The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Rivers State

  • Don’t turn Niger Delta into a battle-field, Obi warns

    The Vice-Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Peter Obi has cautioned political actors against instigating crisis in some parts of Nigeria for their own selfish political gains.

    He particularly expressed worry over the impending crises in the Niger Delta region, warning against turning the area into a battleground.

    Fielding questions from journalists at Asaba airport on Wednesday, Obi decried the region’s several years of neglect, insisting that it deserved universal respect due to its critical role in the production of wealth of the nation.

    “Those in government should be seeking ways of improving the living conditions of the people whose means of livelihood have been destroyed by oil exploration and exploitation activities, and not trying to turn the area into a battle-ground,” he said.

    He warned that the country already had a number of States in crisis, which has proved extremely difficult for security agents to contain.

    “The nation may get to breaking point if more states are drawn into mindless crises instigated by some political actors at the helm of the nation’s affairs,” he added.

    Read also: Police tighten security ahead of governorship polls

    Recalling the pacifist approach of the then President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to the zone as its golden period, Obi advised political actors to toe that line towards securing the nation’s wealth and boost the welfare of the people of the area.

    The former governor of Anambra State commended the governors of Niger Delta zone for remaining faithful to the delivery of democracy dividends to their people.

    He continued, “I travel all over the country and I can tell you that Governors of that zone are among the best-performing in the country and all deserve a second term to continue their good work.

    “It is known that APC-governed State has recorded the kind of progress their Niger Delta counterparts have achieved.

    “Take a trip to Awka Ibom and see what Governor Emmanuel Udom is doing. The same goes for Governors Nyesom Wike in Rivers; Seriaki Dickson in Bayelsa; Ifeanyi Okowa in Delta State and Ben Ayade in Cross River.

    “I use the Asaba Airport often and when I interact with the people, they declare that ‘Governor Okowa dey work and we dey see am’.

    “It is also amazing that those Governors are delivering democracy dividends despite the distractions instigated by some actors in the APC.”

    On the APC’s boast to “take over” Niger Delta States, particularly Delta and Akwa Ibom, Obi cautioned the party to pursue her dream through securing lawful votes, which he believed was unattainable.

    “The APC should not adopt the abracadabra style they performed during the Presidential and National Assembly elections,” he stressed.

  • Teenager remanded for alleged cultism

    A Senior Magistrates’ Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has remanded in prison custody, an 18-year-old, Prince Nwodike, for alleged cultism.

    Nwodike is alleged to be a member of ‘Iceland’ cult.

    The teenager, who hails from Umudioga in Emohua Local Government, allegedly told the police that he joined the cult last year and had been participating in its activities.

    The accused was alleged to have committed the offence at his Umudioga community home between January and March.

    A locally-made single barrel gun was reportedly recovered from him.

    Read also: 44 passengers unhurt as bus catches fire

    He was charged with three-count bordering on cult involvement and unlawful possession of firearm.

    The charge was not read out to him; hence he did not take plea. The charge against him are capital offence, the court lacks jurisdiction to hear them

    Following this, Magistrate Osaro Gomba ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody and his original case file be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice.

    She adjourned the case till March 28.

  • ‘Lulu-Briggs remains Accord Party’s governorship candidate in Rivers’

    …jittery Wike is behind court case

    The Director of Communication of Dumo Lulu-Briggs Campaign Organisation of the Accord Party in Rivers State, Sotonye Ijuye-Dagogo, has stated that the oil magnate (Lulu-Briggs) remains the governorship candidate of the party in Rivers, despite judgment from Federal High Court, Port Harcourt.

    He also insisted that “jittery” Governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was behind the court case, after causing confusion in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in his (Wike’s) desperation to prevent a strong governorship contender on March 9.

    Ijuye-Dagogo, in his reaction last night, stated that Lulu-Briggs campaign organisation was not worried about the judgment, while accusing the presiding judge, Justice E.A. Obile, of bias.

    He said: “The matter before the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt was not about the Rivers State Accord Party’s eligibility to be on the ballot for the 2019 governorship election, but about who is the legitimate governorship candidate. The Rivers State Accord Party, therefore, remains on the ballot.

    “The judgment delivered by Justice E.A. Obile of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt did not come to us as a surprise, because the learned trial judge did not hide his bias throughout the duration of the hearing, which led to the early request for his lordship to recuse himself and the subsequent withdrawal of Wilcox Abereton SAN, counsel to Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, when his lordship decided to continue with the case.

    “A petition has since been written to the National Judicial Council against the trial judge on the matter. The entire judgment has no legal standing, because the defendants in the case were not given the opportunity for fair hearing and were not given the opportunity to replace their counsel, who withdrew from the case.

