Rivers

Rivers NBA Chairmen Decried RSHA Resolution Inviting DSS To Investigate CJ Over Alleged Falsification Of Age

Published

9 months ago

March 17, 2025

The chairmen of the eight branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Rivers state has decried the recent resolution made by members of the State House of Assembly calling on the DSS to investigate the state Chief Judge , justice Chibuzor Amadi over an alleged falsification of age and described such resolution as unfortunate and a way to escalate the ongoing political crisis in the state.

The group therefore appealed for all the parties in the matter to toe the line of peace to resolve the political impasses and stop dragging the judiciary in to the political crisis rocking the state at the moment.

The group stated this during a press briefing organised by the eight branches of the NBA in the state held at the conference Hall of Port Harcourt branch of NBA , tuesday.

Briefing journalists on behalf of the group,the chairman of NBA, Okirika Branch,
Tamunosiki A. Roberts,Esq.flanked by other branch chairmen ,
Cordelia U. Eke (Mrs.),
Chairman,Port Harcourt Branch ,
Hilda Desmond-lhekaire (Ph.D),
Chairman Ahoada Branch ,
Simple Dioha, Esq.,
Chairman, Isiokpo Branch
Abiye A. Abo, Esq.
Chairman, Degema Branch,
Dr.N.A. Duson,
Chairman, Bori Branch
Dr.Celestine N. Nwankwo,
Chairman, Okehi Branch and
Ekeledinichukwu Ordu, Esq., reiterated that the independence of the Judiciary is crucial and must be respected so as to sustain the existing peace and stability in the State and noted that the contending parties in the crisis will ultimately resorted to the Judiciary for the resolution of disputes as has recently been witnessed at the Supreme Court.

“The attention of the 8 branches of the NBA in Rivers State, has been drawn to a resolution passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday, 12th of March, 2025 directing the Department of State Security (DSS) to investigate the Rivers State Chief Judge on allegations of falsification of age. It is quite unfortunate, that despite the already heated polity in Rivers State, we are still experiencing escalations such as this.”

“We recognize the Constitutional powers and roles of the three Arms of Government in the State. We also recognize the need for these Arms of Government to work in synergy for the peace, progress and development of the State. Thus, there is need for mutual respect amongst all the parties. We are not unaware of the existing political impasse between the Legislature and the Executive Arms of Government in Rivers State,however,we must caution that the Judiciary should not be drawn into the ongoing imbroglio for no just cause.”

“We reiterate that the independence of the Judiciary is crucial to the sustenance of peace and stability in the State, as contending parties ultimately resort to the Judiciary for the resolution of disputes as has recently been witnessed at the Supreme Court.”

He averred that there was no need to escalate tensions as the stability of the State is crucial to the economy of the State and the Country.

“We can easily recall
the incidences in 2014-2015 which exposed the Judiciary and Judicial Officers that resulted in the closure of our Courts. We cannot afford to experience a similar occurrence in the present times we find ourselves in the State, and especially for the interests of the good people of Rivers State to have their on-going matters in Court without interruptions.”

According to him every action in the Public Service has a prescribed procedure which all should respect and observe to forestall chaos and anarchy in the State, stressing that In the case of the Judiciary, any complaint against one of its officers are always dealt with by the National Judicial Council (NJC), which alone has the authority to carry out any disciplinary action or authorize any investigation against any Judge.

“The role of Security agencies is clearly defined, and they also must respect due process and work within the ambit of the Law. It is therefore, advised that the Judiciary should not be intimidated into succumbing to blackmail, bullying or political pressure in the discharge of their duties.”

“The need for the protection of the Judiciary cannot be overemphasized,as the Judiciary remains the last hope of the common man, and indeed everyone, including politicians.
We continue to appeal to all contenders to sheath their swords and genuinely seek peace in the interest of Rivers State and the economy of Nigeria at large.”.

Akujobi Amadi

Rivers

Rivers High Court Restrain Trustees, Knights of St. John International, Others From Conducting Election

Published

6 days ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

The High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has restrained the registered trustees of Knights of St John International, Supreme Subordinate Commandery, Nigeria, and four others from conducting elections into Our Lady of Holy Rosary Local Commandery No 920 CIWA, Port Harcourt, District 48 Commandery elections, and Supreme Subordinate elections of the Knights of St John International, Nigeria, pending the determination of the substantive matters before them.

Justice G.C. Aguma and Justice V.C. Ugoji, in their separate interim orders of injunction issued in Suit No: PHC/4410/CS/2025 and Suit No: PHC/4359/CS/2025, respectively, restrained the defendants, whether by themselves, their privies, agents, servants, or any person or group of persons working under them, from conducting elections into Our Lady of Holy Rosary Local Commandery No 920, CIWA Port Harcourt, District 48 Commandery, Port Harcourt Commandery, and Supreme Subordinate of Knights of St John International, Nigeria.

The claimants, Sir Njoku Chukwuemeka Andrew and Sir Chukwuemeka Martin Mba, in separate suits, through their legal representatives, dragged the defendants to court, seeking an order to restrain them from appointing or installing any interim caretaker executive or leadership to run or pilot the affairs of St John International, Our Lady of Holy Rosary Local Commandery No 920, CIWA, Port Harcourt.

