Awajis George News

  In a statement by the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer SP Grace Iringe-Koko,officers and men of the Command were redeploy to restore peace in the area. The statement below 👇 There was a Pre-rally attack by unknown armed men on the campaign convoy of Senator Magnus Abe, while on his way to attend a rally at Akinima in Ahoada West Local Government Area. Security personnel attached to him were able to rebuff the attack. Upon receipt of the information, tactical teams were immediately deployed to the area to reinforce the personnel earlier posted to provide security at the campaign venue. The teams were able to restore peace and normalcy in the area, paving way for a successful rally. Meanwhile, the Rivers State Command has commenced investigation into the attack on the SDP flag bearer, Senator Magnus Abe, with a view to arresting the hoodlums.

  Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested six Armed suspected bandits along Elele Owerri Road in Ikwerre Local Government Area, Spokesperson Rivers State Police Command SP Grace Iringe-Koko in a statement said officers on Stop and Search intercepted a Toyota Sienna with with six occupants namely, Boniface Owoicho  Driver of the vehicle 55 year old, Momo Junior   27 years, Mudi Moses   25, Ibrahim John  35 years, Abdul Faruk   23 year old and  Nuhu Imadi all from Kogi State.  According to the statement,following a thorough search conducted in the vehicle, the police team recovered five arms, Three English-made single barrels and two English-made automatic revolver barrels and twenty AA live cartridges. Also recovered were four police belts, five knives, two military cardigans, three operational boats, one Civil Defence operation hat, two long-sleeved singlets engraved with Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Services (NHFSS), four face caps, two woven caps, ten GSM

  National leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party has asked Emmanuel Ukala, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria who was hired by PDP in Rivers State not to represent the party in the Appeal filed against the Accord and Independent National Electoral Commission. The position of PDP was made known in a letter read out before the appeal court sitting in Port Harcourt debriefing Emmanuel  Ukala  and instructing Johnson Usman to take the appeals. Our correspondent reports that the parties did not opposed the decision of the PDP national and the three man appeal panel led by Justice Joseph Ikyegh granted the request and adjourned till 3rd of February, 2023 following a request by the new PDP counsel. Speaking to Newsmen, Counsel to Accord, Muhammad Abdullahi  explained what transpired in court and expressed their readiness to meet the PDP in court. On his part; the new counsel representing PDP, Johnson  Usman said he has been instructed by the national legal Adviser of PDP to take over the appea

   CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele has  announced the extension of the use of old naira notes by ten days.  In a statement ,He explained that the apex bank has sought approval from President Muhammadu Buhari to extend the deadline for the use of the old notes by 10 days. “Based on the foregoing, we have sought and obtained Mr President’s approval for the following:  A 10-day extension of the deadline from January 31 to February 10 to allow for the collection of more old notes legitimately h eld by Nigerians,” the statement read. "A 7-day grace period, beginning from February 10 to February 17, in compliance with Sections 20(3) and 22 of the CBN Act allowing Nigerians to deposit their old notes at the CBN after the February deadline when the old currency would have lost its Legal Tender Status.” The CBN Governor also solicited the cooperation of all Nigerians in ensuring a hitch-free process for the implementation of the policy. Before the apex bank extended the use of the naira note

  A local vigilante group known as OSPAC in Omademe IKwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State has allegedly shot one Godspower Dimkpa dead, a native of IPO , after collecting twenty five thousand  naira bail money. The incident comes barely forty eight  hours after Commissioner of Police,  Effiong Okon reiterated ban on use of fire arms and detention of suspects by local vigilante group in the state. The victim, father of two was said to have been ambushed and shot dead by Omademe OSPAC members on his way to his community after he was released from their cell. In an interview with our Correspondent,elder brother to the deceased,Luggard Dimkpa narrated what transpired. "On Thursday the man he sold land for at the backyard, build his house finished and packed in,and fence his land so I don't know what caused issue between my late brother and his tenant. "The tenant,CDC Chairman in IPO brought OSPAC from Omademe to come and  arrest my brother,that the CDC Chairman said t

