Army in Rivers Arrests 2 Fake Soldiers, Prophet in Port Harcourt

The Two Brigade Nigerian Army Command in Bori Camp, Port Harcourt, has paraded two fake soldiers who specialise in impersonating army officials to dupe the general public.

The army also paraded a self-confessed fake pastor who specialises in deceiving members of his congregation with fake miracles and testimonies.

The army public relations officer of the two brigade command of the Nigerian Army, Capt. Ely Lazarus, said the fake soldiers were arrested last week while on a military uniform.

He said: “Mr Samual Agaga was arrested at Saipem area of Port Harcourt. He was dressed in full military uniform with a rank as a major, while Fabian was arrested in Ibiama in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State. They have been impersonating our military officers using our military uniform and having dealings with unsuspecting members of the public.

1 Person Missing After Boat Capsizes in Okrika Rivers State

At least one person is still missing and several others injured after a speed boat capsided along the Port Harcourt Okrika waterways. The vice chairman of speed bpat ownerd association  in Okrika Local Government Area, Isaac Nwakama, told our correspondent that the incident occurred last night.

He said that the boat which was carrying over 20 passengers was travelling from Port Harcort to Okrika.

He said many of the passengers were rescued alive.

Nwakama said: “We are facing tow challenges like that. That is, the challenges is too much. I don’t know how the government will assist us because you can see that two or three times I will jack my engine because of those refuse. And the wrecks at Abuloma waterways are part of the challenges we are facing.

Tribunal Nullifies Election Result of 3 Constituencies in Rivers

While the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were yet to recover from the shock of Saturday’s tribunal verdict which annulled the election that brought Nyesom Wike as governor of Rivers State, Rivers State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja has also nullified elections of three Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers.

Those nullified are Asari Toru Constituency II, Gokana Constituency II and Tai Constituency.

More details to come...

Wike Again Restates Commitment to Clear Backlog of Disbanded TIMARIV Workers

Rivers State Government has again reassured the disbanded workers of the State Transport Management Agency (TIMARIV) of paying them their backlog of salaries.

Special adviser to the governor on media and publicity, Opunabo Inko-Tariah, stated this following appeals by the disbanded TIMARIV workers that their ten month backlog of salaries be paid.

Inko-Tariah said the Governor Nyesom Wike led administration was sensitive to issues concerning people of the state including TIMARIV.

He said: “I understand the rationale behind the demonstration by members of the disbanded TIMARIV. However, it is pertinent to say that this TIMARIV issue is a problem bequeathed to Governor Wike by the immediate past administration of Rotimi Amaechi and created by his physical rascality. However, let me dissolve the fears of the protesters by assuring them that the governor is a very sensitive man and will do something to sort out the nonpayment of their salaries.

OMG! Truck Cuts Man Into Two Parts In PH

This is one of the worst gruesome images you have seen in a while. The man in the was completely split into two parts in an accident that happened in Port Harcourt today, Monday 28.

Details are still sketchy but be warned that the image is quite disturbing. See it as you continue...

Emergency Medical Services In Rivers Threaten to Shut Down Hospital in 14 Days

Workers of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) of the ministry of health have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Rivers State Government (RSG) to pay them their over 10 months salary arrears or face a shutdown of the health facilities in the state.

This was contained in a statement signed by some of the workers.

The emergency medical service workers also want the RSG to regularise their appointment having worked for four years without formal employment.

A spokesman of the emergency medical services workers, Orwell Wali, said they were facing hard times as a result of nonpayment of their salaries.

He said: “we have been having series of meeting with our director and the permanent secretary Rivers State Ministry of Health and they promised that the governor had already approved the EMS and would work with them. They said that they would meet with us in few months and since then till date we have not heard anything from them. The situation on ground with us is that we have a lot of people working with us married and unmarried with children and no salary. Many of us have been pushed out of our houses and we don’t have where to stay.

Turn Your Office PC Into a Wifi, Connect Phones, Tablets, Others Free

Ever desired to turn that office computer into a wireless internet connection or hotspot and share with all your devices? Here is a way out of the situation that only laptop and phone users used to enjoy alone.
Going straight to the point, you will need My Wifi Router for this purpose. You can share single internet connection (LAN, Ethernet, Data-card, 3G/4G, wifi) with other computers, ipads, phones and every other thing that requires internet connection. You can as well monitor those you are sharing your internet it and even block others from using it. Another beautiful thing is that it allows you to share files wirelessly from your pc to other devices (something that is wasn’t possible before now).

