News

Appeal Court President Gets Wike, Fayemi, Makinde, Lalong’s Praise

Published

4 years ago

June 21, 2021

The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, led prominent leaders of the state to attend the Special Thanksgiving Mass organised in honour of the President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Bolna’and Dongban-Mensem, last Saturday.
The service was also used to celebrate her first year anniversary in office, held at the St. Monica’s Catholic Church in Rantya Low Cost Housing Estate, Jos Town in Plateau State.
Governors present at the event include, Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr.Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti); Chief Nyesom Wike (Rivers); Engr Seyi Makinde (Oyo); Simon Lalong (Plateau); and Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe.
The governors of Benue, Ondo and Bauchi sent representatives.
President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented at the event by the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Pauline Tallen, stated that everything was being done to solve issues of insecurity in the country.
However, Buhari noted that the task cannot be done by him alone, saying all men and women of goodwill must contribute their quota to solve the challenges facing the country.
He expressed optimism that with concerted efforts and prayers, peace will be restored in the entire country.
“There is no part of Nigeria that is not in this church, today.
“Mr. President sends his appreciation as we all gather to thank God for the life of Justice Dongban-Mensem, and to pray for Nigeria in this most trying period.
“Mr. President is very delighted that you have all taken time to come and honour this great daughter of Plateau, and to assure you that he’s doing everything possible to address the problem of insecurity. But, he said he cannot do it alone. He’s calling on all the clergy, men and women of goodwill to stand by us at this most trying period.”
In his speech, Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ekiti State, Dr.Kayode Fayemi, said governors believe that the best only should be provided for the country’s Judiciary.
That is why, he stated, they have become the best campaigners for a better remuneration for Nigeria’s judges because they hold them and Judiciary workers in high esteem.
Fayemi described Justice Dongban-Mensem as a woman of substance, character and integrity who has demonstrated a sense of value, morality and principles in all of her judicial dealing.
According to him, Nigeria’s governors will do nothing less to continue to respect and support not only her, but all judges because they also constitute a critical arm of government.
“Our presence is a statement of how much reverence we give to the celebrant and the good people of Plateau State. Contrary to what you might have been led to believe in the past few months of JUSUN strike that governors don’t like judges, it’s not true.
“As a matter of fact, we hold our judges on high esteem. We are even the ones campaigning, particularly for judges to be better remunerated than what they currently have.”
In his remarks, Chairman of Northern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Hon. Simon Lalong, said Justice Dongban-Mensem made history by being the first indigene of his state to head the Court of Appeal.
He also commended Wike, Fayemi, and Makinde and other dignitaries who graced the occasion.
In his sermon, the Bishop of Bauchi Diocese, Rt. Rev Hilary Dachelem said Justice Monica Bolna’anDongban-Mensem was today being celebrated as the second female to have become the President of Nigeria’s Court Appeal because of the grace of God that she has enjoyed.
Dachelem said the gathering of Nigerians from all the geopolitical zones to honour Justice Dongban-Mensem exemplifies the kind of love that must be encouraged among Nigerians, irrespective of religion and tribe.
He decried the harm that has been caused by hate speech, insecurity and unemployment among the youths.
He asserted that Nigeria’s challenges can be surmounted if all leaders and followers can sincerely sit and talk together over the problems,with a view of finding tenable solutions to the dissatisfaction that has agitated many hearts.
Dachelem also urged the government at all levels to adopt strategic listening skills that will enrich mutually accepted process of dialogue that should address the pains and distrust expressed by Nigerians in order to re-establish friendship and love among them.
“We, all of us here need to be vanguards of peace and dialogue. All of us are supposed to be vanguards of unity.
“Leadership and followership must sit down and reason. Why is it not possible again to travel and feel free? Nigeria was like that when we were all friends. Government must listen; strategic listening.
“When we hear agitations coming from the West, North and East, all we need to do is to sit down. So, we can’t afford to pay deaf ears to the cries of the people.”
On her part, Justice Monica Bolna’anDongban-Mensem, who ascribed her success in the legal profession to God’s benevolence said, she was waiting for an appropriate time to organise a thanksgiving not knowing that the delay will eventually coincide when she clocks one year as President of the Court of Appeal.
On the delegation of Wike were the former Governor of Rivers State, Sir Celestine Omehia; former Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Austin Opara; former Minister of Transport, Dr.AbiyeSekibo; Senator Lee Maeba;OkeyWali (SAN); Frank Owhor; and Onueze. C. J. Okocha (SAN).

