Rivers

IYC Tasks Fubara On Unity Govt

Published

2 years ago

November 15, 2023

The leadership of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, comprising Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, has called on Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to set up a unity government that will include everybody.
Such persons to be included are people from other political parties, other governorship candidates, Senatorial and House of Representatives candidates, as well as House of Assembly candidates.
President of IYC Eastern Zone, Ibim Ibiwari, in a statement made available to newsmen urged the Governor to strive to give a sense of belonging to all critical stakeholders of the State, so that they can contribute their quota and expertise and wealth of experience, knowledge and wisdom for the development and growth of the State.
The IYC, while commenting on the issues bedeviling the State, especially the most recent rift between the State House of Assembly members and the Governor, said it was unwarranted and not necessary, since the Governor has not committed any political infraction to warrant such grand plot to impeach him.
They, therefore, demanded reasons for what they called such reckless abuse of power.
They also appealed to all to the path of peace, saying the Government Is barely five months old, and we are experiencing this dastardly act and utmost show of shame”.
It condemned the burning and desecration of the hallowed chambers of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and the shooting, tear gazing, and spraying of hot water on the Governor and his entourage, who were on their way to inspect the burnt section of the State Assembly.
Consequently, the IYC called for investigation, apprehension and punishment of the perpetrators of the action against the Governor, insisting that they must be brought to book by the Nigeria Police Force, Rivers State Command, as that will serve as a deterrent to others.
On the removal and counter- removal of both the Speaker, Hon. Martins Amewhule, and Majority Leader, Hon. Edison Ehie, it urged tha the status quo be maintained forthwith.
“We don’t see the need for infighting. It is simply a medium to deny their respective constituents their benefits, due rights and privileges.
“From our observation, they are all members of same political family and party. As such, failure to adhere to this unpaid consultancy and proposed resolution will attract grave consequences of moving and sponsoring for their immediate withdrawal.
“These political offices weren’t voted for infighting, but rather to attract development for their respective constituency, and improve the well being of their constituents”, the body stated.
Lambasting the Assembly members for the plot to remove the Governor, the IYC Eastern Zone President observed that the scheme was an abuse of power by the lawmakers.
He urged that such plans should be suspended and solidarity to build the democracy be consolidated to govern the State.
He also urged the Governor to focus on creating improved means of livelihood by enhancing adequate power supply, affordable and free health and medical care, and agriculture development capable of producing food for the masses.

By: Kevin Nengia

Rivers

Motor Spare Parts, Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union Swears Gets New Chairman in Port Harcourt

Published

20 hours ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Owhonda Dickson Motor Spare Parts and Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union operating in Ikoku Port Harcourt, Rivers state has sworn in Mr. Cyril Igbokwe, popularly known as Onyeoma Cy, as its new Chairman.

The brief swearing _in ceremony was held at the union office in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Igbokwe expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence his members had shown in him, despite his perceived educational background compared to others. , “I feel very happy to be the chairman of this great union in this great market. I’m proud of my executives for demonstrating commitment and cooperation.” Notably, the executives raised over ?1 million for the inauguration ceremony within an hour.

The new Chairman promised to tackle key challenges facing the union, including security and indiscipline. He vowed to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, who he praised for excellent performance, and aimed to possibly do better.

Mr. Igbokwe emphasized maintaining a robust relationship with the host community and conducting his affairs within the ambit of the law.

In his remarks,the Electoral Committee Chairman’, Igwe Amobichukwu Eze Okorie, assured that the elections were conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner. Despite facing challenges such as non-compliance with guidelines and unfounded propaganda campaigns, no formal protest letters had been received.

Also speaking, the Women’s Leader, Lolo Nkechinyere Okolie, expressed faith in the new Chairman, citing his integrity and experience. She highlighted her role in ensuring women’s voices are counted in the union and vouched for the credibility of the election, noting that Mr. Igbokwe was the popular choice among members.

Rivers

CDS Urges Communities To Protect Pipelines

Published

21 hours ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has urged Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) host communities to protect national assets located within their areas.

Musa made the appeal at a monthly stakeholders’ meeting organised by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in Port Harcourt.

Represented by Navy Capt. Lassie Ozovehe, he said the effects of oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism were mostly borne by the host communities themselves.

He noted that the environmental and health risks from pipeline damage affect locals more than the oil companies operating in the region.

“These assets are on your land. You benefit from them, so you must protect them and safeguard yourselves from the hazards”, he said.

He praised PINL for its consistent efforts in securing the assets, particularly its record of zero infractions on the Trans Niger pipelines.

Earlier, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, PINL’s Community Relations Consultant, urged host communities to collaborate in tackling security challenges in the Niger Delta.

Mezeh said PINL had expanded its mandate to include the security of all oil and gas infrastructure in the Eastern Corridor, including gas pipelines.

He explained that the meeting aimed to reduce pipeline vandalism and oil theft, which have major economic consequences for the country.

He stated that PINL had seen near-zero incidents over the past month, crediting host community cooperation for the achievement.

He, however, identified ongoing issues such as poor information sharing, threats to surveillance guards, stakeholder collusion, and leadership disputes.

A keynote speaker, Mr. Otoyo Sunday, discussed the serious health effects of gas flaring in the Niger Delta region.

He urged people to view the environment as living, warning that harmful activities have long-term consequences for people and nature.

Sunday condemned gas flaring caused by well testing, pressure releases, and illegal refining activities.

On his part, Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, Mr. Datolu Sokubo, called for a balanced focus on security and human development.

“You can’t protect pipelines without addressing people’s welfare. Without our cooperation, infrastructure is never truly secure”, he said.

He urged the Federal Government to prioritise development, especially in education and healthcare, across the region.

The Traditional Ruler of Ekpeye Land, Eze Kelvin Anugwu, called on oil companies to end gas flaring immediately.

Represented by Dr. Patricia Ogbonnaya, he urged PINL to raise awareness of the health and environmental concerns of the communities.

“We keep advising our youths against bunkering. But oil firms must take responsibility for the long-term effects of their operations”, he stated.

Other traditional leaders at the meeting requested improved welfare for surveillance workers, chiefs, and communities to maintain stability and protect oil infrastructure.

Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Monarch Cautions Youths Against Illicit Drug Consumption

Published

21 hours ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Eze Igbu Orlukwor II, Eze Ehie II, HRH Eze Prince Ike Ehie, has cautioned youths in his kingdom and Ekpeye at large on the need to abstain from illicit drugs consumption.

Ehie said this recently while fielding questions from newsmen in commemoration of the 2025 World Drug Abuse Day at his liaison office, Ahoada.

He emphasized that drug abuse was dangerous to the body system as it had harmed many physically, mentally and otherwise.

The Monarch noted that people should always take ‘drugs’ based on prescription by qualified medical and health personnel.

He said youths’ alleged disrespect for constituted authorities, mental challenge and various types of illnesses can be linked to the consumption of illicit drugs.

The Royal Father further noted that except government agencies saddled with the requisite responsibilities synergized with traditional institutions and other like-minded organizations, much may not be achieved against the campaign and fight against illicit drug consumption.

According to him, most youths today can do nothing without taking hard drugs, which he said makes them ‘high’ and hyper elated.

The Orlukwor Monarch wondered how the youths would take over the mantle of leadership at both communities and federal levels with such uncultured behaviour and repugnant attitudes.

The World Day of Drug Abuse, was tagged, “Breaking The Chains, Prevention, Treatment And Recovery For All”.

King Onunwor