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Polls: Rivers Police Deploy 15,544 Personnel …Declare State Of Emergency On East-West Road
Ahead of tomorrow’s Governorship and state House of Assembly Elections, the Rivers State Police Command says it has deployed 15,544 officers and men that will man the 319 wards as well as 4,432 electoral units across the state during the election.
The deployed officers and men will complement the 2,000 other sister security agencies bringing the total number to 17,000 security personnel that will be participating in the election to ensure free and fair elections in the state.
The police also announced a total restriction of movement of persons and vehicles on both land and waterways between the hours of 12midnight, today to 6pm on Saturday.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Usman Belel stated this while briefing journalists at command Headquarters in Port Harcourt, yesterday, on the readiness of the command and other security agencies for the forthcoming elections across the state.
Belel said all entry and exit points within and outside the state would be closed within the period of the elections, adding that movements in and out of the state are barred until the elections are over.
“We are going to close both sides of Waterlines to GRA Junction on the Port Harcourt/Aba Expressway to all road users on both lanes from 12midnight Friday, till further notice, and advise the public to adhere as there would be diversion of movement in the affected area.”
He used the medium to announce that very important personalities (VIPs )and politicians were barred from going to any voting centre with their security details or orderlies even as he warned them to desist from moving from one place to another on Election Day as provided in the Electoral Act.
“Movement is strictly restricted from places of abode to the voting centres and back. No canopies should be erected close to any polling unit by food vendors or any commercial activities carried out close to any polling unit. The police and other security agencies will be moving round to ensure that there is compliance to this order and to arrest and prosecute violators”, he added.
The state commissioner of police averred that the state would outlive the elections, adding that there will be a radical departure from the past elections, usually characterized by violence.
He promised that the police would be neutral, apolitical, and professional to provide level playing field for all the political parties and the electorate to exercise their franchise.
“We promise to do everything humanly possible to entrench and bequeath to the state, election that will be free, fair, credible and devoid of violence,” he stated.
Following the increasing wave of crimes and criminalities along the East-West Road, the Rivers State Police Command says it has declared a state of emergency on the Rumuji, Elele, Ndele, Ahoada axis of the road.
The spokesperson of the state Police Command, DSP Nnamdi Omoni, disclosed this in a telephone interview with The Tide in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Omoni said the gesture was to curtail the excesses of kidnappers, robbers and other criminal elements operating within the affected axis of the road, which according to him, has made life unbearable for the users of the road in recent times.
He disclosed that the state Commissioner of Police, Usman Belel has directed the immediate deployment of tactical team to the affected places with a view to arresting the perpetrators of the crime as well as to ensure that the users of the road travel without any form of challenge or risk of kidnapped, among others.
According to him, the emergency order has been in place for more than a month, adding that huge successes have been recorded as cases of kidnapping and vehicle snatching have been minimized.
Akujobi Amadi
News
Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
News
Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
News
Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol
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