Rivers
Cleric Cautions Christian Faithful Against Evil Cultures
The Bishop of the Etche Diocese, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Rt Reverend Okechukwu Precious Nwala, has called on Christian faithful to stand up against evil cultures in the society. The cleric gave the charge on Wednesday, at a launch/dedication of a book titled: “The Story of” Itu Anya Culture” in Mba Asaa, ”written by Archdeacon Jonathan Chimezie, at the Cathedral Church of St Matthias, Okomoko/Egwi/Umuanyagu, in Anglican Diocese of Etche.
Pointing out the inherent nefarious attributes of the culture as highlighted by the book, Okechukwu warned against christians secretly identifying with cultures like the “Itu Anya Culture”, stating that any christian found secretly doing that is not worthy of being called a christian. He noted that “any culture that can not move with time and can not openly compete favourably with other cultures is not a good culture and should be discarded.”
He gave instances of the devilish practices inherent in the culture under review where a new initiate at Isu Etche died in the process of toture during the initiation and was buried in the bush in the presence of his father, and another case in Egbu Etche where a pastor would have been attacked for holding a crusade during the period of the Itu Anya initiation. The bishop praised the author and encouraged him to continue to fight a good fight of faith as God will always protect and bless him.
The author of the book, Archdeacon Jonathan Chimezie, in his vote of thanks thanked God for his protection in all the years he had been persecuted for speaking against the satanic culture. In a chat with our correspondent, Chimezie narrated his ordeal in the hands of perpetrators of the heinous culture called Itu Anya, a reason for which the documentary became imperative.
The author explained that he was propelled to put down this piece of information basically because of the activities of the initiates of the Itu Anya culture around him. Although his late father’s instruction for all his children not to be initiated into the cult had already distinguished them from the crowd,the attendant persecutions in which the old initiates succeeded in lurring his daughter to initiate her son, a native of Orodo in Imo State as well as the pinning of a shrine dedicated to Ogba deity in his father’s compound against his wish, the numerous dangers especially blood-letting in the community and his obligation as a child of God, made the book a reality.He said that gathering of the information, arranging them in the form of writing, the energy, time and finance as well as dealing with doubts of success were challenges he had to contend with.
However, he considers the book, a milestone in the fight against dangerous and obnoxious cultures, which have come to create awareness of the satanic activities going on in the guise of culture on a wider spectrum.
Meanwhile a personality in attendance, who happened to have encountered the attack of the Itu anya culture initiates, Mr Francis Rollingstone, while commending the effort and courage of the author, expressed happiness for such a wonderful write up. Narrating the ordeal his family in Omademe, a community in Ikwerre LGA had to go through for their refusal to participate in the culture, Mr Francis stated that his late father, Mr Apollos Francis, had a historic battle of his life in 1972 for not yeilding to the pressure of the community but stood his ground. He pointed out that the family had recurring attacks in 1992 and 2001 respectively. He gave glory to God for the publication of the book and prayed that God will use it as an avenue to liberate the communities involved from the bondage of the devil.
Also, the chairman of the occasion, Egnr. Ugochukwu Chukwuezi in his opening remarks praised the author for his courage in the face of intimidation and persecution and enjoined the audience to take a que from the author. He also admonished christians to be examplary and stand firm in their faith so as to make better impact in their communities.The book was reviewed by Venerable Dr Okey G Orji, while Engineer Ogbonnaya Njoku was the chief launcher. Other dignitries in attendance include Prof Samuel Amaele; a lecturer with the Ignatius Ajuru University, Mr Rollingstone Francis and Pastor Godfrey Iwuala.
Recall that Itu anya culture, popularly known as Ogba, is practised by three communities in Ikwerre; Omademe, Ozuaha and Ipo, six communities in Etche; Elele, Isu, Ogida, Owu, Egbu, and Ihie and Etioha in Ohaji, IMO State.
By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi
The management of the Rivers State University, (RSU), Nkpolu Oroworukwu Port Harcourt has admitted eleven thousand and eighty-three students to study in various disciplines and courses for 2024/2025 academic sessions in the university.
The vice chancellor of the university,prof Isaac Zeb-Obipi disclosed this during his address at the 43rd matriculation ceremony of the institution held at the convocation arena in Port Harcourt, last Friday.
Zeb-obipi expressed delight that it was a privilege to welcome everyone to the momentous occasion, marking the beginning of an exciting academic journey for the new students and described matriculation as an important ceremony organised by institutions, especially universities.
“Though this is the 43rd matriculation ceremony of the university,it is the first under my watch as vice chancellor, and I am highly excited that I am having my tail cut in the conduct of this significant ritual of matriculation.”
