News
Obuah Condemns SARS Over Ogoni Killings
The Chairman, Rivers State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bro. Felix Obuah says he was seriously disturbed by the continued lawless activities of operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in the state under the command of CSP Akin Fakorede.
Obuah, while condemning last Saturday’s killing of three innocent Ogoni youths in Luebe community in Nyor-Khana district of Khana Local Government Area of the state, said the operations of SARS have become a source of anguish to the people of Rivers State, wondering why since the deployment of the current Commander of the squad, Akin Fakorede to the state, these lawless and unprofessional operations have continued unabated with impunity.
The PDP chairman expressed worry that rather than protecting lives and property of Rivers people, the SARS, led by Fakorede has taken pride in destroying lives, causing pains to the people, turning to armed robbers, constituting nuisance on roads, acting as political thugs and armed gang to the All Progressives Congress (APC), and therefore, constituting a security threat to the nation’s democracy and peace in Rivers State.
“It is quite pathetic and painful that lives of these three young men and many more have just been cut short by operatives of the SARS, who reportedly were on illegal oil bunkering business in that Ogoni community, as they were seen escorting illegally refined crude oil to the point of sale, where they (the SARS operatives) were to be paid huge amount of money for the oil deal”, Obuah noted.
He further said this incident was as worrisome as that which took place almost simultaneously same Saturday, in which another team of SARS operatives, attached to the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, led by Fakorede, attacked the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, while on inspection tour of projects in Port Harcourt, insisting that “This trend must stop”.
Reiterating his earlier unequivocal call for the removal of the Rivers SARS Commander, Akin Fakorede, Obuah observed that no civilized society allows this kind of security threat untamed, stressing that President Muhammadu Buhari must match his words with action in his claim of being the president ‘for everybody and for nobody’.
“President Buhari needs to save lives of Rivers people and our dear governor from Fakorede, his paymasters and killer squad”, the PDP chairman emphasized.
Obuah also commiserated with the people of Ogoni, the Luebe community and families of the three unjustly murdered youths, assuring them that justice must prevail in the matter.
He further called on the state Commissioner of Police, Zaki Ahmed and the Police High Command to ensure perpetrators of these dastardly acts are arrested and prosecuted accordingly, saying that failure to the needful would worsen the already battered image of the police under the present inspector general as the worst in the world.
Meanwhile, following the brutal murder of the three Ogoni youths by operatives of SARS, last Saturday, in Luebe, community leaders and women have called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the state SARS Commander, CSP Akin Fakorede over allegations that the squad operates a bunkering syndicate to defraud Nigeria.
They also insisted that the bunkering activities of SARS in the area have impacted negatively on the Luebe environment, and challenged relevant authorities to urgently tame the scourge.
The community leaders, who listed the names of the three murdered youths to include, Bariledum Ndag, EwonuBari LeBari, and Neebee Baah, said the three were only serving the community and nation by working to prevent illegal oil bunkering in to area.
“On Friday night, the SARS operatives working with bunkering criminals attempted to move stolen petroleum products to Oyigbo Local Government Area. When they were challenged by the youth, they opened fire on the boys, killing three and injuring 15 others.
“The mass murder led to protests, as women and youth trooped out to call for justice. Despite this gruesome murder of innocent youth, the Rivers State SARS Commander, Akin Fakorede in company of APC leaders stormed Bori, seeking that the case be swept under the carpet.
“However, the police area commander in Bori insisted on releasing the names of the SARS bunkering syndicate to community leaders who have petitioned relevant authorities, calling for justice,” the community told newsmen, last Monday.
By: Susan Serekara-Nwikhana.
News
PDP Opobo/Nkoro Hails Fubara On Peace, Projects
Stakeholders of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Opobo/ Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State have commended the state Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his disposition that has fostered peace in the State.
Rising from an expanded stakeholders meeting last Saturday in Opobo Town, the body in an eight-point communique signed by its Chairman, Hon. Benneth Daminabo, Chairman of Council, Rt. Hon. Enyiada Cookey-Gam and LG party Chairman, Warisenibo Godwin Pepple commended the governor for linking Opobo/Nkoro LGA to the national grid.
In addition, it lauded the effort of the governor in pursuing the 50.15 kilometre Dual Carriage Ring Road, Elelenwo internal road, Aleto-Ebubu-Eteo Road in Eleme and Andoni Road projects.
Despite the distractions, the stakeholders said they were impressed that the governor had equally done projects in health-the unveiling of Prof. Kelsey Harrison Hospital, Agric projects at Tai and Oyigbo and improving welfare of civil servants.
