Niger Delta
Police Raid Black Spots Ahead Edo Poll
DIG Frank Mba, in charge of the police contingent for the Edo State Governorship Election, says the State Police Command has raided black spots ahead of the September 21 Governorship Election.
Mba said this at a news briefing on Wednesday in Benin, shortly after addressing the police personnel deployed for the poll.
He said the raid was carried out by the command with the support of visiting officers and that some miscreants were being detained.
According to him, the exercise became necessary to rid the state of miscreants and ensure a hitchfree election.
Mba said the Inspector General of Police (IGP) had deployed adequately for the election, adding that they would work with other sister security agencies to provide security during the election.
“Like the IGP has already briefed Nigerians, the police will be deploying adequately for the Edo election.
“What we have done today is to hold a meeting with the strategic commanders, DPOs, Area Commanders, Deputy Commissioners of Police and Commissioner of Police, who are saddled with the task of providing leadership and supervision at the various levels.
“Our task is to provide a peaceful atmosphere for the conduct of a free, fair and credible election.
“We are working with sister agencies as we cannot work in isolation.
“The state shares border with Kogi, Delta, Ondo and Anambra so the security will be adequately done.
“The Army will man these boarder areas that are far away while the Navy will also provide security on the waterways.
“Other security organisations will also work with us during the election”, the police chief said.
He also said the police had provided a dedicated phone line – 07025000383 for the public to report any breach of the peace.
“This phone number will be with me and if for operational reasons it is not with me, it will be with my personal assistant.
“The state command as supported by visiting officers have been conducting very specialised operations.
“They have been conducting raids at known criminal hideouts.
“Most of the raids they have are target-oriented, intelligence-driven and they are targeted at isolating criminal elements in the state while some have been detained.
“The raid continues as we are ready to provide adequate security during this election”, Mba said.
Niger Delta
Make God Your Anchor To Fulfill Destiny, Cleric Charges Christians … As Jaja Marks 70th Birthday
The Lead Pastor at Jesus Appointed People’s Bible Church, Ozogbe, Ikwerrengwo-Etche, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Pastor Promise Nwaelele, has urged Christians to make God the anchor of their lives in whatever position they find themselves, in order to attain the destinies set for them by God.
Pastor Nwaelele, who gave the charge recently in a sermon he preached at the 70th birthday anniversary thanksgiving service of Sir Donald Michael Jaja, a veteran journalist in Rivers State, said this is because any genuine child of God is a permanent target for destabilization and destruction by the devil.
Taking his text from the Bible book of Mark 4:16-17, the preacher stated that fulfilment in life for a child of God required faith, obedience to God’s word, humility and grace to withstand trials and temptations.
According to him, temptations and afflictions are bound to happen in the lives of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
“No wonder the Bible said that those that endure till the end shall be saved”, he said.
The Clergyman said God prospers believers who are humble, not proud and conceited, and leads them to destiny fulfilment.
“David said in Psalm 51:17, that the sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken spirit, not an impatient or proud spirit”, the preacher said.
He called on Christians not to allow persecutions and afflictions to sway them from the love and blessings of Jesus Christ.
On his part, Jaja, a seasoned Journalist who retired as an Acting Editor of the Rivers State Government-owned The Tide Newspaper, gave thanks to God for honouring him by giving him the grace of attaining 70 years.
“I cannot capture what the good Lord has done for me in my entire life in this fleeting moment of thanksgiving. But, I know that without Him, I wouldn’t have been who I am today, in all spheres. Therefore, my joy knows no bounds as I give thanks to my creator today, alongside my family. Praise be His holy name”, Jaja said.
