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Police Arrest Two For Looting Assembly Property …As Ibani Emerges Speaker Of 8th Assembly
Hon Isreal Mgbuelo (2nd right) and Hon Dinedoeni Loolo (2nd left) with other lawmakers during inauguration of the 8th Assembly in Port Harcourt, last Monday. Photo: Chirs Monyanaga
Two miscreants and scoundrels, were Monday, arrested by security operatives at the Rivers State House of Assembly complex as they were about to smuggle some items suspected to be properties of the Assembly out of the premises.
The arrest was made during the proclamation of the 8th Rivers State House of Assembly, by the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
The Tide learnt that while the inauguration was going on, some scoundrels broke into offices of some former lawmakers, and started looting properties at the assembly complex.
Sources revealed that items found with the miscreants from the lawmakers’ offices include 2013 diaries, canned drinks, bottled water, computers and flat screen television sets.
It was gathered that while the miscreants were trying to smuggle the computers and flat screen TVs outside the premises, they were arrested by officers of the Assembly Police Command.
When contacted, the Police at the command refused to speak to The Tide, but sources said that the suspects were kept in an excluded place.
It was further gathered that after the arrest and confession of the suspects, moves were made by the security officers and Assembly staff to lock all the entry points into the offices with chains and padlocks.
However, The Tide learnt that the Assembly complex, at the time of the incident, was flooded by visitors and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters, who had come in solidarity for their lawmakers.
But it was not immediately known whether those arrested were party supporters or miscreants, who took advantage of the rowdy atmosphere to loot the Assembly.
Meanwhile, the member representing Andoni Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani, has emerged as the Speaker of the 8th Assembly even before the expiration of the 7th Assembly.
The 7th Assembly of the Rivers State House of Assembly is billed to wind down on 6th of June to give way for the 8th Assembly to commence.
It would be recalled that the 7th Assembly, headed by Rt. Hon Otelemaba Dan-Amachree, was inaugurated on 6th of June, 2011.
However, Ibani, as the new speaker, was elected shortly after the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike dissolved the 7th Assembly, and inaugurated the 8th Assembly on Monday.
The Tide gathered that 31 out of the 32 lawmakers voted in favour of Ibani’s emergence after he was nominated by Hon Kelechi Nwogu, member representing Omuma Constituency, and seconded by Hon Jones Ogbonda, member representing Port Harcourt I.
The member representing Abua/Odual and former Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Marshall Stanley Uwom, emerged as Deputy Speaker.
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani commended the lawmakers for finding him worthy of the position.
The Speaker congratulated his colleagues on their victory at the polls, noting that the journey to the 8th Assembly was herculean due to the political crisis that rocked the Assembly.
According to him, “the journey has been tortuous; therefore, all activities must be done to give you a new lease of life.
“As a legislature, we will set a new legislative agenda that will incorporate the interest of Rivers State. Never again will this Assembly under my watch suffer legislative Armageddon. No member of the state Assembly shall be turned to a commodity that shall be traded on”, he said.
He promised to be transparent and involve all in decision making, even as he called for cooperation from members.
The House later adjourned its sitting to Thursday, June 4, 2015.
The Hausa Community in Rivers State has dissociated itself from media reports credited to one MaiwadaAdamu that the Arewa Community in Rivers State has appointed Alhaji Musa Saidu as the acting SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt, following the inability of the former SarkinHausawa, Alhaji Isa Madaki to carry out his functions.
MaidawaAdamu, who is also the spokesman of the Arewa Initiative for Peaceful Co-existence, had briefed journalists on the change, but in a swift reaction, the Office of Alhaji Isa Madaki, has come out to say that the only recognised body which has the powers to appoint the SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt is the Council of SarkinHausawa in PortHarcourt headed by Alhaji Isa Madaki.
The statement also said Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki is the only recognisedSarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, adding that his appointment follows the proclamation and endorsement by the council members of SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The statement further called on the general public and all authorities concerned to give Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki maximum co-operation and support,as he discharges his duties as SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt.
The Suspended Rivers State Commissioner for health, Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, has described as baseless allegations in some quarters that she was responsible for the purported disruption of the Nigerian First Lady’s empowerment program in Port Harcourt.
Dr Oreh, who said this in a statement personally signed by her and a copy made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt also described the allegation as a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers
According to Dr Oreh, “they are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord”
In her words,”the allegations levelled against me, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, regarding the supposed disruption of the First Lady’s empowerment programme on Friday 2nd May, 2025, are entirely unfounded, completely false, and a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers and conflict entrepreneurs.
