Awajis George News

  As the World Commemorates the 2022 World Aids Day, Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr.Ipalibo Harry Banigo says nobody should be left out and people should avail themselves of the available HIV services across the State.   Dr.  Banigo stated this in her goodwill message from the Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, 30th November 2022 to commemorate World Aids Day.   According to the Deputy Governor, in line with this year's theme, which is: “Equalize to End AIDS.”   Implementers in the HIV/AIDS response space should focus on underserved populations like pregnant women, children, adolescents, and key populations and people in correctional centers.   The Deputy Governor who reiterated the commitment of Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike-led Administration to reduce the disease burden of Rivers People disclosed that the State was among the 7 states that implement the ADOKIT project. Adolescents Kits for Innovation and Expression.   She also said only three States, Rivers, Lagos an

    Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has rule in favour of APC and it's Governorship Candidate Tonye Cole on the suit  sought to stop APC and Tonye Cole from taking part in the 2023 Rivers State Governorship Election. Mr. Bernard Mikko who was a Governorship Aspirant of APC in Rivers State earlier dragged INEC, APC,Tonye Cole and Ojukaye Flag-Amachree to court over the conduct of party primary that brought in Tonye Cole as the Governorship Candidate of the party. Trial judge Justice Phoebe Ayua who dismissed the suit, said the Plaintiff failed to explore and exhaust the party's dispute resolution mechanism before instituting the instant suit. Justice Ayua also noted that the Plaintiff sworn to an oath to abide by the outcome of the party's primaries, which he cannot approbate and reprobate at the same time.

  The Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt has set aside two Federal High Court judgments that invalidated the nominations of Action Democratic Party ADP and African Democratic Congress ADC House of Assembly candidates in Rivers State.  The Lead Judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole while delivering his judgment on the two different appeals granted the prayers of the appellants.  Justice Kolawole said the lower court ordinarily should not have entertained the suit,stating that the two political parties Candidates for the position of the House of Assembly were validly nominated and could participate in the forthcoming general elections.  Earlier,the Federal High Court presided over by Justice Turaki Mohammed had invalidated the nomination of ADP five House of Assembly candidates and seven ADC House of Assembly candidates after PDP in Rivers State dragged them to court over none compliance with the new electoral act.  Speaking with Newsmen outside the court room One of the lawyers to PDP D

  O ver a thousand residents of Ahoada have benefited from free medical outreach carried out by Six Division Nigerian Army in the community.    The free medical which is part of the ongoing Exercise Still waters launched by Nigerian Army in collaboration with sister security agencies was to cushion the effects of the flood that ravaged the area.    The Army also sank a borehole in Abarikpo community as part of the exercise.  Speaking on the importance of the exercise, the General Officer Commanding Six Division Nigerian Army Port Harcourt, Major General Olufemi Oluyede represented by the Garrison Commander, Brigadier General Suleiman Tilawan said the exercise was part of the efforts to strengthen Civil Military relationship.   He also said the exercise was in line with the vision of the Chief of Army Staff in attending to the health needs of host communities.   Reacting to the development, the Chairman Ahoada East Local Government Area Rivers State, Mr. Ben Eke and the Community Develo

As 2023 general elections draw nearer with each passing day, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Rivers State Chapter has called on all relevant stakeholders to eliminate all forms of electoral violence against women.  The association made the call in a statement to commence this year’s 16 days of Activism to end all forms of gender-based violence.  NAWOJ regretted that violence against women and girls remains the most pervasive human rights violation around the world and stressed the need to protect the rights of women with respect to electoral inclusivity. The association noted that the atmosphere is already heightened by electoral activities as its prevalence is now being further increased and called for issue- based campaigns as against gender-based campaigns.  It further expressed worry over the economic situation that has added significant stressors and some severe implications and enjoined all seeking elective positions to adhere strictly by the rules of the ga

  Unknown Gunmen have killed three police officers at Rumuokoro flyover in Obio Akpor local Government Area of Rivers State.  An eyewitness who shared the video of the gruesome murder of these policemen, did not reveal if anyone was kidnaped after the shooting. A source who spoke on conditions of anonymity said, the incident occured at about 2:30pm today.While the motive behind the attack remains unknown, most residents are apprehensive about the incident, which they alleged could have some political undertone. However, Spokesperson Rivers State Police Command SP Grace Iringe-Koko who confirmed the sad incident said investigation is ongoing.

