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Rivers NBA Chairmen Decried RSHA Resolution Inviting DSS To Investigate CJ Over Alleged Falsification Of Age

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9 months ago

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The chairmen of the eight branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Rivers state has decried the recent resolution made by members of the State House of Assembly calling on the DSS to investigate the state Chief Judge , justice Chibuzor Amadi over an alleged falsification of age and described such resolution as unfortunate and a way to escalate the ongoing political crisis in the state.

The group therefore appealed for all the parties in the matter to toe the line of peace to resolve the political impasses and stop dragging the judiciary in to the political crisis rocking the state at the moment.

The group stated this during a press briefing organised by the eight branches of the NBA in the state held at the conference Hall of Port Harcourt branch of NBA , tuesday.

Briefing journalists on behalf of the group,the chairman of NBA, Okirika Branch,
Tamunosiki A. Roberts,Esq.flanked by other branch chairmen ,
Cordelia U. Eke (Mrs.),
Chairman,Port Harcourt Branch ,
Hilda Desmond-lhekaire (Ph.D),
Chairman Ahoada Branch ,
Simple Dioha, Esq.,
Chairman, Isiokpo Branch
Abiye A. Abo, Esq.
Chairman, Degema Branch,
Dr.N.A. Duson,
Chairman, Bori Branch
Dr.Celestine N. Nwankwo,
Chairman, Okehi Branch and
Ekeledinichukwu Ordu, Esq., reiterated that the independence of the Judiciary is crucial and must be respected so as to sustain the existing peace and stability in the State and noted that the contending parties in the crisis will ultimately resorted to the Judiciary for the resolution of disputes as has recently been witnessed at the Supreme Court.

“The attention of the 8 branches of the NBA in Rivers State, has been drawn to a resolution passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday, 12th of March, 2025 directing the Department of State Security (DSS) to investigate the Rivers State Chief Judge on allegations of falsification of age. It is quite unfortunate, that despite the already heated polity in Rivers State, we are still experiencing escalations such as this.”

“We recognize the Constitutional powers and roles of the three Arms of Government in the State. We also recognize the need for these Arms of Government to work in synergy for the peace, progress and development of the State. Thus, there is need for mutual respect amongst all the parties. We are not unaware of the existing political impasse between the Legislature and the Executive Arms of Government in Rivers State,however,we must caution that the Judiciary should not be drawn into the ongoing imbroglio for no just cause.”

“We reiterate that the independence of the Judiciary is crucial to the sustenance of peace and stability in the State, as contending parties ultimately resort to the Judiciary for the resolution of disputes as has recently been witnessed at the Supreme Court.”

He averred that there was no need to escalate tensions as the stability of the State is crucial to the economy of the State and the Country.

“We can easily recall
the incidences in 2014-2015 which exposed the Judiciary and Judicial Officers that resulted in the closure of our Courts. We cannot afford to experience a similar occurrence in the present times we find ourselves in the State, and especially for the interests of the good people of Rivers State to have their on-going matters in Court without interruptions.”

According to him every action in the Public Service has a prescribed procedure which all should respect and observe to forestall chaos and anarchy in the State, stressing that In the case of the Judiciary, any complaint against one of its officers are always dealt with by the National Judicial Council (NJC), which alone has the authority to carry out any disciplinary action or authorize any investigation against any Judge.

“The role of Security agencies is clearly defined, and they also must respect due process and work within the ambit of the Law. It is therefore, advised that the Judiciary should not be intimidated into succumbing to blackmail, bullying or political pressure in the discharge of their duties.”

“The need for the protection of the Judiciary cannot be overemphasized,as the Judiciary remains the last hope of the common man, and indeed everyone, including politicians.
We continue to appeal to all contenders to sheath their swords and genuinely seek peace in the interest of Rivers State and the economy of Nigeria at large.”.

 