    “The Dumo Lulu-Briggs campaign organisation is aware of the shenanigan and evil machinations of Rivers governorship candidate of PDP (Wike) to use the courts, which has been severally described as ‘Wike’s Supermarket,’ to knock out strong contenders in the governorship race.

    “Wike’s connection in this dubious act is buttressed by the fact that Mr. Precious Baridoo’s counsel, Wori N. Wori Esq, is from the law firm of Emmanuel Aguma, SAN, the deceased immediate past Attorney-General to Wike. Furthermore, Mr. Precious Baridoo got ‘elected’ as Rivers IPAC Chairman months after his purported nomination as Accord Party’s governorship candidate, a position known to be occupied only by the cronies of the governor.”

    The director of communication also reiterated that during the PDP’s presidential rally at Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, Baridoo did not only declare support for the defeated PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, he led 56 “so-called” governorship candidates to step down for Wike and they also endorsed him for a second term.

    He revealed: “The said Precious Baridoo, who has since been disowned by the Accord Party’s National Working Committee, was appointed into the Caretaker Committee of Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State by the Wike-led PDP government.

    “Our faith in the Nigerian judiciary cannot be diminished by the obvious miscarriages of a few. We are focused and ready to not just vacate the scandalous judgement, but obtaining the mandate which Rivers people are eager to offer Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs.

    “Our legal team has filed an appeal and a stay of execution and so Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs remains the governorship candidate of Accord Party in Rivers State.

    “The aim of the sponsors of the judicial miscalculation to stop Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs and deny the Rivers electorate the much-needed quality governance that the Accord Party represents, shall be disgraced at the end.”

    Ijuye-Dagogo also called on the teeming supporters of Accord party and other good people of Rivers state to remain resolute and focused, while going about their lawful businesses, assuring that light would always triumph over darkness.

  • INEC to fix new dates for some part of Rivers

    Election in some parts of Rivers state, have been postponed by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a result of outbreak of violence.

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner has been directed to submit situation report.

    Details later

  • APC chieftain, elder brother shot dead in Rivers

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Mr. Mowan Owo-Ete, who is a two-term Chairman of Andoni Local Government Area, the council of National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, was shot dead on Saturday morning by political thugs in his house in Asarama, Andoni LGA, along with his elder brother.

    Owo-Ete, also a former Vice-Chairman of the PDP in Rivers state and ex-Special Adviser to Governor Nyesom Wike on Political Affairs, recently defected to the APC.

    Read also: Fight breaks out at Senator Ita Enang’s unit

    The APC chieftain (Owo-Ete) narrowly escaped being assassinated last weekend, before the February 16 elections were postponed.

    Rivers PPRO, Nnamdi Omoni, DSP, confirmed through the telephone, the death of the top politician and his elder brother, but he said the detail was still sketchy, as at press time.

  • GOC after my life, Wike alleges

    The Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, and the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Maj.-Gen. Jamil Sarham, are at loggerheads over Wike’s claim that the GOC attempted to assassinate him in Port Harcourt.

    Wike, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who had earlier abused and accused the GOC of working with the leaders of All Progressives Congress (APC) to rig today’s elections in Rivers State, in a press statement yesterday by his Special Assistant on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, alleged that he survived the assassination plot on Thursday night.

    Maj.-Gen. Sarham, last night, through 6 Division’s Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, described Wike as a liar and blackmailer.

    In Nwakaudu’s press statement, he said Rivers governor survived  the assassination attempt on his life, after soldiers allegedly sent by the GOC confronted his security detail, while also alerting Nigerians that the military was supplying fake uniforms to militants hired by the APC for the purpose of disrupting the elections and unleashing mayhem.

    The media aide stated that his boss spoke after a meeting with officials of the British High Commission at the Government House, Port Harcourt yesterday, while accusing Maj.-Gen. Sarham of taking very unprofessional measures to silence PDP members.

    Wike, according to his media aide, had informed the British High Commission and other foreign missions of the anti-democratic  actions of the security forces, especially the Nigerian Army.

    Rivers governor said: “Last night (February 21), the GOC, 6 Division of the Nigerian Army plotted an assassination on my life. Thank God, that was not successful.

    “On Friday, 15th of January, a day to the 16th of February, the first date for the elections, before it was rescheduled, the GOC sent soldiers to cordon off my private residence.

    “Yesterday (February 21), I was shocked that when I left Government House (Port Harcourt) to see some political leaders, soldiers were trailing me. Anyone who knows me, knows that I do not have military security detail.

    “Along Abacha Road (Government Reservation Area, Port Harcourt), where you have Algate Hotel, to my surprise, I heard my security men shouting that the soldiers were behind us. I have said this many times about the GOC of the 6 Division that nobody should kill because he was promised the position of Chief of Army Staff.

    “The GOC can be promoted as Chief of Army Staff, without killing anyone. There is no need to kill innocent people for a personal ambition. Rivers State is strategically positioned in Nigeria and should not be destabilised for political goals.

