News
Rivers CP Orders Probe Of Stolen Rice Bags In IDP Camp Invites Monarch For Questioning
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Zaki Ahmed has ordered a full scale investigation into the alleged looting of 20 bags of rice donated to flood victims in Ahoada West local Government Area of the State.
Spokesman of the State Police Command, Nnamdi Omoni who confirmed this to the Tide on Thursday said the probe became necessary following complaints by the flood victims that the relief materials donated to them were not properly shared and that some were looted.
It would be recalled that wife of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and President of the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA), Princess AsmauIdris had led some of her members to Ahoada West, where she donated 200 bags of rice and other relief materials to floods victims.
But few days after her departure, 20 of the 200 bags of rice donated by POWA were allegedly carted away by hoodlums who attacked a bus conveying the various relief materials to the respective wards in the Area.
Omoni, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) also said already the traditional ruler of Akinima community and other stakeholders in the area have been invited by the police for questioning.
“We just got wind of what happened. Though nobody officially reported to the police, but because we heard it from the grapevine and investigation has been ordered by the CP to verify the situation.
“The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) has invited the traditional ruler and other stakeholders to find out what really happened,” Omoni said, even as he dismissed accusation that some police officers connived with leaders in Ahoada West to divert some of the materials meant for the flood victims.
“They (accusers) are not fair for us. These items were presented to them by wife of the IGP in the public glare. The items were counted and handed over to the head of the IDP camp, one Hon. Eze Gbaleke Melford.
“How can the police go and take those things back. That report is unverifiable, unfounded and intended to cause some mischief and we do not want to join issues with mischief makers. The wife of the IGP acted in good fate,” Omoni stated.
Some of the items donated include: 200 bags of rice, 200 mattresses and pillows, cartons of noodles, cartons of detergents and buckets, among others materials.
Meanwhile, a youth leader from Engenni Ethnic Nationality, Ahoada West LGA had accused leaders of the area and the police of diverting the relief materials meant for flood victims there.
The youth leader who did not want his name in print for fear of been arrested said reports of looted rice is a ploy by both parties aimed at misleading members of the public so as to cover their tracks.
While admitting that some of the relief materials were actually looted by hoodlums, reports that over 20 bags of rice were stolen is false.
“Those rice were escorted by police officers and I wonder how youths went there and stumble the car and disappear with the rice. Because we did not see any rice and we did not hear of any disappearance of rice.
“The leaders connived with the police to hijack the items. They have taken the rice and they will still come back to tell us fake stories,” he queried.
Reacting to his invitation by the Police, Traditional Ruler of Akinima community, Eze Afoashi Richard expressed shock at the development.
He said, “Ask questions. You do not just fly things to a community and as you are leaving the whole thing is carted away by hoodlums. Now police are inviting me to come and explain. I do not know anything and I was not inviting to that occasion.
“Since it was police wives that brought these things and they want to investigate and prosecute they should go into the communities they will know those behind the incident instead of inviting me. But I will go there honour police invitation,” the monarch said.
By: Dennis Naku.
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo