OKO-JUMBO Emerges New Rivers Assembly Speaker, SOKARI As Leader

.Promise Transparency In Legislative Duties

The member representing Bonny State Constituency, Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, has emerged as the new Speaker of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly.

He was elected on Wednesday at 10am during plenary, in line with the Standing Order of the House.

In his acceptance speech, Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, thanked the members for electing him as the new Speaker sequel to the resignation of the former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Edison Ogerenye Ehie.

Speaking on the floor of the House, Oko-Jumbo said: “This is in line with Section 92(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (CFRN 1999) as Amended.

“You will agree with me that after the House last sat on the 13th of December, 2023, and adjourned sine dine, there has been an avalanche of legislative rascality perpetrated by the 25 former members of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly, led by the former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule. 

“These former members, being fully aware of the provisions of Section 109(1)(g) of the CFRN 1999, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Party (APC) on the 11th of December, 2023.

“Consequently, the Rt. Hon. Edison Ogerenye Ehie-led Assembly, on the 13th of December, 2023, wrote to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), declaring the seats of the 25 lawmakers vacant in line with Section 109(1)(g) and (2) of the CFRN 1999.

“My distinguished colleagues, there are a plethora of cases pending in our courts further to the defection of the former lawmakers.”

Rt. Hon. Oko-Jumbo emphasised: “All laws, plenary sessions and actions taken by the illegal House members are hereby declared void and a nullity in the eyes of the law by virtue of the judgment of Lord Denning in the celebrated case of MacFoy v UAC (1961) 3 All ER 1169.

“Lord Denning held in that case that you cannot put something on nothing and expect it to stand. Particularly, Lord Denning stated: ‘If an act is void, then it is in law a nullity. It is not only bad, but incurably bad. There is no need for an order of court to set it aside. 

“‘It is automatically null and void without more ado, though it is sometimes more convenient to have the court declare it to be so’.”

Rt. Hon. Oko-Jumbo stated further, that every proceeding which was founded on the activities of the former lawmakers had become ‘bad and incurably bad’. 

“You cannot put something on nothing and expect it to stay there. It will collapse”, he added.

The new speaker called on the Executive arm, the Judiciary and the general public to disregard every law purportedly enacted by the illegal Assembly members because they all amount to nothing but an exercise in futility.

He said, “Furthermore, this House would want to most respectfully urge and call on His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, DSSRS, to desist forthwith from further dealings with the 25 former lawmakers, in whatever guise. 

“Those members are merely floating and do not have any landing ground or anywhere to berth their ship since their defection to the All Progressives Congress on the 11th of December, 2023. 

“This House is the legally and constitutionally recognised House of Assembly by virtue of the defection of the other members, and is ready to receive correspondences from and work with His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara. Distinguished colleagues, let me thank you once again. 

“I know I can count on your unalloyed and unwavering support as we work with His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara in moving our dear Rivers State forward in promoting the progress and welfare of the State.”

Speaking to newsmen after the 10am sitting of the House, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, said he will stay true to his constitutional duties and work assiduously for the growth and development of Rivers people and the State.

“We will sit again, and communicate our proceedings to the public and make sure that we are doing what we ought to do to ensure there is transparency and clarity of leadership of the 10th Legislative Assembly.”

Also speaking, the newly elected Leader of the House, Hon. Sokari Goodboy Sokari said: “As the chairman of the government business in the 10th Assembly, as you’ve heard our speaker say, we will work in line with set goals to achieve synergy with the Executive.

“But away from that, we want to further warn that if His Excellency, the Governor ever have any dealing with those former members, we, the original members of the 10th Assembly, who by the provisions of the Constitution, form the quorum to address legislative business of the day, will have no choice than to raise the gavel, which is to commence impeachment proceeedings against him.”

He, therefore, urged the Governor of the State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to cooperate and work in tandem with the legitimate members of the 10th Assembly to ensure the delivery of good governance and quality dividends of democracy to Rivers people, who have bestowed their trust and mandate on them at this time.

Meanwhile, the new Speaker was led to the plenary with the original mace of the Rivers State House of Assembly by the Sergeant-at-Arms, David Wariboko, who managed the last sitting of the Amaewhule-led Assembly in the same position.

RSG Set To Adopt Community Conflict Prevention And Peace Building Committees In The 23 LGAS

The Rivers State Government says it would embrace Community Conflict Prevention and Peace Building Committees (CCPPC) in the 23 Local Government Areas of the State to ensure conflict prevention and introduce mechanism for quick resolution of conflict amongst communities. 

