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2019:Don’t Intimidate Judiciary, US Tells FG

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Ahead of next month’s general elections, a delegation of the European Union last Wednesday visited the national headquarter of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) to seek for the update on the forthcoming exercise from the electoral umpire.
Leading the delegation was the EU Ambassador in Nigeria, Mr. Ketil Karlsen. Other members of the delegation were Charge D Affairs United States of America Embassy in Nigeria, David Young; British Commissioner in Nigeria, Catriona Laing and Germany Head of Mission in Nigeria, Regine Hess.
The United States Ambassador pleaded for the autonomy of all arms of government in Nigeria as he noted that Nigeria runs three tiers of government. In an apparent reference to the growing fear of emasculation of the judiciary, Ambassador Karlsen stated in clear terms that it “ is critically important that the executive does not interfere in the role of the judges and the judiciary. “
He also called for non-interference of the security services in the electoral process other than the provision of adequate security to guarantee the safety of staff of the electoral body and the voters on polling days.
He said: “US is committed to providing support to INEC for the Nigeria general elections. We are looking forward to working together in providing more support. I would want to especially address all the concerns we have and that is the neutrality of the security services.
“For us, it is very important that the security services provide security for the elections that will guarantee the voting process, the security of the voters, but should not interfere with the people getting to the polls, or poll watchers, election monitors from having access and be able to vote freely.
“This is something we feel very strongly about and the neutrality of the security services is one of the very important issues for the credibility of the elections. I also want to say that we appreciate very much the important role the judiciary plays in Nigeria. As a country with the perfect three tiers of government with executive, legislative and the judiciary branches, it is critically important that the executive does not interfere in the role of the judges and the judiciary. And it important that judiciary is safeguarded and respected.
“As regards the police, we know that a new Inspector General of Police was just appointed, the US Embassy looks forward to working closely with him. They will appreciate the leadership he will provide as IGP. We are looking forward to working with Nigeria as friends and partners.”
His United Kingdom counterpart, Catriona Laing, appealed to INEC to ensure that the general elections were free and fair as he noted that the United Kingdom was aware that INEC was under intense pressure, regularly from entrenched interest.
She said: “UK has been a strong supporter of INEC in practical ways, we have been providing significant technical skills to INEC for many years. The reason why we do that is because such support is fundamental in delivering free, fair and credible election not only in Nigeria but the international community.
“It is imperative that INEC performs its role as required by the constitution completely free from any political interference, and we are not naive to recognize that there is always political pressures on INEC from time to time, from actors from different areas. And we see it as part of our role to provide INEC with that support that enables INEC withstand such political pressures and encouraging INEC to continue to exercise its independence. We see as really fundamental for INEC to continue to service the people of Nigeria and ensure that the election is credible.”
In his opening remarks, the EU ambassador, Mr. Karlsen had earlier declared that the European Union had no favoured candidate or entrenched interest in Nigeria democratic process but to ensure that genuine democracy thrives.
“We seek the opportunity of this visit to ask to be briefed by you on the development of preparation. As you know we from the EU, we already have longtime observers in the country. We are blessed with the arrival of our chief observer in the next few days.
“ Our chief mission here today is for Nigeria to succeed in having a free, fair, credible, transparent and peaceful election. We have reiterated at every occasion and we have to stress it here before the media present that evidently, the international community generally and certainly all the missions you see here before you, we are not here to support any candidate, or any particular party or any ideology.
“What we are here to do as true partners of Nigeria, is to support your efforts in seeing a continuation and consolidation of the growth. Nigeria showed to the global population in 2015 that the outcome of credible elections can prevail. That was a powerful message in terms of unity, opportunity and general economic development of the people of Nigeria. We want to also see this reinforced in 2019 and whoever is the successful candidate will also be a partner of our various countries. It is in this spirit we have been supporting INEC, political parties, media and other stakeholders in Nigeria. “
In his remarks, the INEC chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu who received the delegation informed his guests on the preparations so far made in the area of logistics ahead of the election, just as he restated his determination to surpass the feat achieved in 2015 general elections by his immediate predecessor in the Commission, Professor Attahiru Jega.
“It is really an honour to welcome you today exactly 30 days to the next general election. We are at the moment basically putting finishing touches to the preparation for the elections. All the heavy items for the elections have already been procured, additional ballot boxes, voting cubicles, replacement of Card Reader, the Permanent Voters Cards have all been delivered for collections by the citizens. Collections have been devolved to ward levels from today, January 16 to 21, the last day for collection at ward levels, and thereafter collection will continue till February 8 at various Local Government Areas.
“We have concluded and published the guidelines for the 2019 general elections and we have finalised the manual for the elections which will be used for training for the various categories of staff to be used for the elections. We are recruiting and will soon start training the ad hoc staff for the elections. We are good to go for the 2019 general elections.
“We are aware that the election is going to be an intense media event not only that the international community will intensely watch processes as they have always done, I want to assure you that we will not fail the international community and the nation. We are aware that the long term EU Observation Mission is already in the country and I hosted the long time ECOWAS Observation Mission. The international community are already in Nigeria for the elections.
The 2019 general elections will be credible, we will jealously guard the process and ensure that the processes led to what the whole Nigerians expect. It will be nothing but free, fair and credible and only that will be good enough for the country.
“I will like to reassure Nigerians and the international community through you the Commissioners that vote will count in the 2019 general elections. We are committed to free, fair, credible and transparent process such that will consolidate the position of Nigeria in the international community as a nation that conducted a credible election.
The 2015 general elections was not a fluke, it was a product of deliberate planning and the 2019 general election is going to be the same.”