The defendants in the matter are: Registered Trustees of Knights of St John International, Supreme Subordinate Commandery, Nigeria; Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Ufuoma Okene, the Grand President, Port Harcourt Grand Commandery, Knights of St John International; Noble Brother Viktor Benebo, the Chairman Investigation Committee set up by the 2nd Defendant to investigate the claimants; Sir Architect Prempeh Ebiware, the District 48 Commander, Knights of St John International, Port Harcourt; and Sir Harry Oruma, member of Knights of St John International, Our Lady of Holy Commandery No 920, CIWA, Port Harcourt.

The two judges, after listening to the counsels in the matter, granted the claimants’ request and adjourned the matter to 10/12/2025 and 16/12/2025, respectively, for hearing of the motion on notice.

Rivers

Police Arrest Workman Over Attack On Supervisor

Published

6 days ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

The Boundary Police Division in Aluu Community, in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, has arrested a workman identified simply as Joshua for allegedly attacking a site supervisor, Sopiriala Sokari, with a broken bottle, leaving him in coma.

According to information gathered by The Tide, the suspect remained in police custody over the weekend while medical personnel struggled to save the victim’s life at an undisclosed hospital in Aluu.

Speaking with journalists after regaining consciousness, Sokari explained that he had hired the suspect to carry out some work at the site for ?20,000.

Trouble reportedly began when Joshua rejected a ?10,000 part payment, which Sokari had offered with a promise to complete the balance after inspecting and confirming the work.

Sokari narrated how the suspect later trailed him to an eatery near the Obiri-Ikwerre Flyover, where he attacked him with a broken bottle even after a food vendor handed the full ?20,000 to the suspect in an attempt to prevent the incident.

“I am calling on Nigerians to help me. I have spent a lot of money. I need justice”, the victim pleaded.

An unverified video clip circulating online showed Sokari with multiple injuries allegedly sustained during the attack.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident.

“Yes, the suspect has been arrested. An in-depth investigation is ongoing”, she said.

By; King Onunwor

Rivers

Degema LGA Affirms Ngeribrama As Autonomous Community

Published

6 days ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

The authority of Degema Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State has affirmed the autonomous status of Ngeribrama Community in Kalabari land, in the LGA.

A letter signed by the Chairman of the LGA, Dr. Michael John Williams, said to he affirmation was to give clarity and uphold dignity of the traditional institutions.

In his words,”the Council wishes to formally communicate its position regarding the status of Ngeribrama and its satellite communities.”

He disclosed that “following review of historical and administrative records, and confirmation of existing traditional structures, the Degema Local Government Council affirmed that Ngeribrama and its satellite communities were officially recognized as a fully autonomous community within Degema Local Government Area.”

He also noted that the community enjoys a distinct and independent traditional institution, acknowledged under local customs and traditions.

Against this backdrop, he emphasized the Council’s recognition of HRH, Daniel Ngeribrama (Ikata II) as the legitimate and duly acknowledged Amayanabo of Ngeribrama and its satellite communities.

The recognition, the Council’s Chairman further stated, “reflects the Council’s commitment to strengthening traditional authority, enhancing community identity, and promoting peaceful coexistence across all communities in the Local Government Area.”

Affirming the legitimacy and status of the amayanabo, Dr. Williams reiterated the Council’s readiness to collaborate with the traditional ruler to advance development, peace, and unity across Ngeribrama and Degema LGA at large.

Meanwhile, in an earlier statement the Amayanabo, chiefs and community leaders of Ngeribrama in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State have condemned recent attempts to diminish the status and autonomy of the ancient Kalabari community.

A statement signed by the Secretary of Ngereribrama and Satellite Communities, Prof. Olomabo Gillis Harry, said the clarification has become pertinent as there have been recent attempts to diminish their status and role in Kalabari land.

The statement said, “The leadership of Ngeribrama and its satellite communities wishes to issue this public clarification for the benefit of the general public, stakeholders, and the wider Kalabari Kingdom.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Ngeribrama and its satellite communities do not fall under the authority of any town or village within the Kalabari Kingdom.”

It explained that Ngeribrama constitutes a fully autonomous community, with a long-established and widely acknowledged traditional institution headed by His Royal Highness, Daniel Ngeribrama, Ikata II, the Amayanabo of Ngeribrama and Its satellite communities.

The statement noted that the autonomous status of Ngeribrama was recognised across Kalabari Kingdom and affirmed historically, culturally and traditionally.

It urged the public is to disregard any claims, statements, or insinuations suggesting that Ngeribrama is under the jurisdiction of any other community.

“Ngeribrama, located within Degema Local Government Area (DELGA), maintains its own traditional governance structure”, the statement emphasised.

Enumerating the traditional structure and levels of leadership in the community, it stated that the Amayanabo of Ngeribrama has other supporting structures with a duly constituted Council of Chiefs.

One of the chiefs is a senior member of the Royal Family, Chief Hon. Dr. Dax Kelly George, who is Da-Daigbani II.

The community, it further stated, has Elders’ Council, as well as Women and Youth Leadership.

“For historical clarity, our revered progenitor, Ngeribra, had only one child, his daughter, Princess Iwori, whose lineage forms the foundation of the Ngeribrama Community”, the statement continued.

It concluded that “Ngeribrama and its satellite communities remain committed to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and continued collaboration with sister communities within the Kalabari Kingdom, Rivers State, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

By: Kevin Nengia