The State Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, stated this while speaking during the confab on the Essence of Peace Building and the Role of Rivers State Boundary Commission in the Peaceful Resolution of Boundary Disputes in Rivers State, at Justice Mary Odili Judicial Institute in Port Harcourt, on Thursday, 9th May 2024.

Prof. Odu who harped on the importance of fostering harmony and understanding within communities in the State, expressed gratitude to Governor Fubara for giving the approval for the programme to be held while noting that peace remains a corner stone for progress, development and prosperity in the State.

According to the Deputy Governor, boundaries that delineate our territories are not mere lines on a map, it represents shared histories, identities and aspirations of the communities.

 She said when disputes arise over these boundaries they do not only threaten peaceful coexistence of our people but also jeopardize the social fabric that binds us together.

The Deputy Governor commended the staff of the Rivers State Boundary Commission for their efforts in addressing and resolving contentious issues through dialogue, mediation and a commitment to fairness and justice.

According to her “The Commission plays a critical role in promoting understanding between conflicting parties and paving the way for sustainable peace in the State, this is why it is imperative for the staff of the commission to undergo training and retraining in order to effectively carry out their duties”.

In her Keynote address, Hon Justice Mary Odili, the Special Guest, said the fact remains that conflict prevention is better than conflict resolution, stressing that preventing conflicts is cost effective, it reduces negative consequences, promotes stability and contributes to long term sustainability of peace and security.

Justice Mary Odili noted that the State Government through the State Boundary Commission has a plethora of roles to play in ensuring boundary regulations, boundary adjustments and boundary enlightenment programmes, in order to achieve mile stones of peaceful coexistence in our State.

Also speaking the Chairman of the occasion and Royal Father of the Day, King Douglas Dandeson Jaja, Amayanabo of Opobo who spoke through King Disrael Gbobo Bob-Manuel the Amayanabo of Abonnema, said he was delighted to be a part of the brain storming session to proffer solution to boundary disputes.

According to the Monarch, the State Chief Executive Sir Siminalayi Fubara, is a great advocate of peace who has the political will and commitment to ensure Rivers State remains peaceful at all times which has earned him the coveted Silverbird Peace Advocate 2023 Award.

Prof. Martains Ifeancho, Director Centre for Peace and Security Studies in the University of Port Harcourt, presented a lecture on the Importance of Collaboration and Participation in the Quest to Cultivate Peaceful Co-existence in Rivers State, while Dr. Ebenezer Levi Odike, of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education presented a lecture on Conflict Resolution Strategies for Sustainable Peace in Border Communities in Rivers State.

Amaewhule Group Accuses Gov Fubara Plans To Demolish Rivers Assembly Quarters

The Martin Amaewhule-led group of the Rivers State House of Assembly has raised an alarm over an alleged plot by Governor Siminalayi Fubara to demolish the Assembly Quarters on Aba Road in Port Harcourt, the state capital. 

At a press briefing immediately after a visit by the governor to the quarters on Thursday, the Speaker of the group, Amaewhule, accused Fubara of being in violation of a subsisting court order.

Conducting journalists around the premises, a visibly angry Amaewhule said the building is very sturdy and doesn’t require any renovation.

He added that the governor wasn’t invited there by any of them and as such isn’t needed.

Another member of the House, Justina Emeji, called on the international community, and other well-meaning people to intervene and call the governor to order.

The Amaewhule-led Assembly also dismissed claims by some lawmakers loyal to Fubara that a new Speaker was elected on Wednesday.

In a six point statement signed by Emeka Amadi, the clerk of the Rivers State House of Assembly, the statement said there was no change in leadership structure of the House as Martin Amaewhule, Dumle Maol, and Major Jack remain Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Majority Leader respectively.

The statement further clarified that apart from the seat of Khana II constituency which was declared vacant, no other seat has been declared vacant.

Fubara Set To Rehabilitate Rivers Assembly Quarters

.Says New Speaker Has Emerged 

.Inspects Emohua-Kalabari Road

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has explained that his visit to the residential quarters of the State House of Assembly is to undertake on-the-spot assessment of condition of the structures for a possible rehabilitation work to restore its status and make liveable.

Governor Fubara gave the explanation after he inspecting the 

15.24 kilometers long Emohua – Abalama -Tema Junction dual carriageway road project on Thursday.

The Governor said: “Is the Assembly quarters not part of my property? Is there anything wrong in going to check how things are going on there?

