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Author: Desmond Ejibas

  • Police investigating IED explosion in Rivers – Spokesperson

     

    Explosion

    By Desmond Ejibas

    Port Harcourt, June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Rivers is currently investigating an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonation that occurred near Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, an official said.

    SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson of the command, said in a statement in Port Harcourt on Saturday that one male suspect had been apprehended.

    She urged residents to remain calm as police detectives were actively pursuing leads to identify the sponsors and perpetrators behind the explosion.

    “The command has launched a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the cause and circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event.

    “We have identified one individual in connection to the explosion and urge residents to remain calm.

    “Efforts are being made to gather crucial information and shed light to this situation,” she stated.

    Iringe-Koko affirmed that security measures had been heightened to guarantee the safety of both residents and visitors within the state.

    “We thank the public for providing information, pictures, and videos to assist our ongoing investigation.

    “Anyone who sees any suspicious object should evacuate the area immediately and promptly notify the police,” she added.

    The police image maker urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement and report any suspicious activities related with the incident. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    DES/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

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  • IED explosion: Rivers Govt. confirms detention of suspect

    Explosion

    By Precious Akutamadu and Desmond Ejibas

    Port Harcourt, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Rivers Government has confirmed the detention of an unidentified man, suspected of detonating an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) near Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, is currently under custody.

    Dr Adaeze Oreh, the Commissioner of Health, told journalists in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, that the suspect was receiving treatment at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).

    “The suspect suffered severe injuries from the explosion, he is being held RSUTH following our alert to all healthcare facilities across the state.

    “We urged our facilities to report individuals who present themselves with any injury suggestive of a traumatic amputation of an upper limb.

    “So, when a young man was brought to RSUTH with injuries supposedly from a road accident, medical staff raised suspicions,” she said.

    Adaeze explained that the medical personnel recognised that his condition did not align with injuries from a road accident but indicated signs of blast.

    “So the patient was immediately taken to the theatre for urgent resuscitation due to his semi-conscious state, with the Ministry of Health and Commissioner of Police promptly notified.

    “At the moment, the suspect is receiving medical care, and he is in a stable condition now.

    “We are working closely with the police, who have secured both the suspect and  the hospital, while conducting necessary investigations,” the commissioner added.

    Earlier, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers, Mr Olatunji Disu, told newsmen that the command had received information about four individuals who parked a white Corolla vehicle on Aba Road and detonated an IED.

    He said that two of the suspects sustained severe injuries and fled the scene after the explosion.

    “Consequently, we have urged all police units within the state to be on the lookout for the suspects, including healthcare facilities.

    “Our bomb squad have gathered particles from the blast site and has confirmed presence of IED residue.

    “Soon, we will be able to confirm the kind of IED that was detonated,” he said.

    Disu stated that investigations were ongoing to determine whether the explosion was linked to Tuesday’s protests or an isolated incident. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    DES/PA/AZU

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    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • Police advise Rivers NULGE to suspend planned protest

    Police advise Rivers NULGE to suspend planned protest

     

    Protest

    By Desmond Ejibas

    Port Harcourt, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The police in Rivers have called on the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) to suspend its planned protest over the closure of 23 local government council secretariats, citing credible intelligence reports of potential hijacking by hoodlums.

    This is contained in a statement issued by SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s Public Relations Officer,  in Port Harcourt.

    “The police command respects the right to lawful assembly but have received credible intelligence indicating potential infiltration of the planned protest on Monday.

    “Hoodlums plan to hijack the protest and instigate chaos in the state.

    “Consequently, the command advises the organisers to suspend the planned protest to avert any possible breakdown of law and order,” she said.

    Iringe-Koko affirmed the police’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of residents.

    She warned of the imminent arrest and prosecution of anyone or group attempting to disturb the peace.

    “In an effort to ensure public safety, the Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, has deployed officers to the 23 local government council secretariats to maintain security until the risk of disruption ceases.

    “Comprehensive security measures have been put in place to safeguard lives and property, ensuring unhindered traffic flow and lawful activities across the state,” she added.

    The police spokesperson urged residents to carry on with their daily activities without fear, as the police have implemented tactical measures to guarantee their safety.

