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Showing posts from April, 2026

Police Disbands Tactical Teams, Launch Violent Crime Response Unit

  By Awajis Josiah-Chijindu  The Rivers State Police Command has announced the dissolution of Tactical Teams within the Command, in line with ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency, professionalism, and public confidence in policing. A statement by the Command's Public Relations Officer ASP Blessing Agabe, stated that the action was in strict compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and is being implemented under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju. According to the statement, following the directive, all disbanded Tactical Teams have been consolidated into a single formation,Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU.  The Police Spokesperson noted that the unit is mandated to respond swiftly to incidents of violent crime, while adhering to established rules of engagement and respect for fundamental human rights. The Command also issued a strong warning against extortion, abuse of office, and all forms...

Rivers State Government Meets OPM General Overseer Over Child Rights Violation

By: Martha Igbiks Rivers State Government, through the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, has convened a meeting with the General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries, OPM, Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, to address recent public concerns over child rights violations involving an autistic child in marriage and childcare practices that conflict with state laws. The meeting was convened with the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, Rivers State Branch, led by its Chairperson, Barr. Tamunonuemi Life-George. Speaking after the meeting, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Lauretta Davies Dimpka, explained that the engagement became necessary after the Ministry identified actions by the OPM leader which, though done in good faith, were not in tandem with existing laws in the state. She cited the Child Right law, the Persons with Disability Act and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition law (VAPP) as a guiding instruments for the ministry's position. She thank...

APGA Signals 2027 Readiness As National Chairman Champions Transparency And Unity At Historic South East Stakeholders' Meeting At AWKA

  Written By Nduka Anyanwu    Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa has emphasized that strategic engagement remains central to strengthening the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) ahead of future elections, describing the just-concluded South East Zonal Stakeholders’ Meeting as a defining moment for the party’s evolution. Speaking after the landmark gathering held at the International Convention Centre, Awka, the APGA National Chairman noted that the meeting—regarded as the first of its kind—brought together the full spectrum of the party’s leadership structure across the South East. According to him, the engagement provided a rare and valuable opportunity to synchronize efforts, refine political strategies, and present a unified vision for the party’s future. Ezeokenwa remarked that the meeting sent a strong signal of APGA’s preparedness and readiness for upcoming electoral contests, reinforcing its position as a formidable force within Nigeria’s dynamic democratic space. He stre...

Police Arrest Suspected Kidnappers, Rescue Hostage

  By: Awajis Josiah-Chijindu  Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have apprehended three suspected kidnappers linked to the kidnap of Mr.Chukwudekwu Emmanuel,a native of Lagos State, who was kidnapped in Etche local government area on the 17th of February 2026.  The suspects Chinedu Okoro 38 year old, a native of Imo State, Okwudiri Njoku, 32 years, a native of Ozuzu in Etche Local Government and  Onyema Sunday, 25 years old from Ika in Akwa Ibom State. A statement by the Command's Public Relations Officer ASP Blessing Agabe stated that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects specialize in luring unsuspecting victims from different parts of the country through social media platforms , using the images of reputable personalities to gain trust. According to the statement, the suspects were apprehended while attempting to kidnap another victim,  Chisom George , who was deceitfully invited from Anambra State under the pretext of inviting ...

Rivers State Judiciary Counters NBA National Position over Contempt Ruling, Says Judge Acted Within the Law

  SPONSORED  The Rivers State Judiciary has faulted the Nigerian Bar Association National over its March 26, 2026 press release condemning the jailing of a lawyer for contempt, insisting the trial judge acted lawfully to protect the court’s integrity. In a rejoinder issued by Chief Registrar High Court,David D. Ihua-Maduenyi, Esq., the judiciary said it was necessary to “set the records straight” following reactions to the NBA’s statement on the contempt conviction of Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin. Titled: "JUDGES MUST NOT BULLY LAWYERS OR ABUSE POWER TO PUNISH FOR CONTEMPT AS A TOOL FOR INTIMIDATION OF LAWYERS" RE: IN THE MATTER OF CONTEMPT OF COURT BY MRS. LOVINAH UGBANA BENJAMIN IN SUIT NO. PHC/301/2016 CORAM C. NWOGU J., OF THE HIGH COURT OF RIVERS STATE. The state judiciary explained that case in question is Suit No. PHC/301/2016 before Justice Chinwendu Nwogu of the Rivers State High Court, where Mrs. Benjamin served as defence counsel. The statement  read thus "We ...

