Featured
Engaging The Cultists …The Rivers Example
On New Year eve, amidst the familiar fire works in disobedience of regular Police warning, gunmen, suspected to be cultists invaded Marine Base. By the time residents realized that the bangs were gun-shots and made distress call to the Police, two bodies were found lifeless in a pool of their own blood.
One was later identified as an enemy ‘combatant’, while the second was a driver with the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, on official duty that had nothing to do with cultists and their activities. He was caught up in the cross-fire, an innocent death.
That incident is only one of several examples of collateral damages to cult-related violence, senseless bloodletting and incessant warfare for either supremacy or reprisal. Infact, many innocent citizens have paid the supreme price, without necessarily being partakers of the orgy of violence known to cult gangs.
On the last count, some local government areas in Rivers State were invaded by competing cult groups, leaving behind every such attack, dead bodies, among them innocent defenceless men, women and children.
Most of these cult gangs are so heavily armed that they can take-over and run a community to the utter helplessness of local authorities. In some communities, they are governments unto themselves and impose all manner of sanctions for disobedience. Where there are sources of ready funds from either state, federal and or oil production activities, the rivalry among such cult groups is often fiercest.
The history of the armed gangs is traceable to many sponsors, key among them are politicians who most often were said to have armed them as alternative security men and thugs, during elections, with promises of heaven on earth.
These young men were very often abandoned by such benefactors afterwards without any effort to retrieve their weaponry. And so, like the monster that outgrows his master, the cult groups become danger not only to their masters but also to society from which they must feed.
The warfare is also very deadly where two or more such groups are domiciled in the same locality and one seen to be favoured by public institutions against others. In such rivalries, the ambition of each group is usually to instill fear and force obedience from ordinary people. At other times, efforts are made to enlarge membership through forced initiations.
By such brute force, they enforce their own laws and order and eventually earn phoney legitimacy from among the populace who out of fear become subservient. At such times, rival groups also stockpile arms to dislodge the status quo, and the cycle continues.
Such is the near-frequent recourse to violence. Some of them are also accused of complicity in the incessant cases of kidnap in the state and elsewhere, with inexplicable ransom-demands that eventually make the trade a lucrative pastime. But kidnapping is not the only indiscretion often ascribed to such groups. Some of their members it is said are also believed to be into robberies of different kinds.
What is astonishing is that it is believed that the Police indeed know the leaders and even members of such groups. They also know their hide-outs and could indeed engage them to a stand-still.
But to the Police, such confrontation would be futile without the required political will of the government in power. This is because, without such needed assurances, such Police officers would merely endanger their jobs and or lives, because it is often difficult to know the support base of such cultists.
One could be arrested one day, only to get an ‘order from above’ to release such ‘innocent citizen’ only for such suspect to mock the Police men and loudly celebrate his freedom.
For such reasons, even some policemen, it was once alleged, also ‘blend’ a term commonly used to mean ‘initiation’ to enjoy the protection of a powerful cult.
Curiously, many citizens believe that the strength of the Police can only be noticed, when there is a police casualty in cross-fire. Police search, in such instances, is often very thorough, decisive and committed. At such times, the consideration of possible assailant’s powerful backers and a political will to back-up their reaction to their own dead ones, do not count. It is indeed in such an instance when it is best to find the best in policemen.
Aside from that, even the Police is often helpless. That is why the resolve of Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike to partner the State Police Command in taking the anti-crime war to the cult groups is most noteworthy.
After the initial raid of cult havens in Obio/Akpor Local government Area, Governor Wike’s own LGA, where buildings of cult-gangs and kidnappers were demolished and land, recovered for public use, the Governor’s battle continued at the weekend, with a raid of similar cult havens at Eagle Island, in Port Harcourt City.
Joined by the new State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Foluso Adebanjo, Governor Wike personally supervised the demolition of two alleged deadly cultists’ camps, one of them located behind the Redeemed Christian Church of God and the other one simply called Andoni Camp.
Like that in Obio/Akpor, Governor Wike announced that a Police Station will be built at the camp behind the Church while a community hospital will replace the Andoni Camp. Addressing the security afterwards, Wike assured that the demolition of cultists’ hide-outs will continue until innocent citizens know peace and sleep with both eyes closed.
The security action is coming after Governor Wike had appealed to the youth involved in crime, to denounce their trade, embrace peace and be granted amnesty. Governor Wike assured that such repentant cultists and criminals would be re-integrated into the civil society through programmes that would reform and make them better and dependable citizens.
It is not known, how many such persons heeded the governor’s call and hand of friendship. What is known is that the level of cult activities could no longer be treated with levity.
At these times of economic downturn; when, states are doing everything humanly possible to attract direct foreign investments, the fortunes of the state cannot be left at the mercy of cultists, whose orgy of violence naturally creates insecurity that could scare away such foreigners and local investors alike.
