Rivers

Vote-Buyers Risk Jail Term -INEC

Published

3 years ago

January 25, 2023

Ahead this year’s general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said jail term awaits any individual caught with a Permanent Voters Card (PVC), not belonging to him or her.
The commission said it is collaborating with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Matters Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to check vote-buying
Rivers State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem, disclosed this at the opening ceremony of the 2023 Week of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), with the theme ‘Media Vigilance Ahead of Peaceful 2023 Election In Rivers State’, in Port Harcourt, Monday.
Sinikiem, who was represented by the Head, Voter Education and Publicity, Mark Usulo, insisted that anyone caught with PVC that does not belong to him or her risks a jail term.
Describing vote-buying as a cankerworm that has eaten deep into the Nigerian system, Sinikiem noted that the INEC had engaged in sensitization campaigns to monitor and report any person involved in the act during the elections.
According to him, security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have been intimated to remain vigilant to uncover people in possession of PVCs that are not theirs.
While assuring the commission’s commitment to conducting a free, fair, credible and violent-free elections in the state, Sinikiem challenged the Media on accurate reportage of INEC activities before, during and after the elections.
Earlier, the Chairman, Correspondents’ Chapel, Amaechi Okonkwo noted with dismay the rising spate of political violence in the state and stressed the need for a reverse and resultant peaceful elections.
In his words, “in the past few weeks, we all know what has been happening around politics and campaigns in Rivers State. Even before now, we are not unaware of information about violence or pockets of violence here and there relating to election and campaigns in Rivers State.”
“Rewind to 2019 when we last held general elections here and you will understand the economic and social disruptions, the loss of lives and property and the nightmares of militarisation of the state, which are still very fresh in our hearts.
“This is the reason we insisted on joining the discussion to reinforce not just the discussion but demand for peaceful general elections in Rivers State.”
Also Speaking, the Head, Corporate Communications, Indorama-Eleme Petrochemicals Limited, and Chairman of the event, Dr. Jossy Nkwocha, urged Journalists and the media at large to be patriotic in their reportage of elections.
Nkwocha said “be careful of fake news from various interest groups. Fake news is the biggest thing that threatens journalism and even the electoral process.
“Let us ensure we check sources of information before using such stories. Let’s maintain neutrality and give all political parties equal opportunities at all times.
“Let’s beware of materials that cause character assassination of political opponents. Let’s be careful with information that may trigger violence in the electoral process”.

By: Lady Godknows Ogbulu

Rivers

Court Dismisses PDP Members’ Suit Over Rivers LG Election Candidates … Awards N10m Costs Against Claimants

Published

1 day ago

June 12, 2026

The Tide

A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has dismissed a suit instituted by three members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) challenging the role of the party’s state leadership in relation to the conduct of the 2025 local government elections.

In the judgment, delivered recently by Justice Stephen Jumbo in Port Harcourt, the Court held that it lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the matter and further ruled that the claimants lacked the locus standi to institute the action.

The suit was filed by Messrs. Enyi Uchechukwu, Wisdom Kalio, and Uche Amadi against the factional Chairman of the PDP in Rivers State, Aaron Chukwuemeka, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), the PDP, and the Rivers State Government.

Also joined as defendants were the Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and Councillors of Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt, and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas.

In the originating summons before the court, the claimants sought, among other reliefs, a determination of whether the Aaron Chukwuemeka-led State Executive Committee (SEC) of the PDP could validly submit a list of candidates to RSIEC for the August 2025 local government elections.

The claimants anchored their case on an earlier judgment of the Rivers State High Court, which they argued had nullified the congresses that produced the state executive led by Aaron.

They urged the court to interpret the legal implications of the earlier judgment and determine whether actions taken by the state executive in relation to the local government election process were valid.

However, Justice Jumbo held that rather than seeking a straightforward interpretation of the previous judgment, the claimants had invited the court to determine the validity of the submission of candidates by the first defendant to RSIEC.

The court noted that the reliefs sought by the claimants effectively converted the matter into a pre-election dispute, which falls within a distinct legal framework and is subject to statutory limitations.

According to the judge, the action was statute-barred in nature, thereby depriving the court of the jurisdiction required to adjudicate on the substantive issues raised in the suit.

The court consequently upheld all the preliminary objections filed by the defendants and agreed with their arguments challenging the competence of the action.

Having resolved the issues of jurisdiction and locus standi against the claimants, the court dismissed the suit in its entirety and awarded costs of N10 million against the claimants in favour of all the defendants.

