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Kidnapping, Cultism: RVHA Okays Death Penalty For Offenders …Passes Three Bills Into Law …As RSG Hails Killing Of Waney’s CSO In Delta
Finally, three bills seeking to amend the Rivers State Secret Cult and Similar Amendment Bill 2018, Rivers State Nieghbourhood Safety Corps Bill 2018 and Rivers State Kidnap Prohibition Amendment No 2 Bill 2018 were passed into law by the Rivers State House of Assembly, yesterday.
The new kidnap and secret cult bills have death penalties attached to them, as culprits are to face capital punishment, if found guilty by the courts.
The Neighbourhood Safety Corps Bill is to boost security and enhance citizen and security agencies’ collaboration in protecting the state.
Before the bills were passed into law by the legislators, they had intense debate on whether death penalty should be attached to them, but majority of the lawmakers backed capital punishment.
Member representing Emohua Constituency, Hon Samuel Ogeh supported death penalty as he quoted the Bible, arguing that even natural justice demands that anyone who takes life should also be killed.
Hon Chisolm Dike of Oyigbo Contituency also spoke in favour of capital punishment as he enumerated the negative image kidnappers and cultists have given the state in recent times.
Dike insisted that death penalty will serve as deterrent to would be contraveners.
Barineh Deeyah of Khana Constituency I supported Dike as he listed the economic implications of such acts, particularly in driving away investors.
However, Deputy Speaker, Hon Marshall Uwom expressed a different view, and sought for severe measures outside capital punishment for offenders.
On his part, the Speaker, Rt Hon Ikuinyi Owaji-Ibani said that time had come for the state to act very tough on such social vices.
“Kidnap is a crime against humanity and against God. We will not relent in our effort to bring about good governance,” he added, and ruled that death penalty should be included as measure for punishing culprits.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has restated its commitment to sustain support for security agencies’ concerted efforts to fight crime and criminalities, including cult-related violence in the state.
The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Barrister Emma Okah said this while reacting to the killing of Augustine Agulegbu, the Chief Security Officer of notorious kidnapper, late Don Waney, in a battle with operatives of the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Okah said that the state government would continue to support the security agencies to deliver on their mandate of maintaining law and order, and ensuring the peace and security of the state, adding that it would not rest until all those declared wanted in connection with the New Year Day killings in Omoku are brought to justice.
The Tide learnt that Agulegbu, who led the killing of 23 persons on New Year Day in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, was killed on February 14, 2018.
The operation, which led to the killing of Agulegbu was carried out by troops of 222 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in conjunction with operatives of the Department of State Services in Rivers State.
Agulegbu, described as the sixth in command to Waney, was traced to his hideout at a location along New Sapele Road, Obiaruku in Ukwani Local Government Area of Delta State in the early hours of February 14, 2018.
A statement by the Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Col Aminu Iliyasu said Agulegbu was shot in an encounter with the security operatives and died before reaching the hospital.
Illiyasu added that Agulegbu’s body has been brought to Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, and handed over to the Rivers State Police Command.
It was gathered that Agulegbu, also known as Nana, was an integral part of Don Waney’s killer squad known as ‘The Red Squad’ and was the second-in-command to Emenike, the leader of the squad.
It was learnt that the deceased was until his death the sixth-in-command to the slain Don Waney.
The main leader of the Don Waney’s killer squad (Emenike) had since been declared wanted by the Rivers State Security Council.
It was also gathered that Emenike was one of those granted amnesty by the Imo State Government, last week.
Speaking in Omoku, headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, Chairman, Caretaker Committee of the LGA, Osi Olisa, confirmed the killing of Agulegbu, disclosing that the deceased’s corpse was displayed at the local government secretariat in Omoku, last Wednesday.
Olisa expressed gratitude to the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army and the DSS for their commitment towards ensuring that peace returned to the area.
He said, “The once bewildered people of ONELGA are beginning to lead a normal life once again. The return of peace may not have been possible without the commitment of our peace-loving Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.
“We also appreciate all the security agencies, especially the Department of State Services and the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, for the killing of Don Waney’s CSO, Augustine Agulegbu, a.k.a. Nana.
“The crackdown on the chief security officer of the late Omoku gang leader, Johnson Igwedibia, a.k.a. Don Waney, is part of the ongoing efforts to cleanse ONELGA of all social vices.
“As a local government council, we shall continue to offer our best support to the Government of Rivers State and all the security agencies to make ONELGA safe for everyone.”
Also speaking, the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed the killing of Agulegbu, adding that the hoodlum was shot dead during a sting operation.
Omoni added that the operation that led to Agulegbu’s death was carried out by the DSS operatives in a community in Delta State.
