Connect with us

News

Amidst Attempts To Starve Us Of Funds, We’re Still Providing Services, Projects -Fubara

Published

on

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that no matter how hard detractors tried to starve the State of funds, his administration has continued to provide social services and infrastructure projects to the people.
Governor Fubara spoke when he inaugurated the reconstructed 11.8 kilometres Okehi-Umuola-Eberi Link Road, along Okehi-Omuma Road, in Etche Local Government Area last Wednesday.
The Governor stated that the 14 days that have been set aside in December 2024 will be used to showcase the landmark projects undertaken by his administration to prove that it has remained focused.
These set of projects, he said, are definitely going to transform the socio-economic status of communities in the benefitting Local Government Areas in the State.
The Governor said, his determination remains to make the people happy with the mantra of “Rivers First”, which is why he will not politicise projects’ delivery.
He said, “But, today, we are starting to showcase what we have done in those months when people were asking what are we doing? Where is the fund?
“I am happy to say here, I stand to be challenged, this administration has not borrowed to execute projects. The only money we borrowed was the one we used for the Ring Road project, and everybody is aware of it.
“Go and bring any paper. Go to Debt Management Office and check if we have asked for anything. We don’t need it. What is important is the little we are getting, we are applying it rightly.”
Governor Fubara asserted that everybody is also aware that his administration has paid the N85,000 new minimum wage he promised Rivers civil servants, which is more than the N70,000 national minimum wage.
This, he said, further affirms the commitment and love of his administration to Rivers people, who have continued to stand by his government with unalloyed support.
Governor Fubara, however, acknowledged how tough it has been amidst the political crisis, to provide the climate of peace and security to Rivers people, which has been achieved on a continuous basis.
He said, “Even when we are struggling to meet the basic needs of government, which is protecting the lives of the people, their property and providing services; even when they are working to make sure that we can’t provide services, that we have to stave, we are determined to make sure that our people are happy.
“And we said, whatever it will cost us, we must make sure that we did this. So, I am happy the contractor didn’t disappoint us. I am also happy that the communities, both in Etche and Omuma, gave us the needed support.”
Commenting on the project, Governor Fubara said the Okehi-Umuola-Eberi Link Road is a major access route, and cannot be left in deplorable condition, adding that the Umuakali-Eberi-Omodu Road on the other end has already been earmarked for commissioning.
He noted, “We were here about five months ago when we came to inspect the extent of job that was ongoing in Omuma.
“I stand to be challenged, Omuma for more than eight years had not witnessed any project. It was in our administration that we awarded Umuakali-Eberi road.
“The road was almost completed when we came. So, we said, how can we be going to commission a project and the access road is bad?
“So, I said we must, no matter what it will cost us, ensure that the access road to Omuma is properly fixed so that when we are going to Omuma to commission that project, it will be an easy and smooth drive.”
Governor Fubara also said: “We want to assure you, we will not let you down. Continue to believe in one Rivers State, believe in Rivers First.
“The users of this road, the Chairman said something here: please, the security agencies and others, should ensure that they try as much as they can, to provide adequate security here, which is also very important.
“It is not just we building the road, but the security for the road should be there, at least, to save the lives of the commuters.”
Governor Fubara, while thanking everyone, especially his supporters, assured that provision of democratic dividends that they are seeing is just the beginning.
The Governor agreed that the General Hospital in the area needed urgent attention, and promised to complete the ongoing reconstruction work on the Zonal Hospital in the area.
He explained, “We are not those people who believe in and do flag-off only. If we have to do flag-off, we must tell you the significance of that project. There are a few of them that we are going to flag-off, and when we get to that flag-off, I will tell you the story behind it.
“Somebody mentioned here: when we came onboard, there is some part of the road connecting Imo State. But because the road had a few meters to an opposition politician residence, the project was terminated in front of the man’s gate for so many years, and the people suffered.
“It doesn’t matter where the person comes from or who is to benefit. I am the Governor of Rivers State. So, I owe everyone the responsibility of caring, providing and protecting them.”
Providing the project description, the State Commissioner for Works, Barrister Elloka Tasie-Amadi, said five months ago, before commencement of reconstruction work, the road was deplorable and a nightmare to commuters.
He said, “The road is 7.3 metres wide and the design specifications are 150 millimeters of stone base, 50 millimeters of binder course, and 50 millimeters of wearing course. At some point of the road, we also did cement stabilization, because of some few wet areas.”
He explained that within specified time, the project was completed and has ended the nightmarish experience while providing the people pleasurable ride on the 11.8km road, measuring 7.3meter wide, with 8.5km of drains.
In his speech, Chairman of Etche Local Government Area, Uzodinma Nwafor, described Governor Fubara as the deliverer of Rivers State from the coven of darkness, adding that he has given the people liberty and made Etche people feel positive impact of his administration.
Nwafor thanked Governor Fubara for starting the reconstruction work, completing and eventually inaugurating the 11.8 kilometres Okehi-Umuola-Eberi Link Road, in addition to completing the Umuohie-Igbodo axis of the Etche-Igbodo Road, among other projects executed in the area.
Representative of contracting firm, Foretex Construction Company Limited, Nabeel Aljarmakani, expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for entrusting them with the project.
Aljarmakani noted the project as an integral part of the transformation agenda of Governor Fubara geared towards making the experience of motorists and commuters comfortable.

