Rivers

Nsirim Assures CAFFAN Of RSG’s Support

Published

5 years ago

November 22, 2021

The Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, has assured members of the Catfish and Allied Fish Farmers Association of Nigeria (CAFFAN), Rivers State Chapter, of the support and assistance of the Rivers State Government to boost fish production.
Nsirim, who gave the assurance during the 2021 CAFFAN capacity building and award ceremony in Port Harcourt, last Thursday encouraged the youths to channel their energy towards sustainable wealth creation, and take advantage of the goodwill of CAFFAN to build their capacity since the era of white collar job was over.
The Commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Barrister Ibiwari Clapton-Ogolo urged the association to start a Young Fishers Club in secondary schools so as to build the students’ interest and passion in fish farming for the next generation.
He also commended CAFFAN for taking advantage of the people-oriented projects of the Governor Nyesom Wike administration; especially in the areas of good road networks and adequate security which he said have enabled the fish business to be moved at a minimum cost within the State.
In his keynote address, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Fred Kpakol urged the 100 youths who are beneficiaries of the mentorship and youth empowerment programme of the association to develop their capacity and target towards exporting fishes and generating employment opportunities for others.
Kpakol, who was represented at the event, discouraged the use of anti-biotics for fish production because of the adverse effects on human health.
Also speaking, the member representing Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dr. Abiante Awaji-Inombek commended members of CAFFAN for their determination to increase the production of fishes considering the shortfall compared to the consumption rate required in the nation.
In encouraging the association in the state, the lawmaker said he is presently pursuing the establishment of the Federal Institute of Fisheries in the Niger Delta.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of CAFFAN in Rivers State, Elder Clapton Ogolo noted the determination of the association in partnering with local government councils and other organisations to ensure that Agriculture is made a true business opportunity, employment and economic development as a means of maintaining a sustained food security in the state.
On his part, the Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, Rt. Hon Enyiada Clifford Cookeygam, while speaking on behalf of council chairmen in the state, commended the association for running with the vision of Governor Nyesom Wike in wealth creation and human capital development, stressing that the relevance of his local government cannot be over-emphasised, as it was one of the largest exporters of palm produce and fishes before the deviation to crude oil.
He also applauded CAFFAN for its willingness to train and equip 20 youths in each of the 23 local government areas of the state.
Those honoured for their contributions towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2, which focuses explicitly on food by seeking to end hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition as well as promote sustainable agriculture included Senator George Thompson Sekibo, the Senator representing Rivers East Senatorial District at the National Assembly; the Interim Administrator/Chief Executive Officer of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Effiong Akwa; Dr Abiante Awaji-Inombek; and Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Fred Kpakol.
Dignitaries who graced the occasion were the Director of Agriculture in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture; Representative of the Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture; Representative of the State Commissioner for Youth, Dr Nene Jamabo; Head of the Fisheries Department of University of Port Harcourt, Prof I. D. George; and former Head of Fisheries Department, Rivers State University, Dr (Mrs) Blessing Daniel-Kalio; among others.

Rivers

Court Dismisses PDP Members’ Suit Over Rivers LG Election Candidates … Awards N10m Costs Against Claimants

Published

4 days ago

June 12, 2026

The Tide

A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has dismissed a suit instituted by three members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) challenging the role of the party’s state leadership in relation to the conduct of the 2025 local government elections.

In the judgment, delivered recently by Justice Stephen Jumbo in Port Harcourt, the Court held that it lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the matter and further ruled that the claimants lacked the locus standi to institute the action.

The suit was filed by Messrs. Enyi Uchechukwu, Wisdom Kalio, and Uche Amadi against the factional Chairman of the PDP in Rivers State, Aaron Chukwuemeka, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), the PDP, and the Rivers State Government.

Also joined as defendants were the Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and Councillors of Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt, and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas.

In the originating summons before the court, the claimants sought, among other reliefs, a determination of whether the Aaron Chukwuemeka-led State Executive Committee (SEC) of the PDP could validly submit a list of candidates to RSIEC for the August 2025 local government elections.

The claimants anchored their case on an earlier judgment of the Rivers State High Court, which they argued had nullified the congresses that produced the state executive led by Aaron.

They urged the court to interpret the legal implications of the earlier judgment and determine whether actions taken by the state executive in relation to the local government election process were valid.

However, Justice Jumbo held that rather than seeking a straightforward interpretation of the previous judgment, the claimants had invited the court to determine the validity of the submission of candidates by the first defendant to RSIEC.

The court noted that the reliefs sought by the claimants effectively converted the matter into a pre-election dispute, which falls within a distinct legal framework and is subject to statutory limitations.

According to the judge, the action was statute-barred in nature, thereby depriving the court of the jurisdiction required to adjudicate on the substantive issues raised in the suit.

