Rivers

Withdraw Your Men From Our Councils, Yobana Tells IGP

Published

2 years ago

July 24, 2024

The Caretaker Committee (CTC) Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Ambassador Marvin Yobana, has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to withdraw his men from all the 23 Local Government secretariats in Rivers State.
Amb. Yobana made the call while playing host to members of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Bori Branch, and Khana Lawyers Forum at Khana, on Friday.
The council boss, according to a statement by his media team, urged the IGP not to be partisan in the political crisis rocking the State, saying the Police have a duty to protect, and not to prevent workers from accessing their offices.
He said the salary paid to local government workers can only be justified if they are allowed to access their offices and work.
“Imagine a situation whereby Khana Council pays N200 million salary to its workers on monthly basis, yet the Police do not allow them to work. We as CTC members had to hire drivers and other aides to do their work. We are trying to stop bottlenecks to achieve effective working council.
“We are using this opportunity to appeal to the IGP, so that the Council can be open for workers to resume work. I don’t see any reason why the Council should be under lock and key.
“He (IGP) is a professional and should not be seen as being partisan by calling his men to leave our Council secretariat”, he said.
Yobana described the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminilayi Fubara, as a man of peace who is poised to deliver good governance and dividends of democracy to the people of the State.
“The Executive Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, is a mantra that has people’s face and has gone through the ranks and files; he has the mandate of the people, so he should be allowed to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Rivers State.
“The people of Khana today can testify to the fact that they are one of the first beneficiaries of the dividends of democracy under Governor Fubara led-Government.
“His administration has started working on the Bori Zonal Hospital as well as deploying enough doctors to work in the hospital”, he noted.
The Chairman commended lawyers in the State for standing firm on the side of truth and justice.
He, however, charged lawyers and the Police on how to decongest the prisons using the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) method to stop more people from going to court on every little issue.
He promised to support the NBA, Bori Branch, towards enabling them to go for their annual conference in Lagos.
The leader of the NBA delegation, Idris Abayomi Shehu, had earlier thanked Yobana, for appointing some NBA members into his cabinet.
He said the NBA members were in the Council to partner with the Chairman on on how to develop the area as well as to seek for financial support to enable 200 members of the Bori Branch attend their annual conference holding in Lagos between August 23 and August 28, 2024.
Shehu appealed to the Khana CTC boss to look into the security issue confronting lawyers in Bori, adding that more security personnel are needed to man the two courts in Bori so that the environment is made friendly for their members to stay and work.
The NBA members commended Yobana for developmental projects he has put in place within a short period in office, saying it will be their joy to see him elected as the Khana Local Government substantive chairman.
They commiserated with the CTC chairman over the death of his mother and prayed God to grant the departed eternal rest.
Also speaking, the Khana Lawyers Forum’s Chairman, Dr. Dusor Ambrose, urged the people of Ogoni to support Yobana in his efforts to deliver the dividends of democracy to his people, describing him as a worthy ambassador of Ogoni.

Rivers

2026 Boy Child Day: Association Seeks Intentional Mentoring

Published

3 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

As the world marked the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child last Saturday, the Rivers Secondary Schools Old Boys and Girls 1983 Set Association has called for deliberate investment in raising boys who will become responsible heads of homes.

In a press release signed and issued by the Secretary-General of the Association, Dr. Ibinabo Ogolo, to commemorate the day, the Association said the future stability of Nigerian families depends on how intentionally boys are raised and guided.

Speaking on behalf of the Set, President of the Association, Barrister Tubokomba Mcdonald Harry, she said the theme of this year’s global celebration, “Boys to Men: Adopting Good Habits and Attitudes”, must move beyond slogans to daily practice in homes, schools, and communities.

“For years, advocacy has rightly centered on the girl child. That work must continue. But we cannot ignore the other side”, Barrister Harry stated.

“A boy who grows up without guidance, emotional literacy, and responsibility often becomes a man who struggles to lead, provide, and protect. If we want stable homes in 2040, we must invest in boys now”, he said.

He emphasized that being “head of the home” is about stewardship, not power: “The man who leads a home well is emotionally responsible, financially disciplined, morally upright, and a true partner to his spouse. These qualities are learned from childhood, through what boys see, hear, and practice.”

The Association noted that many boys currently learn manhood by default from peers, social media, and entertainment that equate masculinity with aggression and silence about pain.

