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These People Will Take No Prisoners

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It is clear that our state is in a battle for its soul. A battle, which no sane person would wish for. Last week, someone published an article in The Guardian, asking Governor Amaechi to go and make peace with the President. Good advice I guess but the bigger question is, is Governor Amaechi fighting the President? Can he even do so?
What really are the issues under contention? It may be necessary to throw them out and let Rivers people honestly judge for themselves.
The first issue that appears to have caused contention is the demolition of buildings around a primary school at Ayungibiri in Okrika Local Government Area. The incident occurred in 2010 when Governor Amaechi had received Her Excellency the wife of the President and she had spent a night in Port Harcourt. The next morning she  headed to Okrika and the Governor out of regard for her person and position and because she is a Rivers daughter and our pride, decided to show her some of his work. She took offence when he showed her the primary school and mentioned that he would like to buy the adjoining properties to enable government demolish them and create grounds for the primary school. He was still explaining the rationale behind this and the children’s safety when Her Excellency grabbed the microphone and thoroughly berated him for daring to suggest or even give a thought to buying up the properties to create a better learning environment for the children. There were many witnesses at this event and there is a recording of the same, which thankfully, Mr. President is privy to. Governor Amaechi did not respond to this abuse but dutifully waited until the reception in the First Lady’s honour was over before leaving Okrika. The school in question stands today in Ayungibiri smack in the middle of those living houses. In deference to the first lady who comes from that local government area, NOT ONE HOUSE was brought down. For the sake of peace, the children lost.
The second issue is that of the oil fields in Soku. Soku is a riverine community in Rivers State. The people of Soku are Ijaws. The fight between Soku and neighbouring Nembe in Bayelsa is an old one. In October 2012, the Kalabari National Forum, an interest group of communities from the Kalabari area of Rivers State protested against what they termed “ the malicious and unconstitutional intent to balkanize and excise oil producing communities in Kalabari Kingdom of Rivers State and annexing them to be part of Bayelsa State.” Governor Amaechi’s electoral and constitutional mandate is to protect and secure the lives and properties of Rivers people and of Rivers State. As a Rivers son now privileged to defend his state; he must be able to rise to the occasion. He refused the stealing of Kalabari oil wells just as he defended the rights of the Andoni, the Etche and the Ndoki whose oil wells have also been ceded to neighbouring Akwa Ibom and Abia states. Refusing to bribe his way through, but preferring, instead, to the instrumentality of the courts in defending what is rightfully Rivers people’s commonwealth, he has become a pariah and erroneously tagged anti-Jonathan and anti-Ijaw. He defended the rights of the Kalabari people to oil on their land. He stood for them and not against them. He is not Ijaw by ethnic orientation but he is fighting an Ijaw cause similar to the cause for self-determination and resource control. This is his offence and one for which he also has come under persistent attack – for saying that the oil wells belong to Rivers State and that the National Boundary Commission should stop the travesty of justice of paying to one party monies that had been erstwhile held in an escrow account awaiting determination of its rightful owner by the courts of the nation.
The third issue for which Governor Amaechi has come under attack is the matter of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the allegation that he was using the Forum to attack the presidency. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Governor Amaechi is one man out of 36 chief executive officers of their states. He does not have the wherewithal to order them around. As chairman of the NGF he can merely speak the governors’ minds after a decision has been reached. Why then is he being singled out for persecution? The decisions reached by the forum are the decisions Governor Amaechi announces. Isn’t this a question of killing the messenger rather than the message? The same issues, the NGF talked about were the same issues raised by the PDP Governors’ Forum. Underneath this accusation lies the bigger one that Governor Amaechi is using the forum to prepare to run in 2015 as vice president. But everyone knows that no one contests for vice-president anywhere in the world and there are very few presidential candidates that would pick a strong and prominent character as their vice-presidential candidate. Besides, there are more politically savvy ways to court a perceived opponent in a democracy.
Last week, a new dimension to this entire drama unfolded. An accusation that neither Governor Amaechi nor his wife condoled with the wife of the president on the loss of her foster mother. It was the most shocking and embarrassing statement any publicist could have sent out, especially in the face of a widely publicised visit to the family home of the first lady where she was indeed receiving visitors and where a register was opened for condolences. This new twist has come despite press statements of both Governor Amaechi and his wife Judith to that effect? There couldn’t have been a more classical case of giving a dog a bad name just to hang, nay, out-rightly kill it.
Governor Amaechi has endured much bashing because he has chosen to tread the path of peace. When the incident occurred in Okrika, he briefed his older brother, Mr. President. Thereafter, he worked assiduously for Mr. President’s election. Rivers State was not a burden at all to Mr. President all through the campaigns and preparations for the 2011 elections. Indeed, to date the Government and people of Rivers State continue to mourn our brothers and sisters who shed their blood at the Elekahia Stadium just to ensure Mr. President’s victory. The NGF was also a united front and gave support to Mr. President during that re-election bid.
Before the NGF elections he met with many leaders of the party explaining his position and his desire to contest. After the NGF elections, he sought audience with Mr. President and was denied access. When the Commissioner of Police hurled insults at him, he protested to the authorities. When there was a breakdown of law and order and insecurity loomed in the state he sought audience and met with the President and Commander-in-Chief. He has repeated at different times he holds the person and the office of the President in high regard. So, why has he been declared public enemy number one?
For me, the answer is simple. People are using the name and office of Mr. President to fight a proxy war. People who are determined to seize the soul of Rivers State and send us down the beggarly road of “ruler-centric” rather than “people-centric” government. People who fear that Governor Amaechi in office till 2015 may put paid to their attempt to get at the purse-strings of Rivers State and the draw-strings of the Brick house.
These are the people goading Mr. President on and feeding him with lies that have been allowed to fester for so long, that they are beginning to seem like the truth. People who shudder to think of the day there might indeed be peace between Mr. President and Governor Amaechi and, therefore, who would stop at nothing to foment trouble and continuously fan the embers of the furnace of hatred. Thus, the reason these people increase the tempo of the sabre-rattling of war each time the President and Governor Amaechi meet to forge a way forward. For them a resolution portends political demise and the end of their hopes. Peace means the exact opposite to their ambition. These people are those screaming to Mr. President “share the child, share the child”, because they hold no good intention for or claim to the child.
But Governor Amaechi is determined to finish this race well. Rivers people deserve to enjoy the benefits of the wealth that God has put in their soil. Free education, free healthcare, good infrastructure, new opportunities, human capital development and saving for future generations. Amaechi’s work is evident and that is why those who oppose him are panicky.
The problem is that in their panic, they are sowing the wind. For sowing the wind, the bible promises them the whirlwind in full measure.
As for Governor Amaechi, I think he knows this already, because it is his mantra: “Once has God spoken, twice I have heard this, that power belongs to God.”
Mrs Semenitari  is the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications.

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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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