Rivers

Group Urges Youths To Shun Electoral Violence, Political Thuggery

Published

4 years ago

March 28, 2022

Ahead of the 2023 general elections in the country, a frontline socio- cultural organisation in the Niger Delta region, Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality in Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has called on youths to shun all manner of electoral violence, political thuggery and all forms of criminality in the region, but vote wisely for candidates of their choice.
The group also admonished the youths and the electorate to vote out bad leadership with their Permanent Voter Card (PVC ) come 2023.
This was disclosed by National Director of the group, Alhaji Abubakar Amaigo Brown at Abonnema during the commiseration of over 50 youths that were killed at the community during the 2019 general elections by the military.
Brown said the essence of the exercise was to re-orientate the people of the clan and the youths to refrain from electoral violence, political thuggery, illegal oil bunkering and all manner of anti -social vices in the community come 2023.
The mobilisation officer called on Niger Delta youths to select the leaders to govern them with their votes and not to be used to carry guns and rig elections for the political class.
“We are lacking real leadership in the country, we need good leadership and not those that would ask our youths to carry arms during elections and abandon them.”
Speaking at the event, National President, National Youth Council of Ogoni People, (NYCOP), Comrade Mathew Dighi, called on youths of the region, especially to shun all manner of electoral violence come 2023.
Dighi, who described the death of over 50 youths in Abonnema during the 2019 general elections as a colossal loss to the region and the state, said. “We are here to create awareness and advise the youths not to act violently in the forthcoming elections, but vote wisely and vote leaders of their choice”
He advised the youth to be careful and intelligent during the forthcoming elections as he urged them to use their PVC to vote out bad governance and leadership in the country.
Also speaking, State Chairman, Civil Liberties Organization, (CLO), Clifford Christopher Solomon, decried the loss of lives and property, the wanton massacres that was carried out by the military at Abonnema in 2019 elections
Solomon appealed to the youths not to be used as an instrument for election rigging and thuggery in the 2023 elections.
He admonished the military to refrain from electioneering process and supervision of 2023 general elections in the country
”It is not the sole responsibility of the Nigeria Army, Navy and the Air force to come out during elections to shoot and kill innocent and armless civilians”
“Voting is the franchise of every eligible Nigerian to vote candidate of their choice and not to be killed by armed personnel”. He said
“It is not the duty of the military to come on election days to intimidate, harass, and shoot at civilians, rather it is the duty of the Nigerian police to supervise the processes and not to kill”.
Earlier, Nyemoni Clan Chairman, comrade Emmanuel Selem Romeo, had appealed to the youths of Nyemoni to desist from electoral Violence, kidnapping, oil bunkering and political thuggery in 2023 elections.
Romeo said the aim of the exercise was to commiserate with the families of the youths that were killed in 2019 general elections in Abonnema.
He called on government to provide employment for the teeming youths of the community to better their lives instead of indulging in crimes and criminalities.
Romeo told the youths that the political class has nothing to offer them, than guns and drugs to commit crimes

By: Chinedu Wosu

Rivers

Residents Embrace MNCH Week Services In PH

Published

3 days ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Antenatal care and immunization services recorded high patronage during the just-concluded Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week as residents in various communities across Port Harcourt took advantage of the free healthcare interventions.

The exercise, which was aimed at improving maternal and child well-being, attracted women, caregivers and children to different health facilities where a range of free healthcare services were provided.

Findings from selected health centres visited during the exercise showed encouraging participation by beneficiaries despite a few operational challenges experienced by health workers.

At Ozuboko Health Centre, the doctor in charge, Dr. Flag Amachree, said the facility recorded a good turnout throughout the exercise.

The Tide gathered that the team of immunization officers embarked on outreach immunization activities to schools to ensure that more children benefited from the programme.

She, however, identified inadequate supplies of deworming tablets as a challenge, noting that available stocks were being carefully managed to meet demands.

One of the beneficiaries, Emmanuella Edwin, who visited the facility for antenatal registration, expressed satisfaction with the services provided by the health workers.

She commended the staff for their dedication, professionalism and friendly disposition, adding that the registration process was stress-free and without any major challenge.

Similarly, Mrs. Esther Abbey said she registered for the free medical services offered during the healthcare week and described the process as smooth and simple.

She added that the programme also created an avenue for her daughter to benefit from immunization services through arrangements by her school.

Another beneficiary, Mrs. Philomena Ezekiel, said she was unable to access the service for her children after she was informed that a National Identification Number (NIN) was required before the test could be carried out.