    A High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has convicted and sentenced one Bestman Lekia popularly call Biggie to death by hanging for killing four persons, used an intestine to prepare meal and burning of buildings in a community in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers state.  The Suspect and others now at large were reported to have killed Gbodu  Nobaale , Etim Ekpe , Nenalebarri Mmeabe and Loveday Mmeabe who was first kidnapped and taken to a place where his intestines was used to prepare plantain meal in Okwalie community in Khana  in 2019. The trial Judge, Justice Adolphus Enebeli in his judgment found the suspect guilty of murder, kidnapping, cultism and armed robbery, stating that the prosecution counsel proved his case with the necessary evidence and presentations. Justice Enebeli said even the attitude of Lekia throughout his trial proved that he is a hardened criminal, cultist and terrorist, thereby ruled that he should be hang on his neck until he is confirmed dead. Speakin

A man identified as Chris was stabbed to Coma at Mile 3 Diobu, PortHarcourt by one Simiyu Ganiyu aka Olowo and his boys who accused the man of having affairs with his ex-wife. Chris who came for a burial was said to have been  trailed and ambushed by the said Olowo and his boys who stabbed him severally before he was rescued by Vigilante group. Chief Security Officer of Nkpolu Oroworukwo, Mile 3 Diobu Comrade Godstime Ihunwo called for the immediate arrest of Olowo and his boys. In an interview with Journalists,Comrade Ihunwo said at about 12:40pm yesterday his men rescued the victim who was stabbed to coma at National street by the suspects who accused the victim of having an affair with his ex-wife. Comrade Ihunwo said his men rushed the victim to the hospital where he is in critical condition. The Chief Security Officer condemned the attempted murder of Chris by Olowo and his boys while calling on law enforcement agencies to immediately arrest and prosecute Olowo as nobody is above

  The Rivers State Government has reiterated its commitment to providing free education in the state. The state Commissioner for Education professor Chinedu Mmom stated this in PortHarcourt while donating educational materials to some schools in the state. The Commissioner warned principals of the schools not to sabotage efforts of government by not making judicious use of the materials. On payment of external examination fees which is part of the free education policy in the state, Professor Mmon said Governor Nyesom Wike releases minimum of three billion naira for registration of the examination every year. Professor Mmon also stated that the government had started the renovation of some schools that are dilapidated in the state and urged schools to bear the discomfort as it is for their benefits. On his part, president of All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools,ANCOPSS; Rivers State Chapter comrade Ewor Gordon who appreciated the state government for the kind ge

  The Independent National Electoral Commission ,INEC; says it is collaborating with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Matters Commission ,(ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ,(EFCC) to check vote-buying during the forthcoming General election. The Electoral body while describing vote-buying as a cankerworm that has eaten deep into the country's political system said it has also sensitised the people to monitor and report anyone involved in the act during the elections. INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC); in Rivers State, Mr. Johnson Sinikiem stated this in Port Harcourt, during the opening ceremony of the 2023 Press Week of the Correspondents' Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists ,NUJ ,Rivers State . Mr . Sinikiem, represented by the Director Voter Education and Publicity, Mr. Mark Usulo, said with the new Electoral Act, anyone found with a permanent voter's card ,PVC; that does not belong to him or her, risks a jail term

  By Josiah Egbilika Language Advocate  Campaigns are integral part of every electoral process. Through campaigns, electoral stakeholders pass messages to the public, educate the public on certain issues patterning the electoral process. The political parties and politicians do not joke with campaigns, in fact, campaigns are their bedrock, "nextdoor wife" if they need to keep themselves in the mind of the people to draw sympathy towards themselves. Parties and politicians use campaigns to inform the people of the candidates and gladiators that will square it out in the "egelege" (native wrestling) fight called election. Beyond campaigns,  other electoral process like voter's education, sensitization, rallies, etc. are all part to ensure a successful, free and fair election. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) uses sensitization to educate the public on how to vote, how to take their permanent voter's card popularly known as PVC; inform the p

