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Our Govt Not Inflicting Pains On Rivers People – Fubara

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Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that his administration does not have any intention and will not inflict pains on Rivers people.
The Governor explained that rather, he has continued to fight like gallant soldiers would do, to protect the State from enemies who hatch plans and schemes daily to halt governance, create chaos and unending disaffection among the people.
Governor Fubara said that with determination and unwavering commitment, the administration was addressing itself to fulfilling all obligations of government to the people without pretense.
The Governor made the assertion last Thursday at the Banquet Hall of Government House in Port Harcourt during the Emblem Appeal Fund Launching, preparatory to the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration on January 15, 2025.
Governor Fubara stated how mutual and healthy cooperation have been maintained with the security agencies to guarantee the prevailing peace in the State.
He also explained that while the employment of 10,000 persons into the State Civil Service was cancelled, 2,000 professionals have been employed in the health sector, with 1,000 employment slots reviewed upward for the Universal Basic Education and Post-Primary Schools.
Governor Fubara said that while scholarships have also been awarded to Rivers State youths in PAMO University of Medical Sciences and Wigwe University; the N85, 000, new minimum wage has been implemented for civil servants in the State.
He said, “We have gone past the stage where you just employ 10,000 civil servants. It will not help the growth of this State for now. We are going to the general one later. So, that was the reason why I suspended it, and insisted that employment that should be approved, should be those for professional cadre.
“I can say boldly that we have employed over 2,000 medical doctors. The records are there. We have also employed teachers. At least, for UBE, I have okayed the approval of 1,000, which they did before, and we have also asked them to increase the number, both for the UBE and the Post- Primary Schools Boards.
“On the issue of scholarship, Rivers State Government has not started empowering its scholarship board yet. But there are some scholarships that we have offered. We did so in PAMO University, and we also did so recently in Wigwe University.
“So, if it’s those ones, the Rivers State Government has no hand in the process of selection. You have to pass the exams to be on the list of 100-150.
“Otherwise, be patient, when we start our own internal one; the one that the Scholarship Board will do, maybe, the criteria might be different, and we assure you, more persons will be accommodated.”
Governor Fubara also said: “Some persons who have decided to be enemies of this State wanted us to experience a black Christmas, but because we are determined to make sure that the interest of Rivers State should be the first thing, we were able, not easy, but to meet our obligations as a government.
“And today, I can say boldly that our civil servants are happy, even in the face of all the propaganda that the State’s allocation fell under one bridge.
“But we are now the first State that did not just make the promise but have lived up to that promise. Today, civil servants that were collecting N70,000 are jubilating with N120,000, N140,000.
“What is the greatest joy any government can achieve? You might do some projects, but the most important thing is the happiness that you leave in the hearts of people.
“People will forget that Sir Dr Peter Odili built this Banquet Hall, but they won’t forget the story of when they couldn’t pay their children’s school fees because of poor salary.
“But with their salary now improved, they will always remember that, and say look, if not for that government, this my son wouldn’t have been a graduate; if not for that salary, this my son would not be a lawyer; he will not be a judge; he will not be an engineer.
“So, the most important thing is making sure that Rivers people are first in everything we do.”
Speaking on the Emblem Appeal Fund Launching, Governor Fubara recalled the excitement that the family usually feels when, as children of a military officer, they see their mother return from such events because she was a widow.
Governor Fubara said, no amount of money donated will be enough to commensurate the services rendered by war veterans who ensured the protection of the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity among the people.
He said, “This event means so much to me because I fall in the category of the dependants of the fallen heroes. Maybe, you don’t understand: my late father was a military officer! So, I am also one of them that are dependants.
“It is important to us because every January when my mother went for that event, she came back smiling. So, we have to join hands together to make this one very special.
“We cannot do enough. No matter what we do, the losses are there; those spaces cannot be filled. But the only thing we can do is to cushion the effects, and in cushioning that effects, we need to give our support to the survivors of the fallen heroes.”
Governor Fubara told legionnaires in the State that the promised 50 slots of employment are still available, awaiting when embargo on general employment into the State Civil Service will be lifted.
The Governor also urged them to inject part of the money realised from the launching into the scholarship scheme that they have floated to cater to their children’s welfare in tertiary institutions.
Governor Fubara expressed appreciation to all lovers of democracy and Rivers people for their support to his administration.
He assured that despite the distractions, he and his team will remain determined to follow through the dictates of good governance and leaving legacies that will endure.
He added, “So, let me thank everyone of you that has continued to support us. God doesn’t start and end half way. We are determined to follow this journey and will follow it to the end where everyone will know that it is only God Almighty that gives power.
“I need to commend our security agencies for their support. I can say with all amount of assurance, that they have been very cooperative. I know a lot of them are under one pressure or the other, which is normal.
“But we can always ask you to do the right thing. We will not ask you to do the wrong thing. Therefore, doing the right thing is easy and that brings peace in the State. We are happy with what you are doing. We will continue to support you to succeed in Rivers State.”
Governor Fubara launched the emblem with N40million on behalf of the Rivers State Government.
In his speech, Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), Dr Tammy Danagogo, acknowledged the sacrifices made by officers, with some of them paying the supreme prize, leaving spouses as either widows or widowers, and children as orphans.
Dr Danagogo said it is for such survivors and also for those who are still in active peacekeeping activities that the day is dedicated to galvanise financial support for them to cater to their welfare.
He said, “They are the survivors of wars, past and present. They are fighting insurgents, herdsmen, and terrorists; of course, not without scars. They are here in our midst.
“They did not negotiate any terms of engagement with the country. They simply asked: ‘what can we do for our country’? They volunteered and lost the luxury of comfort so that we can have the luxury of peace.
“It is, therefore, time to, once again, wake our gratitude. Donate for the welfare and upkeep of these veterans who laboured for your sake.”
Giving his remarks, the Acting Chairman, Nigeria Legion, Rivers State Chapter, ACC Kuu Aminkipo Promise, explained that such annual event serves to give recognition to military officers who have offered salient military services to the country.
In the course of such services, some die, he said, leaving their loved ones behind while others live but with life-long injuries, adding that the help galvanized at the launch offers hope to spouses, children and other dependants.
While thanking Governor Fubara for the immeasurable support given to legionnaires, ACC Promise noted that the legion is yet to access the promised employment of 50 of their wards and members while also requesting financial support to fund the scholarship floated for their wards

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

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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.

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College Of Bishops Endorses Tinubu, APC Candidates  For 2027 Polls

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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

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Police Arrest Fake Soldier, Others For Armed Robbery, Kidnapping

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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

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