Rivers

Appointment Of Chief Judge: Forum Faults NJC

Published

11 years ago

June 9, 2014

The Legal Adviser of
Kengama Unity Forum, a socio-political group in Rivers State championing the crusade for a substantive Chief Judge for the state, Barrister Tubotamuno Dick has criticised the National Judicial Council (NJC) over its directive that the most senior judge in the State High Court and Customary Appeal Court should perform administrative functions of the two courts pending the resolution of the crisis over the appointment of a chief judge in the state.
Barrister Dick in an interview with journalists at the Port Harcourt Federal High Court, said the NJC lacked the powers to give such directive in any state.
He said, “the NJC as a citadel, composed of respected honourable legal personalities chaired by the learned Chief Judge of the Federation can not do such thing. It is a court of competent jurisdiction can make such declaration.”
It would be recalled that the National Judicial Council (NJC) had in a letter directed the most senior judge at both the State Customary Court of Appeal and the High Court to assume the administrative responsibilities of their respective offices following the resolution of the crisis rocking the appointment of the substantive chief judge of the state.
The state government had in a statement credited to the Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Wogu Boms in conjunction with the State Judiciary Service Commission (JSC), warned that disciplinary action awaits any judiciary staff who abides by such directive.
The state government averred that such directive was an attempt to bring Justice Daisy Okocha through back doors to act as the Chief Judge of the state adding that it is only the state governor that is constitutionally empowered to appoint a Chief Judge for the state and not the NJC.
The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt presided over by Justice Akanbi recently in a suit brought by the State government seeking the constitutional interpretation on the action of the NJC on the recommendation of Justice Daisy Okocha as the Chief Judge of the state ruled the actions of the NJC “as null and void”.
The court further set aside the letters written by NJC to the State government recommending Justice Daisy Okocha to be appointed as the Chief Judge of the state adding that the governor was not bound by law to accept the NJC recommendation without making any input.
The court therefore, ruled that Justice Agumagu was the most qualified by the law to be appointed as the substantive chief judge of the state and was appointed by the State government, later suspended by the NJC.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and founder, Brown’s Orphanage Home, Ms Kadilo Brown (left) dancing with the orphanage children during the One Year Anniversary/Thanksgiving Service at Breakthough Deliverance Ministry, Eliozu, Port Harcourt, recently. Photo: Chris Monyanaga

Rivers

Motor Spare Parts, Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union Swears Gets New Chairman in Port Harcourt

Published

4 days ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Owhonda Dickson Motor Spare Parts and Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union operating in Ikoku Port Harcourt, Rivers state has sworn in Mr. Cyril Igbokwe, popularly known as Onyeoma Cy, as its new Chairman.

The brief swearing _in ceremony was held at the union office in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Igbokwe expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence his members had shown in him, despite his perceived educational background compared to others. , “I feel very happy to be the chairman of this great union in this great market. I’m proud of my executives for demonstrating commitment and cooperation.” Notably, the executives raised over ?1 million for the inauguration ceremony within an hour.

The new Chairman promised to tackle key challenges facing the union, including security and indiscipline. He vowed to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, who he praised for excellent performance, and aimed to possibly do better.

Mr. Igbokwe emphasized maintaining a robust relationship with the host community and conducting his affairs within the ambit of the law.

In his remarks,the Electoral Committee Chairman’, Igwe Amobichukwu Eze Okorie, assured that the elections were conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner. Despite facing challenges such as non-compliance with guidelines and unfounded propaganda campaigns, no formal protest letters had been received.

Also speaking, the Women’s Leader, Lolo Nkechinyere Okolie, expressed faith in the new Chairman, citing his integrity and experience. She highlighted her role in ensuring women’s voices are counted in the union and vouched for the credibility of the election, noting that Mr. Igbokwe was the popular choice among members.

Rivers

CDS Urges Communities To Protect Pipelines

Published

4 days ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has urged Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) host communities to protect national assets located within their areas.

Musa made the appeal at a monthly stakeholders’ meeting organised by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in Port Harcourt.

Represented by Navy Capt. Lassie Ozovehe, he said the effects of oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism were mostly borne by the host communities themselves.

He noted that the environmental and health risks from pipeline damage affect locals more than the oil companies operating in the region.

“These assets are on your land. You benefit from them, so you must protect them and safeguard yourselves from the hazards”, he said.

He praised PINL for its consistent efforts in securing the assets, particularly its record of zero infractions on the Trans Niger pipelines.

Earlier, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, PINL’s Community Relations Consultant, urged host communities to collaborate in tackling security challenges in the Niger Delta.

Mezeh said PINL had expanded its mandate to include the security of all oil and gas infrastructure in the Eastern Corridor, including gas pipelines.

He explained that the meeting aimed to reduce pipeline vandalism and oil theft, which have major economic consequences for the country.

He stated that PINL had seen near-zero incidents over the past month, crediting host community cooperation for the achievement.

He, however, identified ongoing issues such as poor information sharing, threats to surveillance guards, stakeholder collusion, and leadership disputes.

A keynote speaker, Mr. Otoyo Sunday, discussed the serious health effects of gas flaring in the Niger Delta region.

He urged people to view the environment as living, warning that harmful activities have long-term consequences for people and nature.

Sunday condemned gas flaring caused by well testing, pressure releases, and illegal refining activities.

On his part, Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, Mr. Datolu Sokubo, called for a balanced focus on security and human development.

“You can’t protect pipelines without addressing people’s welfare. Without our cooperation, infrastructure is never truly secure”, he said.

He urged the Federal Government to prioritise development, especially in education and healthcare, across the region.

The Traditional Ruler of Ekpeye Land, Eze Kelvin Anugwu, called on oil companies to end gas flaring immediately.

Represented by Dr. Patricia Ogbonnaya, he urged PINL to raise awareness of the health and environmental concerns of the communities.

“We keep advising our youths against bunkering. But oil firms must take responsibility for the long-term effects of their operations”, he stated.

Other traditional leaders at the meeting requested improved welfare for surveillance workers, chiefs, and communities to maintain stability and protect oil infrastructure.

Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Monarch Cautions Youths Against Illicit Drug Consumption

Published

4 days ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Eze Igbu Orlukwor II, Eze Ehie II, HRH Eze Prince Ike Ehie, has cautioned youths in his kingdom and Ekpeye at large on the need to abstain from illicit drugs consumption.

Ehie said this recently while fielding questions from newsmen in commemoration of the 2025 World Drug Abuse Day at his liaison office, Ahoada.

He emphasized that drug abuse was dangerous to the body system as it had harmed many physically, mentally and otherwise.

The Monarch noted that people should always take ‘drugs’ based on prescription by qualified medical and health personnel.

He said youths’ alleged disrespect for constituted authorities, mental challenge and various types of illnesses can be linked to the consumption of illicit drugs.

The Royal Father further noted that except government agencies saddled with the requisite responsibilities synergized with traditional institutions and other like-minded organizations, much may not be achieved against the campaign and fight against illicit drug consumption.

According to him, most youths today can do nothing without taking hard drugs, which he said makes them ‘high’ and hyper elated.

The Orlukwor Monarch wondered how the youths would take over the mantle of leadership at both communities and federal levels with such uncultured behaviour and repugnant attitudes.

The World Day of Drug Abuse, was tagged, “Breaking The Chains, Prevention, Treatment And Recovery For All”.

King Onunwor