News

Community Seeks RSG’s Intervention In Navy’s Detention Of Leaders

Published

6 years ago

January 13, 2021

The people of Rumuolumeni Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State have called on the state government to come to their aid in what they alleged as illegal arrests and detention of some of their leaders by the authorities of the Nigerian Navy, NNS Pathfinder.
The arrests and detention followed protests by the youths and residents of Rumuolumeni at NNS Pathfinder, which is host to Ocean Marine Solutions Limited, an oil servicing firm over alleged refusal of the company to employ people from the area.
Following this allegation, youths barricaded all entrances and exits to and from the community as early as 5am, yesterday, resulting in what could be described as airtight gridlock in the community.
When The Tide visited the scene, personnel of the Army and Navy had cordoned off the Town Hall of the community where they were said to be dialoguing with the youths of the community.
A youth leader in the community, Felix Chinda, who spoke to The Tide, said the action of the youths was in reaction to the unlawful detention of some of their leaders who had gone into the Naval Command to have peaceful dialogue over the refusal of Ocean Marine Solutions (OMS), to employ youths for over seven years of its operations in the community.
According to Chinda, “the issue is that the Navy, NNS Pathfinder, is a government agency in Rumuolumeni, which is host to them. They (Navy) hosted a company called OMS for over seven years without the consent of the community, without any MoU with the community, without any employment of the youths of the community. Meanwhile, all efforts made to dialogue with the company or the Navy had been abortive”.
He explained further that past and present executives of the Rumuolumeni Employment Bureau (REB), and the Community Development Committee (CDC) of the community had made several efforts, including writing to the company and the Navy to enhance dialogue over the issue, to no avail.
“They (REB and CDC) have written several letters over the years to the Commanding Officer (CO) of NNS Pathfinder and the company, but there had been no response from either the Navy or the company till today.
“Yesterday, the community, out of annoyance, seized two of the coastal buses that convey workers of the company to and from work daily in order to get the attention of the company and the Navy. All the staff in the bus were allowed to go. It was the only option we had left to get necessary attention in order to resolve the issue peacefully”, he said.
He added that the Naval personnel later came, well equipped, and took the buses, after which “they invited the CDC chairman, REB chairman, and their members to a meeting inside the command. They told us they wanted to resolve the matter with the company.
“As our people got to the venue, they arrested them and have detained them until now. That is why we demand for their release. We also demand that the company comes to terms with us and sign an MoU”, he said.
According to Chinda, those in detention include, the CDC Chairman, Barrister Ikechi Williams; the REB Chairman, Comrade Noble Nnamdi Orlu; and Youth President, Bobo Chimo; and other leaders such as Barrister George Ariba; and Uchechukwu Onukwuru.
Chinda used the opportunity to call on the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, to intervene in the matter before it degenerates further.
Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of the Community Employment Bureau (REB), Emmanuel Ikenga, said the development was a show of disrespect for the host community.
Ikenga said, “Our CDC and REB chairmen have been held hostage by the NNS Pathfinder. When the youths heard of it, we came out this morning to block the road until they release our people.
“The protest will continue until they release our people. Our demand is that the company should come out clear and give us employment”, he insisted.
The Secretary of CDC in Rumuolumeni, Henry Amaewhule, threatened that the youths would remain on the road until their leaders were released, while insisting that the marine company come to a roundtable with the community.
He said: “The reason for the protest is that we are demanding the unconditional release of our CDC leaders and others.
“We are demanding employment in Ocean Marine Solutions; they have been there for over 20 years now, and being harboured by the Navy in collaboration with the Commanding Officer.
“Why will they arrest our representatives as if we do not have youths? Why will they come to our community to oppress us?
“We have been in good terms with the Nigerian Navy. We are a peaceful community, hosting a lot of multinational companies, and they have not complained before. We have never been in this mood before, and we want the release of the arrested persons.”
Several of the youths, who blocked the roads for hours, were seen carrying various placards with inscriptions, “Ocean Marine Solutions employ our youths”, “We are a peace-loving community”, “NNS Pathfinder stop intimidating us”, “After the release of our leaders, we want a roundtable discussion for our youths to be employed by OMS”, and “Enough is Enough”.
The protests resulted in traffic gridlock in the area as a result of blockage of the roads at St. John’s Junction and Aker Base Road Junction of Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt.
At time of this report, a joint task force made up of the Nigerian Army, Police and the Nigerian Navy have been deployed to the area to ensure that there was no security breach.
Meanwhile, negotiations to end the protest and resolve the dispute has started with representatives of the Rumuolumeni chiefs, elders, the Navy and other stakeholders at the Palace of Paramount Ruler, Eze Ndubueze Wobo.
The Tide gathered that a representative of the community in the meeting, Collins Wagbara, called for the release of the five members of the community detained by officers of NNS Pathfinder.
Efforts made to get to the commanding officer to comment n the matter proved abortive as at press time.
However, a senior Naval officer, who said he has not been authorised to comment on the development, revealed to The Tide that the Navy has commenced moves to resolve the disagreement.
The source added an official statement would be released to the press in due time.