  Justice Emmanuel Obile of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has disqualified Pastor Tonye Cole as Rivers State Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress. Justice Obile disqualified Tonye Cole on grounds of dual citizenship for voluntarily acquiring citizenship of United Kingdom and declaration of allegiance to same country, not being duly nominated by his political party and non-compliance with provisions of the Electoral​ Act. Pastor Cole was also disqualified on grounds that the primaries conducted by the All Progressives Congress violated sections of the electoral act and not monitored by INEC Speaking to journalists shortly after the court sitting, Counsel to PDP Dike Udenna said by the ruling INEC would not file Tonye Cole as Candidate of the APC in the 2023 general elections. On his part, one of the Counsels to APC, Collins Dike expressed displeasure that the same court which disagreed with APC that no court has right to interfere in another party af

  A Non_Governmrntal Organisation (NGO), Initiative For Transparent Strategy And Good Leadership, a Non-Profit Organization with the core responsibility of pushing for Good Governance and stability in the conventional operation of Governmental processes has dragged the Rivers State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, asking for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Mr.Sim Fubara who currently is the Governorship Candidate of Peoples Democratic party (PDP),Rivers State  and the immediate past Accountant-General in the Rivers State civil service, over his pending fraud case before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The group sought for an order mandating and compelling the defendant (Attorney General),to make public,Rivers State document, authorizing Mr.Sim Fubara to physically access and withdraw a whooping amount to the tune of One Hundred and Seventeen Billion Naira . The group in their prayers before the Federal

  By   Martha Igbiks All is now set for the one day proposed meeting with Water Producers, Borehole Drillers and other Service Providers  in the State slated for today, Tuesday, 22nd November, 2022. The meeting which is called at the directive of the Rivers Commissioner for  Water Resources and Rural Development, Prof Kaniye Ebeku is scheduled to hold at the Ministry of Health Conference Hall by 8am. A statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Miabye  E. Kalio said the meeting was part of the present administration's efforts to sanitize and regulate the water sector, with a view to ensuring safe water consumption in the State. The statement added that the outcome of the meeting will engender quality water production that would guarantee public health, urging Water Producers, Borehole Drillers and other Service Providers to come out en masse for the meeting as they are also required to fill their update form .

  The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Okon  Effiong  has condemned the mob action on one Ruth Tamuno where some group of boys numbering about six, led by one Samuel Matthew beat her up and inserted substance on her private part, for allegedly stealing of an Iphone.  Police Public Relations Officers SP Grace Iringe-Koko in a statement said the CP has ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department ,SCID; to conduct a discreet investigation on one Samuel Matthew aged 23 and Emmanuel Iweruma  aged 23, who were arrested in connection with the case.  According to the statement efforts   are on to arrest other fleeing suspects The CP reiterated that no matter the circumstances, resorting to self-help to carry out such act without recourse to extant laws and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, is totally condemnable and tantamount to violation of the law.  The CP urged citizens of the State to always be law-abiding and not to take laws into their hands, and should

  The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Rivers State has condemned the State Government Executive Orders 21 and 22. Chairman Rivers State Chapter of NYCN,  Comrade Nwisabari Bani who made the condemnation in an interview with Radio Nigeria in Port-Harcourt said  the body will challenge the Executive orders in court. Comrade Bani  maintained that the two Orders should not be allowed to play out as they are not contained in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. ''The Executive Orders so far signed are all obnoxious, vexatious and alien to sound democratic norms globally.  Executive orders 21 and 22 are both signs of highest legislative ineptitude, ignorance and executive rascality by the executive arm. Because these Orders are unknown to nature and the constitution, the council has directed its legal team to challenge the orders so as to create a conducive political space for all and avoid the state of anarchy already being peddled by the Wike's led PDP

  A mother of five children Beatrice Mbari whose husband was arrested by the Police for inflicting grievous body harm on her at their residence in Bundu Ama, Port Harcourt local government area of Rivers State, over his female lover, have called for justice. In an interview with our correspondent, Mrs. Mbari narrated that on Thursday, 10 November, 2022, her husband beat her up mercilessly, naked her, dragged her around the kitchen and later threw her out of the apartment over the report his lover identified as Helen gave about her. According to her, it is not the first time, he is battering and assaulting her as a result of his lover, while expressing fear that if she continues to stay with him she might get killed someday. She thanked the officers from Central Police Station Aggrey Road, Port Harcourt City for their swift response in getting him arrested, while calling on FIDA to help her ensure justice prevail on the matter. Meanwhile, Confidence Mbari first daughter of Beatrice Mbar

  A major hideout for suspected cultists in Azikiwe street, Mile 2  Diobu PortHarcourt in Rivers State known as 'Cultism Lane' has been taken over by security operatives seven days after a  raid of the brothels and the cultists den by Police and other sister agencies that led to arrest of fifty suspects. Our correspondent who has been monitoring the situation reports that Diobu Vigilance group working under the supervision of the Nigeria Police has taken over  'cultism lane' and mounted their office there. Investigation by our Correspondent indicated that the 'cultism lane' prior to the raid was a logistics and planning base for suspected cultists in the area. Recalled that the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police command SP Grace Iringe Koko had confirmed the raid while stating that those found innocent will be released unconditionally. Our correspondent also reports that incidence of handset robbery,robbing of passerby money, harassment of ladies passing a

