The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Rivers

  • JUST IN: 20 persons perish as two boats capsize in Rivers water

    JUST IN: 20 persons perish as two boats capsize in Rivers water

    No fewer than 20 persons have died in a boat mishap which occured in Rivers state, the Nation has learnt.

    The tragic incident, which occur on Andoni waterways in Andoni  Local Government Area of the State, Tuesday night reportedly involved two passenger boats heading for Bonny, a neighbouring coastal council area.

    Executive chairman of Andoni LGA,  Erastus Awortu, disclosed the incident in a statement he signed, which was sighted by the Nation in Port Harcourt early hours of Wednesday, January 10, expressed rude shock on the tragedy and condoled the families and communities of victims. 

    Awortu regretted that the fatal accident occured after successful festive celebrations, including unity carnivals in the council area.

    He noted the council’s efforts to save those who were alive, offer first aide assistance to the injured and recover bodies of the dead from the river; as he promised to cushion the pains of the deceased families and communities in  this their trying moments.

    Furthermore, the council chairman harped on the need for boat operators to insist on total compliance of all passengers to safety measures, and warned against night travels by sea.

    The statement said: “We received with rude shock and deep pain a disturbing report that over 20 persons from Andoni are feared dead in boat mishap involving two Andoni/Bonny-bound boats which occurred within the Andoni waterways on Tuesday January, 9, 2024.

    “Upon receiving the sad development, we immediately dispatched our team to join the first responders on rescue mission at the scene of the incident in a bid to salvage the situation.

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    “We are closely monitoring the situation to offer further support especially to give the survivors necessary medical attention and recover the remains of the dead from the Sea.

    “Our hearts go out to the Families and Communities of victims of this unfortunate disaster especially Ngo Town, Ataba, Isiama and other Communities whose loved ones where involved in the boat mishap.

    “We share in their pain and trauma, our prayers and thoughts are with them in this moment of grief.

    “We will do whatever we can as a Local Government to reduce the burden of grief of the bereaved families and communities. 

    “While we bemoan the boat mishap which came at a time when our people were still basking in the mood of a successful festive season in Andoni, we call on operators of water transportation in Andoni to ensure strict compliance of all passengers to safety rules.

    “We also warn the operators to desist from embarking on night journey on sea.” 

  • Abducted Rivers travellers regain freedom

    Abducted Rivers travellers regain freedom

    The three kidnapped victims breathe an air of freedom on Friday after three days in the kidnappers’ den.

    It would be recalled that the victims were kidnapped along the Obiri-Kwere-Airpott Road near Port Harcourt by gunmen on Tuesday.

    The incident occurred around 4pm when gunmen intercepted some vehicles, forcefully dragged out some of the occupants, and whisked them off to an unknown destination.

    Their release came more than 24 hours after the Rivers State Police Command said tactical team commanders and Divisional Police Officers were deployed within the scene for adequate security measures.

    The spokesperson for the command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the release to our correspondent on Friday.

    He said the captives have all reunited with their families.

    She explained that the release of the abductees followed pressure after the deployment of personnel to the area.

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    “The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, Olatunji Disu, had a meeting with Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers within the area of jurisdiction with tactical team Commanders and instructed them of adequate security measures in place to ensure those abducted on January 2, 2024 along Aluu-Igwuruta Road should regain their freedom.

    “Based on the pressure and massive deployment of police presence, the victims were released and have reunited with their family members today,” she stated.

    Iringe-Koko, also expressed happiness that there was relative peace in the state during the festive season.

    She called on law-abiding citizens of the state to continue to support the police with relevant information that will lead to the arrest of criminals.

    “Everything went on peacefully during this festive period and we are still enjoying the peaceful situation in the state.

    “We have this slogan that when you see something, say something. When you notice any suspicious movement in your neighbourhood, report it to the nearest police station because security is everybody’s business,” she said.

