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Bodo Agog Over N25bn Shell Compensation

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APC supporters at a campaign rally in Rivers State, recently

APC supporters at a campaign rally in Rivers State, recently

Bodo community in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State appears to be enjoying a new vista following the payment of N25 billion oil spill compensation by the Anglo-Dutch oil giant, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC).
Our correspondent, who visited the area, last Thursday, said the community was agog with construction of new buildings, massive renovation of old houses, and the emergence of a lot of small and medium enterprises.
Chairman of Bodo Council of Chiefs, Chief Livinus Kiebel told The Tide that “massive transformation is going on in the area. Poor women who have never had N10,000 before in their lives are now receiving at least N600,000.00 individual claims”.
Describing the compensation as a big blessing to the people, he said, “Everybody is happy and in every corner of the community, you see a lot of new houses being constructed, massive renovation works are going on in old buildings. New businesses, new vehicles, fishing gears, canoes, among others, are being acquired daily.
“This economic boom in Bodo at this period when Nigeria is passing through ‘austerity’ has also impacted on traders in the area”, said an Igbo trader who deals on building materials in the community, as according to him, daily sales are impressive.
A woman, who identified herself as Mama Lebari, said the life of her family has changed as she and her five sons put their claims together which has brought about a turn around that was never envisaged.
The chairman of the chiefs council, also said “as I speak to you, people have paid tithes and appreciation to God such that my church, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Bodo, has received about N20 million from tithe and other forces of appreciation to God.
Kiebel said the people were happy with Leigh Day & Company, the United Kingdom-based firm for assisting the community win its suit against SPDC and the ultimate payment of the compensation, unlike what it used to be in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
According to him, after a long drawn legal battle with SPDC over the major crude oil spillage in the area that resulted in high scale destruction in 2008, at least, SPDC was defeated and had no option than to pay N25 billion for the damage.
The chief, however, decried what he termed negative impact of oil politics, which frustrates development in the region.
He accused SPDC of always denying responsibility when spills occur from its aged pipes, thereby reducing the economic fortunes of the people.
“The company would always apply divide and rule system, and link the spills to third party and bunkering activities even when such spill was occasioned by its negligence”, he said.
Kiebel also accused the Federal Government of not coming to the aid of the people by wielding the big stick on the multinationals.
“There is too much oil politics frustrating people from getting justice in the Niger Delta over oil spill. No matter how gracious, Federal Government would not come out with the big stick, but would rather make noise while the victims of the spill keep suffering “, he said.
He called for immediate abrogation of the Land Use Act, saying the law is against all norms in modern world.
“Because they see oil as everything, the military people came up with the decree in the 70s”, he stated, and urged the National Assembly to emulate advanced nations of the world and repeal the Land Use Act.

 

Chris Oluoh & Lydia William

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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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