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Rivers CAN Mourns Victims Of Religious Violence

Published

9 years ago

January 6, 2017

The Rivers State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has expressed deep concern and regrets over the death of Nigerians, occasioned by Boko Haram religious sect’s insurgency and Fulani cattle herdsmen in tolerance in various parts of the country.
Expressing regrets to what he described as ‘fake religious bigotry and extremism’, the Rivers CAN Chairman, and the Primate of the New Holy Christ Army Church Worldwide, Most Rev Isaac C. T.
Anyanasikike, described the deaths as unnecessary wastes and irreparable losses of human lives, and urged the Federal Government to wake up to the defense of the defenceless Christians and stem the orgy of violence in the various parts of the country in the current year.
Addressing journalists yesterday in Port Harcourt, in reaction to what he described as ‘continuous’ killings of children of God in Nigeria, especially in the Southern Kaduna, the ‘Man of God’ charged the various strata of the government to wake up from slumber, utilize optimally the security agencies, mobilise opinion and traditional leaders to check religious intolerance, violence and killings in the country, even as he condemned, in its entirety, the wanton waste of human lives.
On the Southern Kaduna Killings, he noted, “CAN has therefore declared Sunday, January 8, 2017, national day of mourning, in memory of those victims, and to draw attention, both nationally and internationally to the on-going ethnic/religious cleansing of Nigerian Christians in general and those of southern Kaduna in particular, in the last few weeks.
“As a result of this declaration, the National Headquarters has directed Christians all over the country, to attend church services that day in black attire, to prove their point— condemnation and rejection of the dastardly act against them.”
On the recent violence involving Fulani herdsmen in Enugu, in which three lives were lost and a Mosque burnt, he said that the incessant crises involving the Fulanis in several parts of the country, since the emergence of the present Federal Government, rather projects the government and President Muhammadu Buhari in particular, in bad light.
Anyanasikike advised the Federal Government to initiate what he described as proactive measures to deal with the issue, declaring the creation of mobile police posts to curb the killings and arrest offenders, as a lip service to religious intolerance.
“Government should stop the killings, and as well ensure that those behind the killings, are brought to book, under the laws of our land and those affected be compensated.
“Let the Federal Government, in honesty, should reach out to religious leaders—the CAN, Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Nigerian Human Rights Commission and other religious groups to deal with the matter, once and for all.
“It is rather unfortunate that, while we grapple with national economic recession, there are religious crises here and there. When it is not the Fulani herdsmen and one community, it is the Shiites against the Sunnis, or Christians attacked and churches burnt in one state or the other”, he regretted.
The Primate maintained that there was cordial relationship between Christians and Muslims in the state, appealing to other states to emulate them.
He commended the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for conducting the affairs of the state with the fear and wisdom of God, and vouched the continued support of the ‘the body of Christ’, in Wike’s resolve, to make Rivers the envy of other states in the federation.
“Governor Nyesom Wike is the first to take a decisive stance on the welfare of Christians and worship of God, since the birth of our dear state, no wonder he is the ‘Golden’ governor. His all-inclusive government has brought about peace and stability here. I make bold toassure the people of Rivers State that, he will complete the Christian Ecumenical Centre in record time,” he assured.
He noted the cordial relationship between his association and the state government, observing that it was the duty and responsibility of CAN to pray for the government and state, emphasizing that it was their prayers that saved the state from massive slaughter of human beings, in the just concluded legislative re-run elections.
Asked to comment further on the success and/or failure of the elections, he declined comments.
“We are the umbrella body of Christians, and not non-governmental organization (NGO), or a political group. We pray for the state and advise government, when the need arises. We are completely and totally non-political,” he said.
He wished Governor Wike, Rivers State and Nigeria a fruitful 2017, predicting that, if the various arms of government utilize the funds appropriated to them, as contained in the budget, operate in accordance with realistic economic blue print, the national economic recession will end before the fourth quarter of the year, and also urged the youth of the state to take seriously agriculture.
“For certain, the government cannot provide employment to all. Some will be in the business sector, while others embark on farming. There is much money in agriculture, and good enough, our soil is fertile, coupled with government’s encouragement.
I sincerely encourage our youth to pay attention to agriculture, and shun militancy”, he argued.

