Connect with us

News

LG Bosses Seek Total Adherence To Executive Order 21

Published

on

Chairmen of three local government councils in Rivers State have called for total adherence to the principles and objectives of the Executive Order 21 issued by the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, last Friday.
The chairmen – Engr Samuel Nwanosike; Barrister George Ariolu; and Dr Enyiada Cookey-Gam – of Ikwerre; Obio/Akpor; and Opobo/Nkoro local government councils, said that the total adherence to the executive order would ensure violence-free electioneering campaigns, and credible 2023 elections in the state.
Speaking in Isiokpo, the Ikwerre Local Government Area headquarters, Nwanosike, called for strict compliance to the Executive Order 21, and directed all political parties and candidates wishing to use the facilities of public schools for political activities to obtain permission from the state Ministry of Education two weeks prior to the date of the event.
Nwanosike, while issuing the directive, charged all traditional rulers and security agents to ensure that political parties and candidates making use of public school facilities within their jurisdictions obtain permission from the Ministry of Education as mandated by the Executive Order 21.
He stated that the enforcement was with immediate effect, warning that the full weight of the law would fall on those who are culpable.
Nwanosike stressed that the Rivers State Executive Order 21 was not intended to witch-hunt anyone political party or individual, but aimed at securing public school facilities and maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the event of clash of activities.
Similarly, Ariolu directed members of the public to adhere strictly to the Executive Order 21 with immediate effect across communities in Obio Akpor.
This, he said, is in compliance with the state government’s directive, which states that political parties and candidates seeking to use premises of public schools should obtain a written approval from the Ministry of Education, two weeks before the date of the event.
In a statement, Ariolu urged traditional rulers and security agencies in area to ensure strict compliance to the order.
He also stated that any community that fails to report any breach, traditional rulers of such communities shall be made to explain to government, adding that the full weight of the law shall be brought upon anyone or political party, candidate or group found culpable in contravention of the order, irrespective of how highly placed the person might be.
Ariolu said the early warning was to avoid name calling and breakdown of law and order in the event of any disruption of unauthorised gatherings.
Speaking further, he said that the order was intended to sustain the peace prevalent in the local government area at the moment.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, DrEnyiada Cookey-Gam, reminded political parties, candidates, and their supporters of the enforcement of the Executive Order 21 signed by the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, last Friday, prohibiting the use of public schools for political campaigns without the approval of the state Ministry of Education.
The ONOLGA boss warned political parties and candidates must follow the guidelines of the order in obtaining permission from the Ministry of Education not less than two weeks before the date of the rally, in addition to payment of a non-refundable security fee of N5million.
The chairman said political parties and candidates must submit proof of payment and permission from the state Ministry of Education to the council for final clearance.
He said the use of public school buildings, structures and premises for political rallies was lawful only when there was compliance.
Cookey-Gam vowed to enforce the Executive Order 21, and warned that any political party or candidate who dares violate the rules would face the full wrath of the law.
He urged the security agencies, local vigilantes, and traditional rulers to implement the order across the 11wards in the area.
Cookey-Gam noted that the adherence was inline with his administration’s commitment to ensure safety of lives and property in the area.
He enjoyed political parties and candidates for the 2023 general election in the area, to avoid conduct that may trigger fracases that may lead to political tensions during and after the campaigns.

By: Nelson Chukwudi

Continue Reading

News

NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam

Published

on

The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.

Continue Reading

News

Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence

Published

on

The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.

The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.

Continue Reading

News

Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027

Published

on

A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.

Continue Reading

Trending