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Chiefs Council Raises Alarm Over Rivers Chieftaincy Act

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11 years ago

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The Ahoada East Local
Government Council of Chiefs has raised alarm over what it described as obnoxious provision in the recently passed Rivers State Chieftiancy and Council of Chiefs Bill 2014 with a call on the Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon Rotimi Amaechi, not to assent to the bill because of its dangerous implications in the administration of the grassroot areas.
Making reference to Section 33 (4) as contained in the passed version of the bill, the chiefs council said there is an importation of strange clause which is contrary to what was discussed and accepted without objection at its public hearing.
It said Section 33 Sub-Section 3 of the draft of the Rivers State Chieftaincy and Council of Chiefs Bill, 2014, as presented and discussed at the public hearing of the said draft Bill, held at the Main Hall of the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, stipulated that, “1% of the 5% shall be paid to all paramount rulers of recognized communities as stipends, who are members of the local government council of chiefs”.
“Sadly, however, this wonderful clause has been surreptitiously withdrawn for inexplicable reasons and has been replaced by Section 33 Sub-Section 4 of the passed Bill, which states that ‘payment from the 5% allocation for the upkeep of recognised traditional rulers are to be paid only to co-opted members of the area council of traditional rulers, who are unrecognised”, no legal provision is made anymore for paramount rulers/chiefs, who are neither recognised nor co-opted”, it said.
A statement presented after a media briefing organised at Ahoada, the council said the first version raised excitement that chiefs in all the chieftaince communities in the state would have a taste of the 5% monthly stipend as of right and under the law and no longer a charity, giving every stakeholder in the chieftaincy institution in the state a sense of belonging, only to have their hopes dashed by what was passed as Bill.
Noting that the present Section 33 Sub-Section 4 was never part of the Bill presented  and discussed at the said public hearing, the Ahoada East Local Government Chiefs Council said the obnoxious section never even featured in the Report/Observation of the Adhoc Committee of the House.

 

Chris Oluoh

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Rivers

CDS Urges Communities To Protect Pipelines

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6 hours ago

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July 18, 2025

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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
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Monarch Cautions Youths Against Illicit Drug Consumption

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6 hours ago

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July 18, 2025

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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
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Rivers

NDDC Inaugurates Ultra-Modern Market In Rivers Community

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6 hours ago

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July 18, 2025

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The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has inaugurated an Ultra-Modern International Market in Ibaa Community, in Emohua Local Government Area of  Rivers State, as one of its projects to impact lives across the region.
The Rivers State Representative on the NDDC Board, Chief Tony Okocha, who was also at the event, said the project would improve local commerce and uplift economic activities in Ibaa and its environs.
Okocha commended the contractor for executing a quality job and appreciated the people of Ibaa community for their cooperation towards the timely completion of the project.
The Rivers NDDC representative said he was inspired to build the market after his visit to Ibaa community in 2024, where he witnessed women trading in makeshift stalls.
The Delta State NDDC representative, Mr. Monday Igbuya, said the market was one of its kind.
He urged the community to maintain and utilise the facility effectively.
The Traditional  Ruler of Ibaa, Dr. Wobodo Jonah, the youths and the entire community presented traditional food items to Okocha as a mark of honour and appreciation.
Also, the Student Union President presented an Award of Excellence to the Rivers State Representative in recognition of his commitment to community development.
The ultra-modern market had a storey building with 20 lock-up shops, 126 open stalls, modern toilet facilities, a 12,000-gallon potable water tank, and two office rooms,  fully fenced with a secured gate.
The inauguration was attended by dignitaries, including the North Central Representative, Mr. Nicholas Wend, among others.
Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso
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