Rivers is second only to Lagos in internally generated revenue. That underscores the relative peace enjoyed by companies who live and do business in the state. That success cannot be sacrificed for cult-induced violence that daily put Rivers on the front pages of newspapers as insecure.
The joint Government/Police action is also to make a point to trouble-makers that they are not welcome at the forthcoming rerun elections planned for the state. They are only welcome as civil citizens and voters, not as hired thugs and or weapon wielding alternate security to politicians.
So far, the public seems convinced that the war against crime and criminals enjoys the required political will, with the direct involvement and participation of the State Governor in all the raids on cultists’ hide-outs and subsequent demolition. Also welcome, are the choices of public projects already earmarked to replace the demolished property. Institutions like community hospitals and police stations would without doubt help meet the health needs of the people and also guarantee law and order in the affected communities.
My agony is that it is still unclear if there would not be ‘order-from-above’ to immediately release suspected cultists in Police custody, in a clime where, bail of a murder accused is made an issue before a higher court, obviously for political reasons. Methinks more issues than necessary are being politicised these days and that should be checked, if we are not to record more innocent deaths in cross-fire, like the fate that befell, The Tide’s driver, on New Year eve.
Soye Wilson Jamabo
Featured
Arson: Those Behind It’ll Account For Atrocities -Fubara …Swears In Bipi, Three Others As Commissioners
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that his administration will not fold its hands and watch sponsored political thugs run berserk, committing arson in the State.
The Governor, therefore, assured that, working with the Nigerian Police Force and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), measures will be taken to unravel those behind the recent burning of council Secretariats at Ikwerre, Emohua and Eleme Local Government areas, with a view to making them account for their atrocities.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance while swearing in four new commissioners into the Rivers State Executive Council at Government House in Port Harcourt yestersday.
Those sworn in are Hon. Israel Lebura Ngbuelu, PhD; Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi; Barrister Otamiri John Ngubo; and Hon. Barrister Benibo Anabraba.
Governor Fubara recalled mentioning when he sworn-in newly elected Local Government Councils’ Chairmen on 6th October, 2024, that there was intelligence on planned mayhem by misguided persons, who had threatened to prevent the elected officers from resuming duties.
True to it, Governor Fubara said, the sponsored political thugs hatched their plans, and burnt valued buildings at some council secretariats.
He said, “I said it before it happened. I knew because they were unhappy, they would go extra miles to create disaffection in the minds and hearts of the good people of Rivers State.
“We want to also let the people know that what has happened (arson) after the election, we are not going to allow it to go uninvestigated.
“A similar event had happened in this manner before, and after some weeks, some of our supporters were declared wanted in order to turn the story around.
“But this time around, I strongly believe, with the support and cooperation of the Nigerian Police and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), we will unravel those behind the assault and make sure that they account for their atrocities.”
Governor Fubara expressed appreciation for the show of patience and calmness by majority of Rivers people despite the fact that they are angry with the reckless acts of the misguided miscreants.
The Governor said he has continued to show leadership, provided the climate that has engendered productive endeavours, and will not mislead those he is leading.
“As your leader; the one steering the ship, I assure you I will not mislead anyone of you. I still stand on the path of peace. We have cases of arson in some local government areas.
“But, I appreciate your calmness. I have always maintained that we are going to be the greatest losers, if we meet them force-for-force. We need to go with peace.
“So, I will encourage everyone of you not to follow them with violence. We are carrying a basket of precious eggs in our hands. So, we need to follow them with carefulness and wisdom.”
Governor Fubara reiterated what he said the previous day on what should matter most for Rivers State, which is a firm support to ensure that the progress of Nigeria is sustained.
He said, if oil theft is not checked, the country’s economy will be badly impacted, and there will not be funds to address critical issues.
“We are in a situation where the fund that is being generated from oil production is not sufficient to tackle the challenges of Nigeria, and every hand has to be on deck to make sure that there is increase in production.
“Our focus here, not minding the distractions, will be how to provide support. You have to work with us to make sure that we curb this issue of oil theft and pipeline vandalisation.
“This is the only way that the allowances (revenue) will increase and more will also come to our State, and more progress will also be achieved in this State.”
Governor Fubara explained that his administration is doing a lot for the good people of the State, that are not being seen because of the political drama that takes their attention away.
He, however, said that his administration is working out modalities, and will soon choose a day, which could probably be before the end of October, 2024, to showcase a few projects and services that have positively impacted lives in the State.
Governor Fubara congratulated the newly sworn-in commissioners for making it into the Rivers State Executive Council.
He explained that more persons whose loyalty are for Rivers people and the administration needed to be admitted into the Rivers State Executive Council to help drive the policy of government because they will not resign their appointment.
Governor Fubara said: “We want to be sure, at this point, who we are adding into the Council, so that we will not wake up one morning and see resignation letter. So, we are taking our time.
“And usually, after a normal political period, there used to be what we call balancing. So, I can also say that the new Commissioners that are coming in are coming from their zones to also balance the political equation.”
