Rivers

Amaewhule, 24 Others Fail To Stop Suit Challenging Their Sack

Published

2 years ago

June 26, 2024

The embattled former speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Martin Chike Amaewhule and 24 other members of the Assembly have failed in their bid to stop the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt from adjudicating on the suit seeking to sack them as members of the state House of Assembly.

The suit, which was instituted through Originating Summons by three members of Boot Party and others, is seeking, among other things, for the court to declare the seat of Amaewhule and 24 others vacant, having defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

At the resumption of the matter on Monday, the trial judge, Justice Stephen Daylop Pam, told counsels representing the parties in the matter that one of the parties, Martin Amaewhule had written a petition to the chief judge of the Federal High Court asking that he discontinues from hearing the matter.

Justice Daylop Pam asked the lawyers of their views on the petition written by one of the defendants, Martin Amaewhule.

Taking the lead on argument, the lawyer representing the plaintiff, Boot Party, Reuben Wanogho Esq, told the judge that the petition does not concern the court as the petitioner has not served any of the parties involved in the matter with the copy of the petition, and added that the petitioner, through his legal representation, has not filed any correspondence to the court.

He opined that in such circumstances, the law assumed that he was not before the court and urged the court to ignore such petition and go ahead with the matter on the business for the day.

In his submission, the state Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Mr Dagogo Israel Iboroma, SAN, told the court that he was not under any obligation to adhere to the alleged petition, and that Heavens will not fall if the court continues with the matter.

He reminded the court that the scheduled business of the day as listed in the Order Paper was for the hearing of an application seeking for joinder, and urged the court to go ahead with the matter.

In their submissions, the counsels representing Martin Amaewhule and 24 lawmakers, Mr Orbih Ferdinand, SAN, and the representative to the state PDP, Mr Joshua Musa, SAN, urged the court to wait for the response of the chief judge of the Federal High Court before continuing with the matter.

The trial judge, Justice Stephen Daylop Pam, after hearing from the counsels, ruled to continue with the matter on the ground that the petitioner has not filed anything before the court.

He later called on the PDP state representative, Mr Joshua Musa, SAN, to move his motion, which was on joinder, and legal representation.

However, the court proceedings were not without any drama, as the court was thrown into confusion on who was the right legal representative to PDP in the matter.

The PDP National Legal Adviser, Mr Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade, SAN, and Mr Joshua Musa, SAN, both are laying claims to be the authentic PDP representative.

Ajibade, in moving his oral application bordering on representation, told the court that there was a recent ruling by a Federal High Court in Edo State, and urged the trial judge to leverage on the judgement to resolve the disparity over who should represent the party in the matter, and tendered a copy of the judgement as evidence.

Earlier, the court adjourned to resolve the issue bordering on non-service of court processes by the counsel representing the 25 respondents, Mr Orbih Ferdinand, SAN.

However, when the court resumed from the short adjournment, Orbih appealed for an adjournment on health ground.

The trial judge, Justice Stephen Daylop Pam, adjourned the matter to Friday, 28th of June, 2024, for motion for joinder.

Both the APC and PDP are seeking to be joined in the matter.

Speaking to journalists after the court session, the PDP National Legal Adviser, Mr Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade, SAN, told Journalists that he was in court to inform the court who has the right to represent the party or assign legal representative on behalf of the party, adding that the judge will give ruling on it on the next adjourned date.

He further told Journalists that Hon Martin Amaewhule and 24 other former members of the state House of Assembly, who defected to the ruling APC, have lost their seats as they were no longer members of the party, adding that the party was taking every steps to recover the lost seats.

On the substance of the case, Ajibade said: “The substance of case…has to do with the issue of defection. Defection of some members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. You know it too well. Yes!

“There is no two ways about it: They defected. And it is the position of the party, the PDP, that they actually defected. And the PDP is taking steps to recover the seats back because they said they are members of APC now”.

Rivers

Rivers Police Uncovers Firearm Concealed In Loaf Of Bread

Published

2 days ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Police Command has foiled what appeared to be a criminal operation and recovered an illegal firearm ingeniously concealed inside a loaf of bread during a routine security operation in Port Harcourt.

This was contained in a statement by the Public Relations Officer, Rivers State Police Command, Blessing Agabe in Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the operation formed part of intensified crime prevention measures directed by the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, aimed at strengthening internal security and curbing criminal activities across the state.

The Command disclosed that the breakthrough occurred along Azikiwe Road by Red Cross Junction, Port Harcourt, when operatives on routine stop-and-search duty intercepted a vehicle and carried out a detailed screening of passengers and their belongings.

During the search, officers reportedly discovered a Browning pistol carefully hidden inside a loaf of bread allegedly belonging to one Braya Nanas, identified as a male resident of New Road, Borikiri, Port Harcourt, who was travelling in the vehicle.

Police said the unusual concealment method immediately raised suspicion, leading to the suspect’s arrest and further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the possession of the firearm.

Preliminary findings, according to the Command, revealed that the recovered pistol had no visible serial number, creating concerns over its source and possible intended use.

Investigators further quoted the suspect as allegedly admitting ownership of the weapon and stating that he purchased it in Okrika at the rate of N800,000.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, warned that criminal elements continue to adopt increasingly deceptive methods to evade security checks and law enforcement surveillance.

He urged residents of Rivers State to remain alert and security conscious, stressing that the discovery of a firearm hidden inside an everyday food item underscores the need for heightened public vigilance.