Omoni confirmed that Agulegbu was the sixth-in-command in Don Waney’s gang, stating that security operatives would continue to comb the forest in search of criminals in the state.
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We’re Working To Improve Quality Of Life Of Rivers People -Fubara …As Taraba Gov Inaugurates 6.55km Okania-Ogbogoro-Mgbaraja Roads Project
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated the commitment of his administration to render quality service that will improve the quality of life of residents, and strengthen the platform to promote unity.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance at the Okania-Ogbogoro Road junction, venue of the inauguration of the 6.55km Okania-Ogbogoro-Mgbaraja (and Mgbuoba) Roads project in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, yesterday.
The road cuts across Okania community through Ogbogoro, and connects Port Harcourt Ring Road project under construction, and was inaugurated by the Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas.
Governor Fubara said that during the campaigns, he saw the roads in terrible condition, made a promise to fix them, and noted that that promise has been kept.
He emphasised that his administration will never be reckoned with abandoning of projects that it started, which is why he is particularly excited that the road has been fixed to ease the inconveniences suffered by the people.
The Governor said, “What we are doing here today is very simple: Promise made, promise fulfilled. I told you that whatever we are going to start, we are not going to leave it halfway. So, we have come here this afternoon to fulfill that promise.
“I am so excited, and I am so happy. I am leaving here with so much joy that we have done something that has so much impact, and importance in the lives of our people. So, I feel very fulfilled. Government is about the people. Government is knowing, understanding and seeing what you can do to make life easy for your people.
“We understand the situation of this road. Fortunately, I have a few friends who also live around here. So, there is nothing you will say that I don’t know. As a government, we will continue to do those things we know will make life easy for you.”
The Governor thanked members of the communities in the area for their support to his administration, and also for cooperating with the contractor to ensure completion of the project.
He assured the people that their request for the rehabilitation of the Community Secondary School and Health Centre, will be looked at and addressed immediately, saying, “Our government is a government that takes the interest of our people very seriously.
“There is no government without the people. It is only the people that keep the government going. So, what we will continue to do is to make sure that the problems and interest of our people are top on our list,” he assured.
Performing the inauguration, Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, said roads are not just physical infrastructure but represent a commitment to facilitate ease of transportation, boost local commercial activities and improve quality of lives for the people of Rivers State.
Dr Kefas noted that Governor Fubara has provided the people good roads, and like other good roads, it will serve as an artery of development, further connecting communities, enhancing access to essential services while unlocking economic potentials.
He said, “By completing this project, Your Excellency has, once again, demonstrated the transformative impact of visionary leadership. When I was coming in with the Governor on a ride, I saw the joy, the happiness of the voiceless people who were abandoned and neglected in this area, coming out to wave and welcome us.
“It wasn’t a hired crowd. Everybody, those who couldn’t make it to this place, in front of their homes, they were waving at us, and I was telling the Governor: this is all about good governance. He listened to the people, and solved their problems. So, it shows that he is doing the right thing, and I want to thank you, my brother, for what you are doing for the good people, especially the poor people even in difficult times.”
Governor Kefas further said: “As we celebrate this milestone, I am reminded of the importance of collaboration and shared vision among us as Governors. Together, we can inspire our people, improve their lives, and create lasting legacies in our respective states.”
Providing the project description, the State Commissioner for Works, Barrister Elloka Tasie-Amadi, recalled that when it was flagged-off in May, 2024, the project was for a 5km stretch but was extended in October, to include Mgbaraja axis, increasing the length to 6.55km, explaining that the 10.3 meter wide, and 5km of drains road, has now linked Apara Kingdom to Nkpor Kingdom.
In his address, Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Amb Chijioke Ihunwo, described the road as a very significant route that was abandoned for years until Governor Fubara intervened and fixed it, promising that Obio/Akpor people will not take the gestures of the State Government under Governor Fubara for granted.
Speaking on behalf of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the firm that handled the project, Eric Shen, said they are happy to be part of the infrastructure development strides of Governor Fubara, stating that though the rains posed significant challenge, they have delivered quality road network to serve the connectivity needs of the people.
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We’ll Implement Judicial Commission’s Report On Arson, Killings -Fubara …Says Such Violence Must Stop In Rivers
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured of implementing the recommendations of the report submitted to him by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Arson, Killings, and Wanton Destruction of Property at some local government council headquarters on or around Monday, October 7, 2024.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance when the seven-member commission, led by the Chairman, Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, submitted four volumes of reports of their investigation and recommendations to him at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
The Governor declared that his administration will neither tolerate nor allow such level of violence in the State anymore because it is not profitable or productive.
He said, “We are not going to be part of any system that would encourage any destruction in this State. And for that reason, we had to inaugurate this commission, so that this commission should look into the remote and immediate causes of this problem.
