Rivers
AIG Moves Against Troublesome Politicians In Rivers
Following the increase in
political intolerance and crisis among politicians in Rivers State, the police authorities have warned that they will deal with any politician or group of persons causing problem in the state.
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Zone 6, Calabar, Tunde Ogunsakin, gave the warning while briefing newsmen in Port Harcourt over the recent political disturbances in the state, Monday.
According to the AIG, the press briefing was necessitated by the recent disruption of the All Progressives Congress (APC) rally in Okrika LGA last week Tuesday.
He regretted that the attack led to the death of one Police Officer Ifeanyi Okorie, and injuring of some persons, including an operative of the Department of State Service and one journalist that were stabbed.
‘It is sad that it was in the course of repelling the assailants that we lost one of our men, although the intervention of our officers greatly minimised the impact and injuries”.
Ogunsakin, who recalled that on Wednesday, 4th February, 2015, he had a meeting with all political parties and stakeholders in the state during which he reiterated the mandate from the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Suleiman Abba, to ensure that electioneering activities are conducted under a peaceful and hitch-free environment.
He opined that during the meeting, it was agreed that political activities must effectively accommodate the interests of all without undermining the fundamental human rights of the citizens, and without also compromising the peace, order, security and safety of lives and property in the state.
‘It is important to state that in the course of the aforementioned meeting with the political parties and stakeholders, candidates and other political actors signed a Peace Accord, which was committal in nature to the effect that all political actors will, among other things, eschew all forms of electoral violence. Unfortunately, it has become apparent that the political actors who were at the meeting are not complying with the peace accord”, he said.
The AIG stated that the meeting further resolved that in the event of any violation of the Peace Accord, appropriate sanctions should be meted on the violators, adding that it was in the strength of the above that he has temporarily relocated his office to Port Harcourt.
The Police boss warned that he will no longer condone any act that would disrupt peace and order in any part of states under his control, especially Rivers State.
Ogunsakin said that he has the capacity to overwhelm any persons or groups that will rise to contravene the Electoral Act or disrupt the peace, adding that in line with his intention to partner with all communities, established institutions and all relevant stakeholders, he met with politicians and religious leaders from Okrika and Ogu/Bolo LGAs where he re-iterated his commitment to ensuring zero tolerance to crime and violence.
He told the media that his office has commenced a detailed investigations into the incident that took place during the All Progressives Congress (APC) rally in Okrika as well as the attack and attempt on a Rivers PDP convoy at Abua in Abua/Odual local Government Area, adding that he was determined to ensure that the perpetrators are made to face the wrath of the law.
The Police while soliciting for public cooperation and information said the public could send their information to the Police on the dedicated lines: 08173172215, 08173172216, the Nigerian Police Zone 6 @yahoo.com, among others, and assured of their protection.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Mr. Sam Woka (right0 with his counterpart, Ministry of Transport counterpart, Nuka Nadum Nwikpasi, at the inspection of the monorail project in Port Harcourt last Wednesday.
The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages
The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.
National Youth Council of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter, under the dynamic leadership of Amb. Ambrose Sopuruchukwu Okpor, has called on the result-oriented National President, Amb. Sokubo Saraigbe Sokubo, to re-contest.
This call stems from the overwhelming confidence reposed in him by Nigerian youths, based on his outstanding track record, charismatic leadership, and unwavering commitment to youth development.
This was contained in a statement made available to news men, yesterday.
Amb. Akpor explained that under the leadership of Amb. Sokubo the NYCN has experienced unprecedented progress in youth empowerment, advocacy, and national unity.
“I want to say that Amb. Sokubo’s ability to maintain harmony, sustainable peace, and foster an inclusive atmosphere within the youth leadership structure is a testament to his visionary and tactical approach to leadership.
“The Rivers State Chapter, with other progressive and stakeholders, believes he is best positioned to continue piloting the affairs of the Council towards greater heights”,he said.
The youth council chairman in the State further appeal to Sokubo to answer this noble call to serve once again, for the sake of continuity, growth, and the collective aspirations of Nigerian youths across the country.