    “Rivers State is so important to this country. The economy of Nigeria cannot survive without Rivers State. By what they are doing, they are scaring investors away.”

    Wike also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to speak with top officials of the Nigerian Army to reduce their level of partisanship and alleged illegal activities, ahead of the general elections.

    He alleged: “The GOC held a meeting with the soldiers yesterday (on Thursday) and he said they must do everything they can to ensure that President Buhari wins. That is not good. Allow Nigerians to support whoever they want to support.”

    Rivers governor also stated that there was no reason for any fight in the state and according to him, APC would not be fielding candidates for the governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly elections in the state.

    He claimed that soldiers had started arresting PDP members in Eleme and other local government areas of Rivers, alleging that 182 persons had been penciled down for arrest by the army.

    Wike decried the alleged supply  of  military uniforms to APC militants, which he claimed would have post elections negative  consequences.

    The Political Officer of the British High Commission in Nigeria, Louis Edwards, had earlier stated that they were in the state to observe the elections.

    Edwards disclosed that the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Rivers, Mr. Obo Effanga, assured her that things would work well, saying she was looking forward to peaceful elections in the Niger Delta state.

    The 6 Division’s Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, however, said: “It is clear that the political atmosphere in our country has reached its crescendo, with political actors outwitting one another. Most worrisome is the activities of some politicians who find pleasure in maligning the Nigerian Army.

    “Ordinarily, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, as a respected institution, would not take issues with any politician or political organisation, as the Nigerian Army has over time reiterated and demonstrated its apolitical posture and professional responsibility, in line with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai’s constant directive.

    “However, in the light of irresponsible utterances, through politically-motivated allegations against the 6 Division in the last one week, compel the division to warn mischief makers to steer clear of the Nigerian Army

    “Available intelligence report has it that a series of planned campaigns of calumny against the 6 Division and its leadership are being perfected. 6 Division expects more from these detractors. The Nigerian Army, through the 6 Division, wishes to reiterate its determination to ensure the conduct of a secure, peaceful and credible 2019 general elections.”

    Col. Iliyasu also stated that the division and its personnel were committed to having a professionally responsive Nigerian army, in the discharge of their constitutional roles.

    The spokesman enjoined the electorate to avoid actions that could create chaos and insecurity during and after the elections, while urging members of the public in 6 Division’s Area of Responsibility (Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers States in the Niger Delta) to always report suspicious actions or movements to the division, through: 09027771482, 07055554967, 09069799721 and 08180690553.

  • APC appeals for adequate security in Okrika ahead of today’s elections

    The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Okrika Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State, has appealed to president Muhammadu Buhari to provide adequate security, during and after the Presidential and National of Assembly elections in the area.

    The appeal followed the alleged plans by the leadership of the Peoples Democratic party (PDP), to unleash mayhem on APC members and voters in the LGA.

    A statement by stakeholders of the APC, Okrika chapter, in Port Harcourt, the state capital, yesterday, alleged that the PDP has moved thugs and cultists from Ondo, Bayelsa and other states into Okrika, and concluded plans to station their gun boats at strategic locations to ensure that all the polling units in the riverine wards are hijacked.

    The APC also alleged, that, the PDP has already purchased PVCs ahead of the polls.

    In the statement by APC, they stated, “We have been reliably informed, that, PDP leaders have acquired uniforms of police, army and other security agencies, with the intention to use these uniforms to perpetrate their evil plans and portray these security agencies in bad light.

    ”They have procured PVCs which they intend to give to strangers who are currently in Okrika ahead of the elections today.

    ”We have it on good authority that money have been paid to the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and these officials have accepted to collide with the PDP in rigging the elections.

    ”They have concluded plans to storm and burn all collation centres should their above plans fail to ensure the victory of the PDP in Okrika.”

    The APC demanded that the Commissioner of Police, Director, DSS and President Muhammadu Buhari, ensure that the conspiracy is not carried out in Okrika.

    But in a swift reaction, PDP spokesman in the state, Darlington Orji, denied the allegation describing it as bogus and unfounded.

    Orji queried the reason PDP would instigate trouble or involve in vote buying in an election that it will win.

    According to him, “Everybody knows, that, it is APC that is known for violence. We are on the ground in the state, more so in Okrika; so why should PDP want to make trouble or think of vote buying in an election we are going to win.

    ”APC is not participating in the polls, they have been mobilising their thugs to cause trouble during the exercise and the security operatives should be aware of that fact,” he said.

  • ‘Buhari’ll win, handover to Igbo President in 2023’

    *Says PDP would lose states in the S’south

     

    A Christian cleric in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, Prophet Udeme Bassey, has predicted victory for President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressive Congress (APC) over Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Saturday.

