Niger Delta
Rivers Ready For State Police …Tasks NASS To Seal Legal Framework
The Director General of the Rivers State Neighborhood Watch, Dr. Uche Chukwuma says the state was fully ready to kick off its internal security architecture to promote peace, security of lives and property of residents of the state.
Chukwuma gave the assurance in an exclusive chat with The Tide, last Tuesday in Port Harcourt.
He said, “the facilities and manpower for the take off of the Nieghbourhood Watch is already on ground. Our governor is not a man who believes in half measures.”
The retired assistant commissioner of police stated that despite the disruption of the training of its personnel by federal authorities, the agency has won the legal battle in court to proceed with internal security arrangement.
“We have finished the court aspect which was in our favour, and so, we have been legally empowered to exist,” Chukwuma maintained.
He praised the State Security Fund Bill as a fresh boost to the take off and sustenance of operations of the agency.
Chukwuma said, “I think the bill at this point in our history is going to support the agency for better security arrangement for the state. We may not be the first state to set it up, but our peculiarity demands it.”
So far, he commended the governor for spending hugely on security since he came on board, adding, “looking at the massive state, the governor has done well over the years.”
Meanwhile, the Director General of the State Neighbourhood Watch, Dr Uche Chukwuma, has tasked the National Assembly to make legislation to mandate state police and the reform of the policing system in the country.
Chukwuma said, “for me, state policing is overdue. My grouse is with the 8th Assembly for failing to amend the laws to allow for state policing.
“I am calling on the 9th Assembly not to do the same. It’s their opportunity to engrave their names on the sands of history,” the former police chief remarked.
He was of the view that state police would create balance in the security network of the country.
“There will be mutual cooperation. And they should know that the internal security of a nation revolves around the police, and not the military”, he added.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Rt Hon Evans Bipi, has eulogised Gen Gabriel Asabuja over his recent birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
Bipi said Asabuja is worth celebrating following his numerous contributions and support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He described Asabuja as a strong pillar of governance in Rivers State, adding that the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning is happy working with him.
He noted that Asabuja’s position as a team leader of the Ministry’s taskforce has been amazing, saying the Ministry is proud associating with him.
The former lawmaker hinted that since Asabuja assumed office as leader of the taskforce, the Ministry has witnessed tremendous improvement.
Bipi said the Ministry will always stand by him to ensure that the dreams of the Governor Fubara-led government are achieved.
On his part, the celebrant, Gen Gabriel Asabuja expressed gratitude to God and the Commissioner for the honour done him.
Gen Asabuja also commended Governor Fubara for his tremendous and good leadership in the State, saying his group will continue to give the Governor maximum support in order to achieve more for Rivers people.
Gen Asabuja described Rt Hon Evans Bipi as one of the best brains working with the Governor, saying under Bipi, the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has shown capacity to leverage on the Governor’s mantra of Rivers First.
He said both the personnel of the Ministry, the Directors and adhoc staff are happy with his style of leadership.
The Joint Provincial Council, East of the Niger, Anglican Communion, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, Diocese of Evo from Saturday 15th — Sunday 16th February, 2025.
The meeting which had the theme, “Kept By His Mercies”, with text from Lamentations 3:22-23, had the Archbishops, Bishops, their wives, Chancellors, Financial Secretaries and Synod Clerical Secretaries of the 58 Dioceses as delegates.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev Blessing Enyindah, charged delegates to stay focused and committed to the matters for discussion and implement decisions reached for the growth of the Church in the region and the advancement of the business of God’s Kingdom.
Most Rev Enyindah, who is also the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, lauded the Diocese of Evo for the giant strides recorded in just 15 years of existence while tasking the leadership not to rest on its oars but to strive further to complete the work of the Kingdom in their hands.
Addressing the council in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo and host of the Joint Council, The Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, welcomed the delegates, and reminded them that the theme is apt and fit as it reminds the Church of God’s inexplicable and instructible mercy towards mankind, which supersedes His righteous judgements.
Bishop Ordu further lamented the many challenges bedeviling the country, such as skyrocketing cost of living, ravaging sicknesses and ailments, proliferation of harmful drugs, natural disasters, high level corruption in public offices, inept political leadership, amongst others, which he said could not consume mankind because of God’s mercies.
In their separate speeches, delegates saluted the Diocese of Evo for willingly accepting to host the council and the comfort they enjoyed during their stay.
Earlier, the council appointed the Synod’s Clerical Secretary of the Diocese of Evo, Rev (Canon) (Dr) Ebenezer Owhor as the Assistant Secretary of the Joint Council.
Also, before the commencement of plenary, the women of St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery thrilled delegates to good traditional tunes and dance steps while His Royal Highness Eze( Sir) Raymond Chinda led the chiefs and elders of Rumuomasi community in Oropotoma Kingdom, to appreciate the council for choosing the community to host the meeting.
They solicited for prayers of peace, unity and development from the council.
The meeting ended on Sunday evening while the Archbishops and Bishops worshipped in various churches in the Diocese of Evo.
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