  The Rivers State Police command has debunked the rumor making round on social media that there was an explosion during APC Rally In Port Harcourt. Spokesperson of the Command SP Grace Iringe-Koko in a statement explained that there was an internal crisis within Rumuwoji community Town Hall playing ground, venue of the rally over which faction should control the community playing ground/town hall before the commencement of the APC rally. She revealed that Rumuwoji community is factionalized into two as a result of Chieftaincy tussle. According to the Spokesperson, It was alleged that the CDC Chairman collected the sum of two hundred-thousand naira  from APC as payment for renting the playground/town hall which was shared among one faction that led to the crisis.  According to the statement, two persons were injured from the fracas which ensued between the two factions.  The statement further revealed that the Commissioner of Police has directed the DC State CID and O/C Bomb Disposal U

  Operatives of the C4i Intelligence Unit of the Rivers State Command have arrested one Ikechi Promise  aged 30, a native of Akwu Community in Etche Local Government Area and one Darlington Obi  aged 35 from Ikem Community also in Etche Local Government Area. Police Public Relations Officer SP Grace Iringe-Koko in a statement said the arrest was linked to their recent operation, which occurred on December 20th, 2022 , when a 28 year old Lady  was lured down to Igruwuta market junction, kidnapped and taken to Chokocho Pipeline, where the  kidnapping syndicate raped her and collected her two iPhones and a Samsung phone. The kidnappers later collected a ransom of Six Hundred Thousand Naira  from the victims' relatives before she was released . The suspects confessed that their modus operandi is to lure girls out through chats on Tinder for Relationships, a popular social media platform. The Police Spokesperson stated that based on relentless follow-up, the gang leader of the kidnappin

  Rivers State Police Command arraigned six persons before a Magistrate Court sitting in Port Harcourt on two counts charge bothering on alleged economic sabotage, forgery and printing of Affidavit and Public Document Racketeering.  Gift Godwin , Esther Monica -Sylvester , Virasi Gbarabe , Irene Anthony , Comfort Jude  and Mary  Effiong are alleged to have been carrying out the act around the premises of the court along Station Road Port Harcourt. According to the charges, the activities of the suspects are causing loss of revenue to High Court which is an offence punishable under section of Criminal law of Rivers State, saying that the arrest of the suspects who pleaded not guilty to the charges is the effort of the administrative officers of High Court of the state. Presiding Chief Magistrate, Omonigho  Nwibani after listening to Counsel representing the parties on bail application, adjourned till 14th of February, 2023 for bail consideration. The chief Magistrate  directed that the

  Rivers State Deputy Governor and the Peoples Democratic Party Candidate for Rivers West Senatorial District in the forthcoming Election, Dr.  Ipalibo Harry Banigo says Obuama Community is blessed beyond measures by the Almighty God.   Dr. Banigo made this assertion during the Ward to Ward sensitization and campaign organized by the Degema PDP in Ward 14 Obuama.   Dr. Banigo who expressed gratitude to the People for their support and massive turn out, assured the People that the Kingdom Mandate which was ordained by the Almighty God would offer to them an erudite and effective representation at the Upper Legislative Chambers.   According to her, the Rivers People would continue to enjoy righteousness, peace and joy, when they give the PDP their mandate and urged the People of Degema Local Government Area to vote, Siminialayi Fubara, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Cyril Godwin Hart, and Abbey Peter for the Gubernatorial, Senatorial, Federal House of Representatives and the State House of As

  Rivers State Commissioner of Police Okon Effiong has charged Youths to join in the fight against  cultism and other social vices in the state  CP Effiong who gave the charge at an interactive meeting with Youth leaders in the state noted that no society can thrive in the midst of rancor and acrimony. The police boss who wondered why politicians will engage youths in political thuggery and violence for selfish interest, advised youths  to be of good behaviour before, during and after the forthcoming election. On the ongoing political campaigns in the state, CP Effiong stressed that all political parties should be given equal playing ground to  campaign in the state. The Commissioner also maintained that the state witnessed a crime free society during the festive season as a result of efforts of Rivers people  in reporting promptly issues of security threats in their localities. Also Speaking, chairman Rivers State Youth Leaders Coalition Comrade Legborsi Yamaabana assured the commissi