Rivers: Army Uncovers Arms Cache, Soldier Training Militants

The Nigerian Army on Sunday, said they have arrested a rogue soldier, who specialised in training Niger Delta militants, during its arms and ammunition mop-up in Kula Community, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The Commanding Officer of 2 Brigade Garrison of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Lt.-Col. Timothy Opurum, made this known to newsmen in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.
Opurum said the soldier, a member of a 13-man -militant gang alleged to have been terrorising many communities in the state, deserted the army in 2002.

He said: “Based on intelligence reports, we carried out a sting operation where we captured the 13man-militant gang including its notorious kingpin leader, simply known as Kenneth.

“We also arrested a soldier, who deserted the army in 2002 and specialised in training of militants in weapons handling and operational tactics.
“The soldier (names withheld), who is a Private, joined the army in 1998 and served in 331 Artillery Regiment, Kalapanzi Barracks in Kaduna before he was declared missing in 2002.
“The soldier, who is related to the kingpin of the militant group, is still in our custody and will be released to prosecuting agencies after formal dismissal from the army,” he said.

NGO Calls on Police to Take Responsibility for Killing of Oldest Man in Rivers Community

A Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), the Society for the Promotion of Better Nigeria has called on police in Rivers State to take responsibility for the death of an elderly man in Mgbuoshimiri community during an invasion of the community by police at the weekend.

The executive director of the NGO, Livingstone Nweche, in his reaction condemned the approach used by men of the Nigerian police in combating cultism which led to the death of a senior citizen.

Nweche said: “I wish to condemn in unmistakable terms the recent spate of community invasion by security agencies in Rivers State in the name of fighting cultism and criminality which is very disturbing. This is particular reference to the uncoordinated and hostile approach leading to colatral damage resulting in the loss f innocent lives and property of community dwellers.

Dakuku Calls for Collective Effort to Tackle Insecurity in Rivers State

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Dakuku Peterside, has called for a collective effort to tackle issues of insecurity in the state irrespective of police conciliation or religious affiliation of the people of the state.

He made the call in his reaction to recent attacks and killings in oyorokuto fishing settlement in Ndoni Local Govenrment Area of the state while describing the spate of killing of innocent lives in the area as disturbing.

He said: “let me condemn in strong terms the recent attacks and killings at Oyorikoto fishing settlement. You will recall that this is not the first time Oyorikoto is being attacked, but current spate of killing of innocent inhabitants of Oyorikoto is so devastating that one needs to worry. And come to think of it, we have a government in place who whose responsibility is to safeguard lives and properties which is the primary responsibility of any government. So the people of Oyorikoto are nt excuded from the larger Rivers State. It is our responsibility to ensure that we provide them a conducive environment to go about their business.

Rita Dominic Looking Fab as She celebrates 40

The Nollywood actress was looking fabulous and ageless as she celebrated her 40th birthday on Sunday with family and friends. Here is wishing her many more youthful and happy years on earth. More pix after the cut...

Pensioners in Rivers Confirm Wike's Directive to Clear off 3-month Arrears

Chairman of Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Rivers State Chapter, Festus Abibo has confirmed the payment of three months pension arrears by the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.

Abibo who made this known to newsmen in Port Harcourt said the accountant general of the state has started issuing cheques to different banks for payment.

He said: “As I am talking to you now, work is going on to implement the directives given by the state governor. The entire pensioners of this state welcome this development. And that is an indication that governor Wike understands the plight of pensioners in this state.”

Wike had last week ordered the accountant general of the state to clear three months arrears of pensioners in the state.

Police Arrest Two for Looting Rivers Assembly Property …New Speaker Emerges

Two miscreants and scoundrels, were on Monday, arrested by security operatives at the Rivers State House of Assembly complex as they were about to smuggle some items suspected to be properties of the Assembly out of the premises.

The arrest was made during the proclamation of the 8th Rivers State House of Assembly, by the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
The Tide learnt that while the inauguration was going on, some scoundrels broke into offices of some former lawmakers, and started looting properties at the assembly complex.

Sources revealed that items found with the miscreants from the lawmakers’ offices include 2013 diaries, canned drinks, bottled water, computers and flat screen television sets.
It was gathered that while the miscreants were trying to smuggle the computers and flat screen TVs outside the premises, they were arrested by officers of the Assembly Police Command.

When contacted, the Police at the command refused to speak to The Tide, but sources said that the suspects were kept in an excluded place.

New C’River Gov Surprises Workers, Locks Them Out on First Day of Office

New Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade, on his first official day in office locked out civil servants that were yet to resume work at 8.10am at the Government House in Calabar on Monday.

