Rivers

Kattey Tasks Politicians On Welfare Of Citizenry

Published

10 years ago

May 27, 2016

L-R: Rivers State Commissioner for Housing, Hon Emma Okah, Commissioner for Works, Hon Bethuel Iheanyi Chuchukwu Harrison and Commissioner for Information and Communications, Dr Austin Tam-George, during the commissioning of Rumuokwurusi, Eneka, Igwuruta Road, yesterday. Photo: Egberi A. Sampson.

The Archbishop , Province
of Niger Delta, and Bishop, Diocese of Niger Delta North, the Most Rev. Ignatius C. O. Kattey has called upon political leaders to promote issues that are of benefit to the average citizen.
In his presidential address/Archbishop’s charge delivered at the third session of the Seventh Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North with the theme: The Second Coming of Jesus Christ (Rev. 22:12) at St. Silas’s (Anglican) Church, Eneka Deanery, Port Harcourt, Kattey, who was the Dean, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), deplored the degenerating security situation in the country in general and Rivers State in particular, which he attributed to the political game playing out in the country.
“How can people who claim they have the interest of the masses at heart, be the ones through whom the lives of the people was endangered? The game of politics should not be played at the detriment of the people for whom it is meant to benefit. Enough is enough”, he advised.
Kattey said “it is very necessary at this point in the history of Rivers State to advise Christian leaders in politics whether in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the state level and All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Federal level to demonstrate Christian leadership qualities of service, humility and integrity to the glory of God.
Quoting from Ecclesiastes chapter three, verse one, that “to everything, there is a season and time”, and a popular axiom: “there is no permanent enemy in politics but permanent interest”, Kattey asked: “in this season of “change”, what should be the permanent interest of the average Rivers politician?
He said “time was in the politics of Rivers State, when the present Governor of the State, Chief Nyesom Wike was the minister of State for Education while the present Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi was the executive governor of Rivers State and reiterated the need for them to place the permanent interest of the average Rivers man at the front burner.
Kattey expressed appreciation to the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for his projects and development blue print code-named New Rivers Vision, which he said, has impacted positively on the people of the state.
Some of the projects, according to the religious leader, include road construction, the judiciary, health, education and workers’ welfare.
The Dean. Emeritus, who also congratulated the South-South Governors of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta and Rivers States on their electoral victories, appealed to them not to lose sight of the peculiar challenges confronting the zone and revolve to address them.
The Archbishop, who emphasised the fact that the Second Coming of Jesus Christ is imminent, urged all to be prepared and live rapturable livers.

Rivers

Court Dismisses PDP Members’ Suit Over Rivers LG Election Candidates … Awards N10m Costs Against Claimants

Published

5 days ago

June 12, 2026

The Tide

A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has dismissed a suit instituted by three members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) challenging the role of the party’s state leadership in relation to the conduct of the 2025 local government elections.

In the judgment, delivered recently by Justice Stephen Jumbo in Port Harcourt, the Court held that it lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the matter and further ruled that the claimants lacked the locus standi to institute the action.

The suit was filed by Messrs. Enyi Uchechukwu, Wisdom Kalio, and Uche Amadi against the factional Chairman of the PDP in Rivers State, Aaron Chukwuemeka, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), the PDP, and the Rivers State Government.

Also joined as defendants were the Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and Councillors of Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt, and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas.

In the originating summons before the court, the claimants sought, among other reliefs, a determination of whether the Aaron Chukwuemeka-led State Executive Committee (SEC) of the PDP could validly submit a list of candidates to RSIEC for the August 2025 local government elections.

The claimants anchored their case on an earlier judgment of the Rivers State High Court, which they argued had nullified the congresses that produced the state executive led by Aaron.

They urged the court to interpret the legal implications of the earlier judgment and determine whether actions taken by the state executive in relation to the local government election process were valid.

However, Justice Jumbo held that rather than seeking a straightforward interpretation of the previous judgment, the claimants had invited the court to determine the validity of the submission of candidates by the first defendant to RSIEC.

The court noted that the reliefs sought by the claimants effectively converted the matter into a pre-election dispute, which falls within a distinct legal framework and is subject to statutory limitations.

According to the judge, the action was statute-barred in nature, thereby depriving the court of the jurisdiction required to adjudicate on the substantive issues raised in the suit.

The court consequently upheld all the preliminary objections filed by the defendants and agreed with their arguments challenging the competence of the action.

