Awajis George News

The Public Complaints Commission have sought for collaboration with Department of Petroleum Resources in the fight against administrative injustice and corrupt practices in oil and gas industries. The Federal Commissioner, Public Complaints Commission in Rivers State Marshall Israel made the plead when he led officials of the commission on a working visit to the Zonal Head office of the DPR in Port Harcourt. Israel said the visit became necessary following the increasing complaints of cases of administrative injustice and corrupt practices in oil and gas industry as well as controversy with host communities of oil and gas companies. Marshall Israel insisted that collaboration between the two Government agencies will help end challenges. In his response, the Zonal Operation Controller of Department of Petroleum Resources, Bassey Nkanga commended the commission for their efforts and assured of their collaboration for the betterment of Nigeria society.

The Rivers State police command said its attention has been drawn to the Threats and counter Threats making the rounds by some youth bodies in Ogoni, especially the threat by the Ogoni Youth Federation Worldwide on the planned protest to the Rivers State Government House scheduled to hold tomorrow Thursday 29th August, 2019. Rivers State police Public Relations Officer Mr. Nnamdi Omoni in a press statement said the Command is not unaware of the fact that, Citizens have the right to Protest, however such Rights are not absolute as they could be derogated from when it is perceived that the Protest will undermine the peace and security of the State. The police stated that in this particular case, Intelligence at their disposal revealed that, the said Protest is ill-conceived, and most worrisome is that the group has been infiltrated with all manner of miscreants who want to hijack, destabilize the process and cause breakdown of law and order in the State. Consequently, the Co

The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Bayelsa State, Mr. Monday Udoh-Tom said the series of stakeholders’ meeting organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission was part of the engagement of critical actors ahead of the November Sixteen Gubernatorial Election in the State. Represented by the Acting Administrative Secretary, Mr. Bocco Ekong after a review of the twenty-nineteen General election, the Commission has formally sanctioned the commencement of preparations with the distribution of permanent voter cards, PVCs, from September Two. Head of Voter Education and Publicity, Mr. Wilfred Ifoghah gave insights on the processes for the collection of PVCs. Some of the Stakeholders comprising State party Chairmen, Civil Society Organisations, Religious and Community Leaders during an interactive session took turns to seek clarifications and offered suggestions on the distribution of the PVCs. Forty-Nine Thousand, eight hundred and nineteen PVCs which are ready for collectio

Taxi drivers plying Rumuokoro-Choba route have shot down operations in protest over alleged increase in ticket and other levy by the management of Rumuokoro motor park. Our correspondent who monitored the protest reports that the taxi drivers stormed the motor park to resist the increase of ticket from three hundred naira to four hundred naira without any explanation by the management of the park with some beaten up by taskforce working under the management of the park. Leader of the taxi drivers, Chigozie Nwuju who addressed the leadership of the park in presence of some security personnel said they decided to protest because of the difficulties they are facing in the hands of the management of the park especially the latest increment in tickets. Nwuju complained that they buy same ticket three junctions within the same route in Obio-Akpor which he said makes them to go home with nothing at the end of the day toiling, even when the drivers of vehicle belonging to the leadershi

Initially, I felt that there may be the need to respond and clarify what the Hon. Minister said some days ago at Abuja. But after reading the press statement you are referring to particularly concerning what appears to be some instinctive base language used in some of the paragraphs, I honestly believe that there is no need to respond after all. However, let me make it very clear that the Hon. Minister did not say or allude in any way that he was the one to organise congresses in Rivers State, it is the national secretariat that organises congresses and that should be well understood by all. Happily, I didn’t read in the statement that the Nigerian courts have ruled APC eternally out of existence in Rivers State. We thank God for that. Chris Finebone State Publicity Secretary APC, Rivers State. 25/8/2019

Immediate past Senator representing Rivers South East Senatorial District, Senator Magnus Ngei Abe, has described as unacceptable, the announcement by the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi on the congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State. Amaechi had reportedly announced to his supporters shortly after his inauguration in Abuja by President Muhammadu Buhari that there would be congress in the state without cognisance to the existing judicial pronouncement on subject matter and the need for consultation as it affects the interest of party members. Abe spoke at the weekend when members of the APC Visionary Media Team paid him a courtesy visit at his residence in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. He noted that the Minister of Transportation rather than concentrate on achieving the needed contribution to national development is creating another avenue for tension and crisis in the political structure of the party, demonstrating same