Having resumed work at about 7.45am, Ayade met an almost empty complex and directed the Head of Service, Mrs. Mary-Theresa Ikwen, to shut the gate to the Government House.

He also directed that henceforth, the gates to all Ministries, Department and Agencies, should be shut by 8.10am daily in order to curb lateness.

Civil servants were seen discussing in groups at the entrance to the government house.

Two civil servants declined to comment on the development, but a third one who craved anonymity, said workers would have to change their attitude.

Nyesom Wike Sworn in as Governor of Rivers State + Pictures

Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike  (CON ) has been sworn in as the new Governor of Rivers State by the Bayelsa  State Chief Judge,  Justice  Kate  Abiri, on Friday, May 29, at the Liberation  Stadium,  Port Harcourt.

Executing his role as the new Rivers governor, Wike has approved the appointment of Justice Daisy Okocha as the Chief Judge of the state.

Meanwhile, former governor of the state, Rotimi Amaechi has given his farewell message to the people of Rivers State and said his administration has performed creditably well.

Wike: I Did not Hire Ex-Militant to Kill Rivers People

Following allegation by Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, that the governor-elect, Barr. Nyesom Wike, conspired with an ex-militant to kill innocent people of the state in order to win the governorship election, Wike denied the allegation.

The allegation was made on Tuesday, when Amaechi spoke at a public lecture to mark his 50th birthday anniversary in Port Harcourt.

 

He said that Wike hired a former militant leader in the Niger Delta region, to mastermind the killing of innocent people of the state during the just concluded general elections.

Justice Must be Done Before I Reconcile with Wike - Amaechi

Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has said that until it was declared that injustice was done in the just concluded election, he will not settle his disagreements with the state governor-elect, Barr. Nyesom Wike.

This was in reply to the plea made by the Catholic Bishop of Port Harcourt Diocese, Most Rev. Camillus Etokudor during a thanksgiving service to mark Amaechi’s 50th birthday anniversary on Wednesday.

Etokudor had congratulated Wike, on his electoral victory and appealed to the governor to settle his political differences with the governor-elect in the interest of the people of the state.

Amaechi said: “My Lordship talked about forgiveness. In the Catholic Church you don’t oppose the views of your bishop. His words represent an order. If you oppose him you may be barred from taking Holy Communion. You are not a true Catholic if you don’t receive the Holy Communion. But Your Lordship, the same Catholic doctrine also states that justice comes before forgiveness.

Amaechi Accuses Wike of Hiring Ex-Militant To Kill Rivers People

The Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi has accused Barr.  Nyesom Wike of hiring a former militant leader in the Niger Delta region to mastermind the killing of innocent people of the state during the just concluded general elections.

The governor made the accusation on Tuesday during a public lecture to mark his 50^th birthday anniversary in Port Harcourt.
He said one of his relatives was killed in front of Wike’s father’s house at Rumuepirikom in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.

He also Wike of trying to get an order from the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt to restrain the Prof Chidi Odinkalu-led Commission of Inquiry from investigating the politically motivated violence that occurred in the state during the general elections.

The governor declared that his complete face-off with Wike will commence immediately after handover of government on Friday.

Amaechi Dares Wike on Probe…Says Rivers Has N15.7Bn Debt

Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, has dared the incoming governor of the state, Barr. Nyesom Wike, to probe him to confirm if he was corrupt, saying that he ran a transparent and accountable administration and was therefore not afraid of Wike's probing.

The governor said this on Tuesday in Port Harcourt at a public lecture to mark his 50th birthday anniversary celebration.
Wike had said that all those who worked with Amaechi would be made to account for everything. Read it Here


Amaechi said Wike’s comments that he would probe his (Amaechi’s) administration was a ploy to negotiate a soft-landing for the incoming administration.

“Why Nyesom Wike is talking the way he is talking is that they are looking for us to come and negotiate with them so that they can illegally stay in office. They cannot stay like that. We are already in court (tribunal).

Wike Says Buhari Will Support Him If…

The Governor-elect of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike has insisted that the incoming government of Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government would support him if he decides to dissolve the 22 new local government council chairmen inaugurated on Monday, May 25 by Governor Chibuike Amaechi of the state.

Wike while addressing the pre-inauguration lecture on good governance on Tuesday, in Port Harcourt said the 22 new council chairmen emerged through an illegal process.

He said: “Yesterday when the out-going governor was inaugurating the illegal body called local government chairmen, he said they should not bother that Buhari would never allow impunity.

