News
Nzeobi Stool Still Intact, Eze Amuda Tells Trouble Makers
As reactions continue to trail the reported coronation of Prince Charles Chukwuemeka Pius Ifejiako Omurujia as the new Nzeobi of Egbema in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, Eze Evarestus Ginikanwa Amuda, the incumbent Nzeobi Egbema (paramount ruler) of Egbema kingdom has described the purported coronation of Omurujia as laughable, childish, baseless and an exercise in futility.
Reacting to the purported coronation, Eze Amuda said Egbema tradition, culture and custom were paramount as no individual or group had the sole responsibility of crowning anybody without following due process of succession to the throne whenever the position was vacant.
Eze Amuda therefore wondered how a new Nzeobi can emerge when the incumbent still exists.
The paramount ruler traced the history of past occupants of the reverred Nzeobi stool since 1958 till date, noting that the Egbema custom and rites were usually followed in all the cases.
He further noted that the legitimization of the chieftaincy institution in Egbema kingdom was a sacred one which had been rotated amongst three communities (Mgbede, Okwuzi and Aggah) in Rivers State.
Eze Amuda said that Egbema people unanimously resolved that the stool should rotate among the three communities, a resolution which was further legitimised by a court of competent jurisdiction.
He affirmed that he was declared the Nzeobi of Egbema after a keenly contested election between him, Comrade Benjamin Odinwa and Nze Anthony Nzeire after a thorough screening by the electoral body.
He further asserted that the Egbema Council of Village Heads numbering 27 chiefs wrote to the then governor of Rivers State on September 17, 2002 (Ref No ECVH/Vol 1/010/002 demanding the recognition and gazetting of Eze Amuda as the paramount ruler of Egbema kingdom.
It will be recalled that Eze Amuda was formally crowned as the Nzeobi of Egbema by the entire Egbema people on November 17, 2002 and on December 9, 2002 a letter Ref ECC/021/IVE/GIM/02 was written by Egbema Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs praying Rivers State government to issue a recognition certificate and gazette same.
The royal father therefore warned trouble makers to steer clear from politicizing the Nzeobi stool, pointing out that the wrath of the gods of the land would surely descend on those out to ridicule the Nzeobi kingship.
He also admonished Prince Omurujia, his cohorts and privies to stop planting seeds of discord and causing disaffection among Egbema people who now enjoy relative peace and order following the intervention of all stakeholders.
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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