Ahead of the implementation of the Rivers State Street Trading, Illegal Markets & Motor Parks (Prohibition) Law No. 8 of 2019, the Task Force on Street Trading, Illegal Markets and Motor Parks has embarked on the sensitization of residents of Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas, urging them to comply with the State Government's new policy. Leading the sensitization campaign, Special Assistant to the Governor and Coordinator, Task Force on Street Trading, Illegal Markets and Motor Parks, Mr Bright Amaewhule said that in line with the Governor's Directive, the Task Force will commence work on Monday. He visited majority of the 13 Zones designated by the Rivers State Government for the Operation of the Task Force. Amaewhule appealed to street traders to cooperate with the Task Force so that Port Harcourt Streets would once again be clean and attractive. The Special Assistant to the Governor and Coordinator, Task Force on Street Trading, Illegal

Government has been called upon to carry out sensitization programmes to educate people on the dangers of baby factory. Head of Social Workers, Rivers and Bayelsa State, Dr. Daniel Uranta stated this to our correspondent in Port Harcourt. Dr. Uranta said the operation of baby factory is an abuse on the right of the child and womanhood. Also speaking, Head Rivers State Liaison Officer of National Agency for prohibiting of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP; Glory Chinda stressed that NAPTIP is still on course of shutting down illegal orphanage homes and arresting the operators. Mrs. Chinda advised pregnant teenagers not to patronize the baby factories instead approach government agencies for help. She charged parents to carry out sex education in their homes to forestall early pregnancy and appealed to the government to employ measures to make adoption easy for childless couples.

The Chairman of Gokana local government area flood management committee, Dr. Moses Bakpo says the committee has identified high ground where people can be relocated in the event of any flooding in the local government area. Speaking with our correspondent in Port Harcourt, Dr. Bakpo noted that the committee in liaison with community leaders, visited various communities to identify flood prone areas and what should be done to ensure free flow water especially during the rainy season. Dr. Bakpo who emphasized that disasters are often natural or manmade, charged the people to desist from engaging in any act that could cause flooding in their communities. The Nigerian Metrological Agency NIMET had in its forecast, identified Gokana Local government area as one of the local government areas in Rivers State, likely to be affected by flooding this year.

The provision of accessible loans, modern facilities and security has been identified as factors that will boost agriculture in the country. A social commentator and a human right activist Mr. Christian Lekia who spoke to our correspondent in PortHarcourt stressed that the government’s agricultural policies should translate and impact the masses positively. Mr. Lekia called for effective monitoring by government to see that agricultural programmes are implemented religiously to benefit all Nigerians. Also speaking, an Agriculturist Mrs. Emily Emiri described the president’s directive to Central Bank of Nigeria not to provide foreign exchange for food importation as a step in the right direction ,she noted that it would strengthen the nation’s economy. Mrs. Emiri appealed to government not to dwell much on rice production but consider other areas of agriculture which include cassava farming, and livestock production. Ealier , Mr. Mattew Kalio and Mr. Johnny Jack advised governmen

part of measures to remove chronically sick persons on major roads in Rivers state, an association of Catholic Sisters, Daughters of Charity of saint Vincent De Paul, is advocating for a law to support the rehabilitation of the sick persons. Coordinator, Strategic Committee for the Succour of chronically ill persons, Sister Marie Therese Okon, who stated this at a consultative forum on the review of the Chronically Ill Persons (Management and Rehabilitation) draft bill, said the bill would soon be forwarded to the Rivers State House of Assembly for passage. Sister Okon, expressed the concerns that the streets of Port Harcourt had been littered with persons chronically ill with some individuals who make money off them. Sister Okon pleaded with the government to enact an enabling law to give them legal backing for effective rehabilitation efforts. Rivers State Director, National Orientation Agency, Mr. Young Ayo-Tamuno and a representative of the State Ministry of Social Welfare

A Social Worker in Port Harcourt, Dr. Daniel Uranta says the prison service in the country needs total reform and overhaul and not just a change of name. Dr Uranta who was reacting to the recent change of the name; Nigeria Prisons Service to Nigeria Correctional Service by the federal government said the change should focus on impacting the lives of the inmates and the warders. The Social Worker said the inmates need counselors, medicals and adequate rehabilitation facilities. President Muhammadu Buhari had changed the name of the Nigeria Prisons Service to Nigerian Correctional Service, after signing the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019 into law. This was made known by his Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang.

