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IPOB Members Burn Police Station In Abia …As Court Remands 30 Supporters In PH Prison …Military Probes Rights Abuses’ Claims

Published

8 years ago

September 15, 2017

Suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) yesterday morning burnt a police station in Abia State and injured one officer, the police spokesperson for the state has told newsmen.
According to the spokesperson, Geoffrey Ogbona, the attack was carried out around 6:30 a.m.
“Ariaria police station (Aba) was burnt down this morning,” Mr. Ogbona said. “The people that did this we are suspecting they are IPOB hoodlums.”
“The people came in their number, besieged the station and one of our police men was beaten up,” the spokesperson said, adding that “but glory be to God, we did not lose the officer’s life.”
Mr. Ogbona said while the violence was underway, the police restrained itself, failing to respond in kind.
“If anything like that had taken place, it would have worsened the situation,” Mr. Ogbona told this newspaper.
He, however, denied the report by Television Continental (TVC) that the Umuahia residence of the commissioner of Police for Abia State was attacked by IPOB on Thursday.
“That of (attack on) the residence of the Commissioner is not true,” he said. “What happened there was that the place is close to the residence of the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu; so, when people see IPOB members gather around there, they may think something like that (attack) was happening.”
He also confirmed attacks in which the Hausa community in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the state, was targeted, but said normalcy had been restored, following police intervention.
He said, “When we got wind of this, my commissioner moved to Aba and the issue was addressed. All the Hausa people were assured of their safety and they returned to their businesses.”
However, our source learnt that about 2,000 Hausas, including women and children, are currently held up in a relatively safe place in Aba, afraid for their lives.
The deteriorating situation in Abia, the home state of secessionist leader, Nnamdi Kanu, on Thursday, followed a report that the police lost a sergeant in a clash with secessionists in Rivers State on Wednesday.
But IPOB lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor told our source, that the group “is universally known for non-violent agitation.”
“Anybody indulging in violence is not an IPOB member,” Mr. Ejiofor said.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for independent investigation of human rights abuses and alleged humiliation of unarmed civilians by soldiers in Abia State. The party made the call in a statement by Mr Dayo Adeyeye, its National Secretary of National Caretaker Committee on Thursday in Abuja.
It said that a video clip of the alleged humiliation of civilians had gone viral.
The party said that though it welcomed Nigerian Army’s initiative to probe the incident, the humiliation of citizens, given the enormity of the allegation, was unacceptable.
“The party hereby calls for the setting up of an independent panel of experts on human rights to ascertain the veracity of this allegation.
“Where they are proven to be true, the PDP demands that all perpetrators as well as those connected, however remotely, be immediately brought to justice.
“This would go a long way to serve as a deterrent and reassure the international community that Nigeria is not a jungle but a decent society where human rights are promoted,’’ it said.
It added that the PDP believed that human life was sacrosanct and must be treated as such by all and sundry.
The PDP said that the right to life and liberty as enshrined in the county’s Constitution and other international conventions must not only be respected and protected, but must be seen to be so.
“The PDP frowns at and condemns violence in all its ramifications and calls on Nigerians, wherever they are, to eschew it and live peacefully with one another,’’ the statement further said.
Meanwhile, a Port Harcourt Chief Magistrate’s Court in Rivers State, has remanded 30 suspected supporters of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) in the Port Harcourt Maximum Prison Custody.
The remand followed the arraignment of the IPOB supporters by the state Commissioner of Police, Zaki Mohammed Ahmed before Chief Magistrate Amadi Nna-Amadi, yesterday.
The Tide recalls that some supporters of the IPOB were arrested by the police following violence that broke out at the Oyigbo area of the state, wherein a police sergeant was killed and another injured, while shops and properties were destroyed.
Nine of the suspects, who were arrested, last Monday, in connection with the killing of the police officer were arraigned under suit number PMC/1935C/2017 on charges bordering on murder, while the 21 arrested, last Tuesday, were charged in suit number PMC/1938C/2017, with treasonable felony and unlawful assembly.
The charges were not read to the accused and no plea was taken due to the nature of the charges.
In his ruling, the presiding Magistrate, Chief Magistrate Amadi Nna-Amadi, held that pursuant to Section 300 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, Rivers State, the court has remand powers.
He also stated that the court lacked jurisdiction to try the matter, and therefore, ordered the accused persons be remanded in prison custody while directing the court registrar to remit the case file to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice.
The matter was later adjourned sine die.
However, counsels to the accused persons, had argued that the police were wrong to have arraigned the suspects before a Magistrate’s Court, knowing that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter.
In his arguments, counsel to the 8th defendant in the murder charge, E.C. Morka, said the police have the powers to file the matter in a court that has jurisdiction to entertain the matter, pursuant to Section 301 subsection 1, 2 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Rivers State.
He further argued that pursuant to Section 18 of the Magistrate Court Law, 2004, the court has the powers to look into the case file of the accused to ascertain whether the accused was properly charged.
He accused the police of arraigning the suspect, especially his client on trump-up charges, and prayed the court to dismiss the charges, instead of sending the case file to the DPP for advice.
On his part, defence counsel to the 8th and 10th defendants in the treasonable felony and unlawful assembly charge, Mr. Nworie, prayed the court to dismiss the charges and send the file to the Chief Judge for assignment of the case rather than remitting it to the DPP for advice.
Nworie, said the charge for which his clients were being accused are capital offence which punishment is death. He said, pursuant to Sections 98 and 99 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, the police were supposed to file the matter under a Writ of Summons in a competent court of jurisdiction within seven days of the arrest.
However, in his counter arguments, the prosecution counsel, led by the 2IC, Legal, Rivers State Command, DSP Enoch George, prayed the court to discountenance the arguments of the defence counsels.
He said the case was filed for remand purposes and that the Magistrate’s Court has the powers to remand the suspects in prison custody.
In an interview with newsmen after the court session, the prosecution led by George, promised to ensure speedy trial of the matter and for justice to prevail.
In another development, the military has begun an enquiry into allegations of torture of civilians by soldiers on Operation Python Dance in Abia State.
It said that any soldier found to have involved himself in such untoward activities would be dealt with in accordance with military law.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Deputy Director, Public Relations, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Col Sagir Musa in Enugu, yesterday.
The statement entitled, “Video Clip Of Alleged Human Rights Violations Trending On Social Media Is Being Investigated,” read, “The attention of the Headquarters, 82 Division, Nigerian Army has been drawn to a video clip trending on social media and other platforms purportedly showing troops humiliating some people at a check point in Abia State, Nigeria.
“The issue is being investigated with a view to ascertaining the source and the actors in the clip. Our Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement are quite clear and any officer or soldier that infringed on any of such directives if found guilty, will face full wrath of the military justice system.
“We would like to inform the public that 82 Division is also aware of the planned misinformation and propaganda arrangement by the secessionists Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
“They intend to churn out pre-recorded video clips aimed at discrediting the Nigerian Army, causing disaffection among the citizens of this country. They will be using bogus, manipulated and photo-shopped photographs as well as video clips. The public should be wary of such mischief, scrutinize and report same to the Nigerian Army or any of security agencies.
“The Division wishes to reassure the public that it is determined to ensuring the safety of lives and properties in its area of operational responsibility, particularly the entire South-East geo-political zone as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We do not condone any act of indiscipline in the conduct of our operations and training exercises. Any claim of rights violation would be investigated and when confirmed, appropriate disciplinary action would be taken against the erring personnel,” the statement added.

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PANDEF Hails Tinubu For Lifting Emergency Rule In Rivers

Published

2 weeks 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

3 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

1 month 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