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Rivers DPOs Receive Awards For Outstanding Performance In Crime Prevention …As Students, Media Group Honour CSP Worgu, CSP Yusuf

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Two Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in Rivers State have been honoured by separate groups for their contributions to security, crime prevention and improved community-police relations in their respective areas of responsibility.

The beneficiaries are the DPO of Afam Police Division, CSP  Endurance Worgu and his counterpart at Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf.

CSP Worgu was honoured by a group of students under the aegis of Rivers State Graduate Students Associations for what they described as his commitment and outstanding performance in the discharge of his duties.

The students, led by  Chidi John Enyie, Esq. said CSP Worgu was selected based on his track record and status as one of the longest-serving young DPOs of Rivers State origin.

According to the group, CSP Worgu has made significant contributions to the protection of lives and property in the area since assuming office following the #EndSARS period.

The students said they were particularly impressed by the improvement in community-police relations under his leadership, noting that professionalism had remained a key feature of his service.

Enyie represented by Comrade Briggs Soku, said the students community was pleased to identify with a Rivers indigene who had distinguished himself in the police force.

He said the students considered it necessary to encourage and celebrate CSP Worgu because of his achievements as a young Rivers man excelling in a profession that many people from the state were often reluctant to join.

Receiving the award at his office in Afam, CSP Worgu expressed gratitude to God and the students for finding him worthy of the honour.

The DPO said the recognition had boosted his morale and encouraged him to sustain his efforts towards maintaining peace and security in the area.

He said he least expected the honour, particularly because it came from the students, adding that the recognition would further motivate him to serve the people better.

CSP Worgu assured residents of Afam that the police would sustain the existing peace in the area.

He appealed to members of the public to support the police by providing credible and timely information, stressing that useful information from residents would make the job of security personnel easier.

Meanwhile, the Ikwerre/Etche Media Association has also honoured the DPO of Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf, for his efforts in tackling criminal activities in the area.

The media group presented the award following the swift tracking and arrest of five suspected kidnappers who had allegedly terrorised residents of the Kom-Kom axis and other parts of Oyigbo.

The group commended CSP Bello for what it described as his determined efforts to restore confidence and security in the affected communities, particularly Kom-Kom and Obeama.

According to the group, the arrest of the suspects demonstrated the DPO’s commitment to tackling criminality and safeguarding residents.

The media association said residents had received the development with relief, noting that the police action had sent a strong message to criminal elements operating in the area.

Responding, CSP Yusuf appreciated the group for the recognition and reaffirmed that there would be no room for criminality in Oyigbo.

He also commended the media for its role in disseminating credible information to the public, saying the media had remained supportive of the police in the fight against crime.

CSP Yusuf warned criminal elements operating in Oyigbo to leave the area or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.

He assured residents that the police would continue to pursue criminals and work to dismantle their hideouts, regardless of where they might be operating.

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College Of Bishops Endorses Tinubu, APC Candidates  For 2027 Polls

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The 5000 Achievers Christian Forum and Colleges of Bishops, Archbishops and Apostles, a Christian interdenominational organisation, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State for the 2027 general elections.