News

Association Seeks Government Intervention in Desilting of Canal

Published

10 hours ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

The Rumuokania 2 New layout Landlords Association in the Obio/Akpor local government area of Rivers State is seeking the intervention of the Rivers State Government in the desilting of the canal which transverses several communities including Mgbaraja,Ogbogoro,Egbule,Elioparanwo,Ozuoba and other communities in the area.

The Association which said this at a media briefing in Port Harcourt also lauded Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the construction of the Rumuoke/pipeline internal roads.

The landlords said the canal impede the free flow of water from the affected communities thereby causing severe flooding whenever it rains in the area.

The Association also commended the governor for the ongoing construction and rehabilitation of road across the state, adding, the gesture has not only rekindled hope of Rivers people for a better tomorrow,but has bought prosperity across communities in the state.

According to a Press release made available to news men during the briefing,”We are gathered here today to express immense appreciation to His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State,Sir Fubara, GSSRS,for the construction of the Rumuoke/pipeline Internal roads.

“We also wish to use this medium to request the desilting of the Canal transversing the area and the construction of adjoining roads to the area.

“We acknowledge with profound gratitude the transformative governance going on in Rivers State under the purposely and impactful leadership of Governor Fubara.

“The visible impact of his administration across all sectors, particularly the rehabilitation and construction of new roads,has rekindled hope among the people and brought prosperity to our communities”The Association said.

The landlords particularly praised the Governor for the successful completion of the Rumuoke Road from Okilton junction off Ada George Road to Road 9-2nd & 3rd Avenue, Road 10-2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue, and Pipeline Road upto the canal, expertly executed by Monier Construction Company (MCC).

They noted that,prior to the intervention of the Governor,the road was in an extremely deplorable state, impassable, and prone to flash floods whenever it rains.

“Most houses and business premises were often flooded as people could hardly leave or access the area,while economic activities were completely paralyzed.

“The newly constructed internal roads have completely eased traffic in the area, boosted economic activities, and improved the quality of life of residents of Rumuokania and Rumuoke communities”

The release which was jointly signed by pastor Joel Gbandi, chairman of The Association and Lucky Ashley Atiegoba secretary,on behalf of the Landlords also expressed gratitude to the Governor for the construction of all internal roads in the area.

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It however drew the , attention of the Governor to an emerging issue which they said poses threat to the durability of this critical road infrastructure.

According to the landlords,”at the terminus of the newly constructed pipeline road, the adjoining canal is severely blocked, impeding the free flow of water .

“The canal serves as a vital waterway, traversing several communities, including Rumuokania, Mgbraja, Ogbogoro, Egbelu, Elioparanwo, Mini-Orlu, Rumue-vorlu, Rumuokwachi, Ozuoba, Iwofe, Rumuolumeni, Rumuepirikom, and Mini-kete, among other communities.

“This obstruction has caused water to back up onto the surface of the newly constructed road, leading to accelerated erosion and hazardous conditions for surrounding buildings, motorists, and pedestrians alike within RumuokaniaRumuoke communities.

“It is against this backdrop that we respectfully request the kind intervention of our dear Governor in this regard:

” We humbly request the desilting of the canal to restore proper drainage and prevent water overflowonto the newly constructed internal roads and flooding within the communities.

“. We also request the construction of adjoining roads to the area to provide alternative pathways and improve overall accessibility in the area.

“Addressing these germane concerns will not only safeguard the investment of the state government in road infrastructure in the area but will also mitigate flooding, enhance safety, and further elevate the living standards of residents of Rumuokania and Rumuoke communities”the landlords said.

By: John Bibor

News

Rivers Judges Begin Christmas Vacation Dec 23

Published

11 hours ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

Judges of the High Courts of Rivers State will proceed on this year’s Christmas and New Year vacations on Tuesday, 23rd December 2025.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Registrar, State High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi, on behalf of the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Chibuzor Amadi, and made available to newsmen over the weekend.

