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Infrastructure, Key To Development -Wike

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The Rivers State Government says it decided to embark on critical infrastructure projects in all sectors to enhance the rapid socio-economic development of the state.

The state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike disclosed this during a dinner party at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Port Harcourt, in honour of participants of Senior Course 39, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, who were on a Study Tour of Rivers State.

The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo, said Rivers State which was strategic to the nation’s economy, as the hub of the hydrocarbons industry, requires critical infrastructural development to satisfy the yearnings and aspirations of the teeming population.

Wike stated that due to the importance of a good road network to any society, the government soon after its inauguration, decided to fix all roads that were at various degrees of decay through the “Operation Zero Pothole” Campaign.

He explained that the strategy has helped in building and rebuilding of roads not only in Port Harcourt metropolis but all over the state.

“You know that good road network is very important to our people, many of them are farmers, many of them are fishermen and their products have to be transported to the markets on good roads where they will be patronized. That is why we started with the Operation Zero Pothole Campaign when we came into office last year due to the level of decay of our roads”, the governor said.

The state chief executive noted that the government undertook the ongoing rehabilitation of Eleme to Onne Junction axis of the East-West Road even though it is a federal highway in partnership with other stakeholders in view of its economic importance to the state and nation.

He lauded participants of Senior Course 39, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, for their choice of Rivers State for the Study Tour, and charged them to do an objective report of their findings, adding that the state was peaceful and secure for investment.

In his opening remarks, Rivers State Head of Service, Barrister Rufus Godwins, charged the Nigerian military not to interfere in the activities of the civilian populace as such action would negate the discipline, order and strategy which are the hallmarks of the military.

Godwins stated that while some states in the country are grappling with the payment of workers’ salaries, the Wike-led administration was paying salaries to workers in the state civil service as at when due in addition to the execution of people-oriented projects despite the dwindling federal allocation to the state.

The head of service advised the Nigerian military and the police to ensure that the prevailing peaceful atmosphere in the state was sustained; expressing the hope that the interactive sessions they had during their Study Tour would assist them in projecting the state in a positive light, contrary to the negative media campaign by the opposition.

Earlier, the Commandant, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Air Vice-Marshal Suleiman Abubakar Dambo, had said Rivers State was among 10 states of the federation specially selected for their Study Tour to conduct research and findings on the theme, “Enhancing Socio-Economic Development Through Public, Private, Partnership”, especially in a period of economic recession.

Dambo maintained that the Nigerian military would not derail from its statutory function of protecting the territorial integrity of the nation, and commended Governor Nyesom Wike for the opportunity given them to conduct a successful Study Tour of the state.

He emphasized that the tour has afforded the participants first-hand information about the true state of affairs in Rivers State, and added that their report would reflect their new understanding of the state.

Meanwhile, the Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Rivers State chapter, Bro Felix Obuah, has expressed satisfaction over the manner and commitment of the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, in delivering dividends of Democracy to the people of the state, and lauded his various development initiatives, which he said, have entered another phase, aimed at putting the state on the fast lane of development.

The PDP chairman noted that since inception, the Wike-led government in Rivers State has not ceased on its drive to put smiles on the faces of all Rivers people, as this has given new look to the state’s infrastructure, starting with total revamping of moribund public facilities deliberately abandoned by the immediate past administration under Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, construction of new roads and human capacity development in the state.

The initial development projects of the Wike led-government touched all sectors of the economy and public life in the state, including education, sports, security, electricity, water supply, tourism, housing, health, payment of salaries of public servants, as at when due, youths empowerment, restoration of the dignity of the judiciary, as well as respect for the rule of law, harmonious relationship between all arms of government, and return of peace in the state, which has resulted in the influx of investors and international business entrepreneurs into the state, Obuah observed.

He described the commencement of phase two of Wike development projects, which focuses more on giving new lease of life in the rural communities, as people-oriented, and touching directly on the lives of people at the grassroots, adding that it was a step taken in line with the philosophy of the PDP, which believes in giving back to the people what belongs to them.

Obuah, particularly acknowledged the flagging-off of the construction of several gigantic projects in most LGAs and rural communities outside the capital city, which include completion of the abandoned Ogoni – Andoni – Opobo/Nkoro Unity Road; construction of Ulakwor –Afara-Nihi Road; rehabilitation of Okrika internal roads in Okochiri, Okrika; reconstruction of the Igbo- Etche Road, and construction of Chokocho- Umuechem- Ozuzu Road as well as the Elimgbu-Atali Road, all of which would be completed soon.

Expressing confidence in the ability of the governor to deliver all the roads on schedule, Obuah noted that Wike has shamed enemies of the state, who have continued to make efforts to destabilize the state.

Wike, he said, has demonstrated his love for the people of the state and denied himself lots of comfort to ensure he delivers on his campaign promises to the people, adding that he has done this by making the development of the state a non-negotiable priority of his administration.

The PDP chairman reiterated the confidence of members of the party in Wike and members of the New Rivers Vision, assuring continued support and cooperation of the party in the state. He called on the people of the grassroots, and indeed, all Rivers people to reciprocate the exceptional love and gesture extended to them by the Governor with their support.

“One way we all can encourage this apolitical, non-discriminatory, all-sector and people-oriented development efforts of Wike to continue is to vote for all candidates of the PDP in the December 10, 2016, Legislative re-run elections in the state. Doing this will spur him the more, even though he naturally and genuinely conceived and embarked on the numerous projects which have now been brought to our rural doorsteps”, the PDP chairman explained.

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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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