Niger Delta
Bayelsa Reassures Community Of Justice Over Murder Case

The Bayelsa State Government has assured the people of Yenezue-Epie community of the Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state of its commitment to ensuring that justice is served over unfortunate incident that led to the death of their son, Moses Akanda.
Deputy Governor of the state, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, gave the assurance during the week at a meeting with the leadership of the community, the deceased family, the State Commissioner of Police and other stakeholders in Government House, Yenagoa.
A statement issued by the Media aide to the state’s number two citizen, Mr Doubara Atasi, Tuesday, quotes him as urging security agencies to always be thorough and professional in carrying out their duties.
Ewhrudjakpo stressed that every life, including that of a suspect remains sacred untill proven guilty by a competent court of jurisdiction.
It would be recalled that one Moses Akanda was killed recently at the Yenezue-Epie community during a raid allegedly carried out by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which sparked some protests in the state capital, Yenagoa.
Expressing his condolence and that of the state government to the bereaved family, the Deputy Governor assured that no stone would be left unturned in unravelling the circumstances that led to the death of Mr Akanda.
Consequently, the Bayelsa number two Man has directed the state’s Commissioner of Police to ensure that investigations into the incident be concluded soon for the matter to be charged to court.
“Government is aware that our son, (Moses) was unjustifiably killed. But let us give the police one week to identify the person that shot our son.
“The law is that, if you’re going to arrest a person and the person tries to escape, you shoot below the waist and not above the waist.
“While we’re waiting for the law to take its full course, I really want to appeal to all of us, particularly the bereaved family not to do anything that will make us to be unequally yoked like the killers of our son”, the Deputy Governor said.
He promised that government would support in the burial of the deceased as soon as investigations were concluded as well as take care of the immediate family, particularly the pregnant wife of the slain Moses Akanda.
He, however, cautioned youths and people of Epie Kingdom against frequent resort to street protests as a means of expressing their grievances and demands.
“The doors of the Governor Douye Diri-led Administration are open to receive and handle genuine complaints of communities with a view to addressing them to sustain the prrvailing peace in the state”, he added.
In her remarks, the Member representing Yenagoa Constituency One in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Ayibanegiyefa Egba, described the incident as sad and provocative, noting that such shooting resulting in fatalities had become one too many in Epie kingdom.
The lawmaker, however appealed for calm on the part of the bereaved family and the Yenezue-Epie Community, saying that government was doing everything possible to resolve the matter in the shortest time possible.
In their separate remarks, the Odapiri-Osusu of Epie Kingdom, HRH (Dr.) Ernest Samuel, and the President of the Oguan Youth Council, Mr. Inatimi Timothy, said they were quite pleased with the timely and mature manner the state government was handling the matter through the office of the Deputy Governor.
While appealing to government to look into the plight of the aged mother, Madam Darlin Akanda, and the pregnant widow of the deceased, Mrs Favour Akanda, they pressed for speedy investigation, arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the killing of Moses Akanda.
The Tide reports that among those in the meeting were, the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Francis Idu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Mr Collins Ifidi.
Others were, the Paramount Ruler of the Yenizue-Epie community, His Royal Highness Young Akanda, the CDC Chairman, Mr Asuefien Osain, among other stakeholders of the community.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
Niger Delta
RSNC Head Charges NAOMEW On Professionalism, Effective Service Delivery

The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages

The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.