  A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt will on Friday, 18th of November, 2022 give definite hearing on a suit filed by the Peoples Democratic Party against the Independent National Electoral Commission, Accord and Governorship Candidate, Dumo  Lulu-Briggs and his Deputy Governorship Candidate. The court presided over by Justice Stephen Daylop-Pam will also hear on the suit by PDP against INEC, Accord and all the national Assembly candidates of Accord in Rivers State. When the both suits came up for hearing ,  Counsel to Accord applied for motion extension of time to enable him regularize his process which was not opposed but granted, while Counsel to PDP, Dike Udenna informed the court that they are yet to respond to process especially on preliminary objection raised by the defendants and asked for a new date.  Justice Daylop-Pam after listening to the parties, directed them to file and respond to the processes and adjourned till 18th of November, 2022 for definite hearing. Sp

  By Martha Igbiks  The new Commissioner  for Water Resources and Rural Development in Rivers State, Professor Kaniye Ebeku, says the State Government will constitute an enforcement task force to  clamp down every form of illegal and substandard water factories across the State.  The move, according to  the Commissioner, will ensure that the quality of water delivered to the public meets certain standards in line with relevant water laws. Speaking during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Water Producers Association of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter (WAPAN) to his office in Port- Harcourt, Professor Ebeku said the provision of potable water is critically important in view of the fact that water is life, noting that absence of good quality and safe water may lead to proliferations of water-borne diseases. He urged the leadership of WAPAN to advise their members to do the needful by complying  with the Rivers State Water Development Law of 2012 which regulates  water production ope

  Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the attacked on some supporters of the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Police Public Relations Officers SP Grace Iringe-Koko in a statement said a group of PDP supporters led by one Hon Nnamdi Nwogu went to Ibere in Omuma Local Government Area to mount a campaign bill board of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar ,but they were resisted by  Youths of the area who attacked them and injured one Udochukwu Nwakpala severely. The Spokesperson stated that the victim has been taken to an undisclosed hospital for treatment . According to the statement, Police Patrol teams have been deployed to ensure normalcy returned in the area. She added that the situation is being closely monitored and investigations have commenced.

  Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress ,APC; Rivers State Mr Darlington Nwauju has called on the new Commissioner of Police, Mr. Okon Effiong to carry out a thorough investigation on the attacked of the PDP Presidential Candidate Supporters by suspected political thugs while hanging posters of the Candidate in Omuma local Area of Rivers State. Mr. Nwauju who frowned at the attitude of some politicians in the area expressed fear that if urgent steps are not taking to forestall reoccurrence of the incident next year election may be distorted. The Spokesperson urged other security agencies to beam their flashlight on the local government as the area has over the times become a flashpoint for political violence. Mr. Nwauju described the attack as barbaric, unethical and against the maintenance of democracy. He added that for credible and peaceful election to take place next year, the state must be peaceful and habitable for all. Earlier,supporters of the Presidential Candid

  Report says Gunmen suspected to be cultists invaded a Housing Estate in Ahoada Town in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State last night in search of rival cult members . We gathered that a shoot-out ensued between the invaders suspected to be members of Greenland cult group and their rivals, Iceland cult group which resulted to the death of about eight persons and a woman sustaining gunshots injuries with corpses of deceased littered around the Estate . A resident of the community who does not want his name mentioned told our Correspondent that residents scampered for safety and many others remained in doors for fear of being caught by stray bullet. Our source disclosed that there was no security presence for over two hours the shooting lasted.He also revealed that some residents around the area  deserted the place this morning. As of the time of filing this report, Spokesperson Rivers State Police command SP Grace Iringe- Koko was yet to confirm the incident.

  Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu has appointed Doctor Johnson  Sinikiem as the new Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Rivers State. Professor Yakubu made the announcement at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja while swearing in 19 RECs. The chairman said Doctor Sinikiem was among 4 RECs who were redeployed from their previous states, noting that the Rivers REC was moved from Cross River State. The INEC Chairman said the news RECs would be responsible for the commission’s human and material resources while working with the staff in line with the provisions of the law and the electoral body’s Regulations and Guidelines. In the meantime, the INEC Chairman has warned RECs against visiting State Government Houses or holding unofficial meetings with politicians after official working hours. In his remarks while swearing the 19 RECs, Professor Yakubu cautioned that all matters pertaining to official responsibilities should be conduct