The statement stated that judges will commence the yuletide vacation from Tuesday, 23rd of December 2025, and resume on Monday, January 12, 2026.

According to the statement, the directive is in compliance with the provision of Order 49 Rule 4(C) of the High Court of Rivers State Civil Procedure Rule, 2023.

The statement added that during the period of the vacation, all judicial divisions of the High Court of the State shall remain closed, while a vacation judge shall be designated to entertain only urgent applications and matters filed during the vacation.

By: Akujobi Amadi

News

Govt-Approved Land Authority Emerges In Alesa To End Land Grabbing

Published

11 hours ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

Land grabbing and crisis of fraudulent land sales may soon be a thing of the past as Rivers State begins experimenting the community land development committee system.

The experiment saw the light of day in Alesa Eleme where the Alesa Land Development Commiittee (ALDEC) was inaugurated last Friday by the paramount ruler of Alesa, Emperor J.D. Mkpe.

The Alesa community where the Port Harcourt refineries are situated has implemented the recommended formula with the strong support of the paramount ruler said to be a respected leader known for his commitment to peace, education, community development, and support for law enforcement, often advocating for better infrastructure and governance in his area.

Inaugurating the committee headed by a businessman, Mr. Emmanuel Olaka, the paramount ruler recounted the contributions of his community to economic development of the nation.

“Alesa is one of the 10 communities in Eleme and we are the first community in Nigeria that has refineries. The Port Harcourt Refinery (1&2) that has a lot of pipelines surrounding us. We have done a lot of contribution in making sure Nigeria stands great among all nations.

“We are made up of about 13 communities due to expansion. When I say 13 communities, Alesa is a community that has embraced other people. You can see here some people from the northern community. All the communities are here. That is why Alesa is known as a cosmopolitan community.

“Because we have got a lot of information about sale of land, and because we now have a situation whereby other persons will go into another person’s land and sell without the owner’s notice. We have also got information about minors who are not qualified to sell landed property, now selling land without letting their elders know.

“And that is why today, we are going to inaugurate a land development committee whose duty is to see into all these issues and bring up report about them. This will make both buyers and sellers feel very free in Alesa.

“We seize this opportunity to warn thus: if you sell any land to anybody without this committee’s knowledge or consent, you are doing it at your own risk. If you are buying any land from Alesa, this committee will know. By this, we will track those selling the land to you so that you don’t buy land from a wrong person. We also do not want you to buy land from an under-aged persons (children) who will sell land and run away.

According to him, we are also partnering with the Rivers State government on the project because those who buy land in Alesa with due process would be backed all the way to acquisition of certificate of occupancy (CofO).

“We are duly registered and we hereby show the world our certificate of registration and recognition. This is not a shabby arrangement. We have the registration and the authority which we have here as a body approved by the government to go into this development. This also is the registered constitution of the body.

“We will also make sure that whatever land you buy here, will be registered with the government of Rivers State through the office of the Surveyor-General and the Ministry of Land and that of Housing. This is to permanently stop land grabbers,

“We want you to buy and develop, not to keep for decades. Failure to develop your land after five years, the land will be forfeited to the government of Rivers State as a ‘waste land’ that you do not want to develop. So we are here not to maltreat any individual, we are not here to punish anyone, but to make sure your money is safe.

“We are optimistic that this strategy will work for us all. One of the greatest persons who has been able to identify with us is the Mayor of Housing. He has been friendly to us and to our aspirations.

Speaking immediately after the inauguration, the chairman of Alesa Land Development Committee, Mr. Emmanuel Olaka, vowed never to betray his community.

“I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the Alesa Council of Chiefs, the women, the youths, for nominating me to be the chairman of the Alesa Land Development Committee. I want to say this afternoon that I, Emmanuel Olaka, a bonafide son of Alaka, from Uwueke community, I will never disrespect this community. I will always do what is right, so that my God will always stand by me. I will not be biased.”

Also speaking, the Mayor of Housing, My-ACE China, who is behind the Alesa Sustainable Green Smart City, commended the community for leading the way and the war against land grabbing and land fraud.

He said the development would augur well for the green city being initiated in the area and other projects coming to Alesa.

He urged other communities in Rivers State and beyond to move fast and inaugurate such committees to put an end to land grabbing.