  • Rivers CP Disu orders manhunt for kidnappers of three travelers along airport road

    Rivers CP Disu orders manhunt for kidnappers of three travelers along airport road

    The Rivers state commissioner of police, Olatunji Disu, has drafted heads of tactical teams to go after gunmen who abducted three travelers along the Obiri-Ikwerre-Airport Road, in the Ikwerre local government area of the state

    It was gathered that the gunmen blocked the left flank of the road about five minutes from the airport roundabout and whisked away the victims to an unknown destination.

    The police public relations officer, Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed that Disu had drafted tactical team commanders and Divisional Police Officers and ordered them to locate the kidnappers.

    She said: “I just spoke with the DPO, and he said three persons were kidnapped. The Commissioner of Police has tasked Tactical Team Commanders and the DPOs within that jurisdiction for adequate security measures in place, ensuring that those hoodlums are arrested.”

    An eyewitness, Emmanuel Biira, who narrowly escaped the attack, said that three passengers were whisked away from his car, while one of the victims who attempted to resist the assailants was shot before he was forcefully taken away.

    Biira explained that he escaped death by the whiskers after he luckily manoeuvred his way out of the dangerous situation and under a vehicle.

    He said: “Not too far from the airport junction en route to Obiri Ikwerre flyover, I ran into an ambush along with about 8 to 10 other cars. We all saw the kidnappers shooting and we reversed to head back to the airport junction but we were surrounded from the back, front, and all around.

    Read Also: CP Disu’s order leads to arrest, arraignment of wanted cult leader in Rivers

    “People jumped out of their cars to escape and some were shot or apprehended. I jumped out to run but there was nowhere to run to and at that moment, the Lord showed me a car, spoke to me, and said ‘enter under this car’ and I obeyed.

    “How can a grown man enter fully under a Honda salon car that’s not jacked up without his body being seen? But because I heard His voice, that became my saving grace.

    Three kidnappers walked past me, dragging a man and one entered the car I was under to turn off the engine because the car was on.

    “I’m alive together because of His mercies and covenant of protection over His children. My wife would have been a young widow if the bullets had hit me. My young children would have been fatherless but God said no. I’m grateful to Him alone. Thank you, Jesus.”

  • Rivers to hold maiden international marathon May 18

    Rivers to hold maiden international marathon May 18

    Preparations are in top gear as Rivers State Government hosts its inaugural Rivers International Marathon on May 18, 2024.

    In collaboration with Arch Raphael Limited, the Rivers State Government is meticulously preparing for its first-ever international marathon to showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage and class

    This significant event holds particular importance as it coincides with the state’s celebration of its 57th  anniversary  after being carved out of  the former Eastern Nigeria on May 27, 1967.

    The project consultant, Femi Abegunde, underscored the timeliness of the marathon, aligning with the one year anniversary of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s leadership in the state. 

    According to him, Governor Fubara’s commitment to empowering the youth and fostering a peaceful environment for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) resonates with the marathon’s objectives, standing as a key pillar in showcasing Rivers State as a hub for social enterprise, entertainment, and commerce.

    Read Also: Ehie was never Rivers’ House of Assembly Speaker, says Clerk

    Abegunde  added: “The Rivers International Marathon not only acknowledges the pivotal role of sports in providing opportunities for the youth but also directly promotes the governor’s vision of creating projects that catalyze SME growth. Sports, as a grassroots influencer, touch every facet of society.

    “This marathon will create opportunities for widespread youth engagement, stimulate businesses, and offer prospects for individuals before, during, and after the race. The engagement spans various sectors, including traditional media, social media influencers, national and state-level athletics federation members, out-of-home providers, graphic artists, signage experts, food vendors, and marketers of various goods and services. It also aims to enhance the state’s internally generated revenue.”

    With anticipation running high, marathon enthusiasts from across Africa are expected to participate, as the registration portal opens on February 15, 2024, for both local and international runners. The event promises to be a dynamic platform, engaging diverse stakeholders and contributing to the overall development and economic growth of Rivers State.

  • Rivers people are not war mongers

    Rivers people are not war mongers

    SIR: Over the years, political transitions have heralded an era of hatred and bile. So, instead of consolidation of dividends of good – where they existed, all we have seen is the consideration of bad tempered politics and the elevation and promotion of shenanigans to art form.

