Rivers
Security: Experts Task Govt On Support For Paramilitary Organizations
Security experts in Rivers State have called for Government collaboration and support to private and paramilitary organizations, saying it will reduce insecurity along the state’s water ways.
They stated this recently at a get-to-gether party organized by Active Marine Surveillance Coast Guard limited, a private security outfit in the state.
Speaking at the event, ACP Okoro Ikechukwu, AC Operations Power, Rivers State Police Command, said Active Marine Surveillance Coast Guard limited needs the support of the Rivers State Government and other state Governments in the Niger Delta to assist in reducing insecurity along the waterways of the state.
He said the police and the other security agencies cannot curb criminalities alone, adding that the support of paramilitary organizations is needed both on land and water ways.
ACP Ikechukwu said this can be done through information gathering and sharing.
According to him, for effective performances of its function, Active Marine Surveillance Coast Guard limited not only requiree intelligence, but techniques and equipment, such as security gadgets, boats, and other equipment, adding that Government can support the group through the procurement of all.
He also stressed the need for the security outfit to avoid things that will bring disrepute to it, adding that they must not only be friendly with their host communities, but also members of the public.
Also speaking, a member of the Nigerian Red Cross, Rivers State, Dr. Mina Franklin, said the group needs the support of the government to check the incessant piracy along the waterways of the state.
She particularly said by checking insecurity along the waterways, “the group is not only contributing to the economy of the state, but also implementing maritime laws as far as security is concerned”.
She called for the assistance of the Rivers State Commissioner for Transport.
Meanwhile, the Director General of Active Marine Surveillance Coast Guard, Commander Godwin Amare, has said wearing of safety jackets be made compulsory for waterways transportation in the state.
Amare, who spoke during the get together party, said his group has also deployed over 3000 men across various jetties in the state to check all acts of insecurity.
He said his group is also enforcing wearing of safety jackets by not only speed boat operators, but also passengers.
According to him, the group needs the support of the government and the various companies operating in the state
Amare said the party has afforded them the opportunity to interact with various stakeholders in the maritime security sector.
He also said as part of plans to ensure adequate security in the maritime environment in the Niger Delta, his group plans to deploy its personnel across all the jetties in the region.
In separate interviews with newsmen, the Deputy Director General, Active Marine Surveillance Coast Guard limited, Captain Elekima Dein, and the Director of Finance of the organization, Captain Emberru Michael, said Niger Delta waterways needs proper security to check the incessant pirate attacks.
They said the group is out to support the government efforts in this direction and called for support.
John Bibor
Continue Reading
The Rivers State Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mr. Ilamu Arugu, has inaugurated a 5-man electoral committee to oversee the forth-coming elections of the Joint Association of Persons Living with Disabilities in the State (JONAPWD).
Members of the committee were carefully selected from five clusters, representing various categories of persons with disabilities, including visually and hearing impaired, spinal cord injury, physically challenged, and persons with albinism, to ensure that the electoral process is inclusive.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held in his office in Port-Harcourt, Mr. Arugu emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and fairness in the electoral process and charged the committee members to “conduct the election with integrity, impartiality, and the fear of God”.
The Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Commissioner also tasked the committee with developing a comprehensive plan for the election within two weeks and to report any challenges they encounter within the same timeframe to ensure prompt solutions to facilitate a seamless election.
In his acceptance speech, the newly appointed Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Mr. Nwankwo Ndubuisi, expressed his gratitude to the Commissioner on behalf of his colleagues for entrusting them with the mandate and pledged to work tirelessly to ensure a free, fair, and credible electoral process.
“I’d like to thank the Commissioner for this opportunity, and I assure him that we’ll work diligently to ensure a successful election”, the Chairman said.
Mr. Ndubuisi also thanked his colleagues for their support and cooperation, saying, “We’re dedicated to making this election a reality, and we’ll work together to achieve our goal”.
