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Task Force Denies Killing 75-Yr-Old Bureau de Change Operator
Following insinuations in some quarters that operatives of the Rivers State Task Force on Illegal Street Trading, Motor Parks and Mechanics had allegedly hacked an illegal bureau de change operator around the GRA Junction/Presidential Hotel/Rumuola axis of Port Harcourt to death over unexplained disagreements during a purported raid, the leadership of the task force has debunked the claim, and clearly exonerated its members from any misconduct or wrongdoing within the circumference.
A statement signed, yesterday, by the Special Adviser to the Governor of Rivers State on Illegal Street Trading/Motor Parks/Mechanics, Hon. Bright Amaewhule, made it abundantly clear that members of the task force were never involved in any scuffle or fight with any Hausa business operator in the state that resulted in the death of anyone.
The statement reads, “Our attention has been drawn to the recent rumours being circulated round Port Harcourt and its environs regarding the alleged killing of a Bureau de Change agent around Rumuola axis by members of the Rivers State Task Force on Illegal Street Trading/Illegal Motor Parks/Illegal Mechanics.
“I want to state categorically that the Rivers State Government did not initiate the task force to kill any of her citizens; rather it is aimed at restoring sanity and standard way of living amongst its citizens.
Therefore, the Rivers State Task Force on Illegal Street Trading/Illegal Motor Parks/Illegal Mechanics dissociates itself from such misleading information being peddled by those who seek to defame the Rivers State Government in such negative manner.
“I also want to inform the general public that the state government has already swung into action to actually know the cause of his death, therefore, we urge all to be law abiding and continue with their normal activities as everything is under control.
“Lastly, I want to send a strong warning to those peddling fake news about the Rivers State Task Force on Illegal Street Trading/Illegal Motor Parks/Illegal Mechanics to desist from such act or face the law if caught,” Amaewhule added.
Speaking later in an exclusive interview with The Tide, yesterday, Hon. Bright Amaewhule, in insisted that no member of the task force harassed or confronted any Hausa bureau de change operator in any part of the state capital, including the GRA area of Port Harcourt.
He said that the task force was poised to discharge its duties and responsibilities in a fair and civilised manner, adding that it would not yield to false claims and cheap blackmail by some disgruntled members of the public who do not want to obey the law of the state.
The state coordinator dismissed claims that members of the task force had arrested and were detaining some operators of illegal bureau de change outfits in the state, arguing that allegations of extortion by the task force were unfounded and had no basis.
The victim, whose name was not immediately known as at the time of this report, was confirmed dead following alleged harassment and beating by men of the task force who had raided the neighbourhood, believed to be a beehive of black market operators of foreign currency exchange.
The Tide gathered that immediately after the incident and the death of the victim, social media influencers quickly posted the picture of the deceased on various social media platforms, especially Facebook, which went viral, and drew spontaneous but aggressive response from fellow illegal bureau de change operators around the area, supported by area boys who took advantage of the situation to cause social disorder by barricading all roads around the area, including the ever-busy Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway, Presidential Road and GRA Junction, leading into Tombia Street.
Following the protest by Hausa traders and hoodlums, there was palpable pandemonium around the GRA Junction/Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway, through Rumuola Junction as riot police detachments were deployed to bring the situation under control, and clear the roads of debris to allow motorists and road users unhindered access to vehicular movement and guarantee their freedom of movement.
An eyewitness, who gave his name simply as Mr Chijioke, said: “The Zone 7 Team of the task force that has been troubling this area came here and killed a Hausa man. The man (victim) came from Slaughter area to this place to see his brother. While he was standing here, the task force guys came and held him. They searched him and collected the money in his pocket.
Chijioke, who is also a currency trader, said, “They started beating and dragging him on the floor. The man collapsed and died in their hands, and they all ran back into their vehicle and drove away. They didn’t know that the man was hypertensive”.
Another eyewitness, David Simon, explained that the task force visited the area regularly to arrest people and also force them to pay N120,000 as fine for operating illegal bureau de change in the area.
Simon stressed, “They came earlier and arrested an old man here. They took him and returned him later after beating him. We are not hawking, we only stand here and ask people if they want to change money, but this task force attacks us every day.
“When they come here and arrest anybody, the person will bail himself with N120,000.00. And they keep coming here to arrest people. Right now, they have over seven people they arrested here in their custody”, Simon added.