    We lie, if we say that past political administrations in Rivers State, have not provided infrastructures during their terms. But the truth is that we’ve had hate-filled and inspired transitions. So, instead of consolidating on the efforts of their predecessors, the successor governments have rather spent energy and resources in a desperate effort to deconstruct and destroy the tokens of their predecessors.

    For how long, are we going to continue to wallow in hatred and political gridlocks? Should we continue to delude ourselves into believing that the people and their needs don’t matter? Why is it so difficult to appreciate that the pursuit of peace, is not as dramatic as the pursuit of war? When shall we accept the reality that hatred blurs vision, affects judgement and leads to misery for the people?

    Have we ever done a rain check on the cost of our different transition wars since the advent of the second republic politics? Do we even know how much others have benefited from our senseless political wars? Why is it so difficult for us to remember that peace is priceless? When will this naked dancing stop? How can Rivers State become the entertainment centre of the absurd arts of Nigeria?

    Let me say this, and without fear of contradiction, that I have enjoyed personal relationships with over 95% of the political leadership of Rivers State, since 1999. And can say that these are ordinarily pleasant gentlemen, who are proud Rivers people. What I find difficult to comprehend is the Frankenstein monster that power turns them into. The transmogrification is what the challenge is for me. It’s actually surprising to see the large and ardent followership they enjoy.

    Read Also: ‘You were never a speaker,’ Rivers Assembly mocks Fubara loyalist Ehie

    I’m therefore challenging these men and women to challenge themselves and turn on their patriotic sides and make Rivers State the centre of their politics. They can do it and we need to support them to stop hating. Rivers State needs the side of them that promotes peace and egalitarianism. Or are they not Rivers people again? When did the Rivers spirit depart from them? That exorcism should be self-reversed for the spirit of Port Harcourt to take over.

    Rivers people love life and I’m certain that even the political gladiators enjoy the Rivers spirit and we can easily see these at the political events. The pomp, pageantry and the music. It does not matter “whether e dey pain them as e dey sweet us” or “we dey our dey”, the most important thing is that “I believe”  “we get to dey our dey” as the hub of “milk and honey” in Nigeria.

    Let 2024, be that year when Rivers State became again, the centrepiece of our politics, and good governance the sole motivation of those who aspire to political power.

    Love is easier to pursue and make than war. Rivers people are lovers not warmongers. It’s not by accident that we love gardens and parties. Port Harcourt is the symbol of who we are – love, soft life, gardens and chivalry.

    Let us return to who we are and turn our back against hatred. It is easier to live in love and peace, than the stranger we are struggling to become. Fighting is strange to us. Peace is our natural forte. Let’s live it and let our brothers and sisters, who are near to us, be dear to us, so all our troubles will be miles away from us. And we shall be together again.

    • Wenenda Wali, Unity House Foundation, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
  • ‘Tourism is new economic window in Rivers’

    ‘Tourism is new economic window in Rivers’

    Nollywood veteran Columbus Irosanga says tourism is one of the available economic windows in Andoni Local Government of Rivers State.

    Irosanga made this known at Asarama, a community in the area council, during a ‘Boat Regatta’ which formed part of programme indicating the third edition of the ‘Andoni Unity Festival’.

    “Security is indeed key to harnessing inherent tourism potential in Andoni, that is why I want to greatly commend the local government Chairman, Erastus Awortu, for keeping the peace.

    “Tourism can thrive in Andoni, seeing that for more than two years since inception of Awortu’s administration, there has been relative peace in the area.

    “If this pronounced peace is sustained, tourists will definitely begin to come here to seek entertainment and business which are embedded in our culture.

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    “Culture is actually the image of the people and canoe regatta is one of the things that distinguish the Riverine folk, so, celebrating it shows that they appreciate their environment.

    “The displays by 11 wards of the local government is exciting and I pray that it gets better and also gives room for more displays from the locality and beyond,” he said.