At Amadi Health Centre, the Medical Officer in charge, Dr. Ebere Ikonwa, attributed the low turnout recorded at the facility to inadequate community mobilization, noting that no town crier was assigned to create awareness.

Despite the situation, she said the facility carried out outreach immunization services successfully and recorded significant patronage in antenatal care and immunization services.

By: Esuuk-Awaji Oyet, Princess Akinyemi

Rivers

NUJ Summit to Strengthen Media/Security Partnership, Tackle Misinformation

Published

3 days ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is set to convene a two-day National Security Summit in Abuja aimed at strengthening collaboration between the media and security agencies in advancing national stability, public trust and sustainable development.

The summit, scheduled to hold on June 18 and 19, 2026, will bring together key actors in governance, security and the media sector to deliberate on pathways for improved engagement in addressing contemporary national security concerns.

Themed, “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building”, the gathering is expected to serve as a strategic platform for dialogue on responsible information management and enhanced institutional cooperation.

Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Comrade Abimbola Oyetunde, who disclosed this in a statement, said the initiative was conceived as a high-level engagement to deepen understanding between journalists and security operatives in safeguarding the country.

She explained that the summit would provide opportunities for critical conversations on crisis communication, information sharing, conflict reporting and strengthening citizens’ confidence in public institutions.

According to the statement, the event will attract senior government officials, heads of security agencies, media executives, editors, civil society groups and other stakeholders drawn from across the country.

According to the organizers, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, will attend as Special Guests of Honour.

The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, is expected to deliver the keynote address, while the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, will host the summit.

Also expected to chair the occasion is the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

The statement noted that the summit comes at a critical period when Nigeria continues to confront evolving security challenges, growing concerns over misinformation and heightened public anxiety over national issues.

It emphasized that structured engagement between the media and security institutions has become imperative in improving crisis communication, reducing panic, combating fake news, and ensuring the dissemination of timely, accurate and responsible information.

Participants at the summit are expected to examine issues such as responsible reporting of security operations and conflict situations, access to credible information and official briefings, management of sensitive information and the safety of journalists covering security-related assignments.

Other areas of focus include countering disinformation, propaganda and hate speech, as well as building mutual trust and professional respect between journalists and security personnel.

The summit will also feature goodwill messages, panel discussions, breakout sessions, experience-sharing by frontline reporters, and interactive engagements with security chiefs before concluding with the adoption of a communiqué and an action framework to guide future collaboration.

The NUJ restated its commitment to press freedom, ethical journalism and promoting national peace, security and democratic governance.

By: King Onunwor

Rivers

Anaka Community Seeks Development, Unity … Advocates Devine Guidance In 2027 Leadership Selection

Published

3 days ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

The Paramount Ruler of Anaka Community in Akpor Clan, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, HRH. Eze Marcus Oriji, has reiterated the kingdom’s commitment to unity, development, and peaceful coexistence among its people.

HRH Oriji, who spoke through his son, Alloy Marcus, in an interview with newsmen in the community, said the community is committed to peace.

He described Anaka as a community known for peace and unity, noting that the kingdom continues to attract visitors and residents because of its welcoming nature.

According to him, while the leadership of the kingdom has recorded progress in various fronts, several challenges still remain.

Anaka Community, he continued, has faced developmental challenges similar to those confronting many communities across the country.

He identified the provision of key infrastructure, including a modern market, schools, healthcare facilities, and a police station, as critical areas requiring attention to enhance the growth and development of the kingdom.

On concerns raised by residents over the poor condition of the road linking St. John’s to Ogbogoro, Eze Marcus commended the Rivers State Government under the leadership of the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara,ii for commencing work on the Ring Road project, which he described as a significant development for the area.

Marcus explained that Anaka Kingdom stands to benefit from the project and appealed to the government to accelerate construction efforts, particularly on sections connecting St. John’s and other adjoining communities, to ease traffic congestion and improve accessibility.

Expressing optimism about the project’s completion, he said improved road infrastructure would not only enhance movement within the area, but also attract investors, businesses, and visitors to the kingdom.

Commenting on the 2027 general elections, Eze Alloy Marcus called for divine guidance in the selection of leaders, stressing the need for God-fearing individuals who would govern with integrity and commitment to national development.

He also advised young people to shun electoral violence and resist being used by politicians for unlawful activities such as ballot box snatching and election-related disturbances.

He urged youths to play constructive roles in strengthening democracy by supporting free, fair, and peaceful elections.

The royal representative emphasized that sustainable development, improved infrastructure, and peaceful democratic processes remain essential for the continued progress of Anaka Kingdom and Rivers State as a whole.

By: Azubuike Chiwendu, Akpelu Godspower