News
2023: Kwankwaso, Orubebe Consult Wike …As PH Turns Mecca For Politicians
The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, last Friday, held consultative meeting with Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, in his Rumuepirikom private country home.
The latest meeting is coming barely 24hours after Wike met with the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godsday Orubebe.
This is as Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, has in the past three weeks, been turned into a Mecca for politicians, who are apparently seeking spotlight and momentum in their bid to make a statement in the 2023 elections.
Kwankwaso, who arrived by 7:30pm was received at the Port Harcourt Airport, Omagwa by a crowd of some state chairmen and leaders of the NNPP in the zone.
The Kano political gladiator and his team, shortly after, departed the airport and arrived the residence of Governor Wike by 8:40pm.
In attendance at the meeting with Kwankwaso was a former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, and some NNPP leaders and lawmakers.
Although the details of the meeting had yet to be ascertained, it may not be unconnected to the 2023 general election.
The meeting with Orubebe also held behind closed doors in Rumuepirikom,in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Orubebe’s visit to the governor comes barely three days after the former minister dumped PDP.
Orubebe had in a letter dated June 20 and addressed to the PDP National Chairman, Senator lyorchia Ayu, stated that he decided to dump the PDP after realising that the present situation in the party does not inspire confidence that the party is ready to regain power from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 general election.
Hours after dumping PDP, the former minister congratulated APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, and hailed APC governors on the party’s zoning of the presidential ticket to the South.
Wike also received some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators led by the Senate Minority Leader, Philip Aduda, at his private residence in the state capital on Thursday.
On Wednesday, Wike met with the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, behind closed doors in the Rivers State governor’s private residence.
Other politicians who have visited Wike recently include Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed and Ebonyi State Governor, Engr Dave Umahi.
While Mohammed stormed the state on Wednesday, Umahi was at Rumuepirikom, penultimate Saturday.
Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State, is from the North-West, Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, however, hails from the South-East.
Umahi, who was a presidential aspirant under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), hails from the South-East; just as Mohammed, who contested the presidential primaries of the PDP for the 2023 election, is from the North-East.
Kwankwaso was met by Wike in the company of former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose; former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Bello Adoke;Chairman, Rivers Elders’ Forum, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba; Senator Olaka Nwogu, and other PDP leaders.
All men later left their delegations to have hours’ long private discussion with the governor.
Also on Thursday, Wike received some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators at his private residence in Rumuepirrikom.
The senators were led by the Senate Minority Leader, Philip Aduda.
Senators in attendance at the meeting were the Senate Minority Whip, Chukwuka Utazi; Shuaibu Lau, Danjuma La’ah, and Barry Mpigi.
By: Nelson Chukwudi
News
NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam
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.
News
Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence
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.
News
Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027
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.
-
Sports18 hours agoNFF mourns ex-Eagles striker Eneramo
-
Maritime21 hours agoCILT Nigeria Seeks Anti- graft Agency Collaboration
-
Sports18 hours agoW/Cup Qualifier: Flamingos In Impressive Opener
-
Sports18 hours agoEuropean Giants Circle For Osimhen
-
Sports18 hours agoTennis Event Boosts Grassroots Development Push
-
Sports18 hours ago
Four Private Clubs Gain Promotion To NPFL
-
Sports18 hours agoFinancial Issues Stall Chelle’s Eagles Contract Talks
-
Sports19 hours agoNigerian Player Closes In On Historic UEFA Honour
