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Opara, Nwanosike, Others Fault Police …Over Dismissal Of Wike’s Security Details
As reactions across the country trail last Friday’s dismissal of six police details attached to the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike by the Police High Command, stakeholders in Rivers State have not only joined in condemning the action, but have insisted that the decision be reversed in the interest of justice.
Former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Austin Opara, condemned the police authorities’ action, and called on the human rights community to stand up and challenge the brazen abuse of human rights with the illegal dismissal of the six police officers.
Opara, a strong chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state, who gave his views in an interview with newsmen in Ahoada, headquarters of Ahoada West Local Government Area, shortly after the defection of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Cassidy Ikegbidi, claimed that the sacking of the police officers was politically-motivated, and not based on any act of misconduct as claimed by the police high command.
Rivers State Publicity Secretary of PDP, Samuel Nwanosike, also condemned the action, describing it as vindictive, and therefore, unacceptable to the people of the state.
Nwanosike, who is also Ikwerre Local Government Caretaker Committee Chairman, claimed that the six police officers did not violate any professional ethics in their conduct before, during and after the Rivers legislative rerun elections to warrant the disciplinary hammer of the police high command, insisting that the dismissal of six officers attached to Governor Nyesom Wike justified Rivers State Government’s allusion to police partisanship, and connivance with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to favour candidates of a particular political party in the elections.
He alleged that rather than punish the Commander of SARS in the state, Assistant Commissioner of Police Akin Fakorede and the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Steven Hasso, for their brazen abuse of power, impunity and violation of the civic rights of Rivers people, whose votes were not allowed to count in most parts of the state, especially Rivers South East Senatorial District, the police high command looked the other way, and deliberately elected to arrest and prosecute junior officers, who were performing their legitimate and constitutional duties.
The PDP spokesman recalled the brutal assault on him by the police team led by Fakorede at Isiokpo, headquarters of Ikwerre LGA, as well as the brutalization of the caretaker committee chairman of Emohua LGA, for refusing to allow fake police officers on election duty hijack, and divert election results to private residences of APC chieftains, for substitution of original results with forged ones, and added that those fake officers were supposed to have been dismissed , arrested and prosecuted according to the law.
He pledged the readiness of the PDP and the Rivers State Government to continue to fight for justice and protect the nation’s democracy, arguing that the party and other Rivers people were prepared to stand as witnesses for the six dismissed police officers, believing that at the end of the day, the innocent will get justice.
The lawmaker representing Degema Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Doctor Farah Dagogo described the dismissal of the six officers as retrogressive, and an ignominious dent on Nigeria’s democracy.
Dagodo, said the action of the police has reinforced the opinion in several quarters that the governor had been penciled down for assassination, and condemned the police for turning a blind eye to the misconduct of its senior personnel during the rerun legislative elections, even with glaring and incriminating video evidences.
AlsoBarrister Clifford Oparaodu expressed sadness over the dismissal of six security officers attached to the Rivers State governor, saying that it was sad that the Nigerian Police has condescended so low.
He noted that the dismissed officers acted according to regulations of their duties, to protect their principal, adding that the dismissal was a desecration of the sacred duty of the police, and an affront on democracy.
Reacting over the action by the police high command, the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) said the sacking of the six officers has shown that the Inter-Party Advisory Council was not just raising unnecessary alarm that the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were working together to derail democracy in the country.
The Chairman of NNPP, Deacon Princewill Enyi, who reacted to the police high command’s action, noted that the decision has vindicated the IPAC and others who had accused the police of aiding the All Progressives Congress (APC) to rig the December 10 rerun legislative elections in Rivers State in favour of the APC.
He urged Nigerians to urgently rise and save the nation from anarchy and injustice, adding that the current happenings portend serious danger to the nation’s democracy.
The Deputy Chairman of IPAC, Engineer Joshua Worlu, also said the police erred in dismissing the six security details attached to the governor without following due process of law, saying that action amounted to dictatorship.
The Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Inter-Party Affairs, Chris Itamuola, said that action was done in bad fate, and therefore, would be challenged in a court of competent jurisdiction.
