Nation

Insecurity: Take Action Now, CSOs Charge Buhari

Published

5 years ago

May 29, 2021

Over 127 civil society organizations (CSOs) have unanimously asked President Muhammadu Buhari to take decisive action now to quell the incessant killings and other atrocities going on in the country across board.

In its fourth demonstration with the harsh tag #NigeriaMourns held in Abuja, the Joint Action Civil Society Coalition, decried the atrocious violence, lawlessness and bloodletting that have taken over all parts of Nigeria.

They frowned over government’s negligence over the pressing issues bedeviling in the country and its failure to provide leadership in ensuring that the security and welfare of all Nigerians are preserved as enshrined in Section 14 (2 )(b) of the Constitution, urging the government to ensure concerted actions are humane and in tandem with Section 17 (2)(C) of the Constitution.

They maintained that the president has been alerted in the past about the unfortunate incidents unfolding in the country, saying that, “Since we issued our position, we have observed what appear to be responses from various levels of the government. We noted, in particular, the outcome of the meeting of the southern governors in Asaba, Delta State, on May 11, 2021, as well as the statements that have emanated from the governors of Kano, Katsina and Plateau states. We are not unaware of statements from the Presidency in response to the southern governor’s resolutions.

“These responses from government have been neither sufficient nor adequate to stem the growing violence across the country. In particular, President Buhari remains indifferent to the growing toll of massacres, industrial scale abductions and lawless abuse of Nigerians all over the country. This week alone, over 130 people were massacred in two separate incidents in Benue and Plateau states, without drawing a response from the president. It continues to appear as if the president is both indifferent to the suffering of Nigerians and unwilling to provide leadership in addressing it”.

They maintained that citizens could no longer sit by and watch atrocities happening, stressing that “In 2018, we got together a coalition of concerned citizens to commemorate the lives and sufferings of victims of violence in our country in the first National Day of Mourning. Since then, we have marked 28th of May, every year as a National Day of Mourning to remember all those whom we have lost to atrocity violence and also show solidarity with their families and communities.

“This year marks the fourth year of the National Day of Mourning took place in every state of Nigeria, on social media and in the Diaspora. We want to state unequivocally that, The incessant killing of security officers across the country and the clear absence of political will and leadership from the president bring this an end to this deadly trend.

“The surge in atrocities against women, children, learners, teachers and the most vulnerable, schools and institutions of learning have been targeted to elimination, and government appears unable and unwilling to take urgent action in protecting these demographics.

“We have noted that impunity thrives in the country. Howbeit, the judiciary is vital to ending impunity but today makes it the 52nd day since courts all over Nigeria have been shut down by executive disobedience of court orders on judicial autonomy. While the courts remain shut, there can be no accountability for atrocity violence.

“The Armed Forces are deployed in 36 states of Nigeria on internal security operations, thereby retrenching the constitutional role of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). This is a constitutional anomaly. The rise in fatalities from military operations shows that the military is overwhelmed”.

Nation

WHD:HYPREP Reaffirms Commitment To Public Health In Ogoni

Published

4 hours ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project(HYPREP) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to delivering efficient and accessible public health services in Ogoni communities as the world marks the 2026 World Health Day.

In a statement signed by the Project Coordinator, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey on Tuesday, April 7, to commemorate the day, HYPREP said its efforts align with its core mandate and recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme, emphasising that quality healthcare should be accessible to all without discrimination.

The Project noted that this year’s theme, “Together for Health: Stand with Science,” highlights the need for collective action in addressing global health challenges and improving public health outcomes. It stressed that no individual should be left behind in the pursuit of affordable and accessible healthcare services.

Zabbey further reiterated HYPREP’s commitment to implementing UNEP’s recommendation for a comprehensive medical study to monitor the health of Ogoni residents over time. As part of this initiative, he said the Project has engaged the International Agency for Research on Cancer under the World Health Organisation to conduct a globally recognised Human Biomonitoring Study in the region.

In addition to ongoing research, HYPREP highlighted its interventions aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery in Ogoni. These include the provision of modern medical equipment to selected hospitals, installation of solar-powered electricity systems, and donation of ambulances to enhance emergency response services.

HYPREP also pointed to the construction of key health facilities, including a 100-bed Ogoni Specialist Hospital and a 43-bed Cottage Hospital, as part of its broader strategy to improve healthcare infrastructure. According to the Project Coordinator, these projects reflect the adoption of a “One Health” approach that integrates human, environmental, and animal health considerations.

He, therefore, called on residents to take advantage of available healthcare services and adopt healthy lifestyles, while also stressing the importance of collaboration among health institutions to address prevailing health concerns.

He further underscored the need to rebuild public trust in scientific evidence, combat misinformation, and promote policies driven by data and research.

Zabbey commended traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents of Ogoni for their cooperation and active participation in HYPREP’s health initiatives, describing their support as vital to the success of ongoing projects.

The Project assured that it would continue to strengthen health systems, build local capacity, and provide data-driven solutions to improve long-term public health outcomes in the region.

Nation

An ICT Centre Set To Be Established In Omoku

Published

1 week ago

April 2, 2026

The Tide

An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre is set to be established in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema /Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The initiative is being championed by the Omoku People’s Forum, a global association of Omoku elites, under the leadership of its President-General, Dr. George Ada Ubah.

As part of efforts to ensure the successful execution of the project, a prominent son of Omoku, Chief (Barr.) Dennis Masi, has been appointed by the Forum as the Chairman of the ICT Centre Project Committee, entrusted with the responsibility of coordinating and driving the initiative to fruition. Upon completion, the ICT Centre is expected to serve as a major hub for the training and empowerment of youths in digital and technological skills, equipping them to actively participate in the increasingly technology-driven global environment.

The project is also widely regarded as a significant step towards positioning Omoku as an emerging ICT hub within Rivers State, fostering innovation, digital literacy, and economic development in the region.

Nation

Concerned Rivers Chiefs For Peace And Development Denies Political Affiliations

Published

1 week ago

April 2, 2026

The Tide

Concerned Rivers Chiefs For Peace And Development has said it formation was not politically motivated or has any links to political parties or candidates.

The group which said this at a media briefing at Abuloma in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area said it’s formation has nothing to do with politics.

According to the text for the briefing jointly signed by Chief Boma Kele Oyika it’s chairman and Chief Inemo T Ikama Deputy Secretary General said the organization is expected to focus on conflict Resolution, community engagement, collaboration with government and private sector actors

‘it mandate also includes promoting peace building initiative, supporting local economic empowerment programms and strengthening traditional institutions in our state and beyond as partners in governance ”

It said the body is led by a team of respected traditional leaders serving as trustees

“Their collective leadership reflects a blend of experience cultural authority and grassroots connection
“Key elements considered vital for addressing long standing,socio economic and security challenges in the region”

The release further says ” the formation of this organization comes at a time when communities in Rivers state continue to navigate between issues ranging from youth unemployment, environmental concerns and intermittent conflicts amongst the traditional rulers and beyond
“By bringing together influential traditional figures under a unified platform, the group aims at serving as stabilizing force while advocating for inclusive development policies ” it said

It also described its emergence as a new chapter in grass roots leadership and regional development

Earlier, chairman of the body, Chief Boma Kele Oyika said the organization will work with relevant authorities to promote peaceful coexistence in the state, reduce crime and promote economic development.
He said it is open to all Chiefs from the 23 local government areas.