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Okiro, Dumo Worry Over Political Crisis In Rivers State

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The Chairman of Nigeria Police Service Commission and former Inspector General of Police, IGP Mike Okiro (rtd.) and the governorship candidate of Accord Party in the last general election in Rivers State, Chief Dumo Lulu Briggs, have expressed great concern over the lingering political crisis in Rivers State.
Both personalities, who spoke to newsmen in Port Harcourt, described the political issue between former Governor of Rivers State, now Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, and the Governor, Sir Siminilayi Fubara, as an evil wind that will blow no one good.
Okiro advised the Minister of the FCT to stop the political crisis in the State to enable the administration of Fubara succeed in developing the State, stressing that it is time for both groups to stop and allow governance to take place in the State.
According to him, it is high time the crisis was brought to an end and allow the Governor concentrate in his efforts to develop the state and the people.
He said the state “needs more development and attention now more than anytime else. We should condemn all unnecessary supremacy tussle which are selfish.
“Let there be an end to this unnecessary political crisis now and let all hands be on deck to move Rivers State forward”, he stated.
According to him, this had become necessary because there was the need to create jobs for the teaming population of the youths and deepening the ongoing infrastructure development in the state.
Also, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs called for peace and unity in Rivers State, saying its time for truce and a lasting peace in the Rivers State.
He said the current crossfire and political love lost between the Governor and his predecessor was uncalled for and unnecessary in the state at this time.
According to the Accord Party strongman, the supremacy battle on who should be the leader of the state or that of the party, had longed been decided as soon as the governor won the election in 2023.
He said Fubara became the leader of the state and that of his party in the state as soon as he emerged as the Governor of the state, emphasising that the Governor’s leadership position was not determined by age, size nor by his experience, but for the fact that he has emerged as the Governor of the state.
“As the Governor of the state, he automatically becomes the leader of the party and the father of the state”, he said.
Lulu-Briggs continued that this was what played out at the Federal level, when President Ahmed Tinubu assumed office as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
He emphasised that it could be treasonable for the former President, Muhammadu Buhari, to contend the office with President Tinubu.
“This is the position everyone in the state should adopt for now and must be maintained to let peace and development foster in the state”, he said.
Noting that the current political tension in the state could cause distraction and draw the state backwards, he said “all that is needed now is an aggressive industrial and agricultural revolution that would impact on the lives of every average Rivers Man and woman”.

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Rivers

Residents Embrace MNCH Week Services In PH

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2 weeks ago

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June 17, 2026

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Antenatal care and immunization services recorded high patronage during the just-concluded Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week as residents in various communities across Port Harcourt took advantage of the free healthcare interventions.
The exercise, which was aimed at improving maternal and child well-being, attracted women, caregivers and children to different health facilities where a range of free healthcare services were provided.
Findings from selected health centres visited during the exercise showed encouraging participation by beneficiaries despite a few operational challenges experienced by health workers.
At Ozuboko Health Centre, the doctor in charge, Dr. Flag Amachree, said the facility recorded a good turnout throughout the exercise.
 The Tide  gathered that the team of immunization officers embarked on outreach immunization activities to schools to ensure that more children benefited from the programme.
She, however, identified inadequate supplies of deworming tablets as a challenge, noting that available stocks were being carefully managed to meet demands.
One of the beneficiaries, Emmanuella Edwin, who visited the facility for antenatal registration, expressed satisfaction with the services provided by the health workers.
She commended the staff for their dedication, professionalism and friendly disposition, adding that the registration process was stress-free and without any major challenge.
Similarly, Mrs. Esther Abbey said she registered for the free medical services offered during the healthcare week and described the process as smooth and simple.
She added that the programme also created an avenue for her daughter to benefit from immunization services through arrangements by her school.
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Philomena Ezekiel, said she was unable to access the service for her children after she was informed that a National Identification Number (NIN) was required before the test could be carried out.
At Amadi Health Centre, the Medical Officer in charge, Dr. Ebere Ikonwa, attributed the low turnout recorded at the facility to inadequate community mobilization, noting that no town crier was assigned to create awareness.
Despite the situation, she said the facility carried out outreach immunization services successfully and recorded significant patronage in antenatal care and immunization services.
By: Esuuk-Awaji Oyet, Princess Akinyemi
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NUJ Summit to Strengthen Media/Security Partnership, Tackle Misinformation

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2 weeks ago

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June 17, 2026

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The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is set to convene a two-day National Security Summit in Abuja aimed at strengthening collaboration between the media and security agencies in advancing national stability, public trust and sustainable development.
The summit, scheduled to hold on June 18 and 19, 2026, will bring together key actors in governance, security and the media sector to deliberate on pathways for improved engagement in addressing contemporary national security concerns.
Themed, “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building”, the gathering is expected to serve as a strategic platform for dialogue on responsible information management and enhanced institutional cooperation.
Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Comrade Abimbola Oyetunde, who disclosed this in a statement, said the initiative was conceived as a high-level engagement to deepen understanding between journalists and security operatives in safeguarding the country.
She explained that the summit would provide opportunities for critical conversations on crisis communication, information sharing, conflict reporting and strengthening citizens’ confidence in public institutions.
According to the statement, the event will attract senior government officials, heads of security agencies, media executives, editors, civil society groups and other stakeholders drawn from across the country.
According to the organizers, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, will attend as Special Guests of Honour.
The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, is expected to deliver the keynote address, while the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, will host the summit.
Also expected to chair the occasion is the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
The statement noted that the summit comes at a critical period when Nigeria continues to confront evolving security challenges, growing concerns over misinformation and heightened public anxiety over national issues.
It emphasized that structured engagement between the media and security institutions has become imperative in improving crisis communication, reducing panic, combating fake news, and ensuring the dissemination of timely, accurate and responsible information.
Participants at the summit are expected to examine issues such as responsible reporting of security operations and conflict situations, access to credible information and official briefings, management of sensitive information and the safety of journalists covering security-related assignments.
Other areas of focus include countering disinformation, propaganda and hate speech, as well as building mutual trust and professional respect between journalists and security personnel.
The summit will also feature goodwill messages, panel discussions, breakout sessions, experience-sharing by frontline reporters, and interactive engagements with security chiefs before concluding with the adoption of a communiqué and an action framework to guide future collaboration.
The NUJ restated its commitment to press freedom, ethical journalism and promoting national peace, security and democratic governance.
By: King Onunwor
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Anaka Community Seeks Development, Unity  … Advocates Devine Guidance In 2027 Leadership Selection

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2 weeks ago

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June 17, 2026

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The Paramount Ruler of Anaka Community in Akpor Clan, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, HRH. Eze  Marcus Oriji, has reiterated the kingdom’s commitment to unity, development, and peaceful coexistence among its people.
HRH Oriji, who spoke through his son, Alloy Marcus, in an interview with newsmen in the community, said the community is committed to peace.
 He 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 in various fronts, several challenges still remain.
Anaka Community, he continued, has faced 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,ii for commencing work on the Ring Road project, which he described as a significant development for the area.
Marcus 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, Eze Alloy 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.
He urged 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.
By: Azubuike Chiwendu, Akpelu Godspower
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