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Royal Estate Occupants Raise Alarm Over Incessant Harassment

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Some occupants of a popular estate, Royal Estate, located along SARS Road in Rukpokwu Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State are not happy that they have often come under incessant attacks and harassment from persons suspected to be hoodlums and thugs.
On several occasions, according to feelers, these peaceful and law-abiding citizens of Nigeria have had their buildings and other property being wantonly destroyed and vandalised with impunity and for this reason, live under fear.
Speaking in an interview with newsmen recently, some of the occupants of the estate said the attacks and molestation meted out against them and masterminded by one Don, have become more ferocious and fierce in recent times, for which reason they are calling on the Inspector General of Police to intervene to avert bloodshed.
According to them, more worrisome is the fact that they are often arrested and taken to unknown locations.
They also cried out over what they described as unwarranted and mindless extortion by their tormentors, as some of them are forced to cough out huge sums of money before regaining their freedom.
Of particular note is one occupant of the estate, Mrs Esther Edet, who alleged that she and her husband had often been singled out for harassment and molestation by the tormentors.
According to Mrs Edet, a man whose identity was not disclosed had bought a parcel of land, close to where they are living and asked her to use the place for farming so that she could be providing water and other things to people working on the land.
Instead of this kind gesture to give her peace of mind and respite, she said it has rather been a source of pain and misery, as the tormentors have often invaded the place and asked her to vacate even though they are not the owners of the property.
She specifically appealed to the Inspector General of Police to come to their aid.
Another victim, Mr Daniel Chukwurah Nwosu said his elder brother, one Chief Cyril Sunday bought a parcel of land where he is residing with his family and sold it out to other individuals and occupants.
According to him, the brother had the Certificate of Occupancy of the land and that the said land had already been contested and won in a court of competent jurisdiction.
He expressed optimism that intruders into the land would one day be arrested and brought to justice.
One his part, another occupant of the estate, one Evangelist Akeh Obinna condemned in strong terms the arrest of one Kee, who does menial jobs in the estate as a means of survival and called on the police high command to urgently wade into the matter.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Rivers State Polce Command for her comments proved abortive.

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Rivers

Microbiologists Inaugurates New Exco, Chart New Course In Dev

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The Nigerian Society for Microbiology (NSM) has strengthened its regional footprint with the inauguration of the executive members of its South-South Zonal Chapter, tasking them with championing the pivotal role of microbiologists in national development.
At a virtual inaugural meeting held recently, the National President of NSM, Prof. S. A. Ado, formally ushered in the new leadership team, describing the chapter’s take-off as both strategic and long overdue for a region of immense ecological and economic importance.
The newly appointed executives are Prof. Nedie P. Akani, who is the Zonal Coordinator (Rivers State University); Dr. Anwuli U. Osadebe, Zonal Secretary (University of Port Harcourt); Dr. Tonye Sampson, Treasurer/Financial Secretary (Rivers State University); and Prof. Elijah Ohimain, Public Relations Officer (Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa State).
In his welcome remarks, Ado congratulated the team and pledged the full backing of the National Executive Council (NEC), commending the swift coordination that culminated in the chapter’s inauguration.
He urged the executives to prioritise unity and professional mobilisation across the vast South-South region, noting that effective organisation would be critical to achieving impact.
Echoing this position, the National Secretary, Prof. Sunday Awe, and the National Business Manager, Prof. C. J. Ogugbue, reaffirmed NEC’s support and underscored the weight of responsibility before the new zonal leadership.
They acknowledged the geographic spread and diversity of the zone, but expressed confidence in the capacity of the Coordinator to provide purposeful leadership.
Ogugbue, in particular, highlighted the multidisciplinary scope of microbiology and its growing relevance in pollution control, environmental remediation, biodiversity conservation, agricultural productivity, coastal ecosystem protection and the development of a sustainable blue economy.
He stressed that the South-South Chapter must serve as a hub of scientific leadership, given the region’s environmental sensitivities and economic assets.
In her inaugural address, the Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Nedie Patience Akani, described the formal launch of the chapter as “a dream come true” for microbiologists in the region who had long anticipated a structured platform for collaboration and professional advancement.
Akani said the new executive was fully aware of its mandate and committed to repositioning microbiology as a driver of innovation and problem-solving in the South-South.
According to her, the Chapter will focus on mobilising practitioners to register with the society and participate actively in its programmes, ensuring timely payment of dues, organising annual symposia and workshops, appointing state representatives, and maintaining regular reporting to the NEC.
She emphasised that beyond administrative coordination, the executive would work to amplify the voice of microbiologists in addressing regional challenges, particularly in environmental management and sustainable development.
“We are committed to serving the society and advancing microbiology in the South-South zone,” she said, and expressed appreciation to the national leadership for its trust and for enabling the inauguration to hold virtually.
With the new executive now in place, stakeholders say the South-South Zonal Chapter is poised to galvanise professionals across the region and deepen the impact of microbiological research and practice in shaping public health, environmental sustainability and economic resilience.
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IAUE VC Warns Against High Price In Textbook Sales 