By: Sogbeba Dokubo

News

Fubara Hails Team Rivers For Winning Tinubu Inter-Schools Debate Championship …Describes Victory As Great Feat For Rivers

Published

1 day ago

August 24, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has congratulated Team Rivers for emerging champions at the grand finale of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Inter-Senior Secondary Schools Debate Championship.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, described the students’ victory as “a great feat” and a clear demonstration of the intellectual capacity, brilliance, confidence, and preparedness of Rivers children to compete and excel at the national level.

The Tide reports that the finals of the Presidential Debate Championship held last Thursday at the Obi Wali International Conference Centre, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Fubara commended the students for their eloquence, critical thinking, and teamwork, while also appreciating their teachers, coaches, and the Rivers State Ministry of Education for the guidance and support that led to the outstanding performance.

“This victory is a source of immense pride to all Rivers people. It shows that our investment in education and human capital development is yielding results. Our children have once again proven that they are among the best in the country.

“We are proud of you and we will continue to support programmes that build the minds of our young people,” he stated.

The governor assured that his administration would continue to create an enabling environment and provide necessary support for academic and extra-curricular activities in schools across the State to help the youths to excel in future competitions.

He further urged other students across the State to draw inspiration from Team Rivers and strive for excellence in all their endeavors.

Fubara expressed profound appreciation to the Grand Patron of the championship and Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her steadfast support and commitment to initiatives that promote education, youth development, and the empowerment of the Nigerian child.

?While congratulating Team Rivers for coming out on top, Fubara told the participants that they were all winners, irrespective of the outcome, stressing that their courage to stand before an audience and articulate their ideas demonstrated that the future of Nigeria remains intellectually vibrant and full of promise.

He also commended the organisers of the championship for creating a platform where young Nigerians could develop the confidence, discipline, critical thinking and communication skills required to participate meaningfully in national development.

?He reaffirmed the commitment of the State Government to supporting initiatives that advance academic excellence, innovation, discipline and opportunities for young people.

The governor dedicated an award presented to him to the people of Rivers State, the state’s education system, young Nigerians, and all those contributing to the development of the State.

?In his welcome address, the Chairman of the National Advisory Board, President’s Schools Debate, Hon. Usman Muhammed, said the championship was aimed at raising articulate, informed and responsible young Nigerians committed to democracy, good governance and nation-building.

?He commended the governor and the people of Rivers State for hosting the event, stressing that debate promotes critical thinking, tolerance and responsible citizenship.

?On his part, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr Peters Nwagor, explained that the essence of the championship was to train and develop youth, especially students, on how to get to leadership positions, saying it takes a sound mind to be able to come out to speak publicly and come to defend the opinion in a public setting.

?The Tide reports that while Team Rivers came first, Team Kwara emerged second, while Team Sokoto took the third position.