    NAN reports that Gov. Siminalaye Fubara on June 20 in a state-wide broadcast, dissolved the councils, citing the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution on the tenure of local government administration.

    He directed the heads of administration in the councils to immediately take charge of the councils’ affairs.

    The governor, who also ordered for the audit of the councils, has since appointed caretaker committees who are operating outside the councils’ secretariats due to their takeover by the police.

    However, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had on June 22 announced that the police would not vacate the secretariats until the courts give final judgment on the tenure of the chairmen. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    DES/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Police confirm abduction of traditional ruler’s police orderly, driver in Rivers

    Abduction
    By Desmond Ejibas
    Port Harcourt, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Rivers has confirmed the abduction of a popular traditional ruler’s police orderly and driver by suspected kidnappers in Rivers.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that gunmen had invaded the residence of Chief Cornwell Ihunwo, the Paramount Ruler of Rumu-Elechi, Nkpolu Orowurokwo around 8 p.m. on Saturday.
    NAN also reports that the gunmen had invaded the place with the intention of abducting the traditional ruler but could not find him.
    The hoodlums then took the royal father’s police orderly and driver at gunpoint to an undisclosed location.
    Spokesperson for the police command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday that the command’s tactical team had been deployed to rescue the victims.
    “The Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Rilwan, has ordered the swift arrest of the perpetrators to face the full wrath of the law.
    “The Octopus Strike Force unit has already commenced a full-scale investigation to ensure the victims regain their freedom unhurt,” she stated.
    Iringe-Koko said that Disu had visited the scene of the abduction for an on-the-spot assessment.
    Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Nkpolu Orowurokwo community, Godstime Ihunwo, told newsmen that the traditional ruler was unharmed during the incident.
    “At about 9 p.m. on Saturday, I received a call regarding HRM Ihunwo’s abduction. I immediately rushed to his house on Eagle Island, where I met him.
    “Chief Ihunwo told me that the gunmen had taken away his driver and police orderly,” he said.
    NAN gathered that Ihunwo is the younger brother of Victor Ihunwo, a former Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Council. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    DES/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Burna Boy did not pay all UPTH patients’ bills, says spokesperson

     

    UPTH

    By Desmond Ejibas

    Port Harcourt, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) has faulted reports that musician, Burna Boy, covered all medical bills for patients during a recent visit to the hospital.

    The hospital clarified that the music icon only settled the bills of selected patients at the facility, contrary to claims of covering all outstanding bills.

    Mrs Elabha Meni, the institution’s spokesperson, made the clarification in a statement released in Port Harcourt on Friday.

    “We commend Burna Boy’s kindness in financially assisting select patients in our hospital to offset their bills during his visit on June 11.

    “However, contrary to reports stating that all patients bills in UPTH were paid during the visit, only selected patients received cash gifts or donations.

    “The hospital did not receive direct payments from the musician and his team on behalf of patients to support this worthy course of reducing healthcare cost,” Meni clarified.

    Meni lauded the musician’s charitable act in helping those in need in the society. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    DES/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

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  • NDDC, Afreximbank collaborate on Niger Delta development

    NDDC, Afreximbank collaborate on Niger Delta development

    NDDC

    By Desmond Ejibas

    Port Harcourt, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has initiated talks with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to accelerate infrastructural development and economic growth in the Niger Delta.

    A statement on Thursaday in PortHarcourt by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, said that the two organisations agreed to collaborate at the Afreximbank Annual Meeting in the Bahamas recently.

    Ughakpoteni quotes Dr Samual Ogbuku, the NDDC Managing Director, as saying the discussions, held at the Afreximbank Annual Meeting in The Bahamas, were part of NDDC’s strategic planning to involve development partners in the advancement of the Niger Delta.

    “Discussions revolved around the strategic and operational leadership required for implementing the bank’s intra-African and industrialisation objectives to support the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCFTA).

    “The meeting was a crucial gathering for economic policymakers in Africa and the Caribbean, providing a platform for dialogue, cooperation, and exploration of opportunities for mutual growth and development,” he stated.