Having resolved the issues of jurisdiction and locus standi against the claimants, the court dismissed the suit in its entirety and awarded costs of N10 million against the claimants in favour of all the defendants.

King Onunwor

Rivers

2027 Polls: Anaka Kingdom Seeks Dev, Better Infrastructure

Published

5 days ago

June 12, 2026

The Tide

The Paramount Ruler of Anaka Kingdom in Akpor Clan, His Royal Highness, Chief Marcus Oriji, Olata XX, has reiterated the kingdom’s commitment to unity, development, and peaceful coexistence among its people.

Speaking during an interview in Ogbogoro, Chief Oriji, who was represented by his son, Eze Alloy Marcus, described Anaka as a community known for peace and unity, noting that the kingdom continues to attract visitors and residents because of its welcoming nature.

According to him, while the leadership of the kingdom has recorded progress, several challenges remain. H

He acknowledged that Anaka faces developmental challenges similar to those confronting many communities across the country.

He identified the provision of key infrastructure, including a modern market, schools, healthcare facilities, and a police station, as critical areas requiring attention to enhance the growth and development of the kingdom.

On concerns raised by residents over the poor condition of the road linking St. John’s to Ogbogoro, Eze Marcus commended the Rivers State Government under the leadership of the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for commencing work on the Ring Road project, which he described as a significant development for the area.

He explained that Anaka Kingdom stands to benefit from the project and appealed to the government to accelerate construction efforts, particularly on sections connecting St. John’s and other adjoining communities, to ease traffic congestion and improve accessibility.

Expressing optimism about the project’s completion, he said improved road infrastructure would not only enhance movement within the area, but also attract investors, businesses, and visitors to the kingdom.

Commenting on the 2027 general elections, Marcus called for divine guidance in the selection of leaders, stressing the need for God-fearing individuals who would govern with integrity and commitment to national development.

He also advised young people to shun electoral violence and resist being used by politicians for unlawful activities such as ballot box snatching and election-related disturbances, whil also urging youths to play constructive roles in strengthening democracy by supporting free, fair, and peaceful elections.

The royal representative emphasized that “sustainable development, improved infrastructure, and peaceful democratic processes remain essential for the continued progress of Anaka Kingdom and Rivers State as a whole.”

Azubuike Chiwendu/Akpelu Godspower

Rivers

New Rivers NSCDC Boss Vows Crackdown On Oil Vandals, Economic Saboteurs

Published

5 days ago

June 12, 2026

The Tide

The newly appointed Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Rivers State Command, Reuben Dennis, has declared a total war against oil vandals, economic saboteurs and other criminal elements threatening the security and economic wellbeing of the state.

He made the pledge during a brief handover ceremony at the Command’s headquarters on Olu Obasanjo Road, Port Harcourt, where he officially took over from the outgoing State Commandant, Joachin Okafor.

A statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Ihemnacho Umeado, said the outgoing commandant formally transferred authority to Dennis, who previously served as the Command’s second-in-command and most recently as Head of Operations, Zone 9, Port Harcourt.

In his inaugural remarks, Dennis promised to build on the achievements of his predecessor while intensifying efforts to protect critical national assets and infrastructure across Rivers State.

He warned criminal elements engaged in oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other forms of economic sabotage to steer clear of the state, stressing that the Command under his leadership would deal decisively with anyone found undermining national assets.

The new NSCDC helmsman also pledged to strengthen collaboration with sister security agencies and other stakeholders to improve security across the oil-rich state.

According to him, intelligence gathering, personnel development and enhanced operational efficiency will form key pillars of his administration.

Dennis further assured officers and men of the Command of improved welfare and regular training programmes aimed at boosting professionalism and operational readiness.

He, however, issued a stern warning against indiscipline, misconduct and unprofessional conduct among personnel, maintaining that erring officers would face appropriate disciplinary measures.

Emphasising that security remains a collective responsibility, Dennis called on residents to support law enforcement agencies with credible information capable of helping to combat crime and insecurity.

Earlier, the outgoing Commandant, Okafor, expressed gratitude to the NSCDC Commandant-General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, for the opportunity to serve the nation and the Corps.

He also commended Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for supporting the Command, particularly through the donation of 10 Hilux patrol vehicles which, he said, significantly enhanced operational effectiveness.

Okafor urged his successor to prioritise the acquisition of a permanent site for the Command as part of efforts to strengthen its institutional presence in the state.

The ceremony featured the signing of handover documents, symbolic transfer of authority through the presentation of the NSCDC flag and a photo session attended by senior officers of the Command.