When contacted, the Rivers State Public Relations Officer, DSP Nnamdi Omoni, who confirmed the incident, quickly added that the police were still investigating the matter to determine the cause of death of the alleged currency dealer.
Omoni vowed to fish out those connected with the death of an operator of Bureau de Change, BDC, Ladan Yusuf, aged 75.
The police image maker said that the assurance became necessary to douse tension created by the incident that paralysed economic and social activities in Port Harcourt due to the protests by the Hausa Community in Port Harcourt over the death of their kinsman.
Earlier, the Chairman of Arewa Consultative Forum, Musa Saidu, who identified the victim, said the remains of the late Yusuf were to be buried yesterday in Port Harcourt according Islamic rites.
Happy Birthday Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON
Honourable Minister Federal Capital Territory
News
We’ll Drive Tinubu’s Vision in Rivers With Vigour – Fubara …Inaugurates Dualized Ahoada/Omoku Road ….Debunks Rift With RSHA
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that he will lead Rivers people to galvanize support for President Bola Tinubu to drive the vision and objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the State with vigour.
The governor, who joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), on Tuesday, explained that his decision to join the APC was not for personal interest but for the overall benefit of Rivers State.
Fubara disclosed these while inaugurating the extension of the dualized Ahoada/ Omoku Express road in Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
He commended the contracting firm, Julius Berger, for timely delivery of the project, saying the project is a campaign promise fulfilled which will bring economic benefits to the people and tackle issues of insecurity associated with the route.
He said his administration has remained focused in delivering democratic dividends in the state despite facing glaring challenges.
The governor thanked the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas for their continuous support, and urged his supporters to remain steadfast and also support President Tinubu who he said, has demonstrated love to Rivers State as a father.
Fubara denied having rift with the Rivers State House of Assembly, stating that his meeting with the lawmakers was stalled as a result of delay in the agreed meeting to be convened by former Governor Nyesom Wike and other stakeholders for him to meet with the state lawmakers.
“I have made every effort to meet with the Assembly members, but it is not within my leadership to initiate the meeting process.
“The arrangement was for my leader, Wike, and the elders led by Anabraba to call for a meeting with the the lawmakers.
“I’m a gentleman and principled. I can’t go behind to call them when we’ve already agreed. Whoever that tell them that I don’t want to meet with them, or I rejected proposal meant for them isn’t saying the truth,” Fubara said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry Works, Mr Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who gave the project description, said the delivery of the project was a fulfillment of long time dream by the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas.
He said the road was previously a single lane and has now been dualised to 14.6 meters wide, complete with solar-powered streetlights with drainages.
He said the road significantly would reduce travel time between Ahoada and Omoku while improving economic activity in the region.
In his welcome address, Chairman of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, Hon. Chuku Shedrack Ogbogu, described the road as a symbol of unity, oneness, and development, thanking the governor for fulfilling his campaign promises.
On his part, the Managing Director of Julius Berger, Engr. Peer Lusbash, said the project was awarded to his company in 2023 with a completion period of 18 months which was achieved in best quality.
He added that Julius Berger enjoyed a good support from the Fubara administration, and assured to complete all ongoing projects being handled by Julius Berger on specification, especially the Ring Road project which is a legacy project.
Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring good healthcare for the people of Rivers State.
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?Governor Fubara stated this when he played host to the Country Director of UNICEF, Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef and her management team in Port Harcourt, last Tuesday.
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?The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, said he would continue to provide the necessary facilities in order to ensure accessible and good health care for all Rivers people.
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?”We are constructing new zonal hospitals across the State. The Ahoada Zonal hospital will be commissioned in December and others are near completion.
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?”We are grateful to UNICEF for all they have done and believe we can always work together to care for the vulnerable in the society. We appreciate your physical presence, and believe that your staff working remotely, can also do more virtually. We have a capable Commissioner of Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, to help foster our relationship, communication and greater collaboration,” he said.
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?The Country Director for UNICEF Nigeria, Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, assured Governor Fubara of UNICEF’s support to the programmes of the State Government. She appealed that health facilities such as the Oxygen Plant at Eleme Local Government Ares and the New Born Care Units be solarized.
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?”Be assured that UNICEF will continue to work and support the programmes here in Rivers State. We have seen the Oxygen Plant at Eleme LGA which has been effective because of the Public Private Partnership. We appeal that the plant be solarized.
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?”I commend your leadership of the State and assure that we are here to support your effort and assure you that you can count on our support and partnership. Rivers State is one of the states we can showcase how things are working so others can learn,” she added.
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