Rivers

Community Suspends Five ESPAC Members Over Misconduct

Published

3 years ago

September 6, 2023

The Ochimba of Elele Town in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Eze Innocent Anaemeje, has suspended five members of the Etche Security Planning Advisory Committee (ESPAC) in the community.
The suspension follows series of gross misconduct alleged by the community against them.
Those suspended are Darlington Nwanodi Nwaechefom; Nnodim Ordu; Kenneth Onyemuche; Nwauwa, Sam Ade Isaiah; and Chinedu Godspower.
Eze Anaemeje also announced the appointment of one Okachukwu Amadi as the Chief Security Officer of the community.
Speaking in an interview with The Tide in the community, the Ochimba said the suspension of the ESPAC members was a result of gross misconduct, adding that the community might forgive them if they are ready to show remorse and turn a new leaf.
He said the community will also give them a template to operate on.
“They are hereby suspended till further notice. Other members of ESPAC that have not soiled their hands in the misconduct are hereby retained to perform their duties without fear or favour.
“They also have the support of the community, the support of the Ochimba in Council to carry out their legitimate assignment”, he said.
Eze Anaemeje further said the security apparatus of the community will also be reorganized to include members of the Hunters Association of Nigeria, Elele Branch.
It would be recalled that the suspended ESPAC members, last Friday, dragged the Ochimba to the Community market place with a view to getting members of the community pass a vote of no confidence on Eze Anaemeje.
After listening to both parties, the Council exonerated Eze Anaemeje from any wrong doing and imposed heavy fines on the ESPAC members.
The community also warned them against indulging in land grabbing and other illegal activities in the community, adding that it was bad on their part to have dragge the Ochimba to the market place, describing it as an embarrassment not only to the Ochimba, but the entire community.
Meanwhile, the people of Elele Community have pledged their unalloyed loyalty and support to the Ochimba of the community, Eze Anaemeje.
Speaking on behalf of the community, a member of the Elele Council of Chiefs, Chief Innocent Ozoemene Amadi, said the community is happy with the rulership of the Ochimba.
He said those planning a vote of no confidence on Eze Anaemeje are enemies of the community, adding that they are being sponsored to cause crisis in the community.
He also urged them to retrace their steps in the interest of the peace of the community.
Also speaking, the newly appointed Chief Security Officer of Elele Community, Mr Okachukwu Amadi, said he would work to ensure peace in the community.
He called for the support of all members of the community.

By: John Bibor

Rivers

100 Days: UPTH CMD Harps On Brain Drain, Anti-Corruption

Published

3 days ago

April 20, 2026

The Tide

The Chief Medical Director of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Prof. Chituru Godswill Orluwene, has identified brain drain and corruption as critical challenges confronting Nigeria’s health sector.

Orluwene, who made this known during a press briefing to mark his first 100 days in office, in Choba, declared that his administration is tackling both issues headlong as part of efforts to reposition the institution.

He noted that the stewardship session was aimed at rendering account of his leadership and setting a transparent benchmark for performance going forward.

“This 100 days is to render stewardship and give account of our activities, while we tackle corruption headlong within the system”, he said.

Addressing concerns over the exodus of medical professionals, the CMD said, poor working conditions have contributed significantly to brain drain, but that ongoing reforms are beginning to address these challenges.

He expressed optimism in the efforts of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that, Government is repositioning the health sector, especially in remuneration and infrastructure.

On corruption, Prof. Orluwene stressed, “We have taken decisive steps to block all financial leakages and ensure accountability in our operations.”

He disclosed that a staff verification exercise exposed irregularities, stating that “Out of over 4,000 staff on the payroll, only about 2,000 presented themselves for verification.

“As a result, over 1,000 salaries have been stopped due to discrepancies identified during the exercise.”

Highlighting policy reforms, the CMD said, feeding of patients has now been standardized at ?5,000 for three meals, while other charges have been reviewed downward.

On infrastructure, he said “The Accident and Emergency Department was in a poor state before, but today it has undergone massive renovation.”

Speaking on power supply, he revealed: “With the solar power project on ground, UPTH will soon enjoy 24-hour electricity supply. Our goal is to make UPTH a hub for medical tourism in the near future.”

By: King Onunwor

Rivers

Social Welfare Ministry Accepts UNIPORT’s Training, Vulnerable Database Proposal

Published

3 days ago

April 20, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation has revealed that it will consider new proposals by the University of Port Harcourt to engage its staff on refresher training and a state-wide database initiative for vulnerable persons, to ensure efficient service delivery and data-driven planning in the state.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Lauretta Davies-Dimpka, disclosed this when she received a delegation from the University of Port Harcourt, led by a Professor of Social Work and Community Development, Prof. Daniel Uranta, which also include some of his PhD students, during a courtesy visit to her office, Friday.

She described the visit as “timely to get our staff up to speed regarding current standards in social work practice”, and assured the visiting team that their proposals, including a one-month certificate programme for staff and a Child Rights Implementation/Enforcement Committee, would be reviewed.

She added that the ministry’s doors are open for collaboration and partnership, noting that with collaborative effort, social work will achieve greater impact and professionalism in the state.

Earlier, Prof. Uranta said the visit was to formally introduce himself and seek collaboration to strengthen the existing partnership between the university and the ministry.

He proposed four key areas of cooperation: refresher training for ministry staff, a one-month certificate programme on social work for staff, development of a state-wide database for vulnerable persons across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state, and strengthening of a Child Rights Implementation/Enforcement Committee.

The UNIPORT Professor noted that the proposals are aimed at improving case management and welfare response across the state.

The courtesy visit ended on a cordial note, with both parties expressing willingness to collaborate and review the proposals.

Rivers

Ogoloma Fishermen Association Laud Okrika Chair On Grassroots Dev

Published

3 days ago

April 20, 2026

The Tide

The Fishermen Association of Ogoloma Community has commended the Executive Chairman of Okrika Local Government Council, Chief Hon. Akuro Alfred Tobin, for his commitment to grassroots development and the empowerment of local fishermen.

The Association made the commendstion during a courtesy “thank-you” visit by members of the association to the council chairman, following the distribution of fishing equipment aimed at boosting productivity and livelihoods within the riverine community.

Speaking during the visit, Chief Tobin expressed gratitude to the fishermen for their show of appreciation, noting that their success remains a top priority of his administration.

He stated that the empowerment initiative through the provision of fishing canoes, nets, and hooks was designed to enhance economic activities and improve living standards in Ogoloma and other parts of Okrika.

“I am encouraged by your visit and your progress so far. This administration is committed to supporting our local fishermen to thrive. There will be a second phase of the human capital development programme, and we will do even more to uplift the fishing community,” the Chairman assured.

The Chairman reiterated his administration’s dedication to inclusive development, stressing that empowering local industries such as fishing is key to sustainable economic growth in the region.

Responding on behalf of the Association, its spokesperson, Elder Kaizer Kiniminabo, conveyed heartfelt appreciation to the council boss.

He acknowledged the impact of the empowerment programme on the fishermen’s productivity and welfare.

“On behalf of our matron, Hon. Linda Stewart Somiari, and Hon. Royal Ateke, we express our sincere gratitude to the Executive Chairman for his magnanimity and commitment to the well-being of fishermen in Ogoloma. We pray for the continued success of his administration,” Kiniminabo stated.

As a token of appreciation, the association presented gifts, including dry fish and other locally sourced items to the chairman, symbolizing their gratitude and support.

The visit highlights the growing collaboration between local authorities and community stakeholders in fostering development and economic empowerment across Okrika Local Government Area.

By: Michael T. Abraham