    Ogbuku emphasised that the commission was actively seeking to collaborate with development partners to leverage the economic potential of the region for job creation and growth.

    “We are pushing for sustainable development in the Niger Delta; hence, we will be following up on our talks with Afreximbank to deliver tangible outcomes for the region.

    “The discussions also focussed on a variety of opportunities that will bring benefits to the Niger Delta in no distant time,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    DES/AOS

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    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

  • Ex-Student leader’s killing unconnected to Rivers LG tenure crisis – Police

    Killing

    By Desmond Ejibas

    Port Harcourt, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Police command in Rivers says the killing of a former student leader, Mr Endwell Ejindu is not connected to the ongoing clashes by political factions in the state.

    The Spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt on Wednesday that Ejindu was killed by cultists.

    ”Ejindu was attacked and killed in the late hours of Tuesday by gunmen suspected to be cultists.

    ”The murder of the victim is unrelated to the current political crises in Rivers state,” she said.

    NAN gathered that the former Student Union President, Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Port Harcourt, was killed along Ula-Upata Road, Ahoada East.

    Initial reports linked the killing to clashes between rival political factions struggling for the control of the 23 local councils offices in the state.

    An eyewitness, who identified himself as Samson, told newsmen that Ejindu was murdered in cold blood by a group supporting a prominent politician in Ahoada.

    He said that the incident happened shortly after the victim left the Ahoada-East council secretariat where he joined other youths to protest the tenure extension of the outgoing council chairman.

    “Ejindu boarded a motorcycle at about 7.00p.m. on Tuesday, and was later ambushed by three gunmen along Ula-Upata Road.

    “The gunmen opened fire on him, and he was killed instantly while the motorcyclist sustained gunshot wounds,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    DES/AZU

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    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • Lawyer urges FG’s intervention in Rivers LG crisis

    Intervention

    By Desmond Ejibas

    Port Harcourt, June 19, 2024 (NAN) A Port Harcourt-based hunan rights lawyer, Henry Ekini, has urged the Federal Government to intervene in the ongoing local government leadership crisis in Rivers.

    Ekini, the National Legal Adviser, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

    He said that it had become ‘very expedient’ for President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to intervene in  order to avoid total breakdown of law and order in the state.

    NAN reports that local government council chairmen, aligned with former governor, Nyesom Wike, have vowed to remain in office after the expiration of their tenure on June 17.

    The chairmen are citing a legislation passed by the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers which extended their term of office by six months.

    Ekini said that the development was already having negative impacts on free movement and economic activities in the state.

    He expressed worries that local government chairmen would refuse to vacate office after the expiration of their tenure.

    Ekini said that it was illegal to extend the tenure of elected council officers, saying, “their insistence to remain as chairmen is ridiculous”

    “It shows disregard for the rule of law, It is embarrassing, it is a threat to democracy.

    “It is important for the Federal Government to intervene and ensure that the constitution is followed religiously, this will help to resolve the matter,” he said.

    Speaking recently in the matter, the state ALGON Chairman, Allwell Ihunda, said that the amended Local Government Service Law in the state, empowered the chairmen to remain in office for another six months.

    Ihunda, also the Chairman, Port Harcourt City Local Government Council, said that the chairmen would resist any attempt to remove them from office.

    NAN reports that Gov. Siminalaye Fubara has already declared that the tenure of the council chairmen has elapsed, and directed Heads of Local Government Administration to take charge of the councils.

    The governor has also released a list of caretaker committee chairmen and members for the 23 local government councils in the state for screening and appointment.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    DES/AZU

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    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • Police take over 23 Rivers LG offices as crisis deepens

    Police take over 23 Rivers LG offices as crisis deepens

    Police

    By Desmond Ejibas

    Port Harcourt, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Police have taken over all the 23 Council Secretariats and some critical government infrastructure in Rivers.

    The police said the action was to forestall further bloodbath as well as a breakdown of law and order due to the spread of the crisis over the tenure of the outgoing local government chairmen.

    SP Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson of the command, disclosed in a statement in Port Harcourt said that a police officer and a vigilante member lost their lives during a clash between two political groups.

    “Operatives have been deployed to uphold peace in all the 23 Local Government Areas (LGA).

