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Integrity Group, Coalition Restate Amaechi’s Indictment
The Integrity Group has described as untrue, allegations by its Executive Director, Livingstone Wechie, on a national television, last Monday, that it had disowned documents tendered before the Senate that linked the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, with mismanagement of resources of Rivers State while he was governor of the state.
A statement signed by Secretary of Integrity Group, Uyi Meshak, in Port Harcourt, and made available to The Tide, clarified that there was no time the body took such decision, stressing that the action of Wechie, was not only embarrassing but an act of betrayal.
“Mr Wechie was wrong that we agreed to disown a document that we collectively signed and tendered to the Senate, the EFCC and other agencies on the mismanagement of Rivers State funds and assets by the former administration,” the statement noted.
“After we tendered that document to the Senate and the legal fireworks that followed it, which is now before the Supreme Court, we have never sat to either withdraw the said petition, disown it, nor discussed it further, since it would be subjudice.
“The Integrity Group is incorporated with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and therefore, a legal entity. It is not only embarrassing to all other trustees but a complete betrayal by Wechie to distance himself from a document that we not only authorised but also thoroughly investigated before we signed. It is also a complete deviation from the noble cause to cleanse the society,” the group added.
The group wondered how Wechie suddenly realised that the documents it tendered to the Senate and the anti-graft agency were allegedly forged.
Similarly, the Coalition of Concerned NGOs, CBOs and CSOs, has disassociated itself from the frivolous comments made by Livingstone Wechie.
A statement signed by President of the coalition, Comrade Christian Obi, and made available to The Tide in Port Harcourt, said, “We want to state categorically that he has not only destroyed his career but has also destroyed his purported fight against corruption.
“Wechie obviously lacks the moral standing and credibility to speak on or involve himself in any public conversation or debate aimed at eliminating corruption in the society. He has abused the word ‘Integrity’,” the coalition stressed.
Obi described Wechie as “a sunken ship who acts against the values, beliefs, and principles that define integrity”, and advised Rivers people, and indeed, all Nigerians to ignore Wechie’s ranting, and support the Governor Nyesom Wike-led administration’s efforts to reposition the state under the NEW Vision Agenda.
“We urge all NGOs, CBOs, and CSOs to always stand by the truth and profess peace and equity at all times”, Obi added.
Meanwhile, the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), has withdrawn membership of Wechie from the association, who until recently had signed statements of the organisation as Deputy Director, Relations Organisation, South-South.
Chairman of the rights body in Rivers State, Sotonye George, said that the decision of CLO was based on Wechie’s action in recent times, which according to him, was against the tradition of the organisation.
“Based on the recommendations of the disciplinary committee, you are hereby informed that your membership in this organisation has been nullified,” George wrote in the letter addressed to Wechie, and made available to The Tide, in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday.
The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.
The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.
The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.
A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.