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The Vice Chancellor (VC) of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Prof Okechuku Onuchuku, has directed students to report any lecturer who sells textbooks above ?5,000 to the institution’s Quality Assurance Department.
This, he said, is part of decisive steps to protect students from exploitation and uphold ethical standards on campus.
Onuchuku made made this known following students’ growing lamentation over the high cost of textbooks in the Campus recently.
The VC warned that compelling students to purchase textbooks at inflated prices is not the policy of the university and will not be condoned under any circumstance.
He stressed that while academic authorship is encouraged, monetising compulsory materials beyond the approved ?5,000 benchmark undermines access to education.
According to him, any lecturer found violating the directive should be promptly reported for investigation and appropriate sanctions.
 He assured students that management remains committed to creating a fair academic environment where learning is not hindered by undue financial pressure.
The IAUE helmsman described the directive as part of a broader reform agenda aimed at sanitizing the academic system and strengthening institutional accountability.
He reiterated that the Quality Assurance Department has been empowered to handle such complaints with confidentiality and diligence.
Professor Onuchuku has consistently championed discipline, transparency and integrity since assuming leadership of the university.
His administration has repeatedly cautioned staff against academic fraud, sharp practices and conduct capable of tarnishing the institution’s image.
Under his stewardship, the university secured approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to mount fourteen new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, significantly expanding its academic frontiers and reinforcing its relevance in Nigeria’s higher education landscape.
In a bid to promote academic excellence, the Vice Chancellor also introduced incentives targeted at high-performing students, including free internet access for those with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 and above.
The initiative, according to a statement from the Public Relations Unit of the university, is designed to strengthen research culture and reward diligence.
By: King Onunwor
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Hon Worlu Expresses Concern Over Tragic Incidents In PHALGA … Assures On Safety, Security 

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The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Gift Worlu, has expressed deep concern over the unfortunate incidents that led to the loss of lives in parts of the LGA.
A statement the Chairman personally signed, weekend, said the incidents occurred in Rumuokpoku, Rumuola and at the Rumuokwurusi Oil Mill Market, causing apprehension among residents.
The OBALGA Council boss described the development as regrettable and assured residents that security agencies are fully on top of the situation.
He disclosed that some arrests have already been made in connection with the incidents, with efforts ongoing to ensure that the suspects are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Chairman urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that there is no cause for panic.
He called for sustained collaboration between security agencies and community leaders to curb the negative trend and restore normalcy in the affected areas.
Dr. Worlu commended security operatives and community stakeholders for their swift response and commitment to maintaining peace and order.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the local government to safeguarding lives and property across the LGA.
The Chairman encouraged residents of Obio/Akpor to continue with their lawful businesses without fear, and assured that the government will continue to take all necessary measures to strengthen security and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to families who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate events, and also prayed for the repose of the departed souls and comfort for the bereaved families during this difficult period.
By: King Onunwor
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