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Use Alternative Means To Accelerate Cases Disposal In Family Court -Wike

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Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has advocated the need for the Judiciary to seek legal audacity that would accelerate cases before the Family Court even when prosecutors develop cold feet over cases being handled.
Wike gave the advise when he formally inaugurated the Rivers State Family Court at the High Court Complex in Port Harcourt, last Monday.
The Rivers State governor also unveiled the “Family Court Rules, the Guide”, and the book is titled, “The Child, Ethics and the Law: A Simplified Law Guide for Children and Young Persons.”
Wike noted that often, prosecutors clandestinely withdraw prosecution of child’s rights abuse cases, which frustrate the case, and justice to the child denied, eventually.
To forestall such situation, he urged the Judiciary to do everything possible to achieve the essence of establishing the Family Court, which was to engender child-friendly justice system that treats children with dignity and fairness.
“As usual, nobody knows what may happen, but is there no way the legislature could say that in case the prosecutor is not coming for a case, the court, when I say the court, I am not talking about the presiding judge, but the Judiciary, could on their own by funds available, hire another prosecutor(s) so that these cases do not die.”
Wike spoke on hindsight of experience of what often transpires and why prosecutors discontinue most cases of child abuse.
The governor stated that children suffer a great deal of defilement at early age, but the lack of interest of prosecution to pursue such cases to logical conclusion serves as another form of injustice to children.
“Children, they suffer, most of them are defiled at their early age. Some people (lawyers) cannot stand firm to say that, look, I will not accept this, that I must prosecute the matter to the last to see that there is justice.”
Wike pledged his support to what the Family Court truly represents, even if its establishment was coming about 13 years after the state House of Assembly first domesticated the Child’s Rights Act in 2009.
He advised against the attitude of giving excuses which could hamper the operations of the court now that the state has joined the league of states that have Family Court.
“Frankly speaking, I am fully in support, and I have to thank God. Students and pupils are here to see that every hope is not lost. You have an opportunity to see that justice is being done, and I believe that with the presiding judge and his colleagues that will be working in the Family Court, they will make sure that justice is not only done but will be seen to have been done.”
In her speech, the presiding judge of the Family Court, Hon. Justice Suzzette Eberechi Nyesom-Wike, explained that the essence of child-friendly justice was to re-orientate and rehabilitate vulnerable children.
The court, she said, would also reintegrate; bring relief and redress to the child, and not inflict corporal punishment or hardship on the child, no matter the delinquency.
“Under this system, the court is obliged to listen to children, consider their views, and ensure their participation and protection in the process, whether as victims, witnesses or offenders.”
Justice Nyesom-Wike further said that since joining the bench in 2012, she had desired to ensure that there was a justice system, which guarantees the effective implementation of all children’s rights at the highest attainable level.
However, she noted that the journey to what has been actualised today did not start until two years ago, despite the domestication of the Child’s Rights Act by the Rivers State House of Assembly in 2009.
“Apart from the lack of political will, the Rivers State Child’s Rights Law of 2009 was fundamentally defective and incapable of triggering the jurisdictional competence of a Family Court in the state, even if the state had wanted to establish such a court.
“Additionally, the textual errors, omissions and repetitions in the Rivers State Child’s Rights Law 2009 were so severe that the 2021 amendment could not cure and resolve the legal stalemate.
“Besides this, after 13 years, and with some changes occurring in our justice system in Rivers State, Nigeria and the world over, a review of the law was necessary for the benefit of our children.”
Justice Nyesom-Wike stated that presently, the Family Court functions in Port Harcourt with four jurisdictions; two High Court judges and two magistrates.
According to her, it was expected to spread to all the 23 local government areas to ease access to justice across the state as the need arises and resources allow.
“The court will be age-appropriate, speedy, and diligent. It will also focus on the child’s needs; respect the right to due process and the right to private and family life.
“It will also be accessible to all, including litigants, lawyers and non-lawyers who have the right to participate and personally conduct their cases in the court.”
In his address, Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, explained that the Rivers State Judiciary has furnished and equipped a befitting place for use as the Family Court.
He said the Judiciary was now set to commence appropriate Family Court proceedings at the High Court and Magistrate Court levels in tackling designated cases.
On his part, the Attorney General of Rivers State and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor, lauded the establishment of the Family Court, and said it was another reckonable feat in the administration of justice in Rivers State.
Former president, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Onueze C.J. Okocha, SAN, and Chairman, NBA, Port Harcourt branch, Barrister Victor Benibo, delivered goodwill messages on behalf of Body of Benchers and NBA, respectively.

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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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