News
NDDC Probe: OWA Condemns Police Invasion Of Nunieh’s Residence
The umbrella body of Ogonis resident in Lagos and its environs, Ogoni Welfare Association (OWA), has strongly condemned the recent illegal invasion of the private residence of the former interim managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Joi Nunieh by operatives of the Nigerian police in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
Recall that on July 16, 2020, at about 4am, over 50 personnel of the Nigeria Police Force illegally invaded the Port Harcourt home of Ms Joi Nunieh in what concerned Nigerians described as cruel and uncivilized vendetta mission.
The association, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Mr ThankGod Meekor and the Head of its media committee, Comrade Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, stated that Ms Joi Nunieh was a law-abiding citizen of this country and distinguished daughter of Rivers State and Ogoniland who has served the country meritoriously in many capacities.
“It is, therefore, rather sad and disturbing that such a war could be waged against her for committing no crime, particularly under a democratic government.
“More disturbing about this development is that the action of the Nigeria Police Force against the ex-NDDC boss tends to remind us as a people of the injustices, killings and maltreatments suffered under the military during the dark days of the Ogoni crisis”, the statement read.
“Furthermore, we are concerned by the attempts to use Ogonis against each other. As a people, we must learn from past mistakes, and refuse to be used as tools to destroy the course of Ogoni”, the group added.
“We, however, applaud and commend Governor Nyesom Wike, for his timely intervention, which eventually foiled the unlawful attempt to whisk away, arrest or kidnap the former managing director of the NDDC.
“In view of the foregoing, we call on President Muhammadu Buhari, to direct the inspector general of police to commence a thorough investigation into the unfortunate incident, particularly when there are no known criminal charges against her before any court or petition before any anti-graft agencies”, the OWA argued.
The group called on the president to ensure that the fundamental rights of every Nigerian as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution as amended are protected at all times, irrespective of who is involved.
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
-
News2 days ago
Obuah’s Victory Excites Former Lawmaker as APC Primaries Conclude in Rivers West
-
Politics4 days agoAPC PRIMARIES: FUBARA’S WITHDRAWAL, HISTORIC SACRIFICE FOR NATIONAL STABILITY ……. GROUP
-
News4 days agoCourt Sentences Seven To Death Over Murder Of Cleric In Rivers
-
News2 days ago
105 Nigerians Killed In S/Africa In Seven Years
-
Sports4 days agoPH Arsenal Community Set For Streets Procession, Saturday
-
Niger Delta2 days agoRoyal Father Endorses PH Arsenal Community, Pledges To Support
-
Politics4 days agoIPAC Flays INEC Over Election Guidelines Judgement
-
Politics4 days agoNDC To Adopt Electronic Voting For Future Primaries