“You are aware of the developments. We have a new speaker, and I went there to see for my myself how things are. There might be a few things I might want to do there for the good of our people.”

The Governor, who took a walk round the facility, said that he decided to visit the place to get better appreciation of what needs to be done to make the quarters conducive for lawmakers.

Commenting on the road project, Governor Fubara said he was assessing the extent of job that had been done to know what else was needed in preparing the road for commissioning during his one year anniversary.

He said, “As a matter of fact, we added this section of the road as one of the projects we will be commissioning. So, I needed to see it myself, and what is remaining is just the lighting. By the grace of God, we will commission it.”

Governor Fubara pointed out that the road project was inherited from the immediate past administration but a greater chunk of the cost was borne by his administration.

He said: “We feel justified to add it as our project and to commission it for the good of our people here.

“Governance is all about the people. When the people are out of the centre of governance, then it is no longer governance. 

“So, this road, as we all now know, was in a very bad state. A lot of criminal activities were being carried out here: kidnapping and all sorts of things. So, putting this road in order is appropriate.”

Governor Fubara said further: “You can see the little manhour we spent coming here. Before, it takes you 30 to 45 minutes to drive from Emohua to this place. But look at it, less than 15 minutes we are here. 

“So, it is about the people, the good of the people, making life easy for the people. That is the way I see governance. Anything outside that has nothing to do with me. 

“It is not about me. It is not about glory to me as a person. I am just a vessel that God is using to provide succour to the good people of Rivers State, and more especially, our dear people of Kalabari extraction.”

Senate Approves Death Penalty For Drug Traffickers

The Senate has approved the death sentence as a penalty for drug traffickers in the country, as it passes through the third reading, the 2024 NDLEA Act (Amendment) Bill.

The proposal was adopted on Thursday when the Senate dissolved into a committee of the whole for a clause-by-clause consideration of a report of the Chairman of the Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights & Legal Matters and Drugs & Narcotics National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Senator Tahir Munguno.

In a review of the penalty provisions of the amendment bill towards strengthening the operations of the agency, a proposed amendment to award a death sentence to drug traffickers rather than just a life sentence was raised by the Senate Chief Whip and Sen. Peter Nwebonyi Under clause 11.

When the matter was put to a voice vote, it appeared the nays had it. However, when the question was put on a second vote, the Deputy senate President ruled in favour of the i’s. A slight uproar ensued as some lawmakers were displeased.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole expressed his displeasure over what he considered a hasty consideration and passage of the amended clause.

The Deputy Senate President rejected an objection by Senator Oshiomhole to reverse the ruling, insisting that it came late which is against the rules.

The upper chamber also commenced the review salaries, allowances and fringe benefits of judicial office holders in Nigeria in a bid to curb bribery and corruption and ensure independence of the judiciary.

The executive bill seeking to prescribe the salaries of the judicial office holders both at the federal and state levels scaled second reading on Thursday and is expected to nip in the bud, the prolonged stagnation in remuneration to reflect the current socio-economic realities.

Rivers Police Command Busts Serial Rapist Gangs Targeting Online Victims

The Rivers State Police Command has busted serial rapist gangs targeting online victims

In a statement by the Spokesperson of the command SP GRACE IRINGE-KOKO the suspects was arrested following a reported abduction case involving Agor Ogechi 28-year-old resident of Elele in Ikwerre LGA, on July 1, 2023, the police swiftly intervened and have successfully apprehended the prime suspect involved in a series of heinous crimes.

The statement noted that investigations revealed that the suspect, identified as Louise Brutolu’ a 32-year-old resident of Igoni Street, Abuloma, employed the use of phone chat to lure his victims to the Pacific Suite Hotel, Abuloma, upon booking a room, the suspect drugged the victims, rendering them unconscious, and subsequently stole their valuables.

She said, “Investigations revealed that the suspect, identified as Louise Brutolu ‘M,’ a 32-year-old resident of Igoni Street, Abuloma, employed the use of phone chat to lure his victims to the Pacific Suite Hotel, Abuloma. Upon booking a room, the suspect drugged the victims, rendering them unconscious, and subsequently stole their valuables. In the case of Agor Ogechi, her iPhone, a sum of twenty-eight thousand Naira, and her ATM card were reported stolen.

“Acting on the victim’s complaint, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit promptly initiated an operation that culminated in the arrest of Louise Brutolu. During the arrest, the substance used to drug the victims was successfully retrieved. The suspect has claimed to work for an unidentified master and has pledged cooperation in capturing the gang leader.