Governor Fubara charged them to be dedicated, forthright, diligent and productive while rendering quality services to the State.
The Governor said he believed in their capacity to deliver because of their exposure to the workings of government, and expressed the hope that they will contribute positively to the success of the administration.
He said, “So, let me thank everyone of you. Let me also use this opportunity to thank the good people of Rivers State for their support, and to assure them that we will continue to defend, protect the interest of Rivers people.
“I want to thank everyone of you for your support, more especially before, during and after the elections. I appreciate your doggedness, your belief in our course to salvage this State, to protect the integrity of this State,” he added.
Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, has sought media support to fast-track the implementation of the ongoing reforms in the civil service sector.
Walson-Jack made the request during a cocktail organised by her office for media executives from different organisations in Abuja.
The event, according to her, aimed at interacting with the media men one-on-one, appreciate them and implore them to continue to strengthen the bond with the office.
“I want to start by thanking each and everyone of you for honouring this invitation. I want to say that we purposely designed this grail cocktail so that we can have one-on-one interactions.
“Let me also go ahead to thank you for all the supports you have given to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) in the years past I know that the Fourth Estate of the realm has always supported this office.
“I will also go ahead to thank you for your support, especially at my announcement as the HoCSF and that support has continued, up till date.
“We, therefore, thought it fit that we should organise this event just to interact with you to strengthen the bond that this office has with the media, “ she said.
The HoCSF recalled that her office had continued with programmes she met on ground upon assumption of office, especially the ongoing reforms on Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP- 2022 to 2025).
She, therefore, appealed to the media for continuous reportage on the initiative, so as to give it the necessary publicity for proper dissemination to the citizens.
“You will recall that the office has the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP- 2022 to 2025) and that is the plan that we are still driving.
“We want to request that you collaborate more with us, we are asking that the friendship, the partnership go beyond what it is now to ensure that the reforms which this office is driving get the full publicity it requires,” she said.
Walson-Jack used the medium to announce the preparation to re-introduce the civil service national anthem officially for the entire civil servants to recite at every national programme.
“The anthem has been re-introduced to drive the reforms and it’s expected that the anthem will be sung by all federal civil/public servants and indeed Nigerians.
“And it will be an anthem that will encourage every public servants to be efficient, productive, incorruptible and citizen-centred, “ she added.
Participants at the event congratulated Mrs Walson-Jack for her uplifting to the position of the HoCSF and pledged to continue in the relationship.
In a response, Mr Ephraims Sheyin, Editor-in-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), pledged the agency’s readiness to give the HoCSF the needed support.
According to him, supporting government policies has always been NAN’ priority as government’s owned media organisation.
“You can take it for granted that we are going to give the Office total support. It is part of our own mandates to support Federal Government policies, so we are going to do that fully for the head of service.
“As she said, she has her policies which are in tandem with the federal government policies, she is asking for the support in implementation of the Federal Government policies.
“She has very lofty ideas, she has lofty things that she believes that we should do. Our job is to make sure that whatever government wants to do, we have to support such policies, “ he said.
Speaking in the same vein, Mrs Halima Musa, Director News, NTA, assured her office’s partnership with the Head of service towards ensuring communicating the needed values on excellence, incorruptibility and new culture of efficiency to the public.
Featured
LG Polls: Rogue Policemen Break RSIEC Gate, Strong Room To Steal Electoral Materials …Fubara Foils Attempt To Cart Away Materials
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has foiled an attempt by the Nigerian Police, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), to take over the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) at 1am on Friday, 4th October, 2024.
The rogue policemen were said to have attempted to scale through the gates and strong room of the Commission to cart away sensitive Electoral materials meant for the conduct of Saturday’s local government election in the State.
The deployment was said to have been ordered by the Inspector-General of Police.
However, the evil plots of the rogue policemen and DC Ops were botched when vigilant security officials alerted principal officers of the Commission and relevant government authorities, who immediately informed the Governor of the development.
The Governor immediately led a team of government officials, lawmakers from the National Assembly and State House of Assembly, top political stakeholders, and other leaders to storm the facility.
Addressing newsmen in front of RSIEC Office on Aba Road in Port Harcourt, after an encounter with the rogue policemen, the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara condemned the conduct of the policemen on illegal duty, saying that the IGP was taking his friendship with some Abuja-based politicians too far.
He restated the position that the attempt to surreptitiously withdraw policemen already deployed to protect the facility, and replace them with a detachment from a neighbouring State was unacceptable.
He reminded the IGP that local government election was the internal affairs of states, and advised him to allow the federation unit conduct its affairs without interference.
At present, the Chief of Staff, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and State and National Assembly members, alongside other stakeholders, are manning the RSIEC office to ensure that the rogur policemen in two trucks and two Hilux vehicles do not return and that elections will go ahead as scheduled on Saturday.