Featured

PANDEF Hails Tinubu For Lifting Emergency Rule In Rivers

Published

5 days ago

September 19, 2025

The Tide

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has hailed the lifting of the State of Emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

In a statement signed by Board members and National Executive Committee members, yesterday, PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu for rectifying what they described as an anomaly.

The statement was co-signed by Co-Chairmen, PANDEF Board of Trustees, Alfred Diette-Spiff and Obong Victor Attah, National Chairman Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, and National Secretary, Beks Dagogo-Jack.

Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State on the 18th of March, 2025, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, and members of the state House of Assembly for six months in the first instance.

In place of the governor, the President appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) as Sole Administrator.

However, Tinubu announced the suspension of the Emergency Rule on Wednesday, stating, “It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State shall end with effect from midnight today (Wednesday).”

The Forum commended Fubara’s unwavering perseverance and “faith in the divine will of Almighty God,” while also commending the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension.

“The Board and National Executive Committee of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, the apex socio-political organisation representing the South-South geopolitical zone, joins millions of Nigerians in welcoming the lifting of the state of emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

“While PANDEF had expressed strong reservations regarding the erstwhile emergency rule, we commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for taking this bold step to rectify the anomaly.

“We welcome Governor Siminalayi Fubara back to his elected office and salute his unwavering perseverance and faith in the divine will of Almighty God. We extend similar commendations to the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Oduah, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension,” the statement read.

Addressing Rivers people, the forum declared, “Light has returned to the state and a new glorious dawn has come. A moment in which the bitter pains of the past months will inspire all to rededicate themselves to true mutual forbearance, new alignments and forward movement.”

They urged political leaders and citizens to put the past behind them and work towards the collective good of the State, while pledging to support Rivers’ developmental trajectory under Fubara.

“All hearts and hands must therefore be joined together to put the past behind us and work towards the collective good of the state.

“We look forward to the State’s return to normalcy and the resumption of its developmental trajectory under the leadership of Governor Fubara and his team. PANDEF reiterates its commitment to supporting the government and people of Rivers State in their pursuit of progress and development,” the statement added.

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RSG Approves Full Rehabilitation of State Secretariat …Unveils Housing Scheme for Civil Servants, Honours Veterans

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Eteh Ibas (Rtd), has approved the complete rehabilitation and modernization of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex to enhance efficiency and productivity in the civil service.

Ibas made the announcement at the 2025 Civil Service Week Gala and Awards Ceremony held at Banquet Hall, Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday,.

He disclosed that “initiative is designed to transform the secretariat into a modern, efficient and conducive work environment, directly supporting the civil servants who form the backbone of the state’s governance.”

The Administrator also approved the provision of 106 housing units for civil servants in the State.

Ibas paid glowing tribute to retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, describing them as the bedrock of the state’s administration.

He stated that the awards ceremony was a symbol of deep appreciation for decades of sacrifice, resilience, and commitment.

“These interventions are designed to not only recognize your service, but also to improve your welfare in tangible and lasting ways,” the Administrator stated.

“We must build an administration that is efficient, effective, and truly citizen-centric,” he added.

The Administrator urged serving officers to draw inspiration from their predecessors and strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of citizens.

He emphasized the importance of embracing innovation, technology, and continuous training to build a civil service equipped for the future.

The Acting Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyingi Brown, in her welcome address, described the civil service as the “engine room of government” and expressed profound gratitude to the Administrator for his unwavering support and commitment to its modernization.“

“A society that does not honour its heroes is not worthy of emulation,” Dr. Brown remarked, lauding the retirees as torchbearers of discipline and loyalty.

She pledged to build on their legacy through reforms and innovation, projecting that the Rivers State Civil Service would become a model of efficiency and transparency by 2030.

