Rivers

Group Urges Youths To Shun Electoral Violence, Political Thuggery

Published

3 years ago

March 28, 2022

Ahead of the 2023 general elections in the country, a frontline socio- cultural organisation in the Niger Delta region, Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality in Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has called on youths to shun all manner of electoral violence, political thuggery and all forms of criminality in the region, but vote wisely for candidates of their choice.
The group also admonished the youths and the electorate to vote out bad leadership with their Permanent Voter Card (PVC ) come 2023.
This was disclosed by National Director of the group, Alhaji Abubakar Amaigo Brown at Abonnema during the commiseration of over 50 youths that were killed at the community during the 2019 general elections by the military.
Brown said the essence of the exercise was to re-orientate the people of the clan and the youths to refrain from electoral violence, political thuggery, illegal oil bunkering and all manner of anti -social vices in the community come 2023.
The mobilisation officer called on Niger Delta youths to select the leaders to govern them with their votes and not to be used to carry guns and rig elections for the political class.
“We are lacking real leadership in the country, we need good leadership and not those that would ask our youths to carry arms during elections and abandon them.”
Speaking at the event, National President, National Youth Council of Ogoni People, (NYCOP), Comrade Mathew Dighi, called on youths of the region, especially to shun all manner of electoral violence come 2023.
Dighi, who described the death of over 50 youths in Abonnema during the 2019 general elections as a colossal loss to the region and the state, said. “We are here to create awareness and advise the youths not to act violently in the forthcoming elections, but vote wisely and vote leaders of their choice”
He advised the youth to be careful and intelligent during the forthcoming elections as he urged them to use their PVC to vote out bad governance and leadership in the country.
Also speaking, State Chairman, Civil Liberties Organization, (CLO), Clifford Christopher Solomon, decried the loss of lives and property, the wanton massacres that was carried out by the military at Abonnema in 2019 elections
Solomon appealed to the youths not to be used as an instrument for election rigging and thuggery in the 2023 elections.
He admonished the military to refrain from electioneering process and supervision of 2023 general elections in the country
”It is not the sole responsibility of the Nigeria Army, Navy and the Air force to come out during elections to shoot and kill innocent and armless civilians”
“Voting is the franchise of every eligible Nigerian to vote candidate of their choice and not to be killed by armed personnel”. He said
“It is not the duty of the military to come on election days to intimidate, harass, and shoot at civilians, rather it is the duty of the Nigerian police to supervise the processes and not to kill”.
Earlier, Nyemoni Clan Chairman, comrade Emmanuel Selem Romeo, had appealed to the youths of Nyemoni to desist from electoral Violence, kidnapping, oil bunkering and political thuggery in 2023 elections.
Romeo said the aim of the exercise was to commiserate with the families of the youths that were killed in 2019 general elections in Abonnema.
He called on government to provide employment for the teeming youths of the community to better their lives instead of indulging in crimes and criminalities.
Romeo told the youths that the political class has nothing to offer them, than guns and drugs to commit crimes

By: Chinedu Wosu

Rivers

Motor Spare Parts, Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union Swears Gets New Chairman in Port Harcourt

Published

1 day ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Owhonda Dickson Motor Spare Parts and Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union operating in Ikoku Port Harcourt, Rivers state has sworn in Mr. Cyril Igbokwe, popularly known as Onyeoma Cy, as its new Chairman.

The brief swearing _in ceremony was held at the union office in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Igbokwe expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence his members had shown in him, despite his perceived educational background compared to others. , “I feel very happy to be the chairman of this great union in this great market. I’m proud of my executives for demonstrating commitment and cooperation.” Notably, the executives raised over ?1 million for the inauguration ceremony within an hour.

The new Chairman promised to tackle key challenges facing the union, including security and indiscipline. He vowed to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, who he praised for excellent performance, and aimed to possibly do better.

Mr. Igbokwe emphasized maintaining a robust relationship with the host community and conducting his affairs within the ambit of the law.

