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Stop Arming Youth With Guns, RSG Warns Politicians

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The Rivers State Government has appealed to politicians to stop the habit of aiding youth with arms as the 2015 general election draw near
The state Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi made this call during the flag-off ceremony of “Stop Kidnapping campaign” organized by the state police command at the police officers mess, Port Harcourt, over the weekend.
Governor Amaechi, who was represented at the occasion by his Deputy, Engr Tele Ikuru, said the danger inherent in such act was  disastrous, adding that such habit pays no good to any one.
The state governor said that the interest of the society should be more paramount than any politician or individual interest, and urged the people to shun those politicians whose interest was to destroy what the society has  achieved over the years because of their personal ambitions.
After the elections, the arms will be difficult to retrieve and those guns will turn back to you, he said.
He described the launch of the Stop Kidnapping campaign” in the state as very apt as it was coming at a time when the country and indeed, the state was facing the challenges of insecurity and other anti-social vices, such as kidnapping.
He recalled that the problem of kidnapping started with the introduction of the global system of mobile communication (GSM) in the country in 1999, adding that before the emergence of GSM, people hardly communicate easily.
‘The negative aspect of GSM to society is what we are experiencing today. If you kidnap somebody and you have no contact to reach the family, the business will not be juicy and interesting. You can be in Aba and talk to somebody in Port Harcourt, this is what makes it viable, he stated.
According to him, the only way to fight the menace and defeat it in the society will be through electronic devises, adding that kidnapping requires collaborative efforts of every body.
The state chief executive thanked the police and other security formations in the state for their services in ensuring peaceful cohesion in the state and the country at large, adding that he was optimistic that one day, those in the  country’s leadership would recogise their  services and take good care of them.
Amaechi used the opportunity to assure them of the state government ‘s determination to support the police and other security agencies to effectively carry out their responsibilities in the state.
Also speaking, the chairman of the occasion and Senator, representing Rivers East at the National Assembly, Senator George Sekibo, described kidnapping as a major challenge confronting the country, adding that all hands must join together to fight the menace in the state.
He stated that the safety of the society starts with every individual, adding that the society must rise up by being part of the solution.
Sekibo, who is the chairman, Senate Committee on Defence and Army, opined that the problem in winning the insurgency in the country was the people’s unwillingness to give information to security agencies.
“People are afraid  to give information. We should be  actively involved to be part of the fight against kidnapping, he said.
Earlier in his speech, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Tunde Ogunsakin stated that the kidnapping was affecting the economic fortunes of the state, adding that the command has reduced the crime rate to the barest minimum.
He opined that the launch of the campaign was borne out of the command’s commitment in fighting the crime in the state, and urged residents of the state to cooperate with the police.
in this regard through giving the police useful information.

Acting IGP, Suleiman Abba (left), addressing senior police officers in Abuja last Friday.With him are AIG Force Headquarters, Mr Dan Azumi Dona (middle) and AIG Intelligence Bureau, Mr Solomon Arase.

Acting IGP, Suleiman Abba (left), addressing senior police officers in Abuja last Friday.With him are AIG Force Headquarters, Mr Dan Azumi Dona (middle) and AIG Intelligence Bureau, Mr Solomon Arase.

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NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam

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The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.

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Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence

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The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.

The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.

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Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027

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A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.

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