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Expatriates Kidnapp: Wike Gives Andoni Chiefs Marching Order …Solicits British Govt’s Support In Neighbourhood Safety Personnel Training …Appoints Danagogo SSG, Chief Of Staff
Rivers State Government has issued a three-day ultimatum to government recognised traditional rulers in Andoni to effect immediate release of three kidnapped expatriate workers on the Unity Road Project .
The state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, who gave the order said at the expiration of the ultimatum, if the expatriate workers allegedly kidnapped by youths in the area were not released, the State Government would withdraw recognition to the traditional rulers.
The Tide gathered that the kidnapped three expatriates work with Raffoul Nigeria Limited, the company executing Andoni axis of the Unity Road Project.
Governor Wike also stated that apart from withdrawing recognition accorded the traditional rulers, the Andoni part of the road project would be cancelled.
He charged communities across the State to take measures to protect the contractors and workers executing government projects in their areas.
Wike warned that such sanctions awaits any community where chiefs and leaders allow project contractors to be kidnapped by the youths.
Recall that few weeks ago, Governor Wike withdrew government’s recognition to a traditional ruler in Khana Local Government Area over his alleged involvement in cultism.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has solicited the support of the British Government in the training of the state Neighborhood Safety Corps Agency officers
The Governor who made the request last Friday when the United Kingdom Department for International Development Team in the Niger Delta paid him a courtesy visit in Government House, Port Harcourt, said the state requires training support for operatives of the agency.
He stated that the state government established the neighborhood safety agency to help the security agencies with critical information to enable them fight crimes.
The governor noted that such information would help the security agencies nip crimes in the bud.
He said: “ Virtually all states in Nigeria have security challenges. We have established the NSCA to help the security agencies with critical information to fight crime.
“Such information will help the security agencies nip crimes in the bud. We need assistance for the provision of necessary security training aids for operatives of the NSCA”.
He also urged the British Government to partner with Rivers State Government in agricultural development, stressing that agriculture is a sector that has priority attention of his administration.
“This is necessary because we are interested in using agriculture to creat employment for our youths. In the sector, we are looking at crop farming, fishery and poultry “, he said.
He further stated that the state government is interested in vocational training and skills acquisition for Rivers youths.
He said: “ We want to develope partnerships with the British Government and other international institutions to empower youths with skills that will make them self reliant.
“Once they acquire the vocational training, the state government will set them up”.
The Governor noted that the state government will also partner with British Government in training of teachers for Basic and Senior Secondary schools and environmental sanitation.
Earlier, the Conflict Adviser of UK ,Department of International Development Team in the Niger Delta, Charlotte Neil, said that the British Government is interested in knowing the critical areas of need in the state for partnership.
According to her, the UK Department for International Development wants to understand the priorities of the Rivers State Government for the development of the state.
However, the Rivers State Governor,Chief Nyesom Wike has approved the appointment of Dr Tammy Danagogo as the New Secretary to the State Government.
Governor Wike also approved the appointment of Engr Emeka Woke as the Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt.
A statement signed by the Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, yesterday, said the two officials will be sworn in by the Rivers State Governor at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt by 2pm.
Chris Oluoh
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has charged the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Ibibia Lucky Worika to bring his wealth of experience to bear in governance of the State.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) gave the charge shortly after swearing in the new SSG at the executive chambers of Government House on Wednesday night.
The Administrator who congratulated Prof Worika on his appointment said the choice was not merely an administrative decision but a statement of intent.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) explained that the new SSG has an unparallel expertise in law, policy and international governance, which align perfectly with the mission to restore law, order, integrity and public trust in Rivers State.
He said: “To our new SSG, the task ahead is onerous, but your track record leaves no doubt in our minds that you will prove your mettle. Rivers State needs your intellect, grit and unweaving dedication. Together, we will write a new chapter of progress for this great state.
“Prof Worika’s role will be critical in driving this vision, ensuring that every policy, every decision and every action is in consonance with this administration’s mandate to restore law and order, stabilize the polity and to create the necessary conditions for the restoration of democratic institutions and representations.”
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) pointed to his maiden address to Rivers people wherein he emphasised that his administration will be committed to delivering an effective governance that is anchored on transparency, accountability and service.
He therefore, enjoined the new SSG to brace up to the demands of his office, and offer his best service as required while also working cooperatively with civil servants.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) said: “You have no time to settle down. You must roll up your sleeves and get to work with the team.