“After months of persistent investigation, the Rivers State Police Command successfully apprehended the gang leader, whose identity is being withheld for investigative purposes. As a result of this arrest, various items belonging to different victims were recovered, including twenty-one mobile phones, three female bags, and receipt booklets.

“It is noteworthy that the gang leader had previously been arrested in 2021 for similar offenses and was charged in court. The recurrence of such heinous crimes underscores the importance of continued vigilance and proactive measures in tackling the menace of online criminal activities.

In a related development, the Rivers State Police Command has also arrested Jenifer Timi’ a 28-year-old native of Burutu in Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State who suspect specialized in luring individuals through social media platforms such as Instagram, Tinder, and Badoo. 

The spokesperson of the command SP GRACE IRINGE-KOKO said notably, the suspect targeted not only women but also Bolt and Uber drivers with expensive phones displayed online, while the suspect invited victims to hotel rooms where they were offered drinks laced with Tramadol, subsequently subjected to rape, and robbed of their belongings.

DP GRA statement said Jemifor Timi  Collins has been engaging in these criminal activities for over three years and has been arrested and charged to court on two previous occasions. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover further details and bring all responsible individuals to justice.

Notably, the suspect targeted not only women but also Bolt and Uber drivers. By exploiting their expensive phones displayed online, the suspect invited victims to hotel rooms where they were offered drinks laced with Tramadol, subsequently subjected to rape, and robbed of their belongings.

Jemifor Timi  Collins has been engaging in these criminal activities for over three years and has been arrested and charged to court on two previous occasions. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover further details and bring all responsible individuals to justice.

The Rivers State Police Command, under the leadership of Cp Olatunji Disu, strongly advises everyone, particularly the youths, to exercise caution when making friends online. It is crucial to prioritize personal safety by meeting new individuals in safe and public places. Additionally, individuals should inform their relatives and friends about their movements for added security. The police remain committed to providing protection and raising awareness about emerging crimes and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety of all residents.

RSG Unveils programme To Mark Gov. Fubara’s One Year Anniversary

 

The Rivers State Government has announced a 20-day programme of events and activities to celebrate Sir Siminalayi Fubara’s first year in office as the governor of Rivers State.

Chairman, Central Planning Committee of the One Year Anniversary, Dr Tammy Wenike Danagogo disclosed the line up of events during a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

Dr Danagogo who is also the Secretary to the Rivers State Government said the 20-Day programme will not be a display of much fun fare but  will involve commissioning of projects, flag off of new ones and other activities.

He explained that the programme will kick start on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, with the commissioning of the 11km old Bori Road in Eleme Local Government Area which is to serve as an alternative route to the East-West Road, while the Andoni section of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo Unity road will be commissioned on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

The SSG also stated that the programme will continue with flag off of the Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku 31 km road on Thursday, May 16; commissioning of the Emohua-Terma road on Friday, May 17; commissioning of Egbeda Internal roads project in Emohua Local Government Area on Monday, May 20; commissioning of phase 1 of Port Harcourt Electrical Village and flag off of phase 2 on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.

He further explained that on Wednesday, May 22 and Thursday, May 23, the Rivers State Economic and Investment Summit 2024 will be held in the state to discuss investment opportunities, while the Okania-Ogbogoro road will be flagged off on Friday, May 24, 2024

Other events for the one year celebration as disclosed in the briefing include; commissioning of the dualized Omoku-Egbema road on Saturday, May 25; hosting of Children by Her Excellency Lady Valerie Fubara, wife of the Rivers State Governor to mark the Children’s Day celebration on May 27, followed by a State Banquet to celebrate the 57th anniversary of the creation of Rivers State on the same date, accompanied by the unveiling of a book on Rivers State.

According to the SSG, the programme continues on Tuesday, May 28, with the launching of a Youth Development programme; holding of Accountability Forum to present Governor Fubara’s stewardship and scorecard on May 29, and the flag off of phase 2 of Trans Kalabari road on Thursday, May 30 while the Governor will present Certificates to some Traditional Rulers on  Friday May 31 followed by a Praise Night on the same day.

Other events include Rivers Marathon on Saturday, June 1 and Thanksgiving  Service at Saint Paul Anglican Cathedral Garrison, Port Harcourt on Sunday, June 2, 2024.

On his part the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Senibo Joe Johnson emphasised that over 103 kilometers of road will be commissioned to include Andoni section 27 km, Emohua-Terma 23km, Egbeda Internal roads 21km, Omoku-Egbema 21 and old Bori Road 11km.

