Niger Delta
Police Decry Pension Scheme, Parades Man With 375 AK-47

The Nigeria Police retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) have again demanded to be exited from the scheme, saying it denies them access to their benefits and entitlements.
In a press statement on their behalf made available to newsmen in Calabar and signed by the sixteen State chairmen of branches including CP Abayomi Akeremale, (Rtd.), Chairman of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter and Rtd. CSP Uwem Uyoh, Chairman of Akwa Ibom State chapter, regretted that “they have been coerced into a system that has robbed them of their entitlements which their counterparts in other security agencies are still enjoying.”
They gave instances of the maltreatment of retirees; “an instance is the denial of the 300% annual basic salary and the 80% monthly basic salary as gratuity and monthly pension, respectively on retirement.
“The gratuity has been replaced with what is craftily described as lump sum which is far below 25% of annual salary of a retiree after 35 years of meritorious service and a monthly pension of what is less than 20% of the last monthly basic salary of the retiree.
“Whereas, military and other intelligence community personnel who are not contributing to their retirement benefits are paid 300% of their last annual salary and 80% of their last monthly salary as their gratuity and pension respectively.”
Meanwhile, the newly appointed Cross River State Police Commissioner, Aminu Alhasaan, last weekend, paraded one Godwin Ubung with 375 AK 47 live ammunition.
In his maiden media briefing at the State Police Headquarters, Diamond Hill, Calabar, CP Alhasaan said the Obanlikwu Division of the police, in northern Cross River, carried out the arrest, and described the operation as a major breakthrough.
“Barely 24 hours of my assumption, was a major breakthrough recorded. On 11/8/2021 at about 0530hrs, surveillance patrol team, led by the DPO Obanliku Division, intercepted one Ubung Godwin “m’ of Bebuabie Village and one Christopher Udie ‘m’ of Betukwel village in Obudu LGA with unregistered motorcycle.
“On sighting the police, the said Christopher took to his heels abandoning his accomplice with the motorcycle while Ubung Godwin ‘m’ was arrested and the following items were recovered in his possession namely: One chain of GPMG live ammunition. Three Hundred and seventy-five (375) AK47 live ammunition.
“The suspect is being investigated to establish the source and mission of this illegal act, and also to bring all the culprits involved to book.”
The new CP also solicited the cooperation of all Cross Riverians, stakeholders, community youths, leaders, religious and traditional leaders to ensure insecurity is reduced to the barest minimum in the state.
“Furthermore, I want to reiterate my resolve to align with the vision and mission of the Inspector General of Police among which includes respect for fundamental human rights, policing in line with the international best practices, zero tolerance of crime/criminality
and his initiative of Operation Restore Peace (RP) in our respective area of responsibility (AOR) at all times,” he stated.
In an interview with Journalists, the suspect denied being the owner of the ammunition, saying his cousin, who ran away on sighting the police, was the owner.
By: Friday Nwagbara, Calabar
Niger Delta
RSNC Head Charges NAOMEW On Professionalism, Effective Service Delivery

The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages

The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.