Joint Security Destroys Kidnap Hideouts in Rivers, Recovers Arms, Communication Radios

 Press Release  In a decisive escalation of efforts to combat entrenched criminal networks, the Rivers State Police Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, has dismantled suspected kidnapping strongholds in IPO and Igwuruta-Ali, exposing the depth of organized crime operating within the state. The operation, carried out on April 12, 2026, reflects a coordinated security response under the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, aimed at flushing out criminal enclaves that have long posed threats to residents and commuters along key corridors in Rivers State. In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Agabe Kaborlo Blessing, detailed the scope, execution, and outcomes of the joint security operation. Acting on intelligence, tactical teams of the Police, alongside the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSC...

NUJ condemn hoodlums attack on Port Harcourt Based Journalist

  Press Release  The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council has condemned the unwarranted attack on a Journalist with Naija/Beat/Classic FM, Port Harcourt Amb.Allwell Ene,  by unknown hoodlums. The union while noting that Ene was carrying out a legitimate assignment of news gathering when he was attacked on Monday 13th April , 2026, at Garrison Junction  Port Harcourt, called on the the State Police Command  to effect immediate arrest of the culprits and other necessary actions to alleviate the trauma he went through. A statement signed by the Chairman Comrade Paul Bazia -Nsaneh and Secretary Dr Ijeoma Tubosia said Allwell Ene  was brutally molested  leaving him with multiple lacerations and swollen eyes while the hoodlums removed and destroyed  his phone. They also tore his clothes before bundling him into an unknown place,  before he was rescued. According to the statement “The NUJ  is disheartened over the ugly inci...

CEHRD Builds Staff Capacity, Presents 2026-2028 Strategic Plan

  SPONSORED  In a bid to reenergize staff towards enhancing its developmental thrive in Nigeria, The Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development (CEHRD)  organised Board and Staff Annual Retreat. The retreat which was held in Port Harcourt was aimed at accelerating CEHRD's Strategy for the year 2026 to 2028. Addressing the participants during the retreat, the coordinator (CEHRD), Dr. Nubari Nabie stated that the retreat gave opportunity for the Vision and Mission of CEHRD to be rekindled so staff can enhance their productivity in alignment with organization objectives. He recounted that CEHRD has had remarkable successes, encouraging staff to continue their impacts on the community without fear or favour. On his part, CEHRD's head of programme, Mr. Styvn Obodokwe reviewed that the organization is known for defending the rights of citizens, urging that it will continue to speak out and hold the government at all levels accountable. Speaking further, Head of Admini...

Nigeria's Political Competition Is Weakening As Opined By APGA National Chairman

Written By Nduka Anyanwu  AS NIGERIA APPROACHES A CRITICAL PRE-ELECTION PERIOD, CONCERNS OVER THE INTEGRITY OF OUR DEMOCRATIC PROCESSES INTENSIFY. In a recent view, APGA National Chairman, Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa, has raised alarms over the declining state of political competition in Nigeria. He emphasized that the weakening of our democratic system is not merely due to internal party disputes but is rooted in a deeper institutional crisis threatening the very foundations of credible political contestation. According to the view, Nigeria is witnessing a disturbing pattern of intra-party crises across various political entities. These include leadership disputes within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), factional tensions in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and internal cohesion challenges within the Labour Party — even in the ruling party, which has yet to face a major internal upheaval. The report asserts that these are not isolated incidents but symptoms of a broader insti...

