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ALLEGED JULY 27 WARD CONGRESSES IN RIVERS, NULL, VOID – G-60 REPS LEADER

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The leader of the Group of 60 (G-60) opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives, Hon Ikeagwuonu Michael Ugochinyere has said that the ward congresses allegedly conducted last Saturday, in Rivers State is of no effect, null and void.

Hon Ugochinyere, who chairs the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), also cautioned the State Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to avoid replicating the memories of the infamous CP Joseph Mbu, who turned the State to a theatre of the absurd in 2013 and 2014, in a bid to help Nyesom Wike achieve his ambition.

The lawmaker representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency in the National Assembly under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the remarks in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Responding to questions, Hon Ugochinyere said, “There is nothing to talk about here. If a group of people, out of desperation, decided to hold kindred meeting, that should not bother anybody. And I advise Nyesom Wike, stop this. The joke is becoming too much.

“There is a subsisting order of a Rivers State High Court few days to this issue of congress that that exercise can no longer hold, but he decided in his desperation, alongside with his supporters, to gather themselves in their hideouts, and conducted what I call a kindred meeting in the name of ward congresses.

“So, what Wike group had yesterday (Saturday) in the name of ward congress is a kindred meeting. That is what we call in Igbo, ‘meeting Umunna’, and nothing more; it ends there, they were talking to themselves; and it is a nullity”.

Clarifying his position on the point of law, he said, “Let me tell you why it is a nullity, and it is very simple. As long as there was a subsisting court order saying it should not hold, and they went ahead to hold the congress, the court in question will void whatever is the outcome of that exercise because it was conducted in violation of the court order”.

On the situation in PDP in the State, Hon Ugochinyere said, “As it is today, there is no working PDP in Rivers State; because we have a group of people who are in what we call: APC-PDP, invading our party, and trying to take control of the party.

“And let me also advise, because recently, we came here, and we heard of the violence that happened. I will advise the state Commissioner of Police; there used to be one that served here then as CP: Joseph Mbu, who used to dance naked with Wike. Today, he is somewhere, he retired as a shameful officer. I hear he is regretting his actions in Rivers in 2013-2014.

 

“So, I advise the CP: do the right thing. He said he heard of the court order in Abuja, but did not hear of the court order in Port Harcourt where he is residing. That court order in Port Harcourt was advertised in the national newspapers, it was everywhere on social media and conventional media, and the whole world heard about it, and he knew about the court order but decided not to comply with it. He choose to be running a political security outfit for Wike because they are calling him from Abuja”.

On the need to tame the ugly situation from escalating into a state of lawlessness, he explained, “I will advise the President and the IGP, to call the CP to order; and if possible, remove him from Rivers State. I say so because that path he is taking can inflame the already tensed climate in the country, and it is not the right path to take”.

Explaining why what the Wike supporters are doing is a time bomb waiting to explode, he said, “Look at what is happening all over the country. They claim to love the President, but look at what they are doing: they want to destabilise Rivers State, and that will affect the President. What they are doing is not in the interest of Mr President.

“The government is finding it hard in terms of addressing the economic challenges of our people. And here you have a group of people who claim to be working for the President but because of their greed, that they want to plug a pipe to the state resources, they are willing to burn down the State.

“The whole thing baffles me, because what is the crux of the matter: we were here when the former speaker, Martin Amaewhule and his colleague former lawmakers, woke up one morning, even when there was no crisis in PDP, and defected and joined the APC, thinking that by joining the APC, President Bola Tinubu will help them to illegally remove Governor Siminalayi Fubara from office. It backfired. They did not think it through because there was one man in Abuja who was desperate to capture Rivers State as if it is a private estate.

“Now, you ran into APC, and you are running around looking for a court that will give you a judgement that you are still a lawmaker. It will not work. At the moment they decamped, as you are all aware, there was no crisis or division in PDP. As long as there was no division in PDP, the Constitution is very clear on it: it is automatic; your seat is vacant, you do not even need anybody to declare your seat vacant. It is on that ground that the new leadership emerged.

“So, all these struggles are to regain the State House of Assembly’s legitimacy, for the purpose of forcing the Governor out of office so that they can have unfettered access to the State resources of the people.

“Like I told you; those people are no longer lawmakers. The earlier they understand this, the better for them. And the CP needs to get this into his head: those people can not come back as lawmakers. It does not matter whether he gives them the entire police force in the State to take over the streets of Port Harcourt for them to be maiming, destroying and killing innocent law-abiding people, they cannot come back as lawmakers (without a fresh mandate). And nobody can remove Fubara from office as Governor; only the people (electorate) that elected him can remove him from office as Governor. It is as simple as that!”

 

Speaking further on the ward congresses allegedly conducted on Saturday, Hon Ugochinyere emphasized, “And that congress they claim to have done, like I told you earlier, it is nothing but a kindred meeting. But I know my friend: Nyesom Wike will not get tired of doing these things, but I can tell you here, as a stakeholder in this party; it is a nullity. So, it is of no use!”