    According to the film actor, when investors and tourists begin to visit the area, the people’s crafts, local artefacts and delicacies will begin to earn economic values that will create employment revenue for the council.

    An indigene of the area, Mr Agustus Nte, also recounted inherent economic as well as long term benefits of the festival, while also urging the council to adopt it as a yearly ritual, irrespective of administrative transience.

    Nte, a former director of Academic Planning, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, described the annual ‘Andoni Unity Festival’ as a worthy investment so far initiated by the council.

    He called on the government and private enterpreneurs to tap into the hidden investment opportunity that had just been uncovered by the festival.

    Erastus Awortu, chairman of the council, hailed guests and participants, saying this year’s edition was greeted by lots of creativity and innovation, which displayed the culture and artistry of the people.

    Describing Andoni boat regatta as most unique, the chairman promised to continue to showcase its potential with a view of attracting investors and economic growth to the area.

  • Bishop cries out over insecurity in Rivers community

    Bishop cries out over insecurity in Rivers community

    • Seeks Fubara’s, others intervention

    The Bishop of the Diocese of Etche, Anglican Communion in Rivers State, Rt. Reverend Okechukwu Nwala, has raised the alarm over rising cases of insecurity in the area.

    Nwala, during a chat with reporters yesterday in Port Harcourt, said the criminal activities in the area included land grabbing and kidnapping.

    He said the development had caused the public loss of their belongings and investments, thereby demarketing the area from future investors.

    The clergyman alleged that men of the Nigeria Police, judiciary and monarchs aided and abetted the crime, as cultists served as their foot soldiers. 

    Nwala said: “Land grabbing, initially known as land recovering, is traceable to a situation where  members of a family whose land had been on protracted litigation, approach land grabbers to take over the land on a 50:50 sharing ratio.

    “When this happens, the land grabbers will make logistic arrangements on how to take over the parcel of land. They will first go to the court to procure interim injunction to restrain parties from entering the land, get the police to execute the order, mobilise caterpillars, bulldozers and cult boys, who act as their foot soldiers to the site.

    “They have connections with law enforcement agents and courts.

    “Once any person(s) from the opposite party is sighted on the land, they will be arrested and arraigned on emergency before a magistrates’ court of their choice on trumped up charges.

    “Following the spurious charges against the person(s), the magistrate may remand the suspect(s) in prison custody where they will be subjected to sign an undertaking never to get close to the parcel of land again. 

    “When this happens, the land grabbers will implement the already agreed sharing formula with those that got them into the matter. Pieces of land gotten in this manner are always sold at a relatively give away prices.”

    He said the situation has so degenerated that the miscreants now go about convincing people to invite them to come and take over parcels of land their families have sold over the years, but not yet developed by the buyers, for grabbing and resale and the illegal proceeds shared as they agree. 

    The cleric said the criminals spared no empty land in the area, including that of the government, company, church or owned by individuals.

    He said undeveloped land in Igboh Etech area was worse hit in the illegality, adding that a certain old time religious body lost over nine hectares apparently reserved for the building of their camp meetings in the racketeering. 

    He said part of the land grabbed was used as hideout for kidnapped victims, with heavily armed herdsmen serving as security at the illegal camps.

    He called on the governor, traditional rulers, national and state lawmakers from the locality, law enforcement agencies, particularly the Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, to come to their aide and save the land and her people from the nefarious activities of lawless citizens.

    Read Also: No respite from insecurity in 2023

    “We are calling on the traditional head and custodian of Etche culture and values, His Eminence, Eze E. N. B. Opurum, the Onyeishi Etche and Ocie of Etcheland, to use his respected stool to intervene and save our land from the worrisome situation.

    “We also call on the HRM, Eze S. N. Amaechi, the Onye ishi Agwuru Igboh Kingdom, whose domain is worse affected, to rise to the occasion. 

    “Some of the chiefs are suspected to be complicit; such persons when found faulty should be suspended from the council as a show of disapproval of their unholy attitude.

    “The attention of the senator representing Rivers East, Allwell Onyeso and that of the member representing Etche/Omuma in the House of Representative, Kelechi Nwogu, is hereby drawn for action. 