“And I believe that the recommendations of this commission, with the help of God and the support of everyone, we will make sure that we implement the recommendations.”
Governor Fubara said: “We are going to take it to the next stage. The report will be presented to the Executive Council, and there, we will surely come out with the White Paper and with the White Paper. I can assure you, we are going to follow it to the end.
“Nobody is above the law, including me. So, provided what we are doing is within the confines of the law, we will do it with the help of every one.”
Governor Fubara recalled how, before 2014, a group of persons had ran wide recklessly in the State, burning down court buildings.
He noted that it is such persons, who had recently surfaced with their destructive tendencies, and have extended the violence to local government councils, killing people and destroying government property.
Governor Fubara wondered why somebody will spend so much money to build a structure intended to last as legacy of the administration but would eventually be part of its destruction in the name of politics.
Governor Fubara clarified that he has never been part of such destructive politics that continue to set the State backwards and frustrate progressive development strides.
Governor Fubara said: “I make bold to say it, I have never been and will never be a party to anything that will bring shame, disgrace, destruction to our dear State.
“It is our State. If it is well with us, it will be well with everybody. As a matter of fact, why should I encourage destruction, when I know that when you finish spoiling things, you still need money to rebuild them.
“I am an accountant, I know the importance of how we can manage money. Rather than spoil, you should use that money to do a new thing for the State.”
Governor Fubara vowed: “So, I am going to ensure that we put a stop to that level of violence or such unreasonable violence. I call it unreasonable violence because it doesn’t mean anything in politics.
“Politics is a business of interest. There is no permanent friend, no permanent enemy. Some persons who were not even in our support, today, they are here following us because their interest is the most important thing.
“Likewise tomorrow, if the interest changes, they will also go their different ways. So, why burn down the house?”
Governor Fubara thanked members of the commission for being bold, focused, and accomplishing their task with determination in the face of physical and legal threats.
In her presentation, Chairman of the seven-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry, Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, said they had put their findings into four volumes, including the recommendations.
Justice Minakiri explained: “We have here four volumes of the report. We have the memoranda, which is the memoranda we got after we made our publications.
“We also have the exhibits that came with the memoranda. We have the proceedings and the records. At the end of the day, we came up with the main report.”
Justice Minakiri advised that the recommendations of the report should be studied and implemented so that people can be deterred from such callous acts and the sought-after peace secured for the State.
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We Are Eager To Showcase The Best Of Rivers State -Fubara …Declares Federation Of Public Service Games Open
The Rivers State Government says it is committed to providing a memorable experience for all delegates participating in the Federation of Public Service Games(FEPSGA) hosted by the State Government.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara stated this during the opening Ceremony of the 43rd Edition, Public Service Games, titled ”Simplified Rivers 2024″, at Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt, last Sunday.
Speaking through his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, Governor Fubara said “Our hospitality is renowned and we are eager to showcase the best of Rivers State. From top-notch facilities to a secure environment, we have everything in place to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants.”
Governor Fubara said to ensure the success of the games his Administration has put in place comprehensive plans and preparations with four venues approved for the events which include the Sharks Stadium, Alfred Diette -Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt Club and the University of Port Harcourt.
The State Chief Executive urged participants to remember that the true spirit of FEPSGA goes beyond winning medals, stressing that it is about building bridges of friendship, fostering a sense of community and celebrating our diversity.
According to him, we envision a public service that is more productive, more efficient and more effective, a future where public servants are empowered to deliver exceptional results driven by a culture of excellence, innovation and teamwork.
The Governor reiterated that while a healthy mind and body are essential for high productivity, regular physical activity boosts our mood, increases energy levels and enhances our cognitive function. We are eager to showcase the best of Rivers State. From top-notch facilities to a secure environment.
In her address Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who spoke through Dr.(Mrs) Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Interior Commended Governor Fubara for hosting this year’s event, and for his dedication to promoting sports and fostering unity in the country.
She noted that the event which serves as a platform for furthering unity, camaraderie and sportsmanship amongst public servants, was a celebration of their shared commitment to excellence, resilience and service to the nation.
Also speaking the National President of the Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA), Comrade Amaebi Aloku, said Rivers State got the nod to host the annual event because the Federation was pleased with the vision of Governor Fubara in identifying with the needs of the Civil Servants in the State, in terms of their welfare and being one of the first State to implement the new minimum wage and even taking it above what was approved by the national.
Earlier the Head of Service Rivers State, Dr George Nwaeke had welcomed all participants to the State and expressed gratitude to the Governor for approving and making available the resources to host the games, noting that it was an opportunity to interact with all Civil Servants across the nation.
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