The Rivers State Police command said it attention has been drawn to the news making rounds on Social and Traditional media on the State of affairs in Opuoko and Lumene Communities in Khana LGA. The police public Relations Officer Nnamdi Omoni in a press statement explained that the distorted news should have been ignored as the Command is not given to frivolities and fake news capable of stirring disaffection and causing panic and tension in the State. However, in order that the public will not be immediately misinformed and hold erroneous impression resulting from the fake news, the command deemed it necessary to put the records straight and state as follows:that today information got to the command that a group of Cult boys invaded two Communities Opuoko and Lumene in khana local government area where they attacked and killed one person in Opuoko and two in Lumene ,the houses of the LGA Chairman and the former Youth Leader came under attack. The attackers on sighting the Police t

Members of warring cult groups in Alakahia Community Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State have denounced membership of various cult groups. Some of the repentant cult members who spoke at the event recounted how they were lured into cultism by the activities of some community leaders and chieftaincy tussle. The repentant cultists while calling on all aggrieved youths to shield their sword and be united, also want the chiefs and community leaders to do the right thing for the development of the youths just as they called on government to intervene and end the root cause of the problem in the community. Paramount ruler of the Community , Eze Daniel Ogbondah-Dodo encouraged the youths not to get involved in any social vices , warning that those who would not want the peace of the community will not also have peace, just as he promised that he and his cabinet will continue to ensure the peace and security of the area. Earlier, chairman peace and reconciliation committ

Another lady identified as Jennifer Nwokocha from Obirikom in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area of Rivers State has been strangled to dead at Venice hotel in Woji GRA axis of Port Harcourt by her supposed lover . Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer Mr.Nnamdi Omoni who confirmed the incident to our correspondent said Jennifer's lifeless body was found in a room in the hotel. DSP Omoni also said it would be necessary to installed close Circuit Television, CCTV in all the hotels in the state to monitor the activities that are been carried out in the hotels to forestall reoccurrence of the ugly incident. Our correspondent gathered that the deceased hands and legs were tied and also a white handkerchief tied round her neck. The recent killing came weeks after one 23 years old Maureen Ewuru was killed in same manner in a hotel in Dline PortHarcourt

Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People, MOSOP, has raised the alarm over the spate of cult-related violence and killings in some communities in Ogoni land. The Publicity Secretary of the organisation, Mr Sunny Zorvah, raised the concern in a statement made available to newsmen in Port-Harcourt. Mr. Zorvah said the crises, which started in Okwale community on Tuesday, degenerated and spread to two other communities: Taabaa and Nyokuru, all in Nyokhana district in Khana Local Government Area of the state. He said “MOSOP was pained by the unjustified attacks leading to the burning down of the residence of the President of the movement, Comrade Legborsi Pyagbara in Nyokuru community. Mr. Zorvah called on the police and the special joint military task forces as well as traditional rulers to quickly wade into the situation, fish out the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

The Nigerian Bar Association Rivers State has expressed worries over the incessant kidnapping and killings of her members. Briefing Newsmen in PortHarcourt, chairman Port Harcourt branch , Mr. Sylvester Adaka who spoke on behalf of the executive members of the association in the state noted that the recent kidnapping of Iyke Emelogu at Eneka community in Obio Akpor local government area ,Sunday Wonmo ,Monima Omuboye and David Uranta have thrown the association and their families into a devastating mood. Mr.Adaka also condemned the murder of Mr. Frank Igwe,Ken Atsuete ,Anthony Wakama among other lawyers in the State. The Port Harcourt branch Chairman of NBA said the association demands the unconstitutional release of all lawyers in the custody of the kidnappers ,and also called on security agencies to switf into action and secure the release of their members unhurt. Mr Adaka said if their demands were not met the association will not hesitate to direct all lawyers to withdraw th