    “Members of Rivers State House of Assembly from the two Etche councils and the executive chairmen of the councils are requested to collaborate to save our land from this embarrassing situation.” the cleric said.

  • Fire outbreak destroy goods, properties in Rivers

    Fire outbreak destroy goods, properties in Rivers

    Two fire outbreaks that occurred in Port Harcourt and Obio-Akpor Local government areas have destroyed goods and property worth millions of naira.

    One of the fire incidents occurred at the Marine Base axis opposite the plank shade market.

    Sources said  the fire started from a shop in the morning, adding that the inferno was almost put out by residents and shop owners before the arrival of fire fighters.

    The source, who spoke in confidence said: “I was just called upon that there was fire in Marine Base. So when I came to the place it was opposite the plank shade but the boys around did well to see that they stop the fire.

    “Fire service came later and completed what the boys started but smoke is still coming out.”

    The other fire incident happened at a parking space in the Rumueme axis of Mile 4 along Ikwerre Road destroying  many properties.

    It was gathered that the rented space was used by a trader to store items including furniture and mattresses.

    One of the affected residents said: “I just locked my door and I went out. My coming back I saw a crowd shouting fire, fire. Reaching here I saw the whole mattresses at the back have burnt. It affected my window and most of mu things got lost.

    Another source, who spoke in confidence said: “We just saw the fire but we could not identify where the fire is coming from. I picked my phone and started calling the fire service. Though they were not picking but they later came. There is this man that stored many goods. Some of the goods just came in”.

    He said some persons succeeded in removing their valuables while many others could not because they were not around when the inferno started.

    He said: “For this man most of the goods were consumed in the fire. But we thank    God that no life was lost before the fire was put out.”

    An official of the Federal Fire Service said they rushed to the scene immediately they received the distressed call and expressed happiness that some properties were salvaged by residents.

  • Court extends order restraining INEC, Rivers Assembly from declaring 27 pro-Wike lawmakers’ seats vacant

    Court extends order restraining INEC, Rivers Assembly from declaring 27 pro-Wike lawmakers’ seats vacant

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has extended its earlier order that restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Rivers State House of Assembly from declaring vacant and conducting fresh election to fill the seats of the 27 members of the Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Justice Donatus Okorowo extended the order on Thursday, December 28, upon an application by lawyer to the defecting lawmakers, Steve Adehi (SAN), which was not opposed by Ken Njemanze (SAN) who represented the Rivers House of Assembly.

    Justice Okorowo rejected the objection raised by lawyer to the PDP, Adeyemi Ajibade (SAN) and upheld the argument by Adehi that the court, under Order 26, Rule 10 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, has the discretionary power to grant such extension in the interest of justice.

    Justice Okorowo said: “Application for the extension of the lifespan of the ex-parte order pending the hearing and determination of motion on notice is hereby granted.”

    He then adjourned till January 24 for the hearing of pending applications.

    The judge had granted the the earlier orders while ruling on December 15 on a ex-parte motion filed by the 27 lawmakers along with a substantive suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1681/2023.

    They are, by the suit querying, among others, the propriety of the threat by five members of the Rivers Assembly to declare their seats vacant and invite INEC to conduct fresh election to fill the seats pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice. 

    Listed as defendants in the suit are INEC, the PDP, Rivers State House of Assembly, Clerk of the House, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Department of State Services (DSS).

    At the commencement of proceedings on Thursday, Adehi told the court that he has a motion on notice which is for hearing.

    Adehi noted that in view of the withdrawal of Lukman Fagbemi ,SAN (for the House of Assembly) and a new lawyer replacing him, it may be impossible for the court to proceed.

    He sought an adjournment to also allow him reply to some what the PDP and other defendants filed and served on him.

    Adehi said: “In any case, I ask that the matter be further adjourned to enable us serve the third and fourth defendants (the Assembly and its Clerk) and to also enable us to reply on points of law to the process served on us by the counsel to the second defendant.

