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FG, Not Serious With Anti-Graft War -Insists On Trial Of Indicted Ex-RSG Officials – Condoles Nigerians Over Ekwueme’s Demise

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The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has stated that the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government’s fight on corruption can only be taken seriously, if it prosecutes indicted persons who siphoned resources belonging to the Rivers State Government.
Wike said that documents and evidence from the State Judicial Commission of Inquiry have been transmitted to the police and the anti-corruption agencies, but no action has been taken.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the members of the Okpo Club of Nigeria (Ikwerre Lawyers Worldwide), yesterday, at the Government House, Port Harcourt, Wike said that the sale of Rivers assets was done in a manner to defraud the state.
He said majority of the assets were sold to Sahara Ltd in very questionable circumstances as determined by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry.
According to him, the sad aspect of the transactions by the immediate past administration was that it paid back $50million to Sahara Ltd on the allegation that the company loaned that amount to the Rivers State Government.
He directed the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to commence the process for the unilateral implementation of the recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry, since the anti-corruption agencies have refused to act.
On interventions in the construction of federal courts in Rivers State, Wike said that his administration was interested in advancing the course of justice, hence the diligent investments.
He said that the National Industrial Court will be completed by January 2018.
Wike said despite the hostilities of the Court of Appeal, the administration undertook to remodel the Port Harcourt Division of the court in the interest of justice.
On state-wide development, Wike noted that the administration has visible projects presence in 22 out of the 23 local government areas of the state.
Earlier, Chairman of Okpo Club of Nigeria (Ikwerre Lawyers Worldwide), Chukwuma Chinwo lauded the Rivers State governor for investing in the revival and growth of the Judiciary in the state.
Chinwo stated that achievements in the area of education, health and road infrastructure have changed the landscape of the state.
He assured Wike of their support, noting that they were proud of his achievements as a lawyer.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has commiserated with Nigerians, the government and people of Anambra State and the family of the former vice president, Dr Alex Ekwueme over his passage.
The governor, who described the late former vice president, Alex Ekwueme, as an outstanding democrat, compassionate leader, true patriot and exemplary statesman, said he would be missed by all lovers of democracy and development.
While extending his deepest condolences to Nigerians, Wike noted that he was pained by the death of the former vice president.
He prayed God to grant the family of the former vice president the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Meanwhile, the Senate has urged the Federal Government to immortalise former vice president, late Dr Alex Ekwueme, who died in a London hospital.
The upper chamber also called on Federal Government to immediately name the Federal Polytechnic, Oko and other federal assets after him.
This followed a motion moved by Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekwerenmadu, who officially informed the Senate of Ekwueme’s demise.
He noted that the deceased was an intellectual giant who had lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation.
The senators took turns to eulogise late Ekwueme, whose statesmanship and leadership qualities they described as outstanding.
The Senate consequently resolved to send a high-powered delegation to commiserate with his family, government and the people of Anambra State.
The lawmakers also observed a minute’s silence in his honour.
President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, had in his statement, last Monday, said that the death of Ekweme was a loss for the country, saying that the deceased was a detribalised Nigerian that put Nigeria first and showed loyalty to the former government headed by Shehu Shagari.

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COAS Tasks Troops To Dominate Battlespace, Intensify Offensive In N/Central

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1 day ago

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May 29, 2026

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The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.

Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.

This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.

Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.

He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.

The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.

He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.

Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.

Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.

 

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Obuah’s Victory Excites Former Lawmaker as APC Primaries Conclude in Rivers West

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1 day ago

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May 29, 2026

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A former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Nathaniel Uwaji, has expressed excitement over the emergence of Bro Felix Obuah as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Rivers West Senatorial District following the party’s just concluded primaries.
Hon. Uwaji, who formerly represented Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Constituency I, described Obuah’s emergence as a reflection of the wishes and aspirations of the people of Rivers West.
Speaking shortly after voting at Ward Five, Obrikom, Uwaji commended party members and supporters for turning out en masse to participate in the exercise and vote for what he described as “the right candidate.”
According to him, Bro Felix Obuah’s reputation as a bridge builder and grassroots politician makes him well suited to represent Rivers West in the Senate.
“Bro Obuah’s antecedents speak volumes across the length and breadth of Rivers State. The people are pleased to have him represent them at the National Assembly because he has paid his dues,” Uwaji stated.
The former lawmaker further noted that Obuah has remained unwavering in his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, whom he described as key political leaders with strong followership in the state.
“There is no doubt that Bro Obuah has consistently demonstrated loyalty and support to both President Tinubu and Chief Wike. He remains one of the strongest allies of the FCT Minister,” he said.
Uwaji maintained that Obuah’s popularity and political track record have endeared him to the people, stressing that his victory at the primaries was widely expected.
“The name Bro Obuah is already a household name in Rivers State politics because of his track records. This victory has once again demonstrated his popularity and acceptance among the people,” he added.
He also thanked the people of Ward Five, Obrikom, and other stakeholders for their overwhelming support during the primaries, expressing confidence that the APC candidate would record another victory during the 2027 general elections.
“As you can see from the results, the people voted overwhelmingly for him, and they will repeat the same feat during the main election in 2027. Ward Five, Obrikom, will be among the first to deliver results for Bro Obuah and Mr. President,” Uwaji declared.
The former lawmaker also commended security agencies and electoral officials for ensuring a peaceful, free, fair, and credible primary election process.
He assured constituents that Bro Felix Obuah would not disappoint the people if elected into the Senate.
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Navy Upgrades Training, Infrastructure To Tackle Security Threats

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1 day ago

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May 29, 2026

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The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.

Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.

“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”

According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.

Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.

Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.

Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.

“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.

“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’

He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.

The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.

“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.

In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.

Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.

Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.

“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.

He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.

Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.

He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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