Nation
Reps Probe Prison Breaks Nationwide
The House of Representative at yesterday’s plenary mandated its Committee on Reformatory and Correctional Institutions to investigate the incidences of prisons breaks across the country.
The House also urged the Controller of General of Corrections to immediately reinforce the armed squad of the service as part of measures to prevent reoccurrence.
The parliament also called for effective collaboration between the federal and state governments to tackle threats to the facilities, and particularly beef up security around the correctional centres nationwide.
While also asking the service and other security agencies to intensify efforts to recapture escapees in view of the danger it portends, the House also sought the amendment of the extant rules to enable members of the Controller General of Corrections into the National Security Council.
The resolutions were reached following the consideration of a motion under matters of urgent public importance, titled, ”Need to Investigate Jailbreaks Across the Country with a view to Forestalling reoccurrence,” sponsored by Hon. Chudy Momah from Anambra State.
Presenting the motion, Momah said that the attacks on correctional facilities have become a threat to internal security.
He said: “The spate of attacks on Correctional facilities across the country in recent times which has become a source of internal security threat to the country.
“The last couple of years, cases of jailbreaks have been recorded across the nation instigated by both internal and external forces.
“Correctional centres in Borno, Enugu, Oko, Konto-Karfe, Oyo, Kano, Edo, Ondo and Owerri, amongst others, have been attacked and a huge number of inmates released into the society.
“Recent jailbreaks particularly the Owerri case where 1,844 inmates were released and operational tools completely destroyed have heightened insecurity in the country.
“The forewarning of the jailbreak was, allegedly, not acted upon by concerned security agencies to prevent the attack despite proximity to the correctional centre”.
The lawmaker warned that if no action was taken to curb the attack, it may worsen the debilitating security situation.
“This pattern of Jailbreak, the audacity and sophistication with which it was carried out portends great danger for the country.
“The armed squad of the Nigerian Correctional Service in its present form and character is not adequately equipped to deal with these challenges hence the need to strengthen the security architecture of the service.
“Occurrence of jailbreaks are the most consequential effect of poor prison management and government neglect-a situation that best describes the Nigerian correctional facilities, an indication of failing prison system.
“The Correctional Act, 2019 which repealed the Prison Act, 2004 provided for the rehabilitation and reformation of inmates and eventual reintegration into the society as well as for measures to eliminate overcrowded correctional facilities, which in itself instigates violence and enables jailbreaks.
“The Controller General of Corrections is not a member of the Nigeria Security Council given the need for effective intelligence sharing and collaboration among security agencies.
“The general insecurity in the country and increasing concern for the safety of lives and properties aggravated by recent jailbreaks across the country.
“Continuous violation of our correctional facilities, if not checked, could lead to further deterioration of current insecurity in the country”, Momah said.
Adopting the motion after a positive voice vote, the House gave the committee 60 days within which to conclude the assignment and report back to the House for further legislative duties.
Nation
Opobo Elder Statesman Lauds Fubara’s Christmas Bonus to Civil Servants …Celebrates Recognition As Public Office Holder of the Year 2024
The Chairman of Opobo Elder Statesmen-4-Sim, Alabo Edwin Cockeye-Brown, has expressed appreciation to Rivers State governor, Amaopusenibo Siminalayi Fubara over his granting of #100,000 as Christmas bonus to the entire spectrum of civil servants across the State.
Speaking with journalists at his residence in Port Harcourt, yesterday. Alabo Cockeye-Brown said the generous gesture from the governor undoubtedly brought joy and relief to many families during the festive season.
“In these challenging economic times, such initiatives are a testament to Governor Fubara’s commitment to the welfare of our public servants. It is a clear indication that he values their hard work and sacrifices, “he stated.
Alabo Cockeye-Brown, who is the Vice Chairman of Opobo Council of Alapu, emphasized the importance of supporting civil servants, who play a crucial role in the development and governance of the state.
“These men and women dedicate their lives to serving the public. The Christmas bonus is not just financial assistance; it’s a recognition of their relentless efforts and a way to uplift their spirits ahead of the New Year,” he added.
In addition to celebrating the Christmas bonus, Alabo Cockeye-Brown took the opportunity to congratulate Governor Fubara on being awarded the Public Office Holder of the Year 2024.
He said the recognition is well-deserved, adding that the governor has shown exceptional leadership and vision, steering the state towards progress and prosperity.
“His dedication to uplifting the lives of our citizens is commendable, and we are proud to have him leading us”, he said.
Alabo Cockeye-Brown also called on other leaders in the state to follow Fubara’s example, stressing the need for collaborative efforts to enhance public service delivery and improve the living standards of the people.
“Let us work together to ensure that every citizen feels the impact of good governance,” he urged.