Akujobi Amadi

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Rivers

MCDI Inducts 150 Professionals In PH

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6 days ago

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November 24, 2025

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The Mentoring and Career Development Institute of Nigeria (MCDI) has inducted about 150 new members into various categories of membership during a special induction ceremony and dinner in Port Harcourt.
Aimed at expanding the institute’s membership base, the event offered new inductees an opportunity to engage with senior members and integrate fully into the organisation’s professional network.
The induction ceremony was part of the 2025 national conference of the institute.
National President of MCDI, Dr. Collins Edebiri, administered the oath, while the new members promised to carry out their duties faithfully, following the institute’s rules and constitution.
Dr. Edebiri emphasised the institute’s core mandate of instilling values that will shape individuals and institutions.
He emphasised the theme of the conference, “Mentoring for Individual and Corporate Leadership”, noting that last year’s focus centred on national development and value reorientation.
Edebiri explained that the induction ceremony is a key feature of the institute’s annual conference, though inductions also occur quarterly.
On the criteria for membership, he said the most important factor is the desire to be mentored or the readiness to mentor others, and urged the new inductees to become ambassadors of value-driven leadership in their respective workplaces.
Guest Speaker at the ceremony, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, who was a former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), shared her experiences from her early days in journalism, attributing much of her professional growth to strong mentorship.
She encouraged members to embrace mentorship as a catalyst for personal and societal advancement.
Seminitari was later presented an award.
New members, including Wisdom Egberi Woniepiriye, and Mrs. Grace Ajinwanyiekwu, expressed their excitement and hope to be mentored well so they can eventually mentor others.
There were a dinner and networking session, marking another success for MCDI in its efforts to build leadership values nationwide.
By: Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso
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Rivers

Fisherman Gets Thumbs-Up Over Patent Creation 

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6 days ago

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November 24, 2025

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The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) has commended a renowned fisherman, Mr. Ricky Brown Owunari, for what it described as a remarkable stride in global engineering content creation.
In a congratulatory message signed by the Association, weekend, the SPE said  the patented “Dewaxer Flow Enhancer and Downhole Tool” had secured official endorsement under U.S. Patent No. 12,448,868 B2.
They said the development has been highlighted as a significant indicator of Rivers State’s growing intellectual and technological capacity, with observers noting that such breakthroughs position the state as a rising hub for innovation.
According to those familiar with the innovation, the achievement serves as proof that Niger Deltans have moved beyond the era of militancy and are now producing world-class content, research outputs, and technical solutions.
The SPE officials described the patented technologies as timely tools designed to tackle wax deposition in crude oil wells, a major challenge that frequently disrupts production and increases maintenance costs.
They further stressed that the milestone underscores the need for Rivers State to invest more in supporting innovators whose works demonstrate global potential.
Industry experts revealed that the tool originated from years of field observation, experimentation, and rigorous research aimed at improving flow assurance in challenging well conditions.
They also urged the Federal Government to show greater appreciation for home-grown innovations, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to formally recognise and encourage technological breakthroughs emerging from the Niger Delta.
Stakeholders at the event warned against piracy, emphasising that unauthorised copying of patented technologies undermines national progress and discourages genuine innovators.
Analysts observed that the breakthrough strengthens the narrative of a new Rivers State built on creativity, content development, and technical excellence rather than conflict.
The session concluded with a call for stronger collaboration between government authorities and industry players to protect intellectual property and position Rivers State as a greenhouse for innovation-driven content.
The content, The Tide gathered, is expected to solve critical challenges in the oil and gas sector, as well as other relevant areas of the national economy.
By; King Onunwor
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Rivers

NBA Seeks End To Mass Abductions, Targeted Killings

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6 days ago

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November 24, 2025

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The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has warned against mass abductiond and targeted killings in Nigeria.
President of the NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe, who gave the warning, noted that Nigeria was faced with a growing wave of violence following fresh attacks in Kebbi and Borno States.
The association issued the warning after terrorists attacked the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga on November 17.
According The Tide’s source, the gunmen killed a teacher and abducted at least twenty-five students during a shootout with security personnel.
The  President said the latest attack shows the country has become unsafe for schoolchildren and civilians.
He further noted that Nigeria also lost Brigadier General M. Uba earlier that day in an ISWAP ambush in Borno State.
According to Osigwe, the nation was  witnessing a rise in terrorism, kidnapping, and lawlessness that has overwhelmed security agencies, adding that rural communities, travellers, farmers, and security officers are all exposed.
The NBA President also warned that Nigeria was facing a dangerous breakdown of public safety.
Quoting recent reports, he said about 145 people went missing in mass abductions across Kebbi, Niger, and Zamfara within four days.
“The country must stop recording deaths while hoping for peace through negotiations with terrorists”, he said.
The NBA further revealed that recent intelligence alerts, including the DSS warning of ISWAP plans to strike in Ondo and Kogi, show a widening threat.
Osigwe questioned why terrorists still control forests and highways without challenge, with criminals levying taxes on communities, displace families, and attack convoys.
The NBA demanded an urgent national security overhaul with transparency and strong political will.
Osigwe, however, praised the teacher who died in Kebbi while protecting students.
By;  King Onunwor
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