This inauguration marks a crucial milestone in addressing the leadership vacuum created by the expiration of Mr. Kie Obomanu’s tenure as Chairman of JONAPWD.
A statement by the Head of Press, Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Martha Igbiks, said, “the Ministry’s initiative is a welcome development which demonstrates its commitment to promoting inclusivity, transparency, and accountability in governance, ensuring that persons with disabilities have a voice and are actively involved in the decision-making process”.
Three persons have been confirmed dead in the Orazi Gas explosion in Port Harcourt , Rivers State, which occurred last weekend.
Recall that the Rivers State Government confirmed that 16 persons were initially admitted into the hospital as a result of the explosion.
According to information, the dead, which include a father and two of his daughters, were among those receiving treatment at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt, saying the 16 survivors from the incident were carried immediately to the RSUTH.
She also confirmed that some of them were in critical conditions when they were taken there.
“In fact, we are currently managing 16 patients that arose from the explosion at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital.
“They have various degrees of burns and thankfully we have a highly specialized unit that is providing expert attention and care to the patients”, she said.
Dr. Oreh said the explosion took place in a residential area without proper guidelines.
“The gas explosion took place in a residential area without adherent to guidelines on how gas cylinders that are commercialized should be operated.
“This is definitely beyond the ministry of health and that emphasizes the fact of what we call social determinants of health and so we work very closely with other ministries”she said.
She also said the Rivers State Government, through the various ministries, is carrying out activities with the view to streamlining the activities of such service providers so that clear guidelines are communicated to them to ensure that the lives of and property of the people of Rivers state is protected.
John Bibor
The Rivers State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon Isreal Lebura Ngbuelo, has commended the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, over the practical steps taken and support given to the ministry during the just-concluded Abuja International Carnival, 2024.
Hon Ngbuelo made the commendation during the Ministry’s Thanksgiving Service to celebrate the State’s achievement as the over all best State at the just-concluded Abuja International Carnival, 2024, held at the Redeem Christian Church of God (RCCG), Passover Parish in Port Harcourt.
He expressed gratitude to God for the support given to the ministry by the State Governor, noting that it contributed to the success of the Ministry at the Carnival.
“We are here to thank God for success He accorded us at the just-concluded Abuja International Carnival, 2024.
“We left Rivers State with over 700 contingent and emerged as the over all best winner for the Abuja International Carnival, 2024.
” We are here also to thank God for the staff of the Ministry and the peace in the Ministry, which increased us as a people and we can attest to it that by the grace of God we have a Governor that has passion for the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
“That we came back without any injury is a thing of joy”, Hon Ngbuelo stated.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Barr. Tomonialadieokuma Ishmael, said the Ministry organized the Thanksgiving Service to express gratitude to God for successful outing at the Abuja International Carnival.
He said the success of the Ministry at the event was another landmark for the state, adding that it was not the first time the ministry has been the over all best in the tournament, noting that “the peace in the State has been showcased to the entire world, not just Nigeria, that Rivers State is rich in culture and Tourism.
“We went to Abuja and emerged champions, so we are happy for State and for the ministry”, Barr Ishmael said.
Kiadum Edookor
-
Business10 hours ago
NACCIMA Rep Urges Farmers To Exploit Hybrid Oil Palm Seedlings
-
Nation11 hours agoNUJ backs proposed strike by Lagos-owned media workers
-
Politics8 hours agoNASS Sets Date For 2025 Budget Passage
-
Niger Delta10 hours ago
NDDC Boss Thanks God For Transformation … Promises More Infrastructural Projects
-
Business10 hours ago
Commissioner Blames Aging Infrastructure For TCN Woes
-
News11 hours ago
4 Professors, 2 SANs Unveil Book On FUBARAISM …Commend Rivers Gov’s Dev Strides
-
Sports5 hours ago
Polo Players Storm Port Harcourt, Promise Exciting Experience
-
News10 hours agoNothing’ll Stop Governance In Rivers, Fubara Assures …Says We Won’t Allow Anyone Take State For A Ride