In his remarks,the Electoral Committee Chairman’, Igwe Amobichukwu Eze Okorie, assured that the elections were conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner. Despite facing challenges such as non-compliance with guidelines and unfounded propaganda campaigns, no formal protest letters had been received.

Also speaking, the Women’s Leader, Lolo Nkechinyere Okolie, expressed faith in the new Chairman, citing his integrity and experience. She highlighted her role in ensuring women’s voices are counted in the union and vouched for the credibility of the election, noting that Mr. Igbokwe was the popular choice among members.

Rivers

CDS Urges Communities To Protect Pipelines

Published

1 day ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has urged Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) host communities to protect national assets located within their areas.

Musa made the appeal at a monthly stakeholders’ meeting organised by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in Port Harcourt.

Represented by Navy Capt. Lassie Ozovehe, he said the effects of oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism were mostly borne by the host communities themselves.

He noted that the environmental and health risks from pipeline damage affect locals more than the oil companies operating in the region.

“These assets are on your land. You benefit from them, so you must protect them and safeguard yourselves from the hazards”, he said.

He praised PINL for its consistent efforts in securing the assets, particularly its record of zero infractions on the Trans Niger pipelines.

Earlier, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, PINL’s Community Relations Consultant, urged host communities to collaborate in tackling security challenges in the Niger Delta.

Mezeh said PINL had expanded its mandate to include the security of all oil and gas infrastructure in the Eastern Corridor, including gas pipelines.

He explained that the meeting aimed to reduce pipeline vandalism and oil theft, which have major economic consequences for the country.

He stated that PINL had seen near-zero incidents over the past month, crediting host community cooperation for the achievement.

He, however, identified ongoing issues such as poor information sharing, threats to surveillance guards, stakeholder collusion, and leadership disputes.

A keynote speaker, Mr. Otoyo Sunday, discussed the serious health effects of gas flaring in the Niger Delta region.

He urged people to view the environment as living, warning that harmful activities have long-term consequences for people and nature.

Sunday condemned gas flaring caused by well testing, pressure releases, and illegal refining activities.

On his part, Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, Mr. Datolu Sokubo, called for a balanced focus on security and human development.

“You can’t protect pipelines without addressing people’s welfare. Without our cooperation, infrastructure is never truly secure”, he said.

He urged the Federal Government to prioritise development, especially in education and healthcare, across the region.

The Traditional Ruler of Ekpeye Land, Eze Kelvin Anugwu, called on oil companies to end gas flaring immediately.

Represented by Dr. Patricia Ogbonnaya, he urged PINL to raise awareness of the health and environmental concerns of the communities.

“We keep advising our youths against bunkering. But oil firms must take responsibility for the long-term effects of their operations”, he stated.

Other traditional leaders at the meeting requested improved welfare for surveillance workers, chiefs, and communities to maintain stability and protect oil infrastructure.

Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Monarch Cautions Youths Against Illicit Drug Consumption

Published

1 day ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Eze Igbu Orlukwor II, Eze Ehie II, HRH Eze Prince Ike Ehie, has cautioned youths in his kingdom and Ekpeye at large on the need to abstain from illicit drugs consumption.

Ehie said this recently while fielding questions from newsmen in commemoration of the 2025 World Drug Abuse Day at his liaison office, Ahoada.

He emphasized that drug abuse was dangerous to the body system as it had harmed many physically, mentally and otherwise.

The Monarch noted that people should always take ‘drugs’ based on prescription by qualified medical and health personnel.

He said youths’ alleged disrespect for constituted authorities, mental challenge and various types of illnesses can be linked to the consumption of illicit drugs.

The Royal Father further noted that except government agencies saddled with the requisite responsibilities synergized with traditional institutions and other like-minded organizations, much may not be achieved against the campaign and fight against illicit drug consumption.

According to him, most youths today can do nothing without taking hard drugs, which he said makes them ‘high’ and hyper elated.

The Orlukwor Monarch wondered how the youths would take over the mantle of leadership at both communities and federal levels with such uncultured behaviour and repugnant attitudes.

The World Day of Drug Abuse, was tagged, “Breaking The Chains, Prevention, Treatment And Recovery For All”.

King Onunwor