News
…Police, NSCDC Deploy 5,152 Combat Officers In Rivers
Determined to sustain adequate peace and security, and also ensure a hitch-free Salah celebrations in the state, the Rivers State Police Command and its sister agency, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have jointly deployed 5,152 personnel across the 23 local government areas of the state.
While the police said it deployed a total of 3,532 personnel, the NSCDC deployed 1,620 officers to protect residents and corporate organisations during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations in the state.
In their separate press statements made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the deployment covers all worship centres, celebration venues and other resort centres in the state.
In the statement, Iringe-Koko said that the Commissioner of Police, Friday Eboka, had assured those resident in Rivers State of peaceful celebration before, during and after Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
“In line with that, all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Commanders have been directed to ensure strict compliance to the directive, with a view to stopping mischief makers and other criminal elements from carrying out their nefarious activities during the Salah celebration.
“Area to be covered includes worship centres, celebration venues and other resorts centres. He directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Team Commanders to ensure that mischief makers are stopped from causing any form of mayhem for law abiding citizens.
“The command has deployed a total of 3,532 personnel to ensure a hitch free festival.
“The CP urged the residents to be peaceful and law-abiding while celebrating the Eid-el-Kabir celebration. He wished them well as they celebrate this year’s Muslim festival. The general public were asked to give useful information to the police that produce credible intelligence to curb crime in the state”, it stated.
The statement urged members of the public to be law abiding and continue to support the police in the fight against crime and criminalities, by reporting and furnishing the police with useful information or report any suspicious person/movement through the following emergency numbers: 08033396538, 09014273818 and 08160723982.”
In a related development, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Rivers State Command said it has also deployed 1,620 personnel to protect residents for the 2022 Eid-el-Kabir celebration in the state.
In a statement in Port Harcourt by the Rivers State Command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), DSC Olufemi Ayodele, said the deployment covers all churches, mosques and other public event centres.
According to the statement, the Rivers State Commandant of NSCDC, Michael Ogar, has directed all Area Divisional Officers across the 23 local government areas of the state to work with other security agencies, stakeholders and traditional rulers to ensure hitch-free Salah celebrations.
“It is a notable fact that criminal minded persons do take advantage of festive seasons to perpetrate their nefarious acts, we must be on top of the game in safeguarding of critical national assets, infrastructure and provisions of adequate security for the good people of Rivers State; the Command Anti-Vandal Squad has been fully briefed on the need to secure the waterways and effect massive arrests of those dealing illegally in petroleum products. Our Intelligence and Undercover team, Counter Terrorism and Arms Squad are to be on red alert; we must justify the trust and confidence of the public in us by discharging our duties with all sense of responsibility and commitment”.
The commandant while wishing Rivers people a peaceful celebration, advised parents and guardians to caution their wards on the type of company they keep, and assured the public that his command will sustain the anti-vandalism war to ensure that all critical assets of the Federal Government are protected.
The statement, however, warned perpetrators of illegal petroleum products deals to desist forthwith or risk being arrested and prosecuted.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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