    Njemanze, who replaced Fagbemi, said has got the instruction of the third defendant to handle the case on its behalf and that he has, accordingly filed a memorandum of appearance .

    He said he was not yet served with what the PDP filed to enable them respond to same, adding that he equally planned to respond to what the plaintiffs filed.

    On move to resolve the matter politically, Njemanze said: “Without prejudice to the information by my learned friend this morning about a political solution brokered by Mr President, I need to get my client’s reaction to this and then report back to this honourable court.

    “In the circumstance, we pray for an adjournment to enable me file my processes,” he said.

    Ajibade (for the PDP) who is also the party’s National Legal Adviser, told the court that he filed an application, challenging the competence of the suit and the court’s  jurisdiction to hear it.

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    The PDP lawyer noted that  the plaintiffs have responded to the preliminary objection he filed, but yet to respond to his second application – a motion seeking the court’s order to discharge the interim order.

    He agreed with the application for adjournment by Adehi and Njemanze in view of Fagbemi’s withdrawal from the suit.

    Ajibade said the adjournment will also enable him sort out their processes which had earlier been served on Fagbemi.

    Lawyer to fourth defendant (clerk of the assembly) Ferdinand Orbih (SAN) said his client was not yet served with all that have been filed so far in the case.

    Orbih said said he was not opposed to an adjournment, but will consult with his client to know further steps to take.

  • ‘How CP Disu stopped incessant armed robberies in Rivers community’

    ‘How CP Disu stopped incessant armed robberies in Rivers community’

    The residents of Elelenwo in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have hailed the Commissioner of Police, CP Tunji Disu, for quickly halting incessant armed robberies in their area.

    It was gathered that on December 1, 2023, the Rivers State Police Command received a formal complaint from a victim, who was robbed of his valuables at Odani junction in Elelenwo by a group of armed men.

    The robbery was said to be one too many as the residents had reported similar operations within the same period by the gang to the command.

    The Police Public Relations Officers (PPRO), SP. Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed on Wednesday that CP Disu immediately tasked the Anti-kidnapping unit to flush out the armed robbers from the area.

    Iringe-Koko said: “In response to the police chief’s directive, the unit carried out stop-and-search operations and placed the area under surveillance.

    “These crack operations led to the arrest of one Azubuike Orji, 27, a native of Arochukwu in Abia State, who claimed to be a bus conductor.

    “The suspect, who was released from the Nigerian Correctional Service a few months ago, was arrested with a locally made pistol. He confessed to working for the leader of the armed robbery syndicate, Anthony Augustine, revealing that his specialty in the gang was peddling drugs and servicing guns”.

    Iringe-Koko said through intelligence-led policing, an auxiliary nurse, who turned out to be the wife of the armed robbery gang leader was arrested.

    “Further interrogations led to the discovery of a 7-room brothel located in Odani, Elelenwo that served as a hideout for members of the syndicate.

    “On December 10, 2023, the gang leader, Anthony Augustine, 22, was arrested at Green City Estate in Odani, Elelenwo, amidst widespread jubilation from residents as he and his gang had been a terror to the community.

    “Items recovered from the suspect include an iPhone XX, suspected packs of marijuana, POS machines, and locally-made pistols.”

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    The statement said the leader confessed to running the brothel as a guise for his underworld activities.

    Iringe-Koko said: “Further investigation revealed that he was involved in a case of murder and robbery and had recently been released from a correctional center.

    Investigations are still ongoing as the police seek to arrest other members of the syndicate.

    “The Commissioner of Police, CP Tunji Rilwan Disu, celebrated the efforts of the men of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and encouraged residents of Rivers State to promptly report crime as it happens to enable the police to apprehend criminals and nip crime in the bud.

    “He also warned the public against buying used items, especially phones, regardless of how cheap they are, citing that such purchases can lead to more significant problems.

    “He further counseled young people to desist from seeking to make wealth using dishonest means as they will be at the mercy of the law when caught.

    “He reiterated that the Rivers State Police Command will not stop pushing to apprehend every suspect on the command’s wanted list and to rid the state of crime.”