The Police Commissioner also cautioned members of the public against accepting, transporting or keeping items whose contents are unknown, noting that such actions could unknowingly aid criminal activities.

The Command, therefore, called on residents to sustain collaboration with security agencies through timely and credible information sharing, insisting that effective policing remains dependent on active community participation and collective responsibility in building a safer Rivers State.

King Onunwor

Rivers

Okrika LG Flags-off TAPP Empowerment Programme, Phase II

Published

2 days ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

As part of efforts to enhance his administration’s commitment to economic empowerment, job creation, and sustainable development across the Local Government Area (LGA), the Chairman of Okrika LGA, Hon. Akuro Alfred Tobin, has officially flagged off the second phase of the Tobin Akuro Prosperity Pathway (TAPP) Programme.

The flag-off ceremony, held at the Conference Hall of the LGA’s Council Secretariat, marked another milestone in the council’s drive to improve the socio-economic wellbeing of residents through targeted empowerment initiatives.

The event attracted key government officials and stakeholders, including the Secretary to Okrika Local Government Council, Hon. Oforiokuma Kwani; the Special Adviser on Empowerment, Hon. Adokiye Ogbogara; members of the Empowerment Committee; and other council officials.

In a symbolic presentation during the ceremony, the Empowerment Committee, led by its Chairman, Hon. Kingsley Ibanichuka, presented a specially designed photo frame and a commemorative photo book showcasing the achievements and impact of the first phase of the programme.

The committee also unveiled and presented the official branded polo shirt and fez cap for Phase II of the empowerment initiative to the Chairman.

Speaking during the event, the Chairman commended members of the Empowerment Committee for their dedication, transparency, and commitment in implementing the programme.

He noted that the success recorded in the first phase had encouraged the administration to expand the initiative in order to reach more residents and create greater economic opportunities.

According to the council boss, the Tobin Akuro Prosperity Pathway Programme was conceived as a strategic intervention aimed at reducing poverty, stimulating local enterprise, and equipping youths and entrepreneurs with the resources and skills needed to become self-reliant and productive members of society.

He disclosed that under Phase II of the programme, about 400 business owners and traders across Okrika would receive cash grants to strengthen and expand their businesses.

The intervention, he said, is expected to boost small-scale enterprises, enhance household incomes, and stimulate economic activities within the local economy.

Tobin further revealed that hundreds of youths would benefit from sponsored vocational and technical skills acquisition programmes in various fields, including scaffolding, fashion designing, welding, makeup and gele artistry, Total Glam, and several other vocational trades considered relevant in today’s economy.

The Chairman emphasized that the initiative goes beyond financial support, stressing that the programme is designed to build human capacity, encourage entrepreneurship, and create a pathway for sustainable wealth creation among beneficiaries.

“Our vision is to empower our people with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to succeed. We believe that when individuals are economically empowered, families become stronger, communities become more prosperous, and development becomes sustainable”, he stated.

He urged prospective beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity by applying themselves diligently to the skills training and utilizing the grants responsibly to achieve long-term economic growth.

Tobin also reassured residents that his administration would continue to implement people-oriented policies and programmes aimed at improving living standards and expanding opportunities for all segments of society.

Observers at the event described the TAPP initiative as one of the most impactful empowerment programmes undertaken by the present administration, citing its focus on entrepreneurship development, youth engagement, and poverty reduction.

Meanwhile, the main empowerment event has been scheduled for Wednesday, July 8, 2026, during which beneficiaries are expected to receive cash grants and vocational training support packages.

Since its inception, the TAPP has emerged as the flagship empowerment programme of the Okrika Local Government administration, touching lives across communities and reinforcing the council’s commitment to inclusive growth, economic prosperity, and the overall welfare of the people of Okrika.

The commencement of Phase II is expected to further consolidate the gains of the programme, while opening new opportunities for hundreds of residents seeking economic advancement and self-sufficiency.

Michael T. Abraham

Rivers

Urban Development Ministry, Others Strengthen Collaboration On Building Safety

Published

2 days ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Amairigha Hart, has said the Ministry has intensified efforts to improve the safety of buildings through stronger collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).

Amairigha, who said this at a strategic inter-agency meeting held in Port Harcourt, weekend, disclosed that the collaboration is aimed at establishing a unified operational framework to prevent overlaps and ensure coordinated action among agencies involved in the built environment.

Stressing the importance of collaboration in preventing structural failures and building collapses, the Commissioner said the regulatory and emergency response agencies must work together to ensure strict compliance with approved building standards and due process at every stage of construction.

He commended the prompt response of the Federal Housing Authority and NEMA to the recent building collapse along Peter Odili Road, describing their swift mobilisation as crucial to ongoing rescue efforts.

Providing an update on the incident, Hart disclosed that search, rescue and evacuation operations were still in progress.

He added that technical teams were carrying out a controlled demolition of the remaining lift shaft and stair core to prevent a secondary collapse and safeguard rescue personnel as well as neighbouring properties.

The Commissioner further emphasised that collaboration among agencies should go beyond emergency situations, noting that proactive monitoring and enforcement are essential to preventing future construction-related disasters.

The meeting ended with participants harmonising operational information and agreeing on measures to strengthen supervision, compliance monitoring and joint inspections of ongoing and future construction projects across Rivers State.

The resolution is expected to enhance coordination among state and federal agencies and promote safer building practices in the state.

King Onunwor