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Unity Road’s Completion, Priority Of Wike’s Govt -Akawor

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Chairman of Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Rivers State chapter, Amb Desmond Akawor, has assured the people of Andoni Local Government Area that the Ogoni-AndoniUnity Road project remained a top priority project of the Governor NyesomWike-led administration.
Akawor, who is also the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stated this while addressing the people of Andoni during the Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC) collection sensitisation programmeorganised by the Grassroot Development Initiative (GDI) at State School, Asarama, in Andoni Local Government Area, last Monday.
He said though the road was one of the most expensive projects, the present administration was determined to complete it before handing over in 2023.
While announcing that the contractor would soon move to site, IPAC chairman appealed for the cooperation of the people of the area so that the project can be completed as planned.
“The Ogoni-Andoni Unity Road is one of the most expensive projects in Rivers State. The governor has made commitment that the road must be completed. This is the desire of the governor of Rivers State. After the construction Andoni will no longer be a riverine community, Andoni will become upland”.
Addressing the people, Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, said he was happy to be in Andoni, and to be received by such a large crowd even when he was told that GDI does not exist in the area.
The PDP standard bearer said the enthusiasm shown by Andoni people has made the job of educating them on PVC collection very easy.
He advised the people to ensure they collect their PVCs, and also safeguard same.
Fubara, who said he was an indigene of Andoni, urged them to continue to work together to achieve a stronger GDI.
“I am happy with the level of awareness in our local government area. Iam overwhelmed by what I am seeing because it has made my job easier. We are done with registration, what is on now is collection of PVCs. Keep these PVCs safe. Ignore any text message that asks you to come with your PVC for empowerment”, he advised the people.
Fubara has charged the electorate in Andoni to close ranks so as to build a stronger GDI in the LGA.
The standard bearer maintained that though GDI was fully on ground in the LGA, they, as the electorate, can be stronger if they remain united.
Fubara also forewarned the people to stand strong even in the face of storms that may come with the electoral season, as the battles ahead have already been won.
He advised eligible electorate to ensure that they use their PVCs wisely during the forthcoming elections in 2023, assuring that their votes would count this time around.
He commended the leaders of the area, women and youths and the GDI supporters for coming out enmasse for the programme.
In his remarks, the President-General of GDI, Hon Bright Amaewhule, said that the large crowd that turned out to grace the rally had justified his earlier assertion that the group was fully on ground in Andoni.
He encouraged those who were yet to collect their PVCs to do so as soon as possible, now that the window is still open.
He added that with the level of awareness among the people, electioneering campaign messages by candidates of the PDP would be easy to drive home to eligible voters in the area, particularly because of the giant strides the state government had made in delivering solid dividends of democracy to the people.
Amaewhule charge the people to protect their PVCs, and ensure that they use same wisely to elect the right candidates into various offices during the 2023 elections.
Also speaking, the member representing Andoni/Opobo-Nkoro Federal Constituency, HonAbiante Awaji-Inombek, stated that 2023 elections shall be a referendum on moving Nigeria forward towards progress, unity, development and peace.
He emphasised that the era of ‘top-to-bottom’ policy is over, and that it has become imperative to use the PVCs to secure the lives of citizens and posterity as well as to SIMplify tomorrow.
Earlier, the Chairman of Andoni Local Government Area, Barrister Erastus Awortu, declared that staff of Independent National Electoral Commission in Andoniwere not resting because on a daily basis, the people were busy collecting their PVCs from the electoral umpire.
He also stated that in time past,Andoni was enslaved by the forces of darkness and underdevelopment, but now has been liberated by the Rivers StateGovernor, Chief NyesomWike.
The chairman maintained that with the PVCs collected, they shall execute punishment on those who short-changed Andoni in contracts, scholarships and other basic necessities.
The Andoni rally featured dance gyration by the 11 wards in the area, and solidarity speeches from stakeholders.
Among the stakeholders, who spoke at the event are a former chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) and current stalwart of the PDP, Chief Davies IbiamuIkanya;member representing Andoni/Opobo-Nkoro Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon Abiante Awaji-Inombek;Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Ikuinyi-OwayiIbani; and the LGA Chairman, BarristerErastus Awortu.
Others include the Deputy Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Edison Ehie; the Majority Leader of Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Martin Amaewhule; former Commissioner, Civil Service Commission, Mrs Sotonye Toby Fulton, chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Engr. Samuel Nwanosike; Mayor of Port Harcourt, Hon AlwellIhunda; and other council chairmen, prominent government officials and chieftains of the party.

By: Nelson Chukwudi

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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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