Speaking on behalf of the retirees, President of the Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries, Sir Promise Njowhor,

expressed heartfelt appreciation for the historic recognition.

“For once, since the creation of the State, we are being honoured,” Njowhor said, adding, “Our morale has been lifted.”

He pledged the association’s continuous support for government programmes, describing the body of experienced retirees as a resource available to contribute to state development.

The rehabilitation of the State Secretariat and the new housing scheme represent a major investment in the infrastructure and dignity of public service in Rivers State, signaling a new era of support for the civil servants who drive the government’s policies and programmes.

The Tide reports that the Administrator also conferred awards of meritorious service on retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries in the State

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Rivers LG Poll: APC Wins 20 chairmanship seats, PDP Clears Three

Published

3 weeks ago

September 1, 2025

The Tide

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has won 20 out of the 23 local government areas in the just concluded local government election in the State, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clinched three local governments.

According to the results released by the Rivers State independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), yesterday, the APC won the chairmanship seats in Abua/Odual, Andoni, Opobo Nkoro, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Khana local government areas.

APC also won in Gokana, Tai, Oyigbo, Bonny, Eleme, Etche, Omuna, Akuku Toru, Asari Toru, Degema, Ikwerre and Emohua local government areas.

The Commission, however, said the PDP won in Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor, and Ogba Egbema Ndoni local government areas.

Chairman of the Commission, Dr Michael Odey, who announced the results at the Commission headquarters in Port Harcourt, said Ofori Owolabi of the APC scored 28,755 votes to emerge winner of the election for Abua Odual while Solomon Ochomma, also of the APC, emerged chairman elect for Ahoada East after scoring 54,509 votes.

Odey said Eugene Epelle also of the APC scored 84,125 votes to emerge winner in Ahoada West, while Bob Fubara was elected the chairman-elect for Akuku Toru after scoring 63,593 votes.

Similarly APC chairmanship candidate Lucky Otuo Promise emerged chairman-elect for Andoni after scoring a total of 126,181 votes, APC’s George Onengiyeofori emerged winner in Asari Toru after scoring 56,383 votes, while Pepple Blessing Abinye garnered 13,543 votes to emerge winner in Bonny Local Government Area.

Other APC candidates elected include Michael John Williams who scored 16,536 votes to emerge chairman-elect for Degema Local Government; Obarlllormate Ollor (77,452) for Eleme; Dr Chidi Julius Lloyd (114,380) for Emohua; Njoku Boniface (100,649) for Etche; Confidence Deekor (96,478) for Gokana, while Wobodo Charles got 62,746 votes to emerge winner in Ikwerre Local Government Area.

Other APC winners from the APC include Akuro Tobins (32,285 votes) for Okrika; Hon Obasi Uchechukwu (38,530) for Omuma; James A James (38,822) for Opobo Nkoro; Vincent Nemieboka (36,374) for Ogu/Bolo; Hon Mbakpone Okpe (70,080) for Tai LGA, while in Oyigbo, Okechukwu Akara scored 101,495 votes to emerge winner.

Meanwhile, the RSIEC chairman announced Dr Gift Worlu of the PDP with 328,823 votes to emerge winner in Obio Akpor; Shedrack Ogbogu, also of the PDP, scored 51,051 votes for Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area, while in Port Harcourt City, Sir Alwell Ihunda garnered 235,054 votes for PDP to emerge winner.

The APC also cleared the councillorship seats in Abua/Odual, Andoni, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Khana, Oyigbo, Bonny, Eleme, Etche,Tai, Khana Opobo/Nkoro and Degema local government areas.

Similarly APC councillorship candidates also emerged winners in Asari Toru, Degema, Akuku Toru, Gokana and Khana while PDP cleared the councillorship seats in Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt city, and Ogba Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Areas

Meanwhile, the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions has passed a vote of confidence on the just concluded local government election in the State.

National Chairman of the forum, Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, said this in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt.

Eri said all the chairmen across the country were in Port Harcourt to monitor the election as well as gain experience in an election under emergency rule.

John Bibor & King Onunwor