News
‘Burning Records Won’t Save Obuah From Appeal Court Ruling’ …APC,Orashi People Condemn Blasts

Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Abraham Yiljap (left), with the General Manager, Nigeria Standard Newspaper, Mr Jonathan Ishaku, during the inspection of the media house and the State printing press in Jos, yesterday.
The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), in Rivers State led by Chief Godspower Umejuru Ake has said that the torching of court records at the State High Court at Okehi, Etche Local Government by suspected arsonists, will not hinder the expected ruling on January 15 by the Appeal Court in Abuja on the disputed leadership of the PDP in Rivers State.
The party asserted that except the arsonists would also burn the Appeal Court records, the fate of Messrs Felix Obuah and Ibibia Walter who parade themselves as Chairman and Secretary of PDP, respectively, in stolen mandate, would be decided.
In a statement yesterday, signed by the Rivers State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, George Ukwuoma-Nwogba, in Port Harcourt, the Ake-faction of the PDP described as unfortunate the resort to destruction of judicial evidence by those it said were jittery at the reality of the tide of proofs against their falsehood and forgery.
“Afraid justice would soon slap them in the face over their treacherous, deceitful and false claims to the offices of the Chairman and Secretary of the PDP in Rivers State, Obuah and his cohort, with age-long penchant to violence, lies and brigandage, resorted to their latest option just to hold on to power no matter how illegitimate. We would prefer they allowed the Appeal Court decide their fate rather than engage in self-help of this magnitude, obviously couched in shame and opprobrium,” the statement added.
The Ake faction, however, said its members were not surprised that Obuah and his followers would descend so low in their search to evade justice, questioning the basis for their fear when after all, they had claimed the party delegates had elected them into the respective offices they stole by deceiving an Abuja High Court. “We wonder at their fear when they had claimed in the High Court that they were duly elected Chairman and Secretary by party delegates to the State Congress held on March 17, 2013,” the PDP queried, adding that lies may endure for a day, but truth lives forever.
While urging the party faithful to continue in prayer for the total restoration of the mandate freely given to Chief Ake and Barr. Adokiye Oruwari as Rivers State PDP chairman and Secretary, respectively, by the party delegates on March 17, 2012, the statement further called for vigilance on their part “as enemies of democracy may not rest from their desperado mission.”
“We call on party faithful to remain vigilant and prayerful as enemies of democracy and Rivers State may not rest in their desperado mission. But we trust in the power of the living God to give us the victory,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the bombing of Ahoada and Okehi Hight Courts in Rivers State.
The party in a statement yesterday accused members of the Felix Obuah-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)in Rivers State for allegedly being responsible for the bombings, as they urged the police to carry out thorough investigations into the two bombings.
The statement signed by the Media Assistant to the state Chairman of the APC,Chief Chukwuemeka Eze said the extension of violence to the judiciary in Rivers State by the PDP and their agents began assuming a dangerous dimension after Justice Wali of the Ahoada High Court granted an injunction on December 16, restraining the member representing Ogu/Bolo in the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA), Hon. Evans Bipi from parading himself as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“A few hours later, the court building was bombed by suspected PDP members/agents”,he said.
According to the statement,”On the night of Sunday, January 5, elements suspected to be members of the PDP bombed an Ahoada High Court building. Less than a week earlier, the PDP had widely circulated a press release signed by the PDP Chairman, Mr. Felix Obuah, claiming that the governor of Rivers State was trying to use the same Ahoada High Court to protect the Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Chidi Lloyd – a claim that is vexatious, malicious and patent falsehood”.
“As this press release by the PDP is being published, the Ahoada High Court complex is cordoned off by the police because of two objects confirmed by the police to be bombs planted in the premises.
The truth is that these bombs have been planted by the PDP, Evans Bipi and their agents to prevent the sitting of the Ahoada High Court for the hearing of arguments on interlocutory injunction barring Evans Bipi from perpetually parading himself as Speaker of the state Assembly.
The statement added that rather than file his papers and argue his position in court, Evans Bipi and his PDP cohorts resorted to intimidate and prevent the court from sitting through planting of bombs at the court premises.
Eze in the statement narrated that, few days ago, six individuals reportedly linked to two PDP chieftains were arrested on their way to Ogu/Bolo with seven AK-47 assault weapons by men of the JTF.
This he said, had confirmed the party’s worst fears that the PDP had resorted to the use of terrorism as official party policy.
“We have every reason to strongly believe that the arrested armed men are part of the ruthless snipers PDP is alleged to have trained for use against political opponents”, he noted
The party, however, expressed surprise that despite all these acts of violence against the judiciary by suspected members of the GDI and PDP, the Rivers State Police Command and other security agencies in the state were yet to make arrests.
The party appealed to the relevant authorities to intervene and compel responsible security agencies to undertake their constitutional responsibilities of securing lives and properties of citizens and residents of Rivers State by promptly arresting, investigating and prosecuting all those involved in the current spate of violence across Rivers State.
Similarly, the Council of Orashi Ethnic Nationality (COEN) has condemned in strong terms, yesterday’s orchestrated explosion in the Ahoada High Court, warning that it will resist any attempt by desperate politicians to make the area prone to violence.
The Council Director, Media and Publicity, Ndu Nwobosi who disclosed this while reacting to news of the explosion, also called for the sack of Media Adviser to Rivers State PDP Publicity Secretary, Jerry Needam, over what he described as incompetency.
He noted that Needam had demonstrated inconceivable penchant for trivializing serious issues and playing on public sensitivity with a view to creating chaos in the name of politics.
“Jerry Needam does not have what it takes, to determine what constitutes credibility and integrity. He believes in distorting the truth; the earlier he leaves, the better the chances of PDP if at all the people will allow that”.
Nwobosi decried a situation where a once peaceful state and investors haven was now turning into a den of militancy because of the desires of Oga and Madam at the top.
“Must everybody run away or die because somebody is seeking re-election in 2015? If we are killed who will vote, maybe there are plans to rig; all we see today is arm twisting, explosion, intimidation and cheap blackmail instead of development” he declared.
While reiterating his support for fairness and justice in the determination of the legal tussle over the Speakership of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Nwobosi advised the people of Orashi not to submit to plans by fiendish politicians, who were out, to line their pockets at the expense of development.
He hailed the Ogoni people on the successful staging of the 21st Ogoni day celebration describing it as the best in recent time. “The large crowd at the event shows that the Ogonis are willing to speak with one voice on issues that concern them; this spirit must be encouraged by all Rivers people no matter the ethnic group or party affiliation”.
News
Rivers DPOs Receive Awards For Outstanding Performance In Crime Prevention …As Students, Media Group Honour CSP Worgu, CSP Yusuf
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.
News
College Of Bishops Endorses Tinubu, APC Candidates For 2027 Polls
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
News
Police Arrest Fake Soldier, Others For Armed Robbery, Kidnapping
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
-
News3 days agoRSG Targets Nine Million Residents in Mosquito Net Distribution Campaign
-
Oil & Energy3 days agoAiyedatiwa Signs New Electricity Bill
-
Maritime3 days agoMarine Minister Commends President Tinubu On NPERA Bill Assent
-
Oil & Energy3 days agoNLNG Commissions Research And Innovation Centre In RSU
-
News3 days agoKenPoly Holds Eight Convocations, August 29
-
News3 days agoRSG Begins Another Phase of Projects Commissioning Today
-
News3 days agoRMAFC Completes Revenue Sharing Review, Proposes New Pay
-
Maritime3 days agoNAGAFF Petitions IGP Over Alleged Maritime Police Harassment
