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Engaging The Cultists …The Rivers Example

Published

8 years ago

July 4, 2016

On New Year eve, amidst the familiar fire works in disobedience of regular Police warning, gunmen, suspected to be cultists invaded Marine Base. By the time residents realized that the bangs were gun-shots and made distress call to the Police, two bodies were found lifeless in a pool of their own blood.
One was later identified as an enemy ‘combatant’, while the second was a driver with the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, on official duty that had nothing to do with cultists and their activities. He was caught up in the cross-fire, an innocent death.
That incident is only one of several examples of collateral damages to cult-related violence, senseless bloodletting and incessant warfare for either supremacy or reprisal. Infact, many innocent citizens have paid the supreme price, without necessarily being partakers of the orgy of violence known to cult gangs.
On the last count, some local government areas in Rivers State were invaded by competing cult groups, leaving behind every such attack, dead bodies, among them innocent defenceless men, women and children.
Most of these cult gangs are so heavily armed that they can take-over and run a community to the utter helplessness of local authorities. In some communities, they are governments unto themselves and impose all manner of sanctions for disobedience. Where there are sources of ready funds from either state, federal and or oil production activities, the rivalry among such cult groups is often fiercest.
The history of the armed gangs is traceable to many sponsors, key among them are politicians who most often were said to have armed them as alternative security men and thugs, during elections, with promises of heaven on earth.
These young men were very often abandoned by such benefactors afterwards without any effort to retrieve their weaponry. And so, like the monster that outgrows his master, the cult groups become danger not only to their masters but also to society from which they must feed.
The warfare is also very deadly where two or more such groups are domiciled in the same locality and one seen to be favoured by public institutions against others. In such rivalries, the ambition of each group is usually to instill fear and force obedience from ordinary people. At other times, efforts are made to enlarge membership through forced initiations.
By such brute force, they enforce their own laws and order and eventually earn phoney legitimacy from among the populace who out of fear become subservient. At such times, rival groups also stockpile arms to dislodge the status quo, and the cycle continues.
Such is the near-frequent recourse to violence. Some of them are also accused of complicity in the incessant cases of kidnap in the state and elsewhere, with inexplicable ransom-demands that eventually make the trade a lucrative pastime. But kidnapping is not the only indiscretion often ascribed to such groups. Some of their members it is said are also believed to be into robberies of different kinds.
What is astonishing is that it is believed that the Police indeed know the leaders and even members of such groups. They also know their hide-outs and could indeed engage them to a stand-still.
But to the Police, such confrontation would be futile without the required political will of the government in power. This is because, without such needed assurances, such Police officers would merely endanger their jobs and or lives, because it is often difficult to know the support base of such cultists.
One could be arrested one day, only to get an ‘order from above’ to release such ‘innocent citizen’ only for such suspect to mock the Police men and loudly celebrate his freedom.
For such reasons, even some policemen, it was once alleged, also ‘blend’ a term commonly used to mean ‘initiation’ to enjoy the protection of a powerful cult.
Curiously, many citizens believe that the strength of the Police can only be noticed, when there is a police casualty in cross-fire. Police search, in such instances, is often very thorough, decisive and committed. At such times, the consideration of possible assailant’s powerful backers and a political will to back-up their reaction to their own dead ones, do not count. It is indeed in such an instance when it is best to find the best in policemen.
Aside from that, even the Police is often helpless. That is why the resolve of Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike to partner the State Police Command in taking the anti-crime war to the cult groups is most noteworthy.
After the initial raid of cult havens in Obio/Akpor Local government Area, Governor Wike’s own LGA, where buildings of cult-gangs and kidnappers were demolished and land, recovered for public use, the Governor’s battle continued at the weekend, with a raid of similar cult havens at Eagle Island, in Port Harcourt City.
Joined by the new State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Foluso Adebanjo, Governor Wike personally supervised the demolition of two alleged deadly cultists’ camps, one of them located behind the Redeemed Christian Church of God and the other one simply called Andoni Camp.
Like that in Obio/Akpor, Governor Wike announced that a Police Station will be built at the camp behind the Church while a community hospital will replace the Andoni Camp. Addressing the security afterwards, Wike assured that the demolition of cultists’ hide-outs will continue until innocent citizens know peace and sleep with both eyes closed.
The security action is coming after Governor Wike had appealed to the youth involved in crime, to denounce their trade, embrace peace and be granted amnesty. Governor Wike assured that such repentant cultists and criminals would be re-integrated into the civil society through programmes that would reform and make them better and dependable citizens.
It is not known, how many such persons heeded the governor’s call and hand of friendship. What is known is that the level of cult activities could no longer be treated with levity.
At these times of economic downturn; when, states are doing everything humanly possible to attract direct foreign investments, the fortunes of the state cannot be left at the mercy of cultists, whose orgy of violence naturally creates insecurity that could scare away such foreigners and local investors alike.
Rivers is second only to Lagos in internally generated revenue. That underscores the relative peace enjoyed by companies who live and do business in the state. That success cannot be sacrificed for cult-induced violence that daily put Rivers on the front pages of newspapers as insecure.
The joint Government/Police action is also to make a point to trouble-makers that they are not welcome at the forthcoming rerun elections planned for the state. They are only welcome as civil citizens and voters, not as hired thugs and or weapon wielding alternate security to politicians.
So far, the public seems convinced that the war against crime and criminals enjoys the required political will, with the direct involvement and participation of the State Governor in all the raids on cultists’ hide-outs and subsequent demolition. Also welcome, are the choices of public projects already earmarked to replace the demolished property. Institutions like community hospitals and police stations would without doubt help meet the health needs of the people and also guarantee law and order in the affected communities.
My agony is that it is still unclear if there would not be ‘order-from-above’ to immediately release suspected cultists in Police custody, in a clime where, bail of a murder accused is made an issue before a higher court, obviously for political reasons. Methinks more issues than necessary are being politicised these days and that should be checked, if we are not to record more innocent deaths in cross-fire, like the fate that befell, The Tide’s driver, on New Year eve.
Soye Wilson Jamabo

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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

Published

1 week ago

December 13, 2024

The Tide

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

Published

3 weeks ago

December 4, 2024

The Tide

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

Published

3 weeks ago

December 4, 2024

The Tide

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.