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Stop Arming Youth With Guns, RSG Warns Politicians
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.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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