News
Govs Decry State Of S’South, S’East Federal Roads
The Governors of the 11 States that make up the South-East and South-South geo-political zones of the country have decried the deplorable state of federal roads in the two geo-political zones.
The governors also regretted that none of the airports and seaports in the two geopolitical zones was functioning reasonably while none of the states in the two zones is linked in the country’s rail services.
The governors, in a communiqué issued in the early hours of last Sunday after the second meeting of the South-East/South-South Governors’ Forum at Government House, Port Harcourt, said the only federal presence in the two geo-political zones was the presence of policemen.
The communique, which was read by the Chairman of the forum and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, condemned emerging trend where approvals for investments in the oil and gas industry were granted for siting in other parts of Nigeria and with laying of pipelines in deep waters rather than siting the projects in the areas that produce the resources.
The forum expressed concern that despite providing the necessary logistic support to the security agencies, perceptions of insecurity are on the rise, thereby doing significant damage to investments climate and preventing reasonable inflow of direct foreign and local investment into the regions.
The communique reads in part, “Concerned about the reality of the dearth of infrastructure, the forum noted with dismay: the deplorable state of federal roads in the two regions. That none of the airports and seaports located in our regions is reasonably functional, and that neither of the two regions are linked by any rail services.
“That the federal presence in the regions is very minimal and only noticeable in the presence of policemen. The emerging trend where approvals for investments in the oil and gas industry are granted for siting in other parts of Nigeria with laying of pipelines in deep waters rather than siting the projects in the areas that produce the resources.
The forum resolved: “to pursue inter-regional cooperation and integration for the common good of the regions’ people, and to work together politically, align and re-align as a people that share common heritage, culture and affinity”.
It also agreed “to articulate and advocate issues affecting the wellbeing of the regions. The issues may not necessarily materialize immediately, but for the benefits of future generations.
The forum further resolved “to continue to subscribe our faith to the destiny and greatness of Nigeria, and call upon Nigerians to put their hands on the plough and rise to claim our rightful place in the comity of nations.”
It specifically “condemned hate speech in national discourse whether in individual communication or utterances of political actors or parties”, and “urged security agencies to set up joint border patrols and develop more proactive strategies in combating crime and criminality.
The governors also resolved “to urge the Federal Government to come up with a clear policy on concession of federal roads and to fast-track the process in order to ameliorate the sufferings of the people of the regions.”
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has decried the decay and backwardness of infrastructure in the South-South and South-East part of the country.
Speaking when he played host to governors from the two geo-political zones in Government House, Port Harcourt, last Sunday, the Rivers State governor pointed out that the two zones were the most politically and economically marginalized within the nation.
The governor noted that none of the airports and seaports located in the regions were reasonably functional, while the few federal roads were not in good shape, neither were the two zones linked by any rail services.
He maintained that, “They have been environmentally degraded and deliberately neglected by the Federal Government in appointments and provisions of basic development infrastructures.”
Wike reasoned that even in contemporary Nigeria, the two regions share the same or similar challenges, including insecurity, poverty and under-development despite the best of efforts by the constituent state governments.
Since the people of the two geo-political zones have shared common heritage and affinity, Wike called for strategic economic plan and need to establish and link cities in the two zones with railways and superhighways; to provide viable and affordable flight services between our cities, and to ensure that cargoes are brought into the country and the regions through our seaports, jetties and ferry services as a veritable means of stimulating economic growth and social progress across our two regions.
“Also, we are all aware that economic growth and social progress are possible only in a peaceful and secure environment. And much as we try to tackle this menace in our respective states by providing the necessary logistic support to the security agencies, perceptions of insecurity are on the rise, doing significant damage to our investment climate thereby preventing reasonable inflow of direct foreign and local investment into the zones”, he said.
He maintained that the two regions must strive to overcome challenges through regional efforts by sharing resources, intelligence and denying sanctuaries to criminal elements in the areas.
According to him: “As we go into the business of this meeting, let us be confident in the rightness of our course and clear in our considerations that we have been and would continue to be worse off without the will to exploit our political and economic complementarities to drive our ways into political, economic and social prosperity.
“Above all, we must continue to demand for the devolution of powers and resources to the states as well as the institutionalization of state police, now that there is national consensus on these issues,” Wike maintained.
Similarly, Chairman of the South-South and South-East Governors Forum, Chief Udom Emmanuel has said that both zones plan to adopt a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model for infrastructural revamp of the area.
Emmanuel, who is the governor of Akwa Ibom State, shortly after the meeting, informed news men that PPP was one way to augment whatever the Federal Government was doing in both the South-South and South-East in terms of infrastructure.
He reiterated the position of the governors to the unity of the country, “Nigeria is a country we have passion for.”
Emmanuel also said the governors resolve to give the issue of security of lives and property top priority, and that, “we will collaborate with other regions on some of the issues of inter-cooperation.”
Earlier, the Akwa Ibom State governor had urged his counterparts from the two zones to form a common front for socio-economic development.
He described the meeting as a new beginning for the two geo-political zones for the good of her people.
The governor expressed delight that the governors have set aside impediments to chart a new direction, and charged the two zones to work together for prosperity.
He said: “Federal presence in the zone is minimal and only seen in the presence of policemen”.
Emmanuel sought for the development of an industrial framework that will enhance development.
He said the regions are better of united than divided, as he pleaded with Nigerians to continue to strive for the unity of the country.
News
Rivers DPOs Receive Awards For Outstanding Performance In Crime Prevention …As Students, Media Group Honour CSP Worgu, CSP Yusuf
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.
News
College Of Bishops Endorses Tinubu, APC Candidates For 2027 Polls
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
News
Police Arrest Fake Soldier, Others For Armed Robbery, Kidnapping
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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