Itamulola said the life and destiny of the sacked police officers will never be jeopardized as the state government would do everything possible to provide them alternative and better sources of livelihood.
Secretary, Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, Barrister Erastus Awortu, said the action was meant to punish innocent junior police officers, rather than sanction senior officers who committed heinous crimes during and after the rerun elections.
He dismissed accusations of misconduct against the six junior officers, and alleged that ACP Akin Fakarode and DCP Steve Hasso, who led the assault on democracy and the civic rights of Rivers people have were being honoured as brave, gallant and diligent officers.
Leader of the Niger Delta Youth Coalition, Prince Emmanuel Ogba, called for the immediate reinstatement of the dismissed police officers, saying that the officers merely discharged their constitutional and legitimate duties to their principal during and after the rerun elections.
Ogba said that the action of the police high command has given the impression that the Rivers State governor, who they were detailed to protect, was being witch-hunted.
Also speaking, a political analyst, Georgewill Amadi, urged the police authorities to revisit the matter, adding that dismissing the young officers over unproven allegations of misconduct was not fair and just.
The Public Relations Officer, Civil Liberties Organisation, Comrade Solomon Clifford, claimed that no proper investigation was done before the six officers were dismissed, and cautioned the police high command against dabbling in partisan politics.
Similarly, the Deputy Provost, Rivers State College of Health Sciences, Dr Ishmael Onungbu, said that the action was a dangerous precedent for the nation’s democracy, adding that the six junior police officers should have rather been rewarded for protecting democracy and rule of law.
Executive Director, Niger Delta Coalition Against Violence, Lekia Christian, condemned the police action, and added that democracy can only be nurtured, strengthened and sustained in the country when the tenets of democracy and imperatives of justice are respected.
Also, a socio-political organization in the state, “The Voice”, described the action as an act of lawlessness and impunity, and called for immediate reversal of the decision.
Public Relations Officer of the organization, Prince William Chinwo, in a statement in Port Harcourt, queried the unjust treatment of the junior officers, who only performed their legitimate duties of escorting and protecting their principal as prescribed by law.
Legal Adviser to the Kankanro Unity Forum, a socio-cultural group, Barrister Tobu-Tamuno Dick, said the dismissal of the officers was a wrongful act, and vowed to mobilize lawyers in the state to defend the officers in court.
‘’The police decision cannot hold water, the court will upturn the decision of the police because they are in every obligation to guide and protect the governor at every point in time’’, he said.
It would be recalled that the police high command, last Friday, in Abuja, paraded six policemen attached to the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, for their alleged involvement in electoral malpractices during last month’s parliamentary re-run elections in the state.
The six officers are Inspector Eyong Victor (AP/No.177893 ), Sergeant Peter Ekpo (F/No. 400872), Sergeant Oguni Goodluck (F/No.374585), Sergeant Orji Nwoke (F/No. 385870), Sergeant Okpe Ezekiel (F/No. 234216), and Sergeant Tanko Akor (F/No. 437983).
The affected officers, according to a statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer, Don Awunah, were in the convoy of Rivers State Governor, Chief Neysom Wike, on the day of the election, and allegedly misused the firearms in their possession contrary to the provisions of Force Order 237.
“The service personnel became overzealous, took laws into their hands and opened fire, causing panic in the crowd. They joined in storming the Port Harcourt City Council Secretariat and prevented the movement of election results of Emouha polling unit to the appropriate collation centre designated by INEC, in flagrant disregard and disobedience to senior Police officers present at the venue,” the statement added.
“Following the conclusion of investigations into their misconduct, explained the Force spokesman, they were subjected to internal disciplinary measures, found guilty, consequently dismissed and will be prosecuted.
“They will be prosecuted under the Electoral Act to serve as a deterrent to others. Consequently, personnel of the Force who abuse their office, privileges and discretionary powers in the discharge of their official duties, will be brought to justice,” Awunah stated.
The Force spokesperson also explained that the dismissed officers ignored strict warnings and instructions from the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, that all policemen on election duty should be of good conduct and desist from escorting their principals, notably public office holders and politicians to polling units throughout the period of the election.
John Bibor, Taneh Beemene, Chris Oluoh & Enoch Epelle
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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.
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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.