“Once again, I give God all the glory and thank the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the 14th Governing council under the leadership of Her Excellency, Hon. Justice Mary Odili and the host of others who played one role or the other in my emergence as the vice chancellor. May I also use this opportunity to acknowledge my co-contenstants that made the selection a worthy competition, especially Prof Adolphus J. Toby and prof Nkalo H.Ukoima. There is no doubt that they all mean well for the university and as such i am studying the various vision statements they had submitted for possible inclusion in the efforts to implement what we have, “he stated.
He explained that his vision is to transform the university into a world class, innovative, inclusive institution, fostering a culture of excellence, creativity, and social responsibility through the re-engineering of the university’s academic, administrative, and community engagement frameworks to ensure that they are student centric, faculty driven, community oriented responsive to the need of the 21st century.
According to him the university aim to achieve the visions by enhancing academic programmes to meet global standards, strengthening research capacity and promoting innovation and improving infrastructure and facilities to support teaching, learning research, and fostering partnerships with industries, government, and other stakeholders to promote community engagement and entrepreneurship among others.
The VC while giving the statistics of the administration said a total of 29,107 candidates took the university as first choice in the 2024 JAMB Examination, 16,172 qualified the institution 190 cutoff mark, 15,348 registered for the post UTME, while 15,014 participated in university test and out of the number,11,083 was admitted.
The VC while congratulating the matriculants, urged them to shun any forms of social vices such as cultism, examination malpractices, sorting and indicent dressing, adding that the the school has zero tolerance on indiscipline and other anti social behaviours that are detrimental to societal growth.
Akujobi Amadi
The Vice Chairman of Opobo Council of Chiefs, Alabo Edwin Cockeye Brown has joined the chorus of voices calling for an immediate end to the suspension of democratically elected officials in Rivers State.
The Opobo chiefs Council’s vice chair who was speaking on the sidelines at an emergency stakeholders’ congress of the INC held at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa last Wednesday, emphasized the gravity of the suspension of a state governor, deputy and legislators, characterizing it as an unprecedented assault on the democratic process.
He argued that suspending an elected governor and the state legislature not only undermine the mandate given by the electorate but also poses a significant threat to the political stability of the state. Brown further declared the suspension as “an aberration and travesty of the constitution.”
His words, “Even though the Nigerian Constitution grants the President powers to declare a state of emergency under Section 305, it does not authorize the suspension of democratically elected officials, such as governors or members of the legislature. The proper procedure for removing a governor is outlined in Section 188 of the Constitution, which requires legislative processes rather than executive fiat”.
Brown went on, “The unconstitutional suspension of democratically elected government officials is a Slowly but surely dismantling of democratic structures. This will not help our fledgling democracy, but will destroy all the gains so far made in this democratic dispensation”.
“This is not just about Governor Fubara; it is about every citizen of Rivers State who participated in a democratic election,” he stated. He added, “Injustice in Rivers State is injustice all over Nigeria because we are all governed by one constitution.”
He expressed concern that such actions could set a dangerous precedent, eroding public trust in the electoral system and democratic institutions across Nigeria.
He further articulated the historical context of the Ijaw struggle for
representation, highlighting the community’s long-standing grievances
regarding political marginalization.
“For over 24 years, we have fought to regain our rightful place in governance,” Brown remarked. “To have that struggle undermined by a unilateral decision from the federal government is not just
frustrating—it is an affront to our identity and aspirations as Ijaw people.”
Brown called for a united front among Ijaw leaders and communities,
urging them to resist any attempts to divide or silence their voices.
He underscored the importance of dialogue and reconciliation as vital
pathways to resolving the ongoing crisis, rather than resorting to forceful measures that could exacerbate tensions. “We must engage with
the federal government, but we will do so on our terms,” he insisted.
In closing, Brown reaffirmed his commitment to the principles of
justice and equity, emphasizing that the Ijaw people would not back down in their quest for recognition and respect.
“We are prepared to stand firm and advocate for our rights. Our
history is rich with leaders who have fought for us, and we will not
allow their sacrifices to be in vain,” he concluded, rallying support
for a peaceful resolution that honors the democratic process and the will of the Rivers people.
The high-profile one-day stakeholders’ meeting brought together
influential Ijaw leaders, including Bayelsa State Governor, Douye
Diri, his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; former Rivers State
Governor and Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff; former Rivers Governor, Chief Rufus Ada-George; and former Bayelsa Deputy
Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah.
Also in attendance were the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of
Assembly, Abraham Ingobere; National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta
Forum (PANDEF), Dr. Boladei Igali; prominent traditional rulers from
various parts of Ijawland; the President of the Ijaw Youth Council
(IYC), Jonathan Lokpobiri and many other notable Ijaw leaders from across the Niger Delta.