–

Third Strata Base Open National Karate Championship To Begin In Port Harcourt

The 3rd edition of the “Strata Base National Open Senior Karate Championship” gets on the way at the Alfred Diete Spiff Sports complex in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Beginning from 1st to 4th May, 2024, 2023, over a hundred athletes, coaches and Karate administrators from across the country will converge on Port Harcourt to compete for medals in different categories.

In a statement culled from Engr. Dr. Chukwudi Dimkpa, Chief Executive Officer Strata Base Group, main sponsor of the tournament, indicates that “Karate fans and enthusiasts from around Nigeria will have the opportunity to relax and witness spectacular bouts of Kumite and Kata among participating athletes and teams drawn from states across the country”.

Dimkpa who is Chairman South South Zone of the Karate Federation of Nigeria, said the tournament, aside competition between Karatakers, will also feature refresher trainings and upgrade of referees and coaches in the combat sports, on the sidelines.

He maintained that he is resolute in his commitment to developing the sport and using it as a tool to engage young people and take them away from destructive vices while showcasing talent in an environment of entertainment.

“Asides from engaging young people meaningfully and showing them the possibilities of a life away from crime, was also aimed at showcasing talents to scouts and to serve as avenue to select and groom athletes who will represent Nigeria in international competitions”.

This year’s edition has Solotone Nigeria Limited and the Rivers State Government as part of the sponsors of the competition

Last year, the 2nd edition of the “Strata Base National Open Senior Karate Championship”, 2023, was hosted at the Sampson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, with athletes winning a total of 60 medals, comprising of 16 gold, 16 silver and 28 bronze in the overall medal haul, with team FCT-Abuja dominating the table with a total of 11 medals; 5 gold, 1 silver, and 5 bronze to clinch the 1st position. Team Anambra came 2nd, winning a total of 8 medals; 4 gold and 4 silver. Team Strata Base came 3rd winning 9 medals; 2 gold, 3 silver and 4 bronze.

Prince Ohia Urges Collaborative Efforts For Cleaner Environment in Rivers state

Special Adviser to the Rivers State Governor on Environmental Sanitation, Honorable Prince Obi Ohia

The Special Adviser to the Rivers State Governor on Environmental Sanitation, Honorable Prince Obi Ohia has emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration, particularly with community leadership, to foster a cleaner and more visually appealing environment.

Speaking during a meeting held at the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) conference hall in Port Harcourt, with youth leaders and heads of Sanitation Committees from Port Harcourt City, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, and Igwuruta in Ikwerre Local Government Area, Ohia Prince advocated for a strengthened partnership, highlighting the significance of involving youth leaders to achieve effective outcomes. 

The Agency, in a statement by the special Assistant on Electronic Media, Amb. Obed Douglas,  assured, that Prince Ohia is committed to integrating them to facilitate their operational roles.

Expressing concern over the rampant dumping of refuse in unauthorized areas such as road medians, waterways, and drainages, Prince Ohia warned that such actions contravene established laws. 

He stressed the detrimental impact of a dirty environment on public health, underscoring the urgency of maintaining cleanliness.

Prince Ohia urged community leaders to act as vigilant overseers to curb indiscriminate waste disposal, reiterating that dumping is permitted only between 6 PM and 10 PM daily. 

He urged their active participation in upholding cleanliness policies, emphasizing their role as crucial partners in restoring Port Harcourt’s status as the Garden City.

In his commitment to enforcement and monitoring, Prince Ohia affirmed collaboration with the Director of Public Health, the Chairman of the enforcement team, Sanitation Marshals, and law enforcement agencies.

The interactive session also featured contributions from the Director of Administration, Marvin Abbey and the Head of Sanitation Marshal, highlighting the collective effort required across all sectors to promote a cleaner environment. 

Authorities Shut Down Lead British Int’l Sch in Abuja Following Viral Bullying Video

Lead British International School has been shut down for three days following a viral video of bullying in the school involving some students.



This was announced at a press briefing attended by parents in the school premises on Tuesday.



The management of the school expressed its disapproval of the incident and confirmed the commencement of an investigation.



The victim was slapped several times by another female student in the presence of other students who appeared to be privies to the action.





Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command has deployed its officers to the Lead British International School, Abuja, over viral videos of bullying.



The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, in a statement on Tuesday, noted that the move was a proactive response to alarms raised by some members of the public regarding videos circulating on social media depicting the bullying of students at the school.