Rivers

Court Resolves Itu-Ogba Youth Dispute

Published

11 years ago

April 14, 2014

The lingering dispute over who
controls the affairs of Itu-Ogba Youth Association (IYA) has been resolved by Justice Sobere Biambo of Omoku High Court who adopted out of court settlement agreement reached and signed by Counsels representing both parties involved in the dispute.
According to the terms of the settlement, the parties agreed on formation of a joint executive in which each of them has five members with Maruche Aaron, as Chairman, Iweka Moses, Vice Chairman, Ezekiel Tom, PRO, Gospel Tom, General Secretary, Samuel EWEH, Assistant General Secretary, Chidi Ugochukwu, Financial Secretary, Collins Enoch, Treasurer, Chinwwendu Ezi, Provost, while Maduabuchi Benson and Ikechukwu Aaron are to serve as special delegates.
The joint executive, shall be in office for two years, thereafter, an election in which the positions would be rotated according to the laid down procedure among the two major families of Umu-Osikpa and Umu-Ngwu that made up the community will be held.
It was further agreed that the “the Umu-Ngwu family retains the right in the zoning system to produce during election the next chairman and other offices that follow therein while Umu-Osikpa shall produce thereafter”.
The terms of settlement document was signed by Maruche Aaron for the claimants, while Ikechukwu Aaron signed on behalf of the defendants. Barristers C.A. Agu and Z.C. Nwaogu, counsels representing both parties, and Engineer Isaac Edward who mediated in the matter also signed.
It could be recalled that the claimants led by Ezekiel Tom, Maruche, Aaron, Ugochukwu Chidi, Maduabuchi Benson, Samuel Eweh, and ThankGod Wokoma had dragged Ikechukwu Aaron, the former chairman of Itu-Ogba Youth Association and the then President of Egi Youth Federations demanding a seven-point relief among which is a declaration that the purported dissolution of Unity government formed by the congress, by the 2nd defendant was wrong.
A declaration that unwholesome interference in the leadership of Itu-Ogba Youth Association by the 2nd defendant and his cohorts was unjustifiable, unwarranted, illegal and therefore null and void.
The claimants also wanted the court to declare the constitution of electoral committee of non-members of the association and planned conduct of election as violation of its constitution, and to asked the 1st defendant to properly hand over all the association’s property including bank account,and all other documents in his possession to the unity government set up by the congress.
However, following the intervention of Engineer Isaac Edward, the matter was withdrawn for out of court settlement.
The court presided by Justice Sobere Biambo after ascertaining the terms of agreement from both counsels and the litigants, thereafter struck out the case.

Rivers

Motor Spare Parts, Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union Swears Gets New Chairman in Port Harcourt

Published

5 days ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Owhonda Dickson Motor Spare Parts and Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union operating in Ikoku Port Harcourt, Rivers state has sworn in Mr. Cyril Igbokwe, popularly known as Onyeoma Cy, as its new Chairman.

The brief swearing _in ceremony was held at the union office in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Igbokwe expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence his members had shown in him, despite his perceived educational background compared to others. , “I feel very happy to be the chairman of this great union in this great market. I’m proud of my executives for demonstrating commitment and cooperation.” Notably, the executives raised over ?1 million for the inauguration ceremony within an hour.

The new Chairman promised to tackle key challenges facing the union, including security and indiscipline. He vowed to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, who he praised for excellent performance, and aimed to possibly do better.

Mr. Igbokwe emphasized maintaining a robust relationship with the host community and conducting his affairs within the ambit of the law.

In his remarks,the Electoral Committee Chairman’, Igwe Amobichukwu Eze Okorie, assured that the elections were conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner. Despite facing challenges such as non-compliance with guidelines and unfounded propaganda campaigns, no formal protest letters had been received.

Also speaking, the Women’s Leader, Lolo Nkechinyere Okolie, expressed faith in the new Chairman, citing his integrity and experience. She highlighted her role in ensuring women’s voices are counted in the union and vouched for the credibility of the election, noting that Mr. Igbokwe was the popular choice among members.

Rivers

CDS Urges Communities To Protect Pipelines

Published

5 days ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has urged Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) host communities to protect national assets located within their areas.

Musa made the appeal at a monthly stakeholders’ meeting organised by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in Port Harcourt.

Represented by Navy Capt. Lassie Ozovehe, he said the effects of oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism were mostly borne by the host communities themselves.

He noted that the environmental and health risks from pipeline damage affect locals more than the oil companies operating in the region.

“These assets are on your land. You benefit from them, so you must protect them and safeguard yourselves from the hazards”, he said.

He praised PINL for its consistent efforts in securing the assets, particularly its record of zero infractions on the Trans Niger pipelines.

Earlier, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, PINL’s Community Relations Consultant, urged host communities to collaborate in tackling security challenges in the Niger Delta.

Mezeh said PINL had expanded its mandate to include the security of all oil and gas infrastructure in the Eastern Corridor, including gas pipelines.

He explained that the meeting aimed to reduce pipeline vandalism and oil theft, which have major economic consequences for the country.

He stated that PINL had seen near-zero incidents over the past month, crediting host community cooperation for the achievement.

He, however, identified ongoing issues such as poor information sharing, threats to surveillance guards, stakeholder collusion, and leadership disputes.

A keynote speaker, Mr. Otoyo Sunday, discussed the serious health effects of gas flaring in the Niger Delta region.

He urged people to view the environment as living, warning that harmful activities have long-term consequences for people and nature.

Sunday condemned gas flaring caused by well testing, pressure releases, and illegal refining activities.

On his part, Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, Mr. Datolu Sokubo, called for a balanced focus on security and human development.

“You can’t protect pipelines without addressing people’s welfare. Without our cooperation, infrastructure is never truly secure”, he said.

He urged the Federal Government to prioritise development, especially in education and healthcare, across the region.

The Traditional Ruler of Ekpeye Land, Eze Kelvin Anugwu, called on oil companies to end gas flaring immediately.

Represented by Dr. Patricia Ogbonnaya, he urged PINL to raise awareness of the health and environmental concerns of the communities.

“We keep advising our youths against bunkering. But oil firms must take responsibility for the long-term effects of their operations”, he stated.

Other traditional leaders at the meeting requested improved welfare for surveillance workers, chiefs, and communities to maintain stability and protect oil infrastructure.

Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Monarch Cautions Youths Against Illicit Drug Consumption

Published

5 days ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Eze Igbu Orlukwor II, Eze Ehie II, HRH Eze Prince Ike Ehie, has cautioned youths in his kingdom and Ekpeye at large on the need to abstain from illicit drugs consumption.

Ehie said this recently while fielding questions from newsmen in commemoration of the 2025 World Drug Abuse Day at his liaison office, Ahoada.

He emphasized that drug abuse was dangerous to the body system as it had harmed many physically, mentally and otherwise.

The Monarch noted that people should always take ‘drugs’ based on prescription by qualified medical and health personnel.

He said youths’ alleged disrespect for constituted authorities, mental challenge and various types of illnesses can be linked to the consumption of illicit drugs.

The Royal Father further noted that except government agencies saddled with the requisite responsibilities synergized with traditional institutions and other like-minded organizations, much may not be achieved against the campaign and fight against illicit drug consumption.

According to him, most youths today can do nothing without taking hard drugs, which he said makes them ‘high’ and hyper elated.

The Orlukwor Monarch wondered how the youths would take over the mantle of leadership at both communities and federal levels with such uncultured behaviour and repugnant attitudes.

The World Day of Drug Abuse, was tagged, “Breaking The Chains, Prevention, Treatment And Recovery For All”.

King Onunwor