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Sylva Begs Bayelsans For Forgiveness

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Head of Service,  Rivers State,  Barrister Rufus Godwins (left), presenting a Merit Award to a civil servant in the office of the  Head of Service,  Mr. George Geoffrey, during  Civil Service Week celebration in Port Harcourt, yesterday         Photo: Chris Monyanaga

Head of Service, Rivers State, Barrister Rufus Godwins (left), presenting a Merit Award to a civil servant in the office of the Head of Service, Mr. George Geoffrey, during Civil Service Week celebration in Port Harcourt, yesterday Photo: Chris Monyanaga

Bayelsa State immediate past Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva has pleaded with his kinsmen and women of Okpoama in Brass Local Government  Area to forgive him for not initiating  development projects in the area for six years he ruled the state.
Sylva, believed to be nursing ambition for another shot at Creek Haven, the seat of Bayelsa State Government, while speaking at a unity rally and reception held in his honour as a former governor and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, said he has learnt his lessons, declaring, “if God can forgive all our trespasses, I believe you will also forgive me.”
According to Sylva, his political travails in the hands of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that led to his being denied the party’s ticket to run for second term in office as governor and his return as the state Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have opened his eyes to the fact that only God can forgive.
According to Sylva,”If I have learnt any lesson from my travails, it is only the fact that it is only God that forgives. I have forgiven those that offended me,  and also urge those of you that I have offended to forgive me.”
The former governor, who described the decision by the traditional ruler and the Council of Chiefs in Okpoama Kingdom to honour him as “a blessing”, urged the community to consider the occasion as an opportunity indication for renewed unity.
“If you think you have sea deity, you have not seen anything yet. God is the only beginning for us. Today is not only a day for unity but it will bring development. Let us do away with plague of poverty. The Lord has blessed us. If you do away with it, it is possible because God said so.”
Traditional Ruler of the Okpoama Kingdom, King Ebitimi Banigo while conferring on  Sylva a chieftaincy title, described him as a true leader, and commended his ability to stand tall to unite his people as political leader.
Banigo, who described Sylva as a prophet not recognized in his home town, said, “Today, we are putting that behind us and recognizing our son as a true gift from us to the nation and the world. It is easy to sit up and take notice. But it is another to sit up and take action. He has turn displeasure into success. He is a man of incredible character.”
Earlier in his speech, the Chairman of  Okpoama Unity Forum,Comrade Ebinimi Omubo, had said the decision to organise the unity rally to coincide with the chieftaincy title bestowed on Sylva was based on the need to bring together the  people of the community and forge a common front, adding that “the unity rally is to unite our people and we are grateful to God for blessing us with Chief Timipre Sylva.”
Political observers believe that Sylva, who was publicly stoned for non-performance during his tenure as governor has used the programme as launching pad for his new party.

 

Fyneface Aaron, Yenagoa

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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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