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Rivers State wishes to inform all applicants, particularly, NYSC members (serving and Ex-corpers), students of Tertiary Institutions, and staff of MDAs, who applied to serve as Presiding officers and Assistant Presiding Officers, that they are to report to the various Electoral Officers for screening in the LGAs where they intend to serve in the 2023 General Elections. They are to come along with the following information/documents: For serving Corps members – *Call up letter and NYSC ID*  For students - *Tertiary School ID card and/or letter of admission.*  For staff of MDAs – *Appointment letter from current Employer, and/or past Promotion letters.*  For Ex-Corps members – *NYSC discharge certificate.*  The screening is scheduled for *Thursday, 19th – Monday 23rd January 2023, 9am - 3pm each day.*   *Please note that all applicants must present their application acknowledgement slips.*  Mr. Mark Usulor HOD, Voter Education &am

  By Josiah Egbilika Considering the decline in our indigenous languages, it has become of immense imperative to draw attention to the neglect of our indigenous languages. This is necessitated because the neglect of our languages has resulted to the abuse and false assumption that our indigenous languages are insufficient to national development, peace building and reconciliation. It is worthy of note that no good development can be achieved without communication. A good communication system is a facet to a better development in any region. No matter the tribe, race, belief or people, communicating the precepts and processes for better understanding and follow up is imperative. This is made possible through language. As a matter of truth not just fact, the place of language in human development can never be undermined. It plays a major role in virtually every human endeavour. It relays the essence of human existence, stores our artefacts and transports age long histories to future gene

  The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for the collection of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) to Sunday 29th, January 2023.  The electoral umpire earlier fixed Sunday, 22nd January 2023 as the collection deadline. But following a meeting on Thursday, INEC said it has pushed the deadline by eight days. “The Commission is determined to ensure that registered voters have ample opportunity to collect their PVCs ahead of the forthcoming election. For this reason, the timeframe for the collection of PVCs is extended by eight days,” INEC National Commissioner Festus Okoye said in a statement. Instead of ending on Sunday 22nd January 2023, the collection of PVCs will continue until Sunday 29th January 2023. At the moment, the period of collection is 9.00 am – 3.00 pm daily (including Saturdays and Sundays).” He explained that the development signals “a consequential adjustment of the collection by location as follows: 1. Collection at the Registration Are

  Following a tip-off at Gure Co mmunity  in Khana Local Government Area in Rivers State, operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit  Bori Annex arrested Mr. Kensuanu Dick popularly known as Aaro,  Mr. Myimaka Olu and one Junior Mbo of Bean Community, members of a Cult Group, who has been terrorizing the area. One locally made pistol was recovered during the search.  Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police at the following emergency numbers: 08039213071, 08098880134. 

  M  The Rivers State Police Command says officers of the Rumuji Police Division raided an uncompleted building that was being used as a criminal hideout at Obelle Community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State and rescued one Martin Nze 37 years old  from Awka in Anambra State. The victim was rescued and his car recovered. Police Public Relations Officer SP Grace Iringe-Koko in a statement said three of the abductors; Vincent Sunday, 25years from Rumuji, Ekene Micheal, 29years from Eliozu, and Mohammed Oluwasegun, 20years from Ondo State were arrested and one Single Barrel Dane Gun recovered from them. She reaffirmed the command's commitment to reducing crime and criminality in all its forms to the barest minimum.  According to the statement,members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police at the following emergency numbers: 08039213071, 08098880134. 