The Rivers State Commissioner of Police Mustapha Dandaura said the place of the family in society building cannot be over emphasized as the family form the basis for society growth . The commissioner of police who was represented by the PortHarcourt Area Commander of the Nigeria police Mr. Ewah Bassey stated this at a security summit organized by the PortHarcourt Area command of police Community Relations Committee in PortHarcourt. In his lecture on Helping the police to Help you , chairman Rivers State chapter of PCRC chief Casca Ogosu said the Police being the major security agency saddled with the responsibility of internal security in the country ,it will be appropriate to have an insight into how they are funded. "The Nigeria Police Force has been bedevilled by poor funding which has in turn ,resulted in poorly trained and ill-equipped personnel over the years." Chief Ogosu who stressed that security is everyone's business emphasize that it is imperative to j

The Commissioner of Police medical in charge of South/South zone cp Efonsola Sewemmo has commended the Upata monarch for providing them with a facility for the take off of police medical center in the Orashi region. The CP said this at Edeoha community, while speaking at the opening ceremony of the police free medical outreach in Upata kingdom in collaboration with "Chike Okoli foundation" and Emzor Pharmaceutical. She further said the police medical unit was happy to identify with Upata kingdom and advised the people to take advantage of the ongoing police healthcare services at Edeoha. She also so expressed appreciation to the Upata people for their hospitality, assuring that the police will not take it for granted. Also speaking at the ceremony, His Majesty, Eze Dr. Felix Otuwarikpo thanked the Nigeria police for finding Upata kingdom worthy to host the Police Medical Center. He promised the kingdom will assist the police to protect the facility and the medical st

The Nigeria Union of Journalists ,NUJ; Rivers State Council has felicitated with Muslim faithful in Rivers State particularly those in the pen profession for the grace of God Almighty that has made them witness this year's Eid El-Kabir celebration. The Union in a statement jointly signed by the State Chairman, Stanley Job Stanley and Secretary, Ike Wigodo in Port Harcourt on Sunday, prays Allah to continue to bless all Muslim faithful and grant them the opportunity to witness many more Eid El-Kabir celebrations in good health and peace. The statement urged Muslims in the State and the entire country to use this period to pray for national peace, religious tolerance and development in the country. The statement said Eld-El -Kabir is all about sacrifice and appealed to muslim faithful to make personal sacrifices to promote good neighbourliness amongst residents in the state and work towards the greater good and development of journalists in Rivers State. The Union regrets

Some cult members in Ngo Andoni local government area of Rivers State have denounced their activities in the area. The leader of the group Friday Derefa speaking with our correspondent appealed to the Chairman of the area to engage them in meaningful skills. Meanwhile the Chairman of Andoni Local Government Area, Mr. Paul Lawrence cautioned the repentance cultists in Ngo to warn other members from neighboring community in Andoni to desist from cult related activities. Also the King of Ngo land His Royal majesty King Okuruket Nnabiget admonished the repentant cultists to involve other members of their group in the peace accord. King Nnabiget advised the people of the area to embrace peace in order to attract meaningful and sustainable development.

Medical experts have called for policies that will enhance six months exclusive breast feeding by nursing mothers. The experts stressed that a policy that will allow six months of maternity leave will enhance exclusive breastfeeding. A pediatrician with the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, UPTH Dr. Nneka Gabriel- Job who spoke with our correspondent said the policy should also cover the men. Also a Chief nursing officer with UPTH, Mrs igonikon Anga said exclusive breast feeding was vital for the well being of the child calling for a crèche in every institution to enable working mothers feed their babies conveniently. Another Chief nursing officer with UPTH, Mrs C.T. Gwunireama stressed that UPTH is currently running a programme to sensitise the public on the benefits of breast feeding. The theme for this year’s World Breast Feeding week is, ‘Empower Parents For Breast Feeding’

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has offered scholarship to NYSC Presidential Honor Awardees from Rivers State to acquire a Masters degree in any University abroad. Receiving the awardees in Government House Port Harcourt, Governor Wike urge them to work towards getting admission and State Government will cater for their schools fees till graduation. He urged them for be focused and continue to make Rivers State proud as worthy Ambassadors. Earlier, Spokespersons of the NYSC Presidential Honours Awardees, Mr Otto Chimenem said they received their awards as best serving corps members in their various state of service. Mr Chimenem also stated the award was based on their excellent performance during their service years as they carried out various developmental and human capital projects in their places of primary assignments. Mr Chimenem who commended Governor Wike for his developmental and Leadership style added that they had emulated him which spurred them to do projects t