“Our civil servants with whom we will work closely to run this administration are critical stakeholders and we must work with them to ensure that the state continues to function effectively during this administration.
“To the Permanent Secretaries and civil servants as a whole, once more I will ask your kind cooperation and support as we work to achieve our objectives at this time,” he added.
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I Am One Of You, Sole Administrator Tells Rivers People …Warns Against Violence, Crude Oil Sabotage
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has assured residents that he is not in the State as a partisan actor or political competitor but as a stabilising force to restore governance and order.
In a state broadcast yesterday, Ibas, who assumed duty at Government House, Port Harcourt, emphasised his commitment to protecting civil liberties and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
However, he issued a stern warning against crude oil sabotage and violence, urging residents to resist any temptation to return to past hostilities.
“For decades, I have dedicated my life to the service of our great nation—first as the 20th indigenous Chief of Naval Staff and later as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana. I answered this call out of the need for peace in Nigeria, and most importantly, in Rivers State,” Ibas stated.
Describing the prolonged political impasse as a major setback to governance and democracy, he acknowledged the hardships faced by families and businesses due to the prevailing uncertainty.
“As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you. I feel the weight of this crisis on families, businesses, and the future of our people,” he said.
Ibas commended President Bola Tinubu’s decisive action in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, stressing that it was a necessary move to restore stability and revive economic activities.
“My mandate is clear: restore law and order, ensure stability, and create an enabling environment for economic growth. But this mission requires collective support from all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity,” he stated.
He discouraged attacks on oil infrastructure, reminding residents of the devastating environmental and economic consequences of such actions.
“The Niger Delta has moved beyond the destruction of oil facilities. We must resist the temptation to return to those ugly days,” he cautioned.
While pledging to uphold civil liberties and the rule of law, the Sole Administrator warned that lawlessness and violence would not be tolerated.
“We will not act arbitrarily, but we will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone who threatens the peace and stability of Rivers State,” he declared.
Ibas revealed that he had concluded a State Security Council meeting where strategic measures were outlined to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict.
Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility, he also acknowledged the National Assembly for approving the emergency declaration.
“I will work closely with the national leadership under the guidance of the President. I am optimistic that Rivers State will emerge stronger and greater,” he concluded.
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department has confirmed that 10 persons have died in the truck explosion that occurred near Karu bridge, along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, on Wednesday.
The FEMD’s Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the numbers in a statement, yesterday.
The Acting Director General of the Emergency Department, Abdulrahman Mohammed, had earlier confirmed that eight persons had died as of yesterday morning, with five confirmed dead on the scene, and four others burnt beyond recognition.
““Five people were taken dead from the scene yesterday (Wednesday). Out of the people that were injured, one died, making six. Then this morning (yesterday), when I asked my people to go round, they discovered that two had already died again, making eight. Four of them from yesterday were burnt beyond recognition.”, he explained.
However, in her statement, Isa said the Head, Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam, said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.
He added that some victims had been referred to the Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care.
Part of the statement reads, “The FCT Emergency Management Department FEMD can confirm that 10 persons lost their lives to the truck explosion that occurred at Karu bridge along Abuja / Keffi expressway.
“The Head Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.”
He informed that over 30 persons suffered various degrees of burns.
“Some of the victims have been referred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre,Keffi and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care,” he said.
Isa also stated that no fewer than 10 vehicles were burnt during the incident, adding that the FEMD boss after a visit to the incident scene, appealed to motorists to observe traffic rules and regulations.
He also cautioned against reckless driving, dangerous overtaking and poor maintenance of vehicles, while urging FCT residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of an emergency.
Meanwhile, barely 24 hours after the incident, another fertiliser-laden truck has collapsed on the same spot.
The Tide learnt that the incidence occurred at about 3:54pm yesterday.
The Head of Public Affairs of the FCT Emergency Management Department, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the accident in a statement, stating that the truck collided with a Hijet and a dump truck, adding that no life was lost.
She cautioned road users to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps was making efforts to tow away the affected vehicles, to avoid traffic built up.
“Another accident has occurred under Karu bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway. Thankfully, no life was lost to the incident. Our Search and Rescue say the accident occurred when a truck laden with fertilizer ran into a Hijet and a dump truck also known as tipper.
“Motorists are advised to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps is taking steps to tow away the affected vehicles in order to avoid traffic built up,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, several videos showed some persons trying to clear the fertiliser bags from the fallen truck to ease traffic.