Rivers
Royal Estate Occupants Raise Alarm Over Incessant Harassment
Some occupants of a popular estate, Royal Estate, located along SARS Road in Rukpokwu Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State are not happy that they have often come under incessant attacks and harassment from persons suspected to be hoodlums and thugs.
On several occasions, according to feelers, these peaceful and law-abiding citizens of Nigeria have had their buildings and other property being wantonly destroyed and vandalised with impunity and for this reason, live under fear.
Speaking in an interview with newsmen recently, some of the occupants of the estate said the attacks and molestation meted out against them and masterminded by one Don, have become more ferocious and fierce in recent times, for which reason they are calling on the Inspector General of Police to intervene to avert bloodshed.
According to them, more worrisome is the fact that they are often arrested and taken to unknown locations.
They also cried out over what they described as unwarranted and mindless extortion by their tormentors, as some of them are forced to cough out huge sums of money before regaining their freedom.
Of particular note is one occupant of the estate, Mrs Esther Edet, who alleged that she and her husband had often been singled out for harassment and molestation by the tormentors.
According to Mrs Edet, a man whose identity was not disclosed had bought a parcel of land, close to where they are living and asked her to use the place for farming so that she could be providing water and other things to people working on the land.
Instead of this kind gesture to give her peace of mind and respite, she said it has rather been a source of pain and misery, as the tormentors have often invaded the place and asked her to vacate even though they are not the owners of the property.
She specifically appealed to the Inspector General of Police to come to their aid.
Another victim, Mr Daniel Chukwurah Nwosu said his elder brother, one Chief Cyril Sunday bought a parcel of land where he is residing with his family and sold it out to other individuals and occupants.
According to him, the brother had the Certificate of Occupancy of the land and that the said land had already been contested and won in a court of competent jurisdiction.
He expressed optimism that intruders into the land would one day be arrested and brought to justice.
One his part, another occupant of the estate, one Evangelist Akeh Obinna condemned in strong terms the arrest of one Kee, who does menial jobs in the estate as a means of survival and called on the police high command to urgently wade into the matter.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Rivers State Polce Command for her comments proved abortive.
The Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII), His Majesty, King Prof. Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, Eze Gbakagbaka, has called on communication professionals to rise above routine narratives and become vanguards in rebuilding public trust in the face of Nigeria’s challenging economic realities.
The revered monarch made the charge while delivering the Chairman’s Opening Remarks at the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Rivers State Chapter, held in Port Harcourt, with the theme: “Refocusing Stakeholders’ Engagement and Public Trust in a Challenging Economy.”
The event, which drew leading figures in public communication, governance, and industry, witnessed presentations, keynote addresses and robust deliberations aimed at repositioning the PR profession to respond to national realities with innovation and integrity.
In his remarks, HM Eke commended the Rivers State Chapter of NIPR, led by Rev. Francis Asuk, for what he called its unwavering commitment to professionalism, knowledge-sharing, and continuous dialogue on issues affecting the nation’s social and institutional fabric.
He noted that the theme of the conference could not have been more appropriate, considering the current national climate where public confidence in institutions is at an all-time low, and economic uncertainties have strained relationships between stakeholders and the state.
“We are living in a season when trust has become a scarce commodity. Citizens are asking tough questions, and institutions are struggling to maintain credibility. In such a time, the role of the Public Relations professional becomes even more crucial”, he said.
The Eze Gbakagbaka, who is the Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, noted that Public Relations practitioners must understand their strategic role as mediators between the people and the truth, adding that the tools of their trade: honest communication, transparency, and empathy, must be wielded with renewed purpose and patriotism.
“You are the bridge between the people and the truth; between perception and reality. Your work determines whether society believes, doubts, or hopes again. Let this conference remind us that trust is not demanded, it is earned”, he urged.
He emphasized that the restoration of trust in both public and private sectors requires consistent, deliberate, and sincere stakeholder engagement.
According to him, when communication is driven by integrity, not propaganda, society will gradually find its voice and confidence once again.
“With transparent communication and genuine engagement, even in a difficult economy, confidence can be restored”, the monarch said, urging the delegates to see themselves not just as professionals, but as nation-builders with a moral obligation to influence public perception positively.
The Evo apex King, who is also a Fellow of the Institute, called on participants to approach the discussions with open minds and patriotic intent, stressing that every contribution must be geared towards rebuilding national cohesion and institutional trust.
“With a deep sense of honour and responsibility”, he declared, “I, His Majesty, King Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, JP, Eze Gbakagbaka, Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII) and Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, formally declare open the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Rivers State Chapter to the glory of God and for the good of our society.”
At a post conference courtesy call at the instance of the Eze Gbakagbaka, the President of the Association, Dr. Ike Neliaku, described the Kung as an astute Fellow who is determined to add colour to the Institute regardless of any odds.
Also, the Council Member, Pastor Palunius Nsirim, who corroborated the President’s position, noted that His Majesty’s recognition was something valid given his contributions to the growth of the association.
“We value your presence with us. We will continue to benefit from your wise counsel. We won’t take your support for granted”, he said.
Climax of the visit was the decoration of Dr. Neliaku by the Evo apex King as a Honorary citizen of the Kingdom.
By: King Onunwor
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