“They are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord.”
The suspended commissioner challenged those behind the allegation, especially the Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation to show proof of its assertion adding “It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I challenge the “Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation” (assuming such a body really exists) to provide tangible proof to support their assertions.
“It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I have neither sponsored nor will sponsor any activities aimed at embarrassing or disrupting the activities of the administration appointed by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to oversee the affairs of Rivers State following his declaration of a state of emergency on Tuesday, 18th March, 2025, and have rather spent the time of my suspension from office focused on other endeavours and my doctoral studies.
“I reaffirm my commitment to working tirelessly for the progress and development of Rivers State.
“Furthermore, I believe that it is crucial for all stakeholders to promote a culture of truth, integrity, and respect in public discourse.
“Unsubstantiated wild claims undermine trust and hinder constructive engagement, and this is not what the state needs at this difficult and delicate time.
“I urge everyone to focus on issues that unite us and foster a positive, solution-driven dialogue for the betterment of our State, and urge everyone to work together to build a brighter future for Rivers State, grounded in truth, transparency, and collective effort,”she said.
By: John Bibor
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has called on key regulators, asset owners and other stakeholders to continue to support the agency toward the goal of remediating the Ogoni environment and restoring the livelihoods of the people and building structures for peace.
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who made the call during the Project’s first quarter meeting with regulators, asset owners and stakeholders in Port Harcourt, urged the stakeholders to remain resolute in supporting HYPREP’s work.
“We particularly expect each regulatory agency and asset owner to deepen their involvement and continue to provide strategic support to the project”, he said, stressing that the quarterly meeting platform remains instrumental in providing a structural avenue for regulators, asset owners, and implementation partners to offer feedback to HYPREP on project performance and deliberate on ideas that move the project forward, as well as strengthen collaboration, deepen synergy and reinforce collective responsibility.
Zabbey disclosed that the socio-economic study of Ogoni has started, as HYPREP has contacted the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organisation(WHO) to commence in the next quarter a three-year human health biomonitoring in Ogoniland.
He noted that work on several fronts of the cleanup project is progressing steadily, adding that as key project partners, the insights and shared experience of the regulators and asset owners have always enriched HYPREP’s operations.
He said the policy thrust of HYPREP for 2025 is clear, as the Project is intensifying efforts to complete within stated timelines, the various ongoing projects, including remediation works and mangrove restoration, potable water facilities, the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, the Ogoni Power Project, Ogoni Specialist Hospital, and Buan Cottage Hospital, among others.
Zabbey, however, announced that HYPREP would commence new set of shoreline cleanup, mangrove restoration and livelihood projects, to sustain the momentum of implementing the Ogoni cleanup, adding that the agency would also conduct detailed site characterisation of the high-risk complex sites, leading to remediation works at the sites.
He noted that HYPREP’s collaboration with Rivers State Ministries of Health, Power and Environment, and civil society organisations remains vital, stressing that the technical and administrative support of all relevant government agencies and funding partners is indispensable in helping HYPREP overcome operational bottlenecks, especially those encountered in interfacing with host communities.
He further indicated that “the people of Ogoni and the nation are looking to us with hope and expectation, and expect tangible results from the remediation initiative”, assuring the participants that the Project Coordination Office is committed to delivering positive results.
“We must, therefore, continue to work with diligence, transparency, and a renewed sense of purpose”, he declared, saying, “ the completion and commissioning of projects this year must reflect not only our technical ability but also our collective commitment to environmental sustainability and sustainable development in Ogoni.”
During the interactive session, the Project Coordinator briefed the participants on the progress made so far by HYPREP to conclude the distribution of starter packs to the 5,000 Ogoni trainees, and called on contractors who had already collected huge chunk of money for the project, to deliver without further delay.
In all, the regulators, asset owners and stakeholders commended HYPREP for the good works it is doing, and urged it to do more.
The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency(NOSDRA) was represented at the event by Deputy Director, Oil Field Assessment, Dr Abam Komommo Omini, while Dr Vincent Nwachukwu, Director of Medical Services, represented the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
The Rivers State Ministries of Water Resources, Power and Environment were represented by Dr Bealo Brownson; Engr K. J. Osele; and Mr James Ordu respectively, while the Society for Women and Youth Affairs (SWAYA); and the Stakeholder Democracy Network(SDN); among other civil society organisations were also at the event.
By: Donatus Ebi