News

Fubara Unveils Reconstructed Buguma-Degema-Abonnema Road

Published

1 day ago

August 24, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has unveiled the reconstructed Buguma-Degema-Abonnema Road, a major transport corridor linking communities across the Asari-Toru, Degema, and Akuku-Toru Local Government Areas of the State.

The project, a 19.79 kilometre road was executed by Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, brings to an end the nightmares of man-hour losses and insecurity associated with the route.

The long stretch of the road was in a very deplorable condition before the Fubara administration awarded the contract for its rehabilitation in September 2024.

Fubara disclosed that the completion of the project in record time was a fulfillment of a personal commitment made after witnessing the severe degradation of the road during a previous visit to the area.

“It is a road that you must pass if you’re going to Abonnema. It is a road that because of its state, a lot of evil activities was taking place there. But to the glory of God today, I don’t think those negative acts can even be imagined or be carried out along that corridor again.

“I made a promise to myself that day that even if it is remaining one week, we must make sure that we fix this road. Today, to the glory of God, the road has been fixed.

“I am happy that today, we are all here gathered happily that this particular dream has come to reality,” he said.

The governor reiterated that his desire for the State is not just about embarking on projects but in doing those things that will touch the lives of the people positively.

He reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to complete the Trans-Kalabari Highway, another major road project linking several coastal communities in the State.

He expressed appreciation to the people for their love and cooperation especially for allowing the contractors to do their jobs without hitches.

“You have shown me so much love. Nobody can take that away. One particular project that cannot be denied is the Trans- Kalabari Road that we are doing. I want to beg you that if I cannot meet all you requests today, don’t worry, my successor will continue from where I will stop,” he said.

Special Guest of Honour, the Amanyanabo of Abonnema Kingdom, King Desrael Gbobo Bob-Manuel, who officially commissioned the project, commended the state government for its rapid infrastructure development, noted that the rehabilitation of the roa has drastically improved travel time, safety and the living conditions of the people.

“In the past, for you to leave any of our communities to Port Harcourt, you must, as a matter of fact, go into a one-day fasting and prayers the previous day. Otherwise, you are not sure you will get to your destination.

“Today, I can leave my palace in Abonnema by 10:00 AM, and I will be wherever I want to be in Port Harcourt before 11:00 AM,” the royal father said.

King Bob-Manuel stated that the reconstructed road would not only enable the local fishermen to transport their catch directly to urban markets in Port Harcourt for better profit margins, but will open the riverine communities to new investments.

News

Tinubu Appoints Enitan As New Head Of Federal Civil Service

Published

1 day ago

August 24, 2026

The Tide

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Mr Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan as the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, effective August 27, 2026.

Enitan succeeds Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who will retire soon from the Federal Civil Service upon attaining the statutory retirement age of 60.

Mr Enitan, from Osun State, is the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service.

He has served as Permanent Secretary for seven years and seven months, working at the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and the Office of the Vice President. He is currently the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education.

Enitan, according to a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, brings considerable institutional experience and a deep understanding of how the Federal Civil Service works to his new responsibility.

Tinubu expressed his profound appreciation to Mrs Walson-Jack for her distinguished service to the nation and for the reforms, impact and innovations witnessed in the Civil Service during her tenure.

“The President wishes her a fulfilling and successful life after service and conveys the nation’s gratitude for her years of dedicated and impactful public service,” the statement added.

Tinubu charged the incoming Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to consolidate on the reforms and innovations already underway, deepen professionalism and efficiency across the service, and build a more effective and responsive Civil Service capable of delivering on the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The President further urged Enitan to lead a Civil Service that is professional, merit-driven, accountable, innovative, and responsive to Nigerians’ needs and aspirations.

Enitan was born on December 12, 1966. He had his secondary education at Ajibode Grammar School, Ibadan and the College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife. He later attended the University of Lagos and graduated in 1988 with a B.Sc. in Finance and Banking.

In 2015, Enitan obtained an M.Sc. in Public Policy Analysis from Nasarawa State University, Keffi.