and develop high potential skilled leaders and talents.

It will also evaluate participants through multi dimensional approach rather than rely on subjective perceptions, indulge in leadership trainings, and generate income from services with succession planning.

Similarly, Senate also approved the establishment of a centre for languages, digital Humanities and intercultural studies as proposed by the Dean of Faculty of Humanities, Professor Ibiere Ken-Maduako.

The proposed centre, according to he statement, will have seven units namely language teaching unit, where French, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese, German, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and Rivers State indigenous languages will be taught.

It will also have Translation and interpretation unit, indigenous languages documentation unit, Digital Humanities Laboratory, Artificial intelligence and language teaching unit, professional certification unit, as well as Research and Publication unit..

The statement quoted the Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Professor Ken-Maduako, the centre will offer certificate in language proficiency for beginners, intermediate, advanced Diploma programme, translation and interpretation courses, Digital Humanities certification programme, Artificial intelligence and language technology workshops, online and Hybrid learning programmes, weekend and evening public classes, indigenous languages documentation training and Business and professional communication courses.

Professor Ken-Maduako firther said the center “will increase visibility of the University nationally and internationally, generate sustainable internally generated revenue, increase opportunities for grants and donor funded projects, enhance interdisciplinary research output, promote cultural preservation and community engagement, strengthen the University”s profile in innovation and digital transformation, attract research collaboration and international partnerships, and improve graduate employability and digital competence.”

In his speech, the Chairman of Senate and Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, encouraged sponsors of the centre to source for funds for the take off of the centre.

He explained that Directors will be appointed for the self-sponsored centres and reiterated that his administration will continue to support all proposals geared towards the growth of the University as long as they are consistent with the academic brief of the Ivory Tower.

Earlier, Professor Samuel Otamiri commended Professor Veronica Okogbaa for the proposed centre which, he said, is a remarkable development, amd described it as a robust programme that would attract the necessary patronage .

In another development, the Senate welcomed a suggestion by Professor Priye Iyalla-Amadi that Valedictory Senate sessions be introduced and held for retired Professors.

Results from the Postgraduate School as presented by the Dean of the School, Professor Chibuzor Chile Nwobueze, was approved by Senate.

Senate also approved that presented by the Director of the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE), Professor Goddey Wilson, and that of the Graduate School of Business by Dr. Florence Ironawusi.

Sogbeba Dokubo

Rivers

Group Tasks School Proprietors, Parents On Early Preparation

Published

3 days ago

July 3, 2026

The Tide

The National President, Forum of Inclusive Educators and Readers (FIER), Mr. Onyeka Innocent, has admonished school owners and parents alike to learn how to prepare their children/wards ahead time in order to beat challenges irrespective of the angle they may spring up from.

Innocent made this known at the Forum’s meeting held partly in honour of the Spelling B, 2025 winners, in Port Harcourt.

“Soldiers are not trained during war, rather, they are trained and kept in the Barracks, waiting for war”, he said.

He said students must be provided with the necessary educational tools capable of boosting their academic pursuit.

According to him, proprietors of schools must conform with the Government’s authorities and guidance if they are determined to succeed in the project.

Another solution to educational management, he said, is the availability of Education Committees in schools, saying that it will improve the quality of its learning process.

Though he did not rule out decay in the society, he said there are few that still hold fast to determination and sincerity.

The FIER leader said his association was one of the bodies with the zeal to right wrongs in the society, especially in the Education sector.

He noted that his group was also prepared to reduce the number of out-of-school children by ensuring that education was taken to all parts of the Country.

On registration of private schools as directed by the State Government, he said his members are in compliance and assured of a cordial relationship between the Government and his Association.

Meanwhile, the winners of the Competition were Master Fredrick Jeffrey of Daisy Dan School, who emerged first; Badubulachi Maryan of Fertile Vineyard Academy, 2nd; and Itode Samuel of Baridoo Sam Joel School, 3rd.

They winners where rewarded with cash prices of N100,000, N50,000 and N30, 000 respectively.

King Onunwor