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Massive Projects Delivery: Wike, A Refiner’s Fire -Dogara …As Obi Of Onitsha Counts Rivers Luck To Have Gov …NUJ Hails Wike On NIPR Honour

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Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Yakubu Dogara has described the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike as a refiner’s fire and a fullers’ soap, who has diligently transformed Rivers State.
He spoke, last Friday, when he commissioned the Woji-Elelenwo Dual Carriageway and Bridge, a major inter-change between three local government areas of Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt and Eleme.
Dogara said: “This governor is a consummation of excellence. He is a representative of a refiner’s fire and a fuller’s soap. A refiner’s fire separates impurities from the gold and leaves the gold intact.
“Refiner’s fire brings out the best. A fuller’s soup removes dirt and leaves the cloth sparkling clean. I am exceedingly proud of what Governor Wike has done”, Dogara said.
He congratulated the people of Rivers State for the luck of having Wike whose excellent performance was unparallel.
The speaker noted that though he belongs to the All Progressives Congress (APC), as a parliamentarian, the entire country was his constituency, adding that only tribalists were restricted to their tribes and political parties.
According to him, democracy has no place for tribalists, because they don’t value performance.
“I wonder why someone will look at this project, and say nothing exists. If that is the case, the person is a tribalist. As citizens, we celebrate excellence, and we must celebrate Governor Wike”, the speaker said.
He said that in some other states, projects of the nature of Woji-Elelenwo Dual Carriageway would be celebrated for weeks, and noted that in view of the developmental nature of the major projects outlined by Wike, President Muhammadu Buhari would honour the invitation of Rivers State Government to perform the commissioning.
Dogara stated that the people of Rivers State know what they did concerning Wike in the past, and also know what to do concerning him, moving forward.
In his remarks, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike stated that Nigerians need democracy dividends and not party politics, stressing that he invited Dogara to commission the dual carriageway because pro-people projects transcend inter-party rivalry.
The governor revealed that there was an attempt to distract the Rivers State Government, noting that the Federal Government has once again arranged the refund of state funds used for federal projects, but excluded Rivers State from benefiting from the initiative.
Speaking further, Wike disclosed that the Mother and Child Hospital, Saakpenwa-Bori Road and Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity Road would be commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari, adding that the state government would not commission the project until the President was available to do the needful.
On the Woji-Elelenwo Road, Wike said that though the road was awarded by the Chibuike Amaechi government in 2009, the administration failed to fund it, leading to its abandonment in 2012.
“This project is very useful. That is why we chose to complete it. There was no road here at the time we came. We completed the road and the bridge. We have paid the contractor up to 95 per cent.
“This road is an alternative route to Trans-Amadi-Slaughter Road. Ordinarily, we would have tolled it, but due to our love for the people, we will not toll it”, Wike said.
He said that the road was awarded by the previous administration at N3billion, and revalued by the same administration to N11billion before his administration took office in 2015, and assured the people of Rivers State that he would never disappoint them.
In his remarks, Rivers State Works Commissioner, Hon Dumnamene Dekor said the road was constructed on a swampy area, with a beautiful flyover, streetlights, an under-pass and 750-metre bridge.
Also speaking, Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Prince Noble Amadi said the road would help in developing the economy of Woji and Elelenwo communities, and praised the Rivers State governor for several key projects in Obio/Akpor, which have raised the standard of living of the people.
After the commissioning, the people of Elelenwo staged a street celebration where they danced with the governor on the brand new road.
The governor also set aside protocol to hug and celebrate with the excited people of Elelenwo.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has joined millions of Rivers people and Nigerians across the world to felicitated with the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, over the honorary award of Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) bestowed on him, and his appointment as patron of the state chapter of the institute at its 2018 State Conference in Port Harcourt, last Thursday.
In a statement, Chairman of the council, Omoni Ayo-Tamuno, noted that going by the antecedents of the governor, particularly in terms of infrastructural development, it was not surprising that he met the NIPR criteria to earn the double honours.
According to the NUJ chairman, “if honour must be given to whom it is due, the governor (Wike) has done a lot in three years. There is no better way to encourage him to do more than appreciate his effort”.
While emphasizing on the governor’s call for the NIPR to go beyond professionalism to improve the faith of the country, Ayo-Tamuno appealed to government at all levels to also recognize professionals in all fields of endeavour in their appointments.
“This is one way to put square pegs in square holes, and it will reflect on general governance in the country at large”, he said.
The NUJ chairman also congratulated Pastor Paulinus Nsirim for emerging chairman of the state chapter of the NIPR at the end of elections at the 2018 Conference of the institute.
“Pastor Nsirim, who is currently the permanent secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, and former chairman of the Rivers State Council of the NUJ, will no doubt bring a lot of experience to bear as chairman of NIPR. The Rivers State Council of the NUJ heartily celebrates with our own”, he added.

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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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