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…Secures Truce Between Jang, Useni

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Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has brokered a truce between the immediate past governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang and Senator Jeremiah Useni.
Wike, who met with the two Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), leaders in Jos, the Plateau State capital, last Wednesday, said his reconciliatory visit was necessary if the party was to reclaim state governorship position and defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023 general election.
The Rivers State governor, during the meeting which took place at the residence of Useni, explained that his visit was necessitated by friction that had existed between the two leaders.
He noted that if the friction was not urgently resolved, it would affect the success of the party in future.
“I do know that there will be by-election at the federal constituency and state constituency, and then, again we are talking about the gubernatorial and national elections next year. If the party is not united, no matter how bad APC is, there is no way we can win.”
He further said, “And so, for me, personal sacrifices can be made if you have fought wars for this country for the unity of Nigeria and today Nigeria is bleeding, not only Nigeria is bleeding, Plateau too is bleeding. I have no apology to say that the people of Plateau State are waiting for you both to put the party together, and then, you will just take back Plateau State. Plateau State is a natural PDP state.”
Wike stated that it would be a disservice to the people of Plateau, if the two leaders allow the APC to remain in power because of small disagreements between them.
He, therefore, urged them to set aside their political differences in the interest of the party.
“There are disagreements everywhere. There are disagreements in the party even at the national level. So, it is not a question of I am right. It is not a question of Jang is right, you are wrong or you are right, Jang is wrong. It is a question of, for whatever it takes, can we please, in the name of God, leave our personal interests and make our party move forward.”
The Rivers State governor implored both Jang and Useni to make personal sacrifices to move the party forward not only in Plateau State, but in Nigeria at large.
According to him, the unity of the party was key at this crucial moment because APC moles within the PDP were trying to sow seed of discords.
“APC is trying to penetrate our party to make sure that the leadership of the party at the national level is being distracted through one or two persons, but we are making sure that does not happen. While we are doing that, we also want to make sure that the branches are also united.”
Wike explained that rebuilding the party is what was most paramount to concerned members of the PDP who want the party to return to power at the centre and retake majority of the states in the country.
“If the party is united, then, we are sure of coasting home in 2023, and not just the national election, also Plateau State, knowing full well that Plateau is a PDP state, but somehow, we are no longer in power in Plateau State.”
After a closed door meeting with the two PDP leaders, Wike announced that they have agreed to set aside their differences and work together.
“I can tell you that the two of them have agreed. They will meet on their own, compare notes, and share, then, we will later meet. By the grace of God, I can tell you that PDP will bounce back in Plateau State.”
Wike also took a swipe the ruling APC, and declared that Nigerians who were already disenchanted with the pervading hunger in the land, insecurity and growing abject poverty were anxiously waiting for the PDP to return to power and rescue the nation.
For this reason, he urged PDP members to unite in order to successfully wrest power from the APC.
“We have to put ourselves together. If we put ourselves together, then, we will be helping Nigerians. But if we don’t put ourselves today, then, Nigerians will not be happy with us because that means we are allowing the ruling party, its maladministration to remain in power.”
In his remarks, the former Plateau State governor, Jonah Jang, thanked Wike for visiting Jos to broker truce between him and Useni.
He further disclosed that following the intervention of Wike, he and Useni have agreed to work together in the interest of the party.
“We have agreed to work together to ensure the unity of PDP on the Plateau and ensure victory in 2023 election, not only governorship, all other elections, federal or state. We want PDP to take its rightful position again on the Plateau, and this is what we are going to work on. We want to thank Governor Nyesom Wike for coming to talk to us, and we have agreed that we will continue from here.”
On his part, Senator Jeremiah Useni commended Wike for finding time to come to Jos on a reconciliatory visit.
He assured the governor that as a former state governor, he would henceforth forge a common alliance with Jang in the interest of the party.
He disclosed that he has been following the developmental strides of the Rivers State governor, and urged other governors to emulate him.
“I have been following your activities, and I always tell people that if we have governors like you, Nigeria would have been changed.”
On Wike’s entourage were, former Minister of Transport, Dr. Abiye Sekibo; former managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Timi Alaibe; Rivers State PDP Chairman, Amb Desmond Akawor; former Deputy Speakers of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuchi; and Austin Opara; Senator Lee Maeba; Senator Mao Ohuabunwa; and former Rivers State PDP chairman, Bro Felix Obuah.

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NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam

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The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.

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Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence

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The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.

The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.

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Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027

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A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.

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