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RSG To Establish Conflict Prevention, Peace Committee In 23 LGAs

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The Rivers State Government has disclosed its plans to establish Community Conflict Prevention and Peace Building Committee (CCPPC) in all the 23 local government areas of the state.
The government noted that the state needs peace onward, adding that the move would provide an avenue for prompt response to conflicts that may arise in any part of the state as regard boundary issues.
The Deputy Governor of the State, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, disclosed this in Port Harcourt at a public enlightenment on Rivers State Boundary Commission, RSBC, with theme, “The Essence of Peace Building; the Role of the Rivers State Boundary Commission in the Peaceful Resolution of Boundary Disputes in the state.’
Odu, who is the Convener and the Chairman of RSBC, stated that boundary issue between communties, local government areas have been a source most crises in the state, adding that the government is taking proactive step to nip it on the bud.
She noted that peace stands as a cornerstone of progress, development and prosperity in any society, adding that the CCPPC would be a vital force that would propels harmonious co-exist in communities.
She commended the efforts of RSBC in addressing and resolving the contentious issues of boundary through dialogues, mediation, noting that the commission plays critical role as regards the rule of law, promoting understanding between conflict parties and paves the way for sustainable peace in the state.
The Deputy governor said: “The boundary that delineates our territories are not mere line on a map, they represent share histories, identities and the aspiration of the communities they encompass. When disputes arise over these boundaries, they not only threaten the peaceful co-existence of our people but also jeopardise the social fabric that binds us together.”
“In the spirit of the extant relevant laws on Boundary disputes, it is my vision that the present government of Rivers State under the distinguished leadership of His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara,, will embrace Community Conflict Prevention and Peace Building Committee, CCPPC, in all the 23 local government areas of Rivers State to ensure conflict prevention and introduce mechanism for quick resolution of conflict among communities.”
However, the Chairman of the Event, His Royal Majesty, King (Dr) Dandeson Douglas Jaja, noted that the current administration in the state has not contradicted its stand for any development in the state.
Jaja who was represented by His Royal Majesty, the Amanyanabo of Abonnema, King Disrael Bobo Bob-Manuel, noted that the RSCB is empowered to the National Boundary Commission to carry out awareness and enlightenment campaigns among the people in the state on the essence of boundaries in order to foster peace and harmony among the people.
He noted that it would be proper for the government to train members of RSBC on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to enable the staff members to oversee issues of conflict resolution and peace management affecting the LGAs.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of RSBC, Mr Lucky Atangsi Ikina, in his welcome address, noted that the conference was timely and unique, emphasizing that the state needs peace.
Ikina said: “Rivers State is desirous of peace. This enlightenment will bring to light the targets of the Commission, which includes carrying out campaigns to foster peace among communities. This commission is important because it defines and demarcates boundaries. Peace is better than war, as settlement is better than litigation.”

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COAS Tasks Troops To Dominate Battlespace, Intensify Offensive In N/Central

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The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.

Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.

This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.

Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.

He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.

The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.

He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.

Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.

Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.

 

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Obuah’s Victory Excites Former Lawmaker as APC Primaries Conclude in Rivers West

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A former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Nathaniel Uwaji, has expressed excitement over the emergence of Bro Felix Obuah as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Rivers West Senatorial District following the party’s just concluded primaries.
Hon. Uwaji, who formerly represented Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Constituency I, described Obuah’s emergence as a reflection of the wishes and aspirations of the people of Rivers West.
Speaking shortly after voting at Ward Five, Obrikom, Uwaji commended party members and supporters for turning out en masse to participate in the exercise and vote for what he described as “the right candidate.”
According to him, Bro Felix Obuah’s reputation as a bridge builder and grassroots politician makes him well suited to represent Rivers West in the Senate.
“Bro Obuah’s antecedents speak volumes across the length and breadth of Rivers State. The people are pleased to have him represent them at the National Assembly because he has paid his dues,” Uwaji stated.
The former lawmaker further noted that Obuah has remained unwavering in his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, whom he described as key political leaders with strong followership in the state.
“There is no doubt that Bro Obuah has consistently demonstrated loyalty and support to both President Tinubu and Chief Wike. He remains one of the strongest allies of the FCT Minister,” he said.
Uwaji maintained that Obuah’s popularity and political track record have endeared him to the people, stressing that his victory at the primaries was widely expected.
“The name Bro Obuah is already a household name in Rivers State politics because of his track records. This victory has once again demonstrated his popularity and acceptance among the people,” he added.
He also thanked the people of Ward Five, Obrikom, and other stakeholders for their overwhelming support during the primaries, expressing confidence that the APC candidate would record another victory during the 2027 general elections.
“As you can see from the results, the people voted overwhelmingly for him, and they will repeat the same feat during the main election in 2027. Ward Five, Obrikom, will be among the first to deliver results for Bro Obuah and Mr. President,” Uwaji declared.
The former lawmaker also commended security agencies and electoral officials for ensuring a peaceful, free, fair, and credible primary election process.
He assured constituents that Bro Felix Obuah would not disappoint the people if elected into the Senate.
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Navy Upgrades Training, Infrastructure To Tackle Security Threats

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The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.

Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.

“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”

According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.

Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.

Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.

Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.

“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.

“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’

He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.

The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.

“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.

In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.

Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.

Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.

“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.

He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.

Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.

He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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