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EndSARS: Police To Control SARS Movement – As Nigerians Protest Against Squad – Rivers Seeks Fakorede’s Sack, Prosecution
Thousands of Rivers people on the platform of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI) last Monday, took to the streets of Port Harcourt and its environs to protest the killings, kidnappings and electoral fraud perpetrated by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in the state.
The protesters marched through the streets of Port Harcourt before terminating at the PDP headquarters where statements were made by leaders.
The protesters sang anti-SARS songs and displayed placards condemning SARS personnel for their devilish acts of lawlessness.
They also demanded the immediate sack and prosecution of the Rivers SARS Commander, Akin Fakorede.
Some of the placards read: “Sack Akin Fakorede Now”, “Stop Killings By SARS”, “President Buhari Call SARS To Order”, ‘End The Killings By SARS”, and “End SARS’ Brutality Now”
President-General of Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), Mr Bright Amaehwule berated the Special Anti-Robbery Squad for turning themselves into political criminals used by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to perpetrate crime against Nigerians.
He said that the pro-SARS rally, which ran simultaneously in Port Harcourt, and organised by the APC, had confirmed that the brutality of SARS in the state was being sponsored by the party.
Amaehwule called for the immediate sack and prosecution of the Rivers SARS Commander, Akin Fakorede, who was captured on tape committing electoral fraud.
The GDI chieftain said Fakorede and his operatives must be held to account for their crimes against Rivers people.
He particularly lamented the three Ogoni youth killed by SARS operatives because they stopped SARS from engaging in pipeline vandalism.
In his remarks, the Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Engr Samuel Nwanosike regretted that the Police High Command had allowed SARS to degenerate into a deadly criminal gang.
He pointed out that SARS has become a security agency used by the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to terrorise Rivers people and steal their mandate.
While re-affirming the call for the sack and prosecution of Fakorede, Nwanosike said Rivers people will never be intimidated by the criminally-minded security gang.
He said: “SARS as presently constituted is no longer a security outfit. It has been turned against the people; hence Nigerians from all walks of life want the outfit disbanded.
“In Rivers State, we demand the sack and prosecution of the Rivers SARS Commander, Akin Fakorede. He has committed crimes against our people. We will continue to resist the impunity of SARS. Rivers people will never be intimidated by a gang of criminals,” Nwanosike added.
Also speaking, the former chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Collins Onunwor said the people will not allow the use of SARS for the rigging of the 2019 General Elections.
It would be recalled that Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike had drawn the attention of Nigerians to the crimes being perpetrated by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad.
The governor had in a press conference in Port Harcourt brought to public notice the Signal sent by the Inspector General of Police X Squad wherein SARS in Rivers State was indicted for kidnapping one Ifeanyi and demanding ransom from him.
The signal revealed that the SARS operatives later engaged the IGP X Squad in gun duel, leading to the death of a SARS operative.
Wike had requested the immediate transfer and prosecution of the Rivers SARS commander.
He also called for independent investigation of the activities of SARS in Rivers State.
But the IGP, however, declined both requests.
In response to the Inspector General of Police’s claim that he will reform SARS, Wike had advised Nigerians not to be deceived because the Police High Command had concluded plans to turn SARS into a deadly election rigging outfit in 2019.
Only recently, SARS operatives in company of the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaehi brazenly breached the security of Governor Nyesom Wike in the Trans Amadi area of Port Harcourt.
It was learnt that the SARS commander led the Amaechi’s security team during the incident that attracted national and global outrage.
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Fubara Frowns At Slow Pace Of Ndele–Omofo–Egmini–Agba-Ndele Road Project ….Says Contract May Be Reviewed
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed dissatisfaction over the slow progress of work on the 14.5-kilometer Ndele/Omofo/Egamini/Agba-Ndele Road project located off the East–West Road in Emohua Local Government Area.
Addressing newsmen during an inspection tour of the project on Tuesday, the Governor noted that the pace and quality of work being delivered by the contracting firm, Messrs Stream Co. & Equipment Limited, fell below acceptable standards.
He was accompanied on the tour by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who briefed the Governor on the status of the project and adjoining infrastructure.
Governor Fubara, who appeared visibly unsatisfied with what he saw on the stretch of the road, said his administration would not condone mediocrity or allow public funds to be wasted on underperforming projects. He, therefore, hinted that a review of the contract may be imminent to ensure the delivery of quality infrastructure to the people.
“I can say here already that the contractor handling the road from the bridge to the East–West Road is not doing a good job. I’m not happy about it. When I get back, there will be a need to review that contract because I’m not impressed. They don’t have the capacity, and we need capacity because we must have value for whatever money we’re spending,” the Governor said.
The Governor, however, commended Setraco Nigeria Limited for the standard and pace of work on the 240-meter Agba-Ndele/Abua Bridge, which forms a major component of the project. He explained that the bridge, which his administration inherited, would significantly improve connectivity among communities in the area once completed.
Governor Fubara stated that the bridge will serve as a key link between communities in Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas, reducing travel time and providing an alternative route to the East–West Road.
