News
Rivers NLC, TUC Protest, Peaceful
As the nationwide protest against the removal of petroleum subsidy by the Federal Government entered its second day yesterday, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Rivers State and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) staged a peaceful march round parts of the capital to register opposition to the removal of fuel subsidy and vowed that, there would be no retreat, until the Government reverts to the N65 pump price of patrol.
At the Government, House, Port Harcourt, both unions said that the protest would continue until the government reverts to the former pump price.
The protest led by the two unions started from the Isaac Boro Park, Port Harcourt through the Azikiwe Road to the Government House, and numbered more than 4,000,the protesters carrying placards with various inscriptions some of which read; “No To Fuel Hikes, Revert to N65 or Resign Now, “World Bank IMF, Leave Us Alone”, and “Who Stole the Subsidy Funds, among others and chanted slogans urged the government to listen to the voice of the masses.
At the Government House, Port Harcourt, State Chairman of NLC, Comrade Chris Oruge told Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi that the protest was to express Rivers workers’ opposition to the removal of the subsidy.
He stressed the need for the Governor to convey the message not only to the President, but to the Governors Forum where he is also the Chairman.
On his own part, the state Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Chika Onuegbu said that the union would continue with the protest until the government reverses its decision.
Meanwhile, there was a reasonable compliance with the nationwide strike in Rivers State.
Apart from the transport unions and market associations whose members were seen going about their normal businesses, other sector, were paralised by the strike.
Worst hit were the government offices and Banks, as they remained closed as at the time filling this report.
Meanwhile the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba has commended the peaceful nature of protest in the state.
Speaking in an interview with newsmen, Mr. Abba said that the situation is a reflection of the level of maturity of the people of Rivers State.
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.
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