Governance And Social Stability -Progress And Resolving Tensions As Nigeria Prepares For The 2027 Election Cycle— Insights From APGA National Chairman

  Written By Nduka Anyanwu  As Nigeria steadily approaches the 2027 general elections, the nation stands at a critical juncture in its democratic journey. Governance and social stability have become paramount concerns, requiring deliberate efforts to foster progress and address underlying tensions. Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), offers profound insights into the state of Nigeria’s governance landscape and the pathways toward a more stable and inclusive society. PROGRESS IN GOVERNANCE Under Ezeokenwa’s leadership, APGA has consistently championed good governance, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and citizen participation. He recognizes that Nigeria has made notable strides in institutional reforms, anti-corruption efforts, and expanding democratic space. These developments have laid a foundation for a resilient political system capable of accommodating diverse interests and fostering national cohesion. Ezeo...

MESSAGE: Easter Sunday Greetings : A Call To Reflection And Salvation In Nigeria's Turbulent Times By APGA National Chairman

Written By Nduka Anyanwu  As Nigeria grapples with the complexities of its democratic journey, marked by trials and tribulations, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa, takes this opportune moment to send his warmest Easter Sunday greetings to all Nigerians. A TIME FOR REFLECTION AND HOPE As we commemorate the sacred Easter season, which symbolizes hope, redemption, and salvation, Barrister Ezeokenwa implores Nigerians, particularly APGA members and supporters, to engage in sober reflections on the lessons of Jesus Christ's teachings. The season serves as a poignant reminder of the values of compassion, forgiveness, and love that are essential in our collective quest for peace, unity, and progress. A CALL TO NATION-BUILDING The APGA National Chairman's Easter message is a clarion call to all Nigerians to re-examine their roles in nation-building, particularly in the face of the numerous challenges that our country faces tod...

Dumo Harps On Collaboration Between Academia, Businessmen, Government .…. Plans To Build Industry Research Centre at RSU

By: Pius Dukor The Rivers State Business mogul , Industrialist and Managing Director of Platform Petroleum, High Chief Dumo Lulu-briggs has called on collaboration between the academia, business people and government for rapid development. High Chief Dumo made the Remarks during the celebration of Pastor Prof. Barineme Fakae 70 years birthday celebration and unveiling of book over the weekend at the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt. High Chief Dumo a philanthropist who also Chaired the 70 years colloquium of Prof. Fakae a former Vice Chancellor of the University pledged to construct an industry research center at the Rivers State University (RSU), Nkpolu Orowurukwo, Port Harcourt, noted that this collaboration by these great minds will foster development and synergy leading to bigger opportunities in the State. The former Rivers Governorship candidate who was responding to the appeals by the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Issac Zeb Obipi, said the construction of the c...

Good Friday Reflection - Security As The Non-negotiable Foundation Of Nationhood As Opined By APGA National Chairman

Written By Nduka Anyanwu  As we observe this solemn Good Friday, a day commemorating the crucifixion of Christ—a profound symbol of sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering commitment—APGA National Chairman, Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa is compelled to reflect on the critical state of our nation’s security.  This day invites us to ponder the essence of sacrifice and the moral duty of leadership, especially in ensuring the safety and well-being of the people.   Security: The Primary and Non-Negotiable Obligation of Government   It is universally recognized that security is the cornerstone of a stable, prosperous society.  Every government’s primary responsibility is to guarantee the safety of its citizens, a principle enshrined in our constitution—Section 14(2)(b)—which mandates that the security and welfare of the people remain the core purpose of governance.  Beyond legal mandates, security forms the social contract between the state and its people; when...

Governor Fubara Visits Gas Emission Site in Bille Kingdom, Donates ₦100 Million

  By: Juliana Masi Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has extended interim relief measures to the people of Bille Kingdom as efforts intensify to address the ongoing environmental degradation affecting the area. During a working visit to Bille Kingdom in Degema Local Government Area on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, Governor Fubara reassured residents of his deep concern for their health and well-being. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to finding a lasting solution to the persistent gas emissions observed in the community’s land and water sources since November 2025. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dagogo Wokoma, the Governor announced immediate interventions to address urgent needs. These include the provision of potable water and essential medical services through the release of ₦100 million as palliative support for the affected community. According to the SSG, "Governor Fubara remains deeply committed to the welfare of the people of Bille K...