 

On the recent threat by the immediate past local government chairmen to come back and take over the council secretariats and force themselves into office, Hon Ugochinyere said: “I pity them. These are guys whose tenure had elapsed but because there is one Nebuchadnezzar in Abuja who gives them false hopes that they can remain in office even after their tenures had expired, and they can stay in office to continue to touch the people’s resources even when the Constitution has barred them from doing so. I laugh them!

“It is only a politically mad person who does not understand that tenure is constitutionally provided for will fight over expiration of tenure. The Constitution is very clear on tenure expiration. It is a pillar and sacred principle of democracy: That you have a tenure limit! That tenure has ended.

“And you go to one place, and you say you have changed the local government law, and extended the tenure of local government chairmen forever. Where has that happened before? Who will allow it happen against the provisions of the Constitution?

“I think I have to give them advise: it is over. There is no power on earth that can return them to an office in which their tenure had expired. I think they need to get it into their head. And let them try to take over the office in the local government councils, if that is what they are planning to do, and they will see the consequences of their actions.

“How did they leave the office before? The people will chase them away again! Does the office belong to them? It belongs to the people! Were they not trying to bring a magistrate from Maraba before to swear them in the morning of that day? How did it end? When the people rose against them, did they run away? They cannot forcefully take any local government over! If any police officer or politician promised them that, it is a joke, it is not possible”.

He advised the people to focus attention on the forthcoming local government election, saying: “That era is over. We are talking of local government election in a matter of weeks. People are already preparing to participate in the election, and you are talking of tenure of office that has elapsed.

“There is going to be election here, and Rivers people are preparing for the election. People should focus on how to make that process and exercise successful! And people are going to elect councillors they want for the 319 wards and chairmen for the 23 local government councils”.

Advising the people of the State not to pay attention to the rantings of the Wike supporters on local government tenure extension and the Amaewhule-led group, Hon Ugochinyere said, “The era of those Hallelujah boys in the local government councils and the State House of Assembly is over for good. We have moved into the new future; and that is the new future of Rivers people first and development. And as a leader and leading member of the opposition party, I cannot allow any of these people destroy any part of the party in the opposition led States”.

 

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Rivers DPOs Receive Awards For Outstanding Performance In Crime Prevention …As Students, Media Group Honour CSP Worgu, CSP Yusuf

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Two Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in Rivers State have been honoured by separate groups for their contributions to security, crime prevention and improved community-police relations in their respective areas of responsibility.

The beneficiaries are the DPO of Afam Police Division, CSP  Endurance Worgu and his counterpart at Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf.

CSP Worgu was honoured by a group of students under the aegis of Rivers State Graduate Students Associations for what they described as his commitment and outstanding performance in the discharge of his duties.

The students, led by  Chidi John Enyie, Esq. said CSP Worgu was selected based on his track record and status as one of the longest-serving young DPOs of Rivers State origin.

According to the group, CSP Worgu has made significant contributions to the protection of lives and property in the area since assuming office following the #EndSARS period.

The students said they were particularly impressed by the improvement in community-police relations under his leadership, noting that professionalism had remained a key feature of his service.

Enyie represented by Comrade Briggs Soku, said the students community was pleased to identify with a Rivers indigene who had distinguished himself in the police force.

He said the students considered it necessary to encourage and celebrate CSP Worgu because of his achievements as a young Rivers man excelling in a profession that many people from the state were often reluctant to join.

Receiving the award at his office in Afam, CSP Worgu expressed gratitude to God and the students for finding him worthy of the honour.

The DPO said the recognition had boosted his morale and encouraged him to sustain his efforts towards maintaining peace and security in the area.

He said he least expected the honour, particularly because it came from the students, adding that the recognition would further motivate him to serve the people better.

CSP Worgu assured residents of Afam that the police would sustain the existing peace in the area.

He appealed to members of the public to support the police by providing credible and timely information, stressing that useful information from residents would make the job of security personnel easier.

Meanwhile, the Ikwerre/Etche Media Association has also honoured the DPO of Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf, for his efforts in tackling criminal activities in the area.

The media group presented the award following the swift tracking and arrest of five suspected kidnappers who had allegedly terrorised residents of the Kom-Kom axis and other parts of Oyigbo.

The group commended CSP Bello for what it described as his determined efforts to restore confidence and security in the affected communities, particularly Kom-Kom and Obeama.

According to the group, the arrest of the suspects demonstrated the DPO’s commitment to tackling criminality and safeguarding residents.

The media association said residents had received the development with relief, noting that the police action had sent a strong message to criminal elements operating in the area.

Responding, CSP Yusuf appreciated the group for the recognition and reaffirmed that there would be no room for criminality in Oyigbo.

He also commended the media for its role in disseminating credible information to the public, saying the media had remained supportive of the police in the fight against crime.