To change this, the 1983 Set urged fathers and mentors to be present and active, schools to integrate life skills such as conflict resolution and financial literacy, and communities and faith groups to establish mentorship programmes where older men guide younger ones.

The press release also linked the issue to Africa’s wider goals, noting that the 2026 Day of the African Child focuses on water, sanitation, and hygiene.

“A boy trained to solve real problems becomes a man who ensures dignity for his family and community”, Harry said.

The Association concluded with a call to mothers, fathers, and boys themselves to take ownership of the task of raising responsible future leaders.

International Day of the Boy Child is observed globally on May 16. It is a day that focuses on the well-being, mental health and positive development of boys.

Rivers

Ogoni Landlords Seek Inclusion In Planned Oil Resumption Process

Published

3 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

Flemotongha Miebi/Fortune Wokeh/Akpos David/Esuuk Oyet/Edughom Suotor

Landlords in Ogoni, under the aegis of Gokana,Tai, Eleme, and Khana United Landlords Association (GOTEKA) have called for inclusion in the ongoing negotiation over the planned resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.

The landlords,who made the call during its formal inauguration recently in Port Harcourt, also called for proper compensation, clear legal agreements, and inclusive dialogues in the entire process

Chairman of the Association, Professor George Ema, said any resumption of oil exploration in ogoniland without proper consultation with host communities and land owners will be resisted.

George said, while the association expressed support for the planned return of oil activities in ogoniland under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, key historical issues must be addressed to avoid a repeat of earlier conflicts that led to the suspension of oil operations in the area.

According to GOTEKA, past disagreements between oil companies, political leaders, and host communities caused crises, court cases, and long-term disruption of oil production in Ogoni land, adding that these problems were responsible for the high level of poverty warranted by economic stagnation, social unrest, pipeline vandalism, and many legal battles in the area.

The landlords also referenced the struggles led by late environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), which opposed Shell’s activities in Ogoni land, resulting in years of unrest and court cases.

They stressed that the renewed plan for oil exploration must be guided by proper Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), fair compensation, and the direct involvement of landlords in negotiations to prevent cheating and conflict.

The group also raised concern over what they described as a repeated “divide and rule” approach in handling oil compensation in Ogoni. They said there is a lack of proper MOUs between oil companies and landlords, while compensation often goes to political leaders and traditional rulers instead of the real landowners.

GOTEKA added that land in Ogoni is owned by individuals and families, not the entire community.

According to the group, “under traditional land rules, owners have full rights over their land and can decide how it is used, including selling or leasing it. So, there must be proper agreement spelt out in the MOU, which must be signed by all the parties involved to avoid legal battles.

The group urged government, oil companies, and political leaders to respect traditional land ownership and adopt honest dialogue and peaceful negotiation in resolving issues.

Rivers

Police Warn Rivers Students Against Cultism, Drug Abuse

Published

3 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) of Rumuodomaya Police Station, CSP Dindara Dadamu, has warned students in Rivers State against involvement in cultism and other criminal activities, stressing that such acts could lead to imprisonment and destruction of their future.

He gave the warning recently during an anti-cultism and drug abuse sensitisation programme organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at Den-Bec Group of Schools in Port Harcourt.

Dadamu stated that the law does not exempt minors from punishment, noting that children from the age of 12 could still be prosecuted for criminal offences.

According to him, many young people are lured into cultism through peer pressure and bad company. He urged the students to be mindful of the friends they associate with.

The DCO stressed that ignorance of the law would not protect anyone from facing the consequences of unlawful conduct.

Also speaking, a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Ejiofor Ifeanyi, described cultism and drug abuse as destructive habits capable of ruining academic ambitions and promising careers.

He advised the students to avoid negative influences and remain focused on their education and personal development.

A mental health expert, Mr. Victor Akeni, noted that cultism and illicit drug use contribute significantly to emotional instability, fear and poor academic performance among youths.

He explained that cult members often live under constant fear of attacks and reprisals, making it difficult for them to concentrate on their studies or live peacefully.

The sensitisation programme brought together security agencies, mental health professionals, teachers and students as part of efforts to discourage social vices among young people.

The Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who spoke through a representative, Mrs. Anna West, encouraged the students to take advantage of opportunities provided through education and technology rather than engaging in unlawful activities.

Ogbuku also warned that cultism and drug abuse could result in imprisonment, violence and untimely death, and urged the students to embrace discipline, hard work and positive values.

By: King Onunwor