  Rivers State Police Command, C4I Intelligence Unit Operatives, said it raided two houses at Igwuruta and Omagwa communities in Ikwerre local government Area where victims of child trafficking were being kept.  In the operation, the suspects who were arrested  include: Favour Bright 30 year old from Umudioga Community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, Peace Alikoi, 40 year old from Igwuruta who is the leader of the trafficking syndicate, Master Noble Uzuchi, 17 year old and Mr. Chigozie Ogbonna, 29 year old. Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko in a statement said ten  victims were rescued in the operation and most of them are pregnant, they include:  Gift Saviour, 19 years from Umudioga Community; Favour Charles, 23 years from Abale Community in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State; Joy Monday, 21 years from Bumy Community, Gokana Local Government Ares Rivers State; Chiagoro Nice, 19 years from Ndas Community, Etche Local Government Area,  Bless

  Rivers State Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources Engineer Uchechukwu  Nwafor has cautioned all Filling Stations Selling above stipulated  Pump Price of Petroleum product in Rivers State to desist forthwith or be ready to face the actions of government. Engineer Nwafor who stated this while reacting to the current scarcity of Petroleum product within PortHarcourt and it's environ in an interview with Newsmen in PortHarcourt said the Ministry has constituted a special Monitoring Team to identify all those Filling Stations selling above  Pump Price in the state as part of government efforts in ensuring availability of  products for Residents. The Commissioner who attributed the current fuel scarcity to inadequate supply on the part of NNPCL assured that government is working assiduously with critical State holders to end the trend and suffering of Residents accessing petroleum products ,emphasizing that any filling stations found culpable will be shut down . Engineer Nwafo

   A language Advocate Josiah Egbilika has tasked Nigerians to intentionally make indigenous language teaching and speaking as part of their resolutions for the year 2023. The Language Expert speaking in his weekly programme, LanguageHealth at NigeriaInfo 92.3 FM, stated that individuals and families need to consciously make teaching of mother tongue as part of their curriculum for the year. Mr. Egbilika remarked that while people pay attention to making resolutions on lifestyle, attitude, character and behaviours, they do not include teaching and speaking of mother tongue as part of it. He further explained that beyond teaching, Nigerians should use the language in their day to day activities. He frowned on the fact that some Nigerians in diaspora make use of the mother tongue in their homes and ensure their children speak it while those in the country do not see the need to use the language as means of communication even in their homes. On decision making, the Language Advocate who i

  An Appeal court sitting in Port Harcourt has reserved judgment in an appeal filed by the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State, and their Governorship Candidate, Patrick Tonye-Cole, against the Peoples Democratic Party and Independent National Electoral Commission over judgment of Federal High that sacked Tonye-Cole as Governorship Candidate of APC. Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt presided over by Justice Emmanuel Obile had in his judgment on a suit filed by PDP that Patrick Tonye-Cole should be disqualified as Governorship Candidate of APC for allegedly having dual citizenship and that APC violated electoral act in the conduct of the Congress and primary that brought in Tonye-Cole . Our Correspondent reports that when the matter came up before the Appeal Court, Counsels representing the parties argued and adopted their final written addresses. The three man panel of the appeal led by Justice Joseph Ikyegh after listening to the argument from the legal representations

  Report says a  man identified as Ndubisi Uwadiegwu from Enugu State has allegedly beaten his wife, Ogochukwu Enene, to death over a loaf of bread in Lagos State. It was gathered that the deceased hailed from Umuokpu village, Awka, Anambra State, but married to her husband who hails from Enugu State. First son of the deceased who is aged 14, said their father beat their mother to death with mirror, because she asked him to buy bread for them but he said he had no money. The son added that his mother decided to use her money to buy one loaf of bread for the children, but the father went into the kitchen and ate the whole bread and when their mother asked him why he finished the bread, he started beating her and it led to her death.

  Carnival has been identified as a veritable tool to enforce unity and peaceful coexistence in any Nation. The historical event in Nigeria can be dated back to the 19th Century in Lagos during the colonial period and had been held in some states of the country like Cross River and Rivers State.    In this special report our Correspondent takes a look at the impact of carnival especially in Andoni Local government Area of Rivers State where the council Authority has used the event to bring the people together after years of youth restiveness in the area. The event has been one of the major events during festive seasons used by some states to attract foreign investors to boost the economy of the area. For instance, in Cross River state the Calabar Carnival was first proposed when the then governor of the State, Donald Duke, had a vision of making the state a hub for tourism and hospitality in Nigeria and Africa, with a view of celebrating their cultural heritage. The story is not differ