Nation
AIG handsover to Rivers new CP..calls for sustainable peace …list achievements in three months
The Assistant Inspector General of police (AIG) zone six Calabar ,AIG Mohammed Bala has said that his most achievements recorded during his tenure as the commissioner for police in Rivers state was to ensure that absolute tranquility of peace prevail in the state.
Bala made this statement during the official handover ceremony to his successor ,CP Olugbenga Adewale Adepoju held yesterday at the police command mess in port Harcourt.
The outgoing commissioner of police who was recently promoted to the ranks of AIG averred that when he assumed the batton of leadership last October 2024 as the commissioner of police in the state command ,he promised that his administration’s focus will be to ensure total peace was restored in the state , stressing that he was happy that he has lived up to his promises to the state.
“Today ,I am happy that we are living the state peacefully as we promised and I want you to sustain the peace in the state, peace is the only ingredient for sustainable development.
He used the opportunity to thank officers and men of the command for their support during the three months in the state and urged them to give same his successor.
The AIG used the opportunity to highlight some of his major achievements while In office to include, rescue of 13 under aged girls , arrest of kidnappers and armed robbers as well as the recovery of arms and ammunition among others.
” On 11th October 2024 at about 1300hrs, based on a vital piece of information indicating that one Rachael ‘f’, of Indorama Petrol Chemical Complex, Akpajo in Eleme LGA of Rivers State is operating an illegal baby factory. Detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) PH, were swiftly mobilized to the factory, where thirteen (13) under-aged pregnant girls were rescued. Investigation is ongoing.
Again, On 12th October 2024 at about 1430hrs, raid of an identified criminal hideout was conducted at Akpajo primary school field, old Refinery Road, Akpajo with a view to arrest one “Sinbad” a notorious sea pirate, kidnapper and armed robber. Upon the arrival of the team, one Bright Eke ‘m’, an associate of “Sinbad” was arrested and handed over to the Anti-Kidnapping (AKU) for further investigation. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the said fleeing Sinbad.”he stated.
Earlier, the new state police command, CP Olugbenga Adewale Adepoju commended the AIG zone six for his fatherly leadership role during his brief stay in the command and assured him that his legacies will be sustained by the present administration in the state.
Our correspondent reports that the ceremony witnessed decoration of police officers who were recently promoted by the IG in the last police promotion exercise as well as award to some officers who distinguished themselves in the service during the period under review.
They include, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Bori in Khana LGA,CSP Okanlawon Olufemi for neutralizing a very notorious kidnapper in the LGA and CSP Ojo Lawrence, DPO Akinima in Ahoada West LGA was given a token for neutralizing a notorious leader and his gang members in month of December, 2024.
Those decorated to their new ranks are ,Elijah Eleke who was promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police (AC) from Chief Superintendent of Police.(SP)
Umar Hassan,who was decorated with rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police.(DSP).
Akujobi amadi
Julius Berger Maintains Commitment to Timely Delivery with Holiday Work Schedule In the spirit of progress and dedication, workers on the Bodo-Bonny Road project, a transformative construction project awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, have continued their efforts undeterred by the Yuletide season. For many, the opportunity to contribute to the development of their communities through this landmark infrastructure project is a source of pride and fulfillment.
The 37.9 km road project, which connects Bodo in Gokana Local Government Area to Bonny Island in Rivers State, stands as a beacon of hope for the operational communities.
Julius Berger’s workforce, comprising a significant number of local indigenes, has been steadfast in their commitment to ensuring the project’s timely completion despite the challenging technical and logistical demands
The construction of this critical infrastructure requires specialized techniques and construction methodologies, including extensive sand filling for soil stabilization, to ensure a suitable foundation for construction.
The project also necessitates meticulous planning and coordination by the workforce and their supervisors, further underscoring the skill and precision involved in executing this project.During the holiday season, workers were seen diligently engaged in other activities such as base course installation, and sand-cement stabilization at key sections, including Apha Creek Bridge and Opobo Channel Bridge, the sight of heavy equipment from leading manufacturers like Caterpillar and Volvo further revealed the scale and complexity of the project.
Speaking about the project, John Hart, a member of the project team from Gokana, shared the pride he and his colleagues feel about the project,
“This road means everything to us. It connects our people to opportunities and development. For those of us working here, it’s more than a job, it’s our contribution to building a future for our communities.
Even during the holidays, we’re happy to give our all.”
Appreciating the team’s dedication, The Project Manager, Tim Nippert noted that, “Our workforce continues to exceed expectations. Working through the holidays and navigating the difficult terrain demonstrates their resolve and passion for delivering this project. Their ability to maintain steady progress under these conditions is truly remarkable.”
The Bodo-Bonny Road project is a critical component of Nigeria’s infrastructure development agenda. Featuring a 2-lane road with hard shoulders, 17 bridges spanning 3,200 meters, and reinforced concrete pavement on Bonny Island, it is designed to overcome environmental challenges while improving connectivity and stimulating socio-economic growth.