Rivers

Amaewhule, 24 Others Fail To Stop Suit Challenging Their Sack

Published

2 years ago

June 26, 2024

The embattled former speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Martin Chike Amaewhule and 24 other members of the Assembly have failed in their bid to stop the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt from adjudicating on the suit seeking to sack them as members of the state House of Assembly.

The suit, which was instituted through Originating Summons by three members of Boot Party and others, is seeking, among other things, for the court to declare the seat of Amaewhule and 24 others vacant, having defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

At the resumption of the matter on Monday, the trial judge, Justice Stephen Daylop Pam, told counsels representing the parties in the matter that one of the parties, Martin Amaewhule had written a petition to the chief judge of the Federal High Court asking that he discontinues from hearing the matter.

Justice Daylop Pam asked the lawyers of their views on the petition written by one of the defendants, Martin Amaewhule.

Taking the lead on argument, the lawyer representing the plaintiff, Boot Party, Reuben Wanogho Esq, told the judge that the petition does not concern the court as the petitioner has not served any of the parties involved in the matter with the copy of the petition, and added that the petitioner, through his legal representation, has not filed any correspondence to the court.

He opined that in such circumstances, the law assumed that he was not before the court and urged the court to ignore such petition and go ahead with the matter on the business for the day.

In his submission, the state Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Mr Dagogo Israel Iboroma, SAN, told the court that he was not under any obligation to adhere to the alleged petition, and that Heavens will not fall if the court continues with the matter.

He reminded the court that the scheduled business of the day as listed in the Order Paper was for the hearing of an application seeking for joinder, and urged the court to go ahead with the matter.

In their submissions, the counsels representing Martin Amaewhule and 24 lawmakers, Mr Orbih Ferdinand, SAN, and the representative to the state PDP, Mr Joshua Musa, SAN, urged the court to wait for the response of the chief judge of the Federal High Court before continuing with the matter.

The trial judge, Justice Stephen Daylop Pam, after hearing from the counsels, ruled to continue with the matter on the ground that the petitioner has not filed anything before the court.

He later called on the PDP state representative, Mr Joshua Musa, SAN, to move his motion, which was on joinder, and legal representation.

However, the court proceedings were not without any drama, as the court was thrown into confusion on who was the right legal representative to PDP in the matter.

The PDP National Legal Adviser, Mr Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade, SAN, and Mr Joshua Musa, SAN, both are laying claims to be the authentic PDP representative.

Ajibade, in moving his oral application bordering on representation, told the court that there was a recent ruling by a Federal High Court in Edo State, and urged the trial judge to leverage on the judgement to resolve the disparity over who should represent the party in the matter, and tendered a copy of the judgement as evidence.

Earlier, the court adjourned to resolve the issue bordering on non-service of court processes by the counsel representing the 25 respondents, Mr Orbih Ferdinand, SAN.

However, when the court resumed from the short adjournment, Orbih appealed for an adjournment on health ground.

The trial judge, Justice Stephen Daylop Pam, adjourned the matter to Friday, 28th of June, 2024, for motion for joinder.

Both the APC and PDP are seeking to be joined in the matter.

Speaking to journalists after the court session, the PDP National Legal Adviser, Mr Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade, SAN, told Journalists that he was in court to inform the court who has the right to represent the party or assign legal representative on behalf of the party, adding that the judge will give ruling on it on the next adjourned date.

He further told Journalists that Hon Martin Amaewhule and 24 other former members of the state House of Assembly, who defected to the ruling APC, have lost their seats as they were no longer members of the party, adding that the party was taking every steps to recover the lost seats.

On the substance of the case, Ajibade said: “The substance of case…has to do with the issue of defection. Defection of some members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. You know it too well. Yes!

“There is no two ways about it: They defected. And it is the position of the party, the PDP, that they actually defected. And the PDP is taking steps to recover the seats back because they said they are members of APC now”.

Rivers

Ogoni Community Rejoices Over Return Of Peace

Published

14 hours ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

The people of Zaakpon Community in Khana Local Government Area, in Ogoni, of Rivers State, have expressed happiness over the return of peace in the community.

Speaking during a Thanksgiving Service held at Zaakpon townsquare on Sunday, the Coordinator, Bua-Zaakpon Prayer Team, Charles Daka, said the thanksgiving service was to celebrate seven years of the return of peace in Zaakpon.

He called on the people of Zaakpon to continue to work harder in order to sustain the existing peace in the community.

The prayer coordinator also thank God for the peace that has returned, adding that the crisis that erupted in 2019 destroyed properties, life, schools and other commercial activities in the community.

“Innocent people were brutally murdered, churches, schools and other commercial activities were shutdown.

“It was so pathetic, but we thank Almighty God in his mercy for the return peace on the land.

“God used His son, Gani Toba, and some devoted Christians, mostly females, who were instrumental to intercession for divine intervention and God answered their prayers and restored peace in Zaakpon”, Daka said.

Daka also appreciated the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for the peace initiative and development in Zaakpon Community.

He urged the people of Rivers State to continue to support the Governor in order to attract more development in the state.

On his part, the Gbenemene of Kologbere-Bua-Zaakpon Community, King John Suka-Bakpo, said he will continue to work with all relevant authorities to ensure that the existing peace becomes a lasting one in Rivers State and beyond.

