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Rivers Probe Panel Rejects Request To Arrest Ex-LG Bosses
Head of Service, Rivers State, Barrister Rufus Godwins (2nd right), presenting the State Civil Service circulars to the Deputy Governor of the State, Dr Mrs Ipalibo Harry Banigo (right), at this year’s Civil Service Day celebration in Port Harcourt on Tuesday. Photo: Chris Monyanaga
The Judicial Commission of Inquiry investigating the sale of valued assets belonging to Rivers State by the immediate past administration, has turned down its counsel’s application to issue warrant of arrest on former local government chairmen who had refused to obey a directive to appear before it.
The Justice George Omeriji-led panel had on August 25, 2015, summoned the former council chairmen for their alleged involvement in the purported diversion of N2billion being part of a N4billion agric loan to the state from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Omereji, said during his brief yesterday, that it was not necessary to involve the police in the proceedings of the panel, especially when it could be avoided.
He explained that the invitation extended to the former council chairmen and the subsequent issuance of summons for them to appear before the panel and defend the allegations of corruption against them was a proof that they were given fair hearing.
“Our invitation and subsequent issuance of summons to the affected former local government chairmen to answer to allegations of corruption against them is a demonstration that they have been given a fair hearing.
“It is up to them to come forward to defend themselves on the allegations against them before the commission. This is a fact-finding commission; so, there is no need to involve the police,” Omereji said.
It will be recalled that counsel for the commission, Dr. Zaccheus Adangor, made a verbal application before the commission on Monday, asking it to issue a warrant of arrest on the former local government chairmen who refused to appear before the panel after being summoned to do so.
Adangor had recalled that the invitation and summons issued on the ex-council chairmen were published in The TIDE Newspaper, the state-owned print medium.
However, counsel for the former local government chairmen, Mr. Ken Atsuwete, said he was satisfied with the position of the commission on the matter.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