    He also predicted that Buhari would handover to an Igbo president in 2023, after successfully completing his tenure and bowing out as the most celebrated president in the nation’s history.

    Prophet Udeme, who was spot on with his predictions in the 2015 election and Edo state 2016 governorship election, further stated that Buhari’s victory would defy the gang-up by former President Obasanjo and other prominent ex-rulers.

    “PDP kept Nigeria in the current situation that Nigeria is in today. They have killed and buried Nigeria for 15 years, but God is very pleased with President Muhammadu Buhari and even one million OBJs and Atikus cannot unseat him.”

    Bassey claimed that the PDP candidate is only on a mission to buy the remaining national assets that he failed to secure from 1999 – 2007 when he was Vice President.

    Similarly, the cleric who said his prediction followed 31-day fasting and prayers for the 2019 general election, predicted that 70percent of current elected office holders would lose their election.

    Read Also: Tinubu: Buhari didn’t order shoot on sight

    “The APC will take over four of the six South-south states and weaker candidates in weaker parties would be favoured. Seventy percent of current politicians would lose their seats to their opponents in 2019.

    “PMB will appoint more youths, women and Igbo politicians in his cabinet and his second tenure will be more friendly and his governance style will make Nigerians smile again,” he added.

    Meanwhile, Christian cleric has urged Nigerians to be tolerant of others’ political and general views, stressing that his experience had shown that people are not comfortable with unfavourable truth.

    He particularly lamented his predicament in the hands of his erstwhile landlord (names withheld) who allegedly threw him out of his apartment because of accurate prediction of the 2016 Edo state governorship race.

    “I was not owing him rent, but he said that he could not harbour a man who is against his interest in his own house.”

  • Peterside: APC not planning mayhem in Rivers

    Deputy leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State Dr. Dakuku Peterside has said members of the party were not planning to unleash mayhem in the state.

    He was reacting to allegations by Director-General of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Council, Desmond Akwawor, that APC was planning to cause mayhem and bloodbath during the elections.

    According to him, Akwawor had elevated lies to an act.

    Peterside, who spoke yesterday at the Port Harcourt International Airport, insisted that all allegations were what the PDP leaders planned to do. They were only crying to attract cheap sympathy, he added.

    He accused Governor Nyesom Wike of being the agent provocateur and harbinger of violenc.

    Peterside, who is the Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), blasted the PDP campaign council for involving his home local government area, Opobo/Nkoro, in the allegation of using money to induce electoral officials.

    He said: “I am proud to come from Opobo/Nkoro, and as a party stalwart, there was no time such scenario happened. We are a peace-loving people, and we will never be part of such plot.”

    Peterside also denied accusations that the APC was working with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Army and other security agencies, to subvert the people’s will.

    He said: “Anytime you see Wike and his party shouting, just know they have tried unsuccessfully to bribe security agents. This is the same old trick of Wike, but his threats will fail this time.

    “Before, during and after the 2015 elections, Rivers people knew what Wike did with Police Commissioner Mbu Joseph Mbu. APC leaders were arrested with reckless abandon and locked up till after the elections. So far, no such thing has hapened.

    “Like an uninvited gatecrasher, Wike has been working with his agents to frustrate APC’s genuine quest to be on the ballot in Rivers State.”

    The NIMASA DG called on security agents to remain alert and thwart every PDP effort to instigate violence and blame the APC.

    He dismissed PDP’s allegation that the Minister for Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, held a meeting with some people to rig the election. “Rivers people know the persons who are violent; the people know those who sponsored the thugs arrested in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni council last Friday. Rivers people know those who are desperate for power and will do anything to get it. Rivers people know their history.”

  • GOC: thugs will be dealt with

    The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Maj.-Gen. Jamil Sarham, has declared that personnel of the division will  deal with political thugs in Rivers State and other parts of Niger Delta.

    He made the declaration yesterday in Port Harcourt through 6 division’s Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Aminu Iliyasu.

    The 6 Division covers Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states.

    The GOC said: “Credible intelligence available to Headquarters 6 Division, Nigerian Army has uncovered an unholy plan by some political actors within its Area of Responsibility (AOR) to arm and sponsor miscreants, in addition to using military-like fatigue dress for deception to cause pandemonium at polling stations for their political gain.

    “While covert efforts are ongoing to track the source of the weapons and the agents involved, in conjunction with sister security agencies, authorities of 6 Division wish to unequivocally state that anyone found to be disrupting the electoral process, under any guise, will be decisively dealt with, in accordance with the laws, no matter how highly placed he or she is.”

    Maj.-Gen. Sarham also reassured the “good people” of Niger Delta of providing adequate security, in conjunction with other security agencies, before, during and after this year’s general elections.

    The GOC lauded the Niger Delta indigenes for the cooperation and assistance rendered to the division, particularly in information dissemination. He urged them to do more.