Those Who Have Stolen Resources of Rivers State Must be Brought to Book - Wike

Incoming Governor of Rivers State, Barr. Nyesom Wike has declared that his administration would carry out a forensic audit of all government accounts to ensure the recovery of all resources stolen by top officials of the out-going administration in the state.

Speaking on Monday while receiving the interim report of the Transition Committee led by Deputy Governor Tele Ikuru, Barrister Wike said the days of impunity and massive corruption were over in Rivers State.

Wike also said that all who participated in the use of N4.5 billion to conduct ‘illegal local government elections’ by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, (RSIEC) would be brought to justice and made to account for the money.

He said RSIEC embarked on an illegal local government election despite the court stopping the election.

He said Rivers State would be a test case in the fight against corruption, noting that a comprehensive approach in fighting corrupt elements in the outgoing administration would be adopted to entrench fiscal discipline in the state.

Rivers Commission of Inquiry Discovers 94 Cases of Politically Motivated Killings

The Commission of Inquiry into violence in Rivers State said there was a monthly average of 19 killings in Rivers between November 2014 and April 2015.

The chairman of the commission, Prof Chidi Odinkalu said this at the presentation of his findings to the Rivers State Government.

 He said that out of the 97 allegations of killing, 94 cases where confirmed by his commission.

Odinkalu said: “in that period we recorded 94 killings which is an average of 19 killings per month. They reported to us 93 cases of injuries of which 81 occurred during the election period. There were 83 incidents of destruction of property. 77 of which occurred during the election period. Now 275 different violations were reported and examined. 

He also said several of the victims of the killing suffered serious psychological and physical pains.

“we met a young woman she was married at 18 and her husband was shot in her presence. She is a widow. We have mothers who buried their children, blasted through the nose by people acting in the name of politics. That’s not politics. And it’s immaterial on whose side it’s done. As a state we need to say this kind of thing should not happen,” he added.

NLC in Rivers Says Strike Still Ongoing, Calls on Members to Boycott LG Election

Factional leader of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in Rivers State led by Prince Ada Willams has declared that the strike called to protest non-payment of salary and allowances of state workers has not been suspended.

 

Williams said this in reaction to a statement issued by the other factional leader of the NLC in the state, Beatrice Otuba, calling on workers to return to work.

He said the purported suspension of the strike as announced by Otuba was a plot to create confusion amongst the NLC members.

He advised NLC members to sustain the ongoing strike. 

The other factional leader, Otuba had said that there was no need for the strike as government had commenced the payment of workers’ salaries.

Police Declares Dusk to Dawn Curfew in Rivers

The Rivers State Police Command has ordered the restriction of movement of vehicles across the state between 10pm today, May 22, to 6am tomorrow, May 23 and also from 9am to 6pm tomorrow ahead of the scheduled local government election in the state.

A statement signed by the State Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Muhammed, said the restriction was to ensure that the election was conducted in a peaceful manner across the state before, during and after the election.

The statement said policemen posted for the electioneering duty have been briefed on their roles as stipulated in the Electoral Act and that they were expected to be professional, unpartisan but civil.

The statement also called on the residents in the state to be vigilant and report all unlawful activities or dealings to the nearest police stations. 

15 Political Parties to Boycott Rivers LG Election

Out of the 27 political parties to participate in the Saturday, May 23 local government election in Rivers State, 15 political parties in Rivers State under the aegis of concerned political parties have revealed plans to boycott the election.

The parties in a communiqué read by the chairman of the Labour Party, Prince Favour, said they have lost confidence in the ability of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to conduct a free and fair election.

He alleged that RSIEC had allowed the All Progressives Congress (APC) to breach its deadline by conducting primary election in Oyigbo on Tuesday which was four days into the election which he said was illegal and unacceptable.

NAFDAC Finds Heavy Metal, Microbe In Sachet Water

Found this interesting writeup on Leadership and thought i should share.

 

A laboratory analysis of packaged water by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) across 21 states has found traces of heavy metals in sachet water sold in many states.

However, NAFDAC assured that it was working to bring both sachet and bottled water to meet compliance levels.

This was disclosed at the presentation of a study by Emmanuel Osiegbu who is the principal consultant of the contracting firm.

Rivers Assembly Complex To Re-open June 1

The Rivers State House of Assembly Complex in Port Harcourt which has been under lock and key since July 10, 2013 after the free-for-all fight involving lawmakers, is expected to be re-opened for legislative business on Monday, June 1, 2015 when the Governor-elect of the state, Chief Nyesom Wike will proclaim the eighth assembly.