King Onunwor

Rivers

2027 Polls: Anaka Kingdom Seeks Dev, Better Infrastructure

Published

1 day ago

June 12, 2026

The Tide

The Paramount Ruler of Anaka Kingdom in Akpor Clan, His Royal Highness, Chief Marcus Oriji, Olata XX, has reiterated the kingdom’s commitment to unity, development, and peaceful coexistence among its people.

Speaking during an interview in Ogbogoro, Chief Oriji, who was represented by his son, Eze Alloy Marcus, described Anaka as a community known for peace and unity, noting that the kingdom continues to attract visitors and residents because of its welcoming nature.

According to him, while the leadership of the kingdom has recorded progress, several challenges remain. H

He acknowledged that Anaka faces developmental challenges similar to those confronting many communities across the country.

He identified the provision of key infrastructure, including a modern market, schools, healthcare facilities, and a police station, as critical areas requiring attention to enhance the growth and development of the kingdom.

On concerns raised by residents over the poor condition of the road linking St. John’s to Ogbogoro, Eze Marcus commended the Rivers State Government under the leadership of the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for commencing work on the Ring Road project, which he described as a significant development for the area.

He explained that Anaka Kingdom stands to benefit from the project and appealed to the government to accelerate construction efforts, particularly on sections connecting St. John’s and other adjoining communities, to ease traffic congestion and improve accessibility.

Expressing optimism about the project’s completion, he said improved road infrastructure would not only enhance movement within the area, but also attract investors, businesses, and visitors to the kingdom.

Commenting on the 2027 general elections, Marcus called for divine guidance in the selection of leaders, stressing the need for God-fearing individuals who would govern with integrity and commitment to national development.

He also advised young people to shun electoral violence and resist being used by politicians for unlawful activities such as ballot box snatching and election-related disturbances, whil also urging youths to play constructive roles in strengthening democracy by supporting free, fair, and peaceful elections.

The royal representative emphasized that “sustainable development, improved infrastructure, and peaceful democratic processes remain essential for the continued progress of Anaka Kingdom and Rivers State as a whole.”

Azubuike Chiwendu/Akpelu Godspower

Rivers

New Rivers NSCDC Boss Vows Crackdown On Oil Vandals, Economic Saboteurs

Published

1 day ago

June 12, 2026

The Tide

The newly appointed Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Rivers State Command, Reuben Dennis, has declared a total war against oil vandals, economic saboteurs and other criminal elements threatening the security and economic wellbeing of the state.

He made the pledge during a brief handover ceremony at the Command’s headquarters on Olu Obasanjo Road, Port Harcourt, where he officially took over from the outgoing State Commandant, Joachin Okafor.

A statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Ihemnacho Umeado, said the outgoing commandant formally transferred authority to Dennis, who previously served as the Command’s second-in-command and most recently as Head of Operations, Zone 9, Port Harcourt.

In his inaugural remarks, Dennis promised to build on the achievements of his predecessor while intensifying efforts to protect critical national assets and infrastructure across Rivers State.

He warned criminal elements engaged in oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other forms of economic sabotage to steer clear of the state, stressing that the Command under his leadership would deal decisively with anyone found undermining national assets.

The new NSCDC helmsman also pledged to strengthen collaboration with sister security agencies and other stakeholders to improve security across the oil-rich state.

According to him, intelligence gathering, personnel development and enhanced operational efficiency will form key pillars of his administration.

Dennis further assured officers and men of the Command of improved welfare and regular training programmes aimed at boosting professionalism and operational readiness.

He, however, issued a stern warning against indiscipline, misconduct and unprofessional conduct among personnel, maintaining that erring officers would face appropriate disciplinary measures.

Emphasising that security remains a collective responsibility, Dennis called on residents to support law enforcement agencies with credible information capable of helping to combat crime and insecurity.

Earlier, the outgoing Commandant, Okafor, expressed gratitude to the NSCDC Commandant-General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, for the opportunity to serve the nation and the Corps.

He also commended Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for supporting the Command, particularly through the donation of 10 Hilux patrol vehicles which, he said, significantly enhanced operational effectiveness.

Okafor urged his successor to prioritise the acquisition of a permanent site for the Command as part of efforts to strengthen its institutional presence in the state.

The ceremony featured the signing of handover documents, symbolic transfer of authority through the presentation of the NSCDC flag and a photo session attended by senior officers of the Command.