The court consequently upheld all the preliminary objections filed by the defendants and agreed with their arguments challenging the competence of the action.

Having resolved the issues of jurisdiction and locus standi against the claimants, the court dismissed the suit in its entirety and awarded costs of N10 million against the claimants in favour of all the defendants.

King Onunwor

Rivers

2027 Polls: Anaka Kingdom Seeks Dev, Better Infrastructure

Published

4 days ago

June 12, 2026

The Tide

The Paramount Ruler of Anaka Kingdom in Akpor Clan, His Royal Highness, Chief Marcus Oriji, Olata XX, has reiterated the kingdom’s commitment to unity, development, and peaceful coexistence among its people.

Speaking during an interview in Ogbogoro, Chief Oriji, who was represented by his son, Eze Alloy Marcus, described Anaka as a community known for peace and unity, noting that the kingdom continues to attract visitors and residents because of its welcoming nature.

According to him, while the leadership of the kingdom has recorded progress, several challenges remain. H

He acknowledged that Anaka faces developmental challenges similar to those confronting many communities across the country.

He identified the provision of key infrastructure, including a modern market, schools, healthcare facilities, and a police station, as critical areas requiring attention to enhance the growth and development of the kingdom.

On concerns raised by residents over the poor condition of the road linking St. John’s to Ogbogoro, Eze Marcus commended the Rivers State Government under the leadership of the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for commencing work on the Ring Road project, which he described as a significant development for the area.

He explained that Anaka Kingdom stands to benefit from the project and appealed to the government to accelerate construction efforts, particularly on sections connecting St. John’s and other adjoining communities, to ease traffic congestion and improve accessibility.

Expressing optimism about the project’s completion, he said improved road infrastructure would not only enhance movement within the area, but also attract investors, businesses, and visitors to the kingdom.

Commenting on the 2027 general elections, Marcus called for divine guidance in the selection of leaders, stressing the need for God-fearing individuals who would govern with integrity and commitment to national development.

He also advised young people to shun electoral violence and resist being used by politicians for unlawful activities such as ballot box snatching and election-related disturbances, whil also urging youths to play constructive roles in strengthening democracy by supporting free, fair, and peaceful elections.

The royal representative emphasized that “sustainable development, improved infrastructure, and peaceful democratic processes remain essential for the continued progress of Anaka Kingdom and Rivers State as a whole.”

Azubuike Chiwendu/Akpelu Godspower

Rivers

New Rivers NSCDC Boss Vows Crackdown On Oil Vandals, Economic Saboteurs

Published

4 days ago

June 12, 2026

The Tide

The newly appointed Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Rivers State Command, Reuben Dennis, has declared a total war against oil vandals, economic saboteurs and other criminal elements threatening the security and economic wellbeing of the state.

He made the pledge during a brief handover ceremony at the Command’s headquarters on Olu Obasanjo Road, Port Harcourt, where he officially took over from the outgoing State Commandant, Joachin Okafor.

A statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Ihemnacho Umeado, said the outgoing commandant formally transferred authority to Dennis, who previously served as the Command’s second-in-command and most recently as Head of Operations, Zone 9, Port Harcourt.

In his inaugural remarks, Dennis promised to build on the achievements of his predecessor while intensifying efforts to protect critical national assets and infrastructure across Rivers State.

He warned criminal elements engaged in oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other forms of economic sabotage to steer clear of the state, stressing that the Command under his leadership would deal decisively with anyone found undermining national assets.

The new NSCDC helmsman also pledged to strengthen collaboration with sister security agencies and other stakeholders to improve security across the oil-rich state.

According to him, intelligence gathering, personnel development and enhanced operational efficiency will form key pillars of his administration.

Dennis further assured officers and men of the Command of improved welfare and regular training programmes aimed at boosting professionalism and operational readiness.

He, however, issued a stern warning against indiscipline, misconduct and unprofessional conduct among personnel, maintaining that erring officers would face appropriate disciplinary measures.

Emphasising that security remains a collective responsibility, Dennis called on residents to support law enforcement agencies with credible information capable of helping to combat crime and insecurity.

Earlier, the outgoing Commandant, Okafor, expressed gratitude to the NSCDC Commandant-General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, for the opportunity to serve the nation and the Corps.

He also commended Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for supporting the Command, particularly through the donation of 10 Hilux patrol vehicles which, he said, significantly enhanced operational effectiveness.

Okafor urged his successor to prioritise the acquisition of a permanent site for the Command as part of efforts to strengthen its institutional presence in the state.

The ceremony featured the signing of handover documents, symbolic transfer of authority through the presentation of the NSCDC flag and a photo session attended by senior officers of the Command.