    “The clash between the two political factions, sparked by disagreement over the chairmen’s tenures, resulted in the deaths of a police officer and a vigilante member in Eberi-Omuma community.

    “Consequently, the police have taken over the 23 council secretariats and some critical government facilities to forestall further unrest and breakdown of law and order.

    “To ensure order, the command has also deployed anti-riot police officers to the various council headquarters,” Iringe-Koko announced.

    The police spokesperson cautioned partisan groups against defying the law and reassured residents of the command’s management of the situation in the LGAs headquarters. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    DES/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Fubara appoints administrators to take over LGAs in Rivers

    Fubara appoints administrators to take over Rivers LGAs

    Fubara

    By Desmond Ejibas

    Port Harcourt, June 18, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers has directed Heads of Administration in the 23 Local Government Areas(LGAs), to assume leadership of the councils.

    Fubara gave the directive in a state-wide broadcast in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, following the expiration of the tenure of the 23 LG chairmen at midnight on Monday.

    He emphasised that the transfer of power to the administrators was critical to ensuring the continuity of governance in the LGAs.

    “The heads of administration are directed to immediately take charge of the councils and provide leadership in their respective LGAs.

    “They must do this with renewed vigour and readiness to serve, while awaiting further directives as we navigate towards even greater accomplishments together.

    “The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria must be upheld and law and order must be maintained as we continue to strive to provide leadership and direction for our people.”

    Fubara praised the former chairmen, vice chairmen, and councillors for their dedicated service during their tenures, acknowledging their sacrifices and contributions to the development of their LGAs.

    The governor reassured the public that his administration would persist in delivering infrastructure, quality healthcare services, education and enhanced welfare packages for the residents and workers of the state.

    Meanwhile, the 23 local government chairmen, who are believed to be loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike, have vowed to remain in office after June 17, citing a law enacted by 27 “pro-Wike lawmakers” extending their tenure by six months.

    The state ALGON Chairman, Allwell Ihunda, has consistently insisted that the chairmen would not relinquish their positions, and dared Fubara to force them out.

    He warned that any attempt to remove them from office would be resisted.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the pro-Wike legislators had amended the Local Government Law to extend the tenure of elected chairmen and councillors by six months, if elections were not conducted before the end of their term.

    But the state High Court later barred the assemblymen from parading themselves as members of Rivers State House of Assembly after they defected from the PDP to the APC.

    The court also nullified laws passed by the Martin Amaewhule-led factional assembly and declared their seats vacant after they openly defected to the opposition APC in December.

    Subsequently, the 27 lawmakers took the matter to the Court of Appeal which would decide the fate of the embattled legislators and LG chairmen on June 20.

    However, there was palpable fear on Monday as some angry youths reportedly stormed some of the LG council secretariates, calling for the ousting of the council chairmen.

    The youths invaded Asari Toru, Akuku Toru, Degema and Andoni LGA offices, and locked the gates, insisting that the outgoing chairmen must vacate office.

    In Degema, the protesters chanted war songs and appeared battle ready to stop the chairman from remaining in office after his tenure.

    In Asri Toru LGA, hordes of youth took over the council’s headquarters, issuing threats against the chairman and challenging him to show up on Wednesday after the Eid-el Kabir holidays.

    At Port Harcourt City and Obio/Akpor LGAs offices, heightened security presence deterred protesters with seven police patrol vans and armed personnel guarding the council offices to avert chaos.

    Meanwhile, Mr Olatunji Disu, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers, has assured newsmen that steps had been taken to prevent breakdown of law and order.

    He said that the police were aware of an attempted invasion of the council offices and had deployed personnel to forestall any chaos.

    “We are aware of the crises and court orders, but we urge restraint till June 20 (when the Appeal Court will deliver judgment on the LG tussle).

    “We expect everyone to await the decision of the court. No one should take the laws into his or her hands.

    “We have deployed operatives to various strategic locations to uphold order and ensure public safety. So, we are performing our duties,” emphasised.

    Disu warned against defying the law and advised parents to deter their children and wards from unlawful actions. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    DES/ETS

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