Continue Reading

News

Rivers DPOs Receive Awards For Outstanding Performance In Crime Prevention …As Students, Media Group Honour CSP Worgu, CSP Yusuf

Published

on

Two Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in Rivers State have been honoured by separate groups for their contributions to security, crime prevention and improved community-police relations in their respective areas of responsibility.

The beneficiaries are the DPO of Afam Police Division, CSP  Endurance Worgu and his counterpart at Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf.

CSP Worgu was honoured by a group of students under the aegis of Rivers State Graduate Students Associations for what they described as his commitment and outstanding performance in the discharge of his duties.

The students, led by  Chidi John Enyie, Esq. said CSP Worgu was selected based on his track record and status as one of the longest-serving young DPOs of Rivers State origin.

According to the group, CSP Worgu has made significant contributions to the protection of lives and property in the area since assuming office following the #EndSARS period.

The students said they were particularly impressed by the improvement in community-police relations under his leadership, noting that professionalism had remained a key feature of his service.

Enyie represented by Comrade Briggs Soku, said the students community was pleased to identify with a Rivers indigene who had distinguished himself in the police force.

He said the students considered it necessary to encourage and celebrate CSP Worgu because of his achievements as a young Rivers man excelling in a profession that many people from the state were often reluctant to join.

Receiving the award at his office in Afam, CSP Worgu expressed gratitude to God and the students for finding him worthy of the honour.

The DPO said the recognition had boosted his morale and encouraged him to sustain his efforts towards maintaining peace and security in the area.

He said he least expected the honour, particularly because it came from the students, adding that the recognition would further motivate him to serve the people better.

CSP Worgu assured residents of Afam that the police would sustain the existing peace in the area.

He appealed to members of the public to support the police by providing credible and timely information, stressing that useful information from residents would make the job of security personnel easier.

Meanwhile, the Ikwerre/Etche Media Association has also honoured the DPO of Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf, for his efforts in tackling criminal activities in the area.

The media group presented the award following the swift tracking and arrest of five suspected kidnappers who had allegedly terrorised residents of the Kom-Kom axis and other parts of Oyigbo.

The group commended CSP Bello for what it described as his determined efforts to restore confidence and security in the affected communities, particularly Kom-Kom and Obeama.

According to the group, the arrest of the suspects demonstrated the DPO’s commitment to tackling criminality and safeguarding residents.

The media association said residents had received the development with relief, noting that the police action had sent a strong message to criminal elements operating in the area.

Responding, CSP Yusuf appreciated the group for the recognition and reaffirmed that there would be no room for criminality in Oyigbo.

He also commended the media for its role in disseminating credible information to the public, saying the media had remained supportive of the police in the fight against crime.

CSP Yusuf warned criminal elements operating in Oyigbo to leave the area or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.

He assured residents that the police would continue to pursue criminals and work to dismantle their hideouts, regardless of where they might be operating.

Continue Reading

News

College Of Bishops Endorses Tinubu, APC Candidates  For 2027 Polls

Published

on

The 5000 Achievers Christian Forum and Colleges of Bishops, Archbishops and Apostles, a Christian interdenominational organisation, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State for the 2027 general elections.

International President of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, disclosed this during the ordination and consecration of three new Bishops, as well as an award ceremony held in Port Harcourt.