International President of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, disclosed this during the ordination and consecration of three new Bishops, as well as an award ceremony held in Port Harcourt.

Aroh said the performance of the APC-led Federal Government had endeared the party to the organisation, prompting the forum to declare its support for President Tinubu and other APC candidates in Rivers State.

He said the forum would support all APC candidates in the state during the 2027 elections and urged Nigerians to vote for the party.

Aroh, who is also the General Overseer of Caring Peoples Church, Port Harcourt, charged the newly consecrated Bishops to see their new positions as a great responsibility and dedicate themselves to the advancement of the kingdom of God.

He cautioned them against conduct capable of bringing their offices into disrepute, stressing that their activities would be closely watched by members of the public.

“As Bishops, the eyes of the public are on your activities. You must therefore conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of your calling,” he said.

Also speaking, the International Coordinator of the forum, Bishop Saint Robinson, urged the newly consecrated Bishops to work diligently towards winning souls for the kingdom of God.

Robinson, who was the guest speaker at the event, stressed that the activities of Bishops must at all times be guided by godly principles.

He also called on members of the church to support and cooperate with the newly consecrated Bishops in the discharge of their responsibilities.

The Secretary of the College, Apostle Elizabeth Ayadi Abaye, said the organisation was established to advance the kingdom of God and promote spiritual development.

According to her, the forum has organised several crusades, conferences, prayer meetings, ordinations, consecrations, enthronements, empowerment programmes and other spiritual development activities across the country as part of efforts to win souls for Christ.

Abaye said the organisation has members across the world and disclosed that more programmes had been scheduled to promote the spiritual development and wellbeing of humanity.

The three Bishops consecrated at the ceremony were Prince Alban Chike, Testimony Omenihu Shedrach and Prince Ifemena.

Among those honoured at the event were the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Abali Community, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Manuchimso Prince Lemmy Wopara, and Clifford Oko Jaja, Coordinator of the 5,000 House-to-House for President Tinubu.

By: John Bibor

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Police Arrest Fake Soldier, Others For Armed Robbery, Kidnapping

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The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 49-year-old suspected fake soldier, Andrew Atausi, and several other suspects in connection with various criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, one-chance robbery and the alleged murder of police officers.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this in Port Harcourt, recently during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, where he said the arrests formed part of the operational achievements recorded by the Command between June and August 2026.

Adepoju said Atausi was arrested on August 10 by police operatives along Ada George, Port Harcourt, while dressed in military uniform and driving a Toyota Hilux painted in Army colours.

The Commissioner said investigation revealed that Atausi was not a member of the Armed Forces, adding that he was suspected to be a serial car snatcher, with three suspected stolen vehicles recovered from him.

He said the recovered vehicles included three Toyota Hilux vehicles without registration numbers and a Toyota Corona Premio with registration number BNY 380 ES, noting that the chassis and engine numbers of the vehicles had allegedly been tampered with.

Adepoju added that an axe and military accoutrements were also recovered from Atausi, as investigation continued into the circumstances surrounding the vehicles and other items recovered from him.

On the June 29 attack on police officers at Aluu Division, the Commissioner said three members of the gang allegedly responsible for the incident had been arrested by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU-AKU.

The suspects, identified as Maduabuchi Emeka, 34, alleged gang leader; Doctor Chinedu Owhor, 42, and Kamachi Joe, 28, alleged armourer, reportedly led operatives to their hideout at Omagwa where two AK-47 rifles stolen during the attack were recovered.

Adepoju recalled that two police officers were killed during the Aluu attack, while others were wounded and one officer had his leg amputated, stressing that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fourth suspect.

On kidnapping, the Commissioner said five members of a suspected kidnapping syndicate were arrested in Oyigbo Local Government Area, adding that they allegedly confessed to operations in Kom-Kom, Railway, Obeama and Afam communities.

He said two other suspects from the same network, Anele Ogbogu, 35, alleged to be the gang’s armourer, and Kenneth Eke, 38, were arrested on July 27, with one AK-47 rifle and one SMG rifle recovered.

The Commissioner further disclosed the arrest of suspects in connection with alleged firearm offences, armed robbery, cultism and one-chance robbery, with firearms, ammunition and other exhibits recovered during the operations.

Adepoju assured residents that the Command would sustain intelligence-led, proactive and community-oriented policing in collaboration with other security agencies, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information that would assist the police in combating crime across Rivers State.

By; King Onunwor

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