He emphasised that the project demonstrates his administration’s commitment to rural connectivity and inter-community access, which are central to his development vision for Rivers State.
“Where we are standing on is a bridge connecting Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas. The community that is connected to this bridge is Agba-Ndele.
“Instead of running through the East–West Road to Ahoada-East and heading into Port Harcourt or out of it, this bridge provides easy access for the Abua/Odual people to cross into Emohua, Agba-Ndele, and access the East–West Road in minutes,” he explained.
Governor Fubara also expressed optimism that the bridge would be ready for use in early 2026, noting that Setraco’s expertise and performance met his administration’s expectations for quality and delivery timelines.
He highlighted that projects of such importance should be handled by firms with the capacity to meet government standards.
The Governor further remarked that once completed, the bridge would serve as a crucial economic corridor for farmers and traders, especially those involved in agriculture and cultivation of local produce across the beneficiary local government areas.
He maintained that his administration is determined to deliver people-oriented projects that promote connectivity, strengthen commerce, and enhance livelihoods across the State.
“I’m really impressed with what I’ve seen on the bridge. I’m very sure that before the end of January, it might be completely ready for us to walk through and even drive across,” Governor Fubara said.
Reaffirming his vision for Rivers people, the Governor noted that his development plan seeks to integrate all parts of the State through strategic infrastructure investments that promote mobility, social cohesion, and economic growth.
He explained that his government is executing projects across multiple local government areas to ensure balanced development and inclusivity.
Governor Fubara stated that the administration will soon address the deplorable state of the Abua/Ahoada Road, which he said, will be included in the 2026 state budget.
“Our vision is to connect the entire Rivers State together, especially communities that have challenges of access. The bridge here connects Abua/Odual and Ahoada-East to Emohua and Port Harcourt. It will ease movement, promote trade, and boost our economy because agriculture is strong on this side. Moving goods to the city won’t be a problem anymore,” he said.
Governor Fubara reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure that provides value for public funds and meets the aspirations of Rivers people.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has unveiled plans to permanently relocate the dumpsite along the busy Port Harcourt Airport–Obiri-Ikwerre Road, describing the current location as both a public health threat and a damaging first impression for visitors arriving in Port Harcourt, the State capital.
The Governor made this known on Tuesday during an inspection of a proposed replacement site, which is a disused burrow pit near Bambo Estate, off Eneka Road in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area.
The location is being assessed as a potential permanent dumpsite for the State.
Governor Fubara, who was conducted by the Board Chairman, Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), Dr Samuel Nwanosike, and its Managing Director, Dr Ibimina Wokoma, expressed concern about the environmental and health challenges posed by the existing site, which sits along a major entry point into the State.
“The kind of environmental hazards that we are facing there along the Airport–Obiri- Ikwerre Road; the smell on that road being the entrance into the State, we felt it’s not proper,” he said. “So, we are making alternative arrangements so we can have a permanent refuse dumpsite that meets acceptable standards.
“He added that the government would move swiftly to formalise ownership of the land and complete construction work on the access road to make the new site functional.“We have not concluded the issue of the burrow pit, but the access road, I think the government is doing something about it.
So, I will make sure that everything that needs to be done to ensure government owns this burrow pit is done,” he stated.
Governor Fubara also commended the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) for what he described as a more assertive and improved approach to managing refuse across the State.In addition to the dumpsite inspection, the Governor also visited the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters located in Elimgbu Town, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, to assess the extent of ongoing construction work on the facility.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Benibo Anabraba, to uphold the dignity of his office, protect the interest of the State, and discharge his duties with honour, respect, and responsibility.
Governor Fubara gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony of the new SSG, held on Monday at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
Describing Anabraba’s appointment as an act of divine favour, the Governor said positions of leadership are not attained by our own human effort but by God’s grace in our lives.
“Let me first congratulate you. I’m using the word ‘congratulations’ because a few of us, not by our power but by the special favour of God, find ourselves in exalted positions. It’s not because we are the best, but only by His grace.”
Governor Fubara noted that the Office of the Secretary to the State Government is one of great honour, occupied by only a few since the creation of Rivers State, and urged the new appointee to serve with humility and dedication.
He, however, expressed confidence in Anabraba’s capacity to deliver, citing his past record as a principal officer of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“This position is a rare privilege. Guard that office with honour. Discharge your duties with respect. Protect the interest of Rivers State. When you leave office, let it be with honour, and that only comes through responsible service.
“I know you’re a dedicated person. This opportunity is not for show or display of power. It’s a call to duty,” he cautioned.
The Governor emphasised that the current administration is focused on restoring confidence of the people because peace has been achieved in the State.
He enjoined the new SSG to align with the vision of the administration and contribute meaningfully to the collective progress of Rivers people.
“We are emerging from a very difficult period and must reassure our people that we mean well for them, especially now that peace has returned to Rivers State. By the grace of God, do your work well. Help us succeed in this assignment that God has given to us,” the Governor added.