Aroh said the performance of the APC-led Federal Government had endeared the party to the organisation, prompting the forum to declare its support for President Tinubu and other APC candidates in Rivers State.

He said the forum would support all APC candidates in the state during the 2027 elections and urged Nigerians to vote for the party.

Aroh, who is also the General Overseer of Caring Peoples Church, Port Harcourt, charged the newly consecrated Bishops to see their new positions as a great responsibility and dedicate themselves to the advancement of the kingdom of God.

He cautioned them against conduct capable of bringing their offices into disrepute, stressing that their activities would be closely watched by members of the public.

“As Bishops, the eyes of the public are on your activities. You must therefore conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of your calling,” he said.

Also speaking, the International Coordinator of the forum, Bishop Saint Robinson, urged the newly consecrated Bishops to work diligently towards winning souls for the kingdom of God.

Robinson, who was the guest speaker at the event, stressed that the activities of Bishops must at all times be guided by godly principles.

He also called on members of the church to support and cooperate with the newly consecrated Bishops in the discharge of their responsibilities.

The Secretary of the College, Apostle Elizabeth Ayadi Abaye, said the organisation was established to advance the kingdom of God and promote spiritual development.

According to her, the forum has organised several crusades, conferences, prayer meetings, ordinations, consecrations, enthronements, empowerment programmes and other spiritual development activities across the country as part of efforts to win souls for Christ.

Abaye said the organisation has members across the world and disclosed that more programmes had been scheduled to promote the spiritual development and wellbeing of humanity.

The three Bishops consecrated at the ceremony were Prince Alban Chike, Testimony Omenihu Shedrach and Prince Ifemena.

Among those honoured at the event were the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Abali Community, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Manuchimso Prince Lemmy Wopara, and Clifford Oko Jaja, Coordinator of the 5,000 House-to-House for President Tinubu.

By: John Bibor

Continue Reading

News

Police Arrest Fake Soldier, Others For Armed Robbery, Kidnapping

Published

on

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 49-year-old suspected fake soldier, Andrew Atausi, and several other suspects in connection with various criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, one-chance robbery and the alleged murder of police officers.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this in Port Harcourt, recently during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, where he said the arrests formed part of the operational achievements recorded by the Command between June and August 2026.

Adepoju said Atausi was arrested on August 10 by police operatives along Ada George, Port Harcourt, while dressed in military uniform and driving a Toyota Hilux painted in Army colours.

The Commissioner said investigation revealed that Atausi was not a member of the Armed Forces, adding that he was suspected to be a serial car snatcher, with three suspected stolen vehicles recovered from him.

He said the recovered vehicles included three Toyota Hilux vehicles without registration numbers and a Toyota Corona Premio with registration number BNY 380 ES, noting that the chassis and engine numbers of the vehicles had allegedly been tampered with.

Adepoju added that an axe and military accoutrements were also recovered from Atausi, as investigation continued into the circumstances surrounding the vehicles and other items recovered from him.

On the June 29 attack on police officers at Aluu Division, the Commissioner said three members of the gang allegedly responsible for the incident had been arrested by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU-AKU.

The suspects, identified as Maduabuchi Emeka, 34, alleged gang leader; Doctor Chinedu Owhor, 42, and Kamachi Joe, 28, alleged armourer, reportedly led operatives to their hideout at Omagwa where two AK-47 rifles stolen during the attack were recovered.

Adepoju recalled that two police officers were killed during the Aluu attack, while others were wounded and one officer had his leg amputated, stressing that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fourth suspect.

On kidnapping, the Commissioner said five members of a suspected kidnapping syndicate were arrested in Oyigbo Local Government Area, adding that they allegedly confessed to operations in Kom-Kom, Railway, Obeama and Afam communities.

He said two other suspects from the same network, Anele Ogbogu, 35, alleged to be the gang’s armourer, and Kenneth Eke, 38, were arrested on July 27, with one AK-47 rifle and one SMG rifle recovered.

The Commissioner further disclosed the arrest of suspects in connection with alleged firearm offences, armed robbery, cultism and one-chance robbery, with firearms, ammunition and other exhibits recovered during the operations.

Adepoju assured residents that the Command would sustain intelligence-led, proactive and community-oriented policing in collaboration with other security agencies, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information that would assist the police in combating crime across Rivers State.

By; King Onunwor

Continue Reading

Trending