CSP Yusuf warned criminal elements operating in Oyigbo to leave the area or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.

He assured residents that the police would continue to pursue criminals and work to dismantle their hideouts, regardless of where they might be operating.

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College Of Bishops Endorses Tinubu, APC Candidates  For 2027 Polls

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The 5000 Achievers Christian Forum and Colleges of Bishops, Archbishops and Apostles, a Christian interdenominational organisation, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State for the 2027 general elections.

International President of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, disclosed this during the ordination and consecration of three new Bishops, as well as an award ceremony held in Port Harcourt.

Aroh said the performance of the APC-led Federal Government had endeared the party to the organisation, prompting the forum to declare its support for President Tinubu and other APC candidates in Rivers State.

He said the forum would support all APC candidates in the state during the 2027 elections and urged Nigerians to vote for the party.

Aroh, who is also the General Overseer of Caring Peoples Church, Port Harcourt, charged the newly consecrated Bishops to see their new positions as a great responsibility and dedicate themselves to the advancement of the kingdom of God.

He cautioned them against conduct capable of bringing their offices into disrepute, stressing that their activities would be closely watched by members of the public.

“As Bishops, the eyes of the public are on your activities. You must therefore conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of your calling,” he said.

Also speaking, the International Coordinator of the forum, Bishop Saint Robinson, urged the newly consecrated Bishops to work diligently towards winning souls for the kingdom of God.

Robinson, who was the guest speaker at the event, stressed that the activities of Bishops must at all times be guided by godly principles.

He also called on members of the church to support and cooperate with the newly consecrated Bishops in the discharge of their responsibilities.

The Secretary of the College, Apostle Elizabeth Ayadi Abaye, said the organisation was established to advance the kingdom of God and promote spiritual development.

According to her, the forum has organised several crusades, conferences, prayer meetings, ordinations, consecrations, enthronements, empowerment programmes and other spiritual development activities across the country as part of efforts to win souls for Christ.

Abaye said the organisation has members across the world and disclosed that more programmes had been scheduled to promote the spiritual development and wellbeing of humanity.

The three Bishops consecrated at the ceremony were Prince Alban Chike, Testimony Omenihu Shedrach and Prince Ifemena.

Among those honoured at the event were the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Abali Community, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Manuchimso Prince Lemmy Wopara, and Clifford Oko Jaja, Coordinator of the 5,000 House-to-House for President Tinubu.

By: John Bibor

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Police Arrest Fake Soldier, Others For Armed Robbery, Kidnapping

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The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 49-year-old suspected fake soldier, Andrew Atausi, and several other suspects in connection with various criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, one-chance robbery and the alleged murder of police officers.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this in Port Harcourt, recently during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, where he said the arrests formed part of the operational achievements recorded by the Command between June and August 2026.

Adepoju said Atausi was arrested on August 10 by police operatives along Ada George, Port Harcourt, while dressed in military uniform and driving a Toyota Hilux painted in Army colours.

The Commissioner said investigation revealed that Atausi was not a member of the Armed Forces, adding that he was suspected to be a serial car snatcher, with three suspected stolen vehicles recovered from him.

He said the recovered vehicles included three Toyota Hilux vehicles without registration numbers and a Toyota Corona Premio with registration number BNY 380 ES, noting that the chassis and engine numbers of the vehicles had allegedly been tampered with.

Adepoju added that an axe and military accoutrements were also recovered from Atausi, as investigation continued into the circumstances surrounding the vehicles and other items recovered from him.

On the June 29 attack on police officers at Aluu Division, the Commissioner said three members of the gang allegedly responsible for the incident had been arrested by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU-AKU.

The suspects, identified as Maduabuchi Emeka, 34, alleged gang leader; Doctor Chinedu Owhor, 42, and Kamachi Joe, 28, alleged armourer, reportedly led operatives to their hideout at Omagwa where two AK-47 rifles stolen during the attack were recovered.

Adepoju recalled that two police officers were killed during the Aluu attack, while others were wounded and one officer had his leg amputated, stressing that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fourth suspect.

On kidnapping, the Commissioner said five members of a suspected kidnapping syndicate were arrested in Oyigbo Local Government Area, adding that they allegedly confessed to operations in Kom-Kom, Railway, Obeama and Afam communities.

He said two other suspects from the same network, Anele Ogbogu, 35, alleged to be the gang’s armourer, and Kenneth Eke, 38, were arrested on July 27, with one AK-47 rifle and one SMG rifle recovered.

The Commissioner further disclosed the arrest of suspects in connection with alleged firearm offences, armed robbery, cultism and one-chance robbery, with firearms, ammunition and other exhibits recovered during the operations.

Adepoju assured residents that the Command would sustain intelligence-led, proactive and community-oriented policing in collaboration with other security agencies, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information that would assist the police in combating crime across Rivers State.

By; King Onunwor

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