All Heads of Personnel Managements and Treasurers indicted by the Committee set up by the Rivers State Government to investigate and audit the financial transactions of twenty three Local Government Councils in the State are to disciplined. Governor Nyesom Wike stated this when he received the report of the committee set up to investigate and audit the financial transactions of the Local Government Councils from May 2018 to May 2019 at Government House, Port Harcourt. Governor Wike who explained that he will not dissolve the Local Government Chairmen based on the Supreme Court Judgement, however said all those found wanting will be dealt with. The Rivers State Governor commended the committee for submitting their report as at when due. Earlier, while submitting the report, the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Committee, Doctor Ipalibo Banigo said all the twenty three Local Government Chairmen and principal staff of the councils appeared before the committee, while appropria

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has declared that nobody should attempt the RevolutionNow protest in the state. Governor Wike said that Rivers State is not part of the RevolutionNow protest and whatever illegal agenda it seeks to pursue. The Governor said: "Rivers State does not subscribe to what the RevolutionNow protest represents and Rivers State is not part of the protest". He directed security agencies in the state to arrest anybody involved in the RevolutionNow protest and also take all necessary steps to prosecute such persons. Governor Wike urged parents to ensure that their children are not misled by agents of the march to participate in the illegal protest. "All council chairmen are directed to be at alert. If they suspect any illegal gathering, they should report to the security agencies for immediate action ", Governor Wike said.

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has relieved the Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University , Prof Blessing Chimezie Didia of his appointment with immediate effect. Also relieved of his appointment is the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Magnus Oruwari. Accordingly, Governor Wike has approved the appointment of Professor Opuenebo B. Owei, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) as the Acting Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University. The Statement added that Governor Wike has suspended the ongoing employment exercise at the university. Furthermore, a committee has been set up to investigate the employment exercise and report to the Rivers State Governor in two weeks.

Physically challenged persons from Ogoni are to be trained in various skills as part of livelihood programmes of Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP. The Project Coordinator HYPREP, Dr. Marvin Dekil made this known during interaction with the group in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Dr. Dekil also assured the physically challenged persons that those of them with capacity and requisite knowledge would be fully engaged in the clean up exercise. The project coordinator maintained that Federal Government was serious over the cleanup of Ogoni land. While reacting to the gesture, the President, National Association of Persons living with disabilities in Ogoni, Mr. Ngo Baridado, appreciated HYPREP for accommodating them in their livelihood arrangement and pledged that the group would support HYPREP to succeed. Mr. Baridado said they were impressed with the sincerity exhibited by HYPREP on the remediation process.

A pastor with one of the churches in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State Pastor Akana Peter is calling on one Mr. Udochukwu to come and pick his three children he abandoned in the church. The pastor said the absconded father led the children to a junction and asked them to go to the church that he will join them later and was not seen for more than two days. Pastor Peter also said the matter has been reported to a police station. One of the children David Udochukwu appealed to his parents to come pick him and his siblings from the church. Mr Udochukwu was said to have taken refuge in the same church last year when he alleged that his resident was flooded.

The leader of the conscience of Ogoni People, Mr. Gani Topba has raised concern over the silence of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ leadership and the International community on the alleged attack on his life by the chief of staff, Rivers State Government House, Mr. Emeka Woke, during a live radio interactive programme in Port Harcourt. Mr. Topba said the ugly development was an attack on democracy. Reacting to the killing of Dr. Ferry Gberegbe a lecturer with Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic during the last governorship election in the State, Mr. Topba, said he was not convinced that the police killed Dr. Gberegbe. On the controversies around the OML 25 oil well, Mr. Topba, alleged that one billion dollar had been release to the Rivers state government by Shell Petroleum ,with which the government is intimidating the people of Kula community. In a reaction, spokesman to Shell Petroleum Development Company, Mr. Bamidele Odugbesan, dismissed the allegation and that the company was o

Government at all level have been urged to collaborate with traditional institutions in the area of security to achieve a safer environment. Deputy National Secretary of Police Community Relations Committee, PCRC, in Rivers State, Mr. Austin Young stated this in an interview with our correspondent Mr. Young who was speaking against the backdrop of the newly introduced security architecture Operation Sting by the Rivers State Government maintained that community policing is the panacea to tackling crime. The PCRC Secretary lauded the State Government for launching the security architecture, however frowned at the use of the military to run the operation. Mr. Young called on Government to create opportunities that would keep youths meaningfully engaged.