“I want to thank God for the peace we enjoyed all this years. Also, I want to thank God for our son, Gani Toba, for his role in returning peace in our community, Zaakpon.

“He used his time and money to ensure peace returns to our community.

“I want also thank our Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, who has shown that he is a son of Zaakpon”, Chief Bakpo said.

He advised parents to counsel their children to maintain harmony in the community.

Kiadum Edookor

Rivers

KALCCIMA Inaugurates New Executive Council … Pledges Renewed Drive For Kalabari Economic Growth

Published

15 hours ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

The Kalabari Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KALCCIMA) has formally inaugurated its new Executive Council (Exco) in a ceremony marked by optimism, strong institutional backing, and renewed commitment to economic development in Kalabari land.

Inaugurating the new Executive, the National Deputy President of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji, charged the new leadership to position KALCCIMA as a catalyst for inclusive growth, enterprise development, and strategic engagement with government and the private sector.

The newly inaugurated officers of KALCCIMA are: Elder Monima Daminabo (President); Amb. Clement Akanibo (First Deputy President); Boma Kaladokubo (Second Deputy President); Harry Awolayeofori Macmorrison (Executive Secretary/Director-General); and Faaye Franklin (Treasurer).

Others are: Engr. Robinson Success (Financial Secretary); Ibiba Don-Pedro (Public Relations Officer); Princess Nancy Boma Princewill (Organising Secretary); Barr. Idaoyibo Fortune Igbikikuno (Legal Adviser); and Abiye George, who emerges as the Welfare Officer.

In his keynote address, Dr. Membere-Otaji congratulated the Exco and emphasized the strategic importance of a vibrant local chamber to regional and national economic growth.

He urged the leadership to align KALCCIMA’s programmes with NACCIMA’s national vision, stressing professionalism, transparency, and innovation in advancing commerce, mining, agriculture, and small and medium-scale enterprises in Kalabari.

“The Chamber must become a rallying point for entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers. Kalabari has immense economic potential, and KALCCIMA must provide the structure and leadership to unlock it”, he said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Pastor Prince Billy Harry, charged the Exco to lead with integrity, unity, and purpose.

He encouraged them to move beyond ceremonial roles and focus on tangible outcomes that would uplift Kalabari communities, empower youth and women, and attract sustainable investments.

In his acceptance remarks, Elder Monima Daminabo, President of KALCCIMA, expressed gratitude to NACCIMA, the Board of Trustees, and stakeholders for their confidence in the new leadership.

He assured members that the Exco would prioritize stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and partnerships aimed at stimulating trade, supporting local industries, and promoting agricultural and maritime opportunities unique to the Kalabari axis.

Highlight of the occasion was presentation of goodwill messages by notable professionals and stakeholders, including Arc. Eniye Braide, Arc. Danny Sokari George, and Ebianga Bestmann, all of whom commended the inauguration and expressed confidence in the capacity of the new Exco to reposition KALCCIMA as a strong voice for economic advocacy and development.

They urged the chamber to leverage Kalabari’s strategic location, cultural heritage, and human capital to foster entrepreneurship, attract investments, and contribute meaningfully to the economic prosperity of Rivers State and Nigeria at large.

The inauguration ceremony ended on a note of collective resolve, with stakeholders expressing hope that the new leadership would usher in a new era of relevance, impact, and sustainable development for KALCCIMA and the entire Kalabari nation.

Rivers

Rivers Police Commissioner Condemns Vigilante Group Over Aluu Attack

Published

15 hours ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olugbenga A. Adepoju, has condemned the actions of the vigilante operatives involved in the recent gun attack on residents of Unity Estate at Aluu in Ikwerre Local Government Area.

A statement by the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, in Port Harcourt, said the Rivers Police Commissioner noted that no group was permitted to take the law into its own hands irrespective of their claims.

The Police Command, through the statement, reassured residents of the State of their safety.

“Members of the public are advised to provide credible information that could lead to the arrest of the fleeing suspects. Efforts are on to bring all those involved to justice”, it said.

Meanwhile, normalcy was said to have returned to the area following the arrest of 12 suspects linked to the attack.

The assault occurred in broad daylight on January 5, 2025, when armed men stormed the Mbodo–Aluu estate, firing shots indiscriminately and unleashing fear across the once-peaceful neighbourhood.

According to Police findings, the attackers were suspected members of a vigilante group, the Onelga Peace And Advisory Committee popularly known as OSPAC from parts of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

The Police report said the attack was allegedly supported by some hired thugs brought in to reinforce the operation.

Witnesses said the assailants were armed with Pump-Action guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons.

The Police noted that the coordinated attack resulted in the destruction of sections of the estate, with several vehicles vandalised in what residents described as a calculated show of force.

One of the victims was shot in the leg during the attack and was abducted subsequently by the gunmen.

Swift police action followed a distress call, with operatives from the Choba Division racing to the scene and receiving reinforcement from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Octopus Tactical Teams.

The combined operation led to the successful rescue of the abducted victim, who was immediately rushed to a medical facility where he is currently receiving treatment.

Exhibits recovered include one automatic Pump-Action gun, a live cartridge, expanded shells, assorted charms, five motorcycles, two mini-buses and a Siena van allegedly used during the operation.

King Onunwor