INEC Denies Giving Voters’ Register to RSIEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Rivers State has denied releasing voters’ register to the Rivers State Independent National Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for the conduct of local government elections on May 23.

RSIEC had earlier told newsmen that it had received INEC’s official voters’ register for the conduct of the election. Read it HERE

INEC in a statement signed by its secretary, Roy Obijiri, said it did not give the register to RSIEC. He said the delay in the releasing of the register was due to impending court processes over the matter in a federal high court in Port Harcourt.

Doctors Urged To Attend to Patients with Gun Wound Without Police Report

Medical doctors have been advised to consider treatment for victims of gunshot wounds even without police report.

This was said by the chairman of the Medical Advisory Commission, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Charles Toby in his presentation to mark the World Family Doctors Day in Port Harcourt.

Toby argued that the World Health Law 2014 permits suspects with gunshot wounds to be treated by medical doctors without recourse to the offence they have committed.

Lawyers React to Order for Bayelsa CJ to Swear in Wike

Many lawyers are reacting to the directive by the Attorney General of the Federation’s decision ordering the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State to perform the oath on the incoming governor, Nyesom Wike on May 29.

A prominent Lagos based lawyer, Festus Keyamo said the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Muhammed Adoki was right on the directive for Wike to be sworn in by the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State.

He backed his argument with the last part of Section 1852 of the 1999 Constitution. He also said that it was inconceivable that the assumption of office of a public officer who has been declared winner in an election could be scuttled because of absence of someone who should perform the ceremonial duties.

Rivers APC Denies N300 Million Bribe by Gov Amaechi

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has denied the allegation by the state governor-elect, Nyesom Wike, that Governor Chibuike Amaechi paid some lawyers the sum of N300 million to stop the inauguration of Wike as governor.

APC publicity secretary, Rivers State, Chris Fynebone said the governor nor the party never went to court but were only joined as respondents.

Muazu Resigns as PDP Chairman

Embattled Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Adamu Muazu, may have succumbed to the call by Ayo Fayose and Femi Fani Kayode to resign as the party’s chairman.

Muazu today Wednesday, tendered his resignation as the chairman of the party which according to the letter takes effect immediately.

Reports gathered has it that Muazu was tired of all the stress he has been subjected to since the party lost the presidential elections.

A PDP member confirmed Muazu's resignation on twitter and also claimed that Jonathan has asked members of the PDP Board of Trustees including Chief Tony Anenih to resign. 

Wike Transition Committee Discovers Frivolous Transactions by RSG

The transition committee of governor-elect, Nyesom Wike, said it has uncovered some financial transaction hurriedly done by the administration of Governor Chibuike Amaechi.

The secretary of the transition committee, Frank Owor raised the alarm while addressing newsmen in Port Harcourt.

He said some of the transactions were not captured in the budget. He also alleged that some of the transactions involved payment of contractors  in for works not yet done.

He said: “The transition committee of the governor-elect of Rivers State has received reports of lewd financial transactions by the out-going governor of Rivers State. Some of these transactions were neither provided for in the state budget nor do they have the necessary cash backings. In some instances contractors are being paid in advance for work not yet done or anticipated to be done. 

Rivers APC Says Amaechi’s Stewarship Unqualled in History of Rivers State

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has described the stewardship of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi as second to none in the history of the state.

The APC in a statement signed by media adviser to the party state chairman, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, said eight years rule of Governor Amaechi, is unequalled since the creation of Rivers State in 1967.

He also said Governor Amaechi would leave office in a blaze of glory when his tenure ends on May 29.

The party also said it has come to the conclusion after detailed study of Amaechi’s performance in office and compared it with his predecessors as well as other governors that Amaechi broke records and that no one has performed well as him.

RSIEC Says it has INEC Voter’s Register to Conduct May 23 LG Polls

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) said it now has the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s voter’s register for the conduct of the May 23 Local Government polls.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State  had gone to court seeking an order to restrain INEC from releasing the official voters’ register for the RSIEC  for the conduct of the election.

The director media and public affairs to RSIEC, Reward Aku, confirmed that it the commission now have the register and that the commission has displayed the list of eligible voters in 22 local government areas where elections were expected to take place this Saturday.

“The commission is working round the clock to ensure that we have free, fair, credible and transparent elections on 23^rd May, 2015. We have put everything in place. The security agencies are working with us to ensure that there is peace. The materials are coming, the voters register is with us here and if you go to the various polling units, we have displayed the voters’ list. There are there for people to check their names and ensure they are eligible for the voting that would take place on Saturday,” Aku said.