News
Army Accuses Monarch, Rep Of Sponsoring Cultists In Rivers
The Nigerian Army has revealed the sponsors and masterminds of the two most deadly cult groups in Rivers State.
According to General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Port Harcourt, Maj-Gen Enobong Udoh, a House of Representatives member and a traditional ruler in Ozochi community in Rivers State are the personalities behind the Icelander and the Greenlander fraternities in Ahoada area of the state.
Udoh disclosed this during an interactive session between the high command of the Nigerian Army led by the Chief of Army staff, Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai and traditional rulers in the state.
He said: “In Ahoada East, I am aware it is a problem between Icelanders and Greenlanders. King of Ozochi community is said to be sponsoring Greenlanders; a member House of Representatives is said to be sponsoring the Icelanders.
“I have invited both sponsors and the special adviser to the governor on conflict resolution.”
He further said the Army was working round the clock to restore peace in Ahoada; adding that it would also step up security patrol in Kula, Abonnema and other riverine areas of the state.
On his part, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai said the Army will always work with the police and other security bodies to achieve enduring peace in the state.
He further solicited cooperation of traditional rulers in the state in the effort by security agencies to effectively secure the state, stressing that their contribution was necessary.
“The traditional rulers, government and the people have important roles to play to secure the state”, he said.
Earlier, the Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Amanyanabo of Opobo kingdom, King Danderson Douglas Jaja, urged Buratai to address what he dubbed marginalization of Rivers indigenes at the top echelon of the Army; adding that the Army should recruit more to have enough hands to tackle insecurity all over.
“Our people have not had their fair share in the recruitment into the Nigerian army. Time was when we had army officers from Rivers State. Unfortunately, the few left were retired at the last retirement exercise.
“We need to see that our sons and daughters are counted among officers of the Nigerian Army occupying good positions,” he said.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
-
Oil & Energy11 hours agoWe Are Elevated Through Plethora Of Projects —- Obagi HCDT Board … As Senator Attributes Success To PIA
-
Business11 hours agoNCAA Certifies Elin Group Aircraft Maintenance
-
Maritime11 hours agoCustoms To Scan 200 Containers Per Hour At Apapa Port
-
Rivers11 hours ago
ECOWAS Parliament Adopts AI In Lawmaking
-
News11 hours agoNIGERIA AT 65: FUBARA HARPS ON UNITY, PEACE
-
Opinion11 hours ago184 Days of the Locust in Rivers State
-
News11 hours agoFG moves to avert fuel supply crisis, promises stability
-
City Crime11 hours agoIndustry Braces For Glut And Investor Demands