In their words, “members reaffirmed their unalloyed loyalty and implicit confidence in his administration.”
Condemning the unfriendly and discourteous utterances of Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Tony Okocha in different fora in the State, the forum urged the duo to desist from such action in order not to heat up the polity.
The forum pledged to stand by the governor through, “thick and thin”, the stakeholders acknowledged the contributions of women, who through prayers for the government has impacted positively in the direction and posture of the governor.
Finally, the forum unanimously expressed gratitude to the Simplified Movement and other bodies that have thrown their weight behind the governor to ensure that the administration is stable and successful.
By: Kevin Nengia
News
‘Rivers People Are Now Breathing Fresh Air Under Fubara’
Aformer Caretaker Committee Chairman of Abua/Odual Local Government Council of Rivers State, Hon Elamo Arogu, says under Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the people of the State are now breathing fresh air.
Hon Arogu said Governor Fubara has given Rivers people hope, considering the impactful and people-oriented projects being carried out by his administration.
The former CTC chairman made the assertion during the Simplified Movement’s thanksgiving service and rally held in honour of Rivers State chief executive last Friday in Abua .
Arogu said under Governor Fubara, the Abua/Odual people have the confidence that the dividends of democracy will definitely get to them.
He noted that the Governor has the strong will to change the narrative in Rivers State, being the reason he is receiving massive support across the State.
“The people of Abua/Odual are strongly behind him. Our doors ate open for everyone because there is government in place to attend to the needs of the people. I believe that he will develop Abua/Odual and other Rivers council areas, hence, the massive support. This government is business- oriented and we are ready to encourage him succeed and invest in our land. The issue of a bank; road networks and other necessities of life bordering on development as demanded by the people will be considered by Governor Fubara”, he said.
He called on the opposition to team up with Governor Fubara to build a stronger, united and viable Rivers State.
He maintained that ward nine under his leadership is Simplified.
News
Rivers State University Cooperative Society Elects New Leaders
The United Port Harcourt Peoples Cooperative Investment & Credit Society Limited, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, has elected new leaders to pilot the affairs of the cooperative for the next two years.
They are Pastor Dr. Barine Aeba (President); Dr. Gift N. Nkweke (Vice-President), Dr. Kenneth Chima Adiele (General Secretary), Victor G. Banigo (Assistant General Secretary),
Rose Yeyeda Nwosu (Treasurer), Adaku Nwogu (Financial Secretary) and Stella Ereba (Public Relations Officer).
Inaugurating the new Management Committee after a keenly contested election held recently at the University Amphitheatre, the Director of Cooperatives in Rivers State, Dr. Elizabeth Chidi-Wike, congratulated the seven-member Executive for emerging winners at the election, charging them to uphold the bye laws of the Cooperative Society and hold regular congress meetings.
Dr. Chidi-Wike used the forum to commend the outgone Management Committee for reviving the Cooperative and placing it on an enviable pedestrial.
In her remarks, the Acting Registrar of the University, Mrs. Ibimonia Sotonye Harry applauded Cooperative members for keeping faith with the Cooperative Society, stressing that the goal of the society in helping members save for retirement cannot be over emphasised.
In his valedictory speech, the outgone President, Dr. Mie-Idala Jones Amachree expressed gratitude to God for the successful completion of his four-year tenure, thanking his fellow Management Committee members who gave him the needed support that transformed the Cooperative Society.
In his acceptance address, the President, Pastor (Dr.) Barine Aeba thanked the university management for providing the enabling environment for the peaceful conduct of the election, pledging that he will fulfill all his campaign promises.
A total of 165 Cooperative members participated in the electoral exercise which was conducted by an Electoral Committee led by Engr. (Dr.) Joseph D. Enoch.
-
Politics4 days ago
Impeachment: Edo CJ Raises Panel To Investigate Allegations Against Dep Gov
-
News4 days ago
Federal Lawmakers Kick Against Extension Of Rivers LG Chairmen’s Tenure
-
News2 days ago
Police Prosecute 29,052 Cases, Secure 16,200 Convictions In One Year
-
Politics2 days ago
Senegal: Faye Set To Become Youngest Elected African President As Rival Concedes Defeat
-
Business4 days ago
Nigeria’s Public Debt Hits N97.3trn – DMO
-
News4 days ago
I’ll Dedicate My Birthday To Nation-Building, No Celebrations -Tinubu
-
Niger Delta4 days ago
NDDC, Firm To Train Bayelsa Youths In Acquacultrue
-
Sports2 days ago
…As In-Form Rangers Top League Table