Breaking Naija News 7th Of October 2024
IGP Orders Unlocking Of Local Government Area Headquarters After Fubara Appoints APP Officials
The administrative headquarters was closed in mid-2023 due to the conflict between the Caretaker Committee Chairmen aligned with Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the immediate past local government chairmen.
Rivers State law enforcement has reopened all 23 LGA offices in the state after the selection and inauguration of new chairmen.
This was confirmed in a statement by the police public relations officer, Iringe-Koko earlier on Monday morning.
She said the newly deployed Commissioner of Police, CP Mustapha Bala acting on the orders of the IGP, Kayode Egbetokun has ordered the immediate withdrawal of all police personnel previously deployed to seal and safeguard the council secretariats in the state.
The secretariat was sealed in June following the disagreement between the Caretaker Committee Chairmen loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the immediate past local government chairmen, who were loyalists of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The development was after Governor Siminalayi Fubara had sworn in 23 newly elected local government chairmen in the state.
The exercise held at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House in Port Harcourt, the state capital on Sunday, comes a day after the Rivers State Independent National Electoral Commission (RSIEC) conducted an election at the grassroots.
Read Complete Statement Below:
POLICE ORDERS UNSEALING OF LGA SECRETARIATS, WITHDRAWAL OF DEPLOYED PERSONNEL WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT
In view of the recent political developments in Rivers State, the newly deployed Commissioner of Police, CP Bala Mustapha hereby convey the directives of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, for the immediate withdrawal of all police personnel previously deployed to seal and safeguard the Local Government Secretariats in the state. This decision is in line with the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure neutrality and the smooth functioning of democratic institutions.
Consequently, the IGP has ordered the unsealing of the Local Government Secretariats, which were earlier secured by police personnel. The police will only be redeployed to these locations in the event of any crisis or breakdown of law and order, in which case emergency measures will be swiftly implemented to restore normalcy.
The Rivers State Police Command assures the public of its readiness to maintain peace and order across the state and will continue to act professionally in discharging its duties. We urge all residents and stakeholders to remain calm and law-abiding as the situation evolves.
GRACE IRINGE-KOKO (ANIPR),
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
RIVERS STATE POLICE COMMAND.
FOR: THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
OCTOBER 7, 2024
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Kelly Rae Named Champion Of Big Brother Naija Ninth Season
Kellyrae now joins the ranks of former All-Stars winner Ilebaye (GenZ Baddie) to secure the grand prize.
The contestant on the weekend was announced as the victor of the latest Big Brother Naija Season 9, winning the top prize of N60 million, an SUV, and extra benefits.
Kellyrae edged out competitor Wanni who finished as runner-up, and Onyeka, who emerged as the third place spot.Kellyrae now joins the likes of last season’s All-Stars winner Ilebaye Odiniya (Gen Z Baddie) to claim the grand prize.
Regarded as Nigeria’s most anticipated TV show, this season’s theme "No Loose Guard", which premiered on July 24, 2024, welcomed 14 pairs of housemates,
However, only one pair and six individual contestants made it to the final.
The other finalists were Victoria, Ozee, Sooj, Nelly, and Anita.
The top 8 Big Brother Naija Season 9 contestants
This year’s edition had an unusual twist as the participants were required to apply in pairs.
Among the eight finalists, Kellyrae, Victoria, and Wanni were considered favourites by many viewers to make the top three and earn final podium spots
The finale was a star-studded affair, featuring performances from popular artistes Joseph Akinfewa-Donus, aka Joeboy, and Chimamanda Chukwuma, popularly referred to as Qing Madi.
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Tension Shakes Rivers State Over Removal Of Restriction On LG Secretariats
Governor Siminalayi Fubara had officially appointed 23 freshly selected local government chairmen in the state.
Some disagreement were said to have ensued in the Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State after lifting of the three-month restriction on the Local Government Area secretariats by the Police Chief, Egbetokun on Monday.
Ahoada East is the L.G.A of the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Ehie.
Our correspondents at the scene who later ran to safety, said police officers were seen firing into the air to disperse persons who tried to resist the resumption of the Ahoada East chairman on Monday.
A statement by the Command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko earlier on Monday morning, had directed the re-opening of all the 23 LGA secretariats in the state.
The newly deployed Commissioner of Police, CP Mustapha Bala acting on the orders of the IGP, Kayode Egbetokun ordered the immediate withdrawal of all police personnel previously deployed to seal and safeguard the council secretariats in the state.
The secretariat was sealed in June following the disagreement between the Caretaker Committee Chairmen loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the immediate past local government chairmen, who were loyalists of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Governor Siminalayi Fubara had sworn in 23 newly elected local government chairmen in the state.
The exercise held at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House in Port Harcourt, the state capital on Sunday, comes a day after the Rivers State Independent National Electoral Commission (RSIEC) conducted an election at the grassroots.
There was also an initial report that some individuals had attempted to barricade the Port Harcourt City LGA secretariat earlier on Monday, when the Chairman, Ezebunwo Ichemati tried to access the council secretariat.
The crisis was, however, allegedly foiled when the men sighted the chairmen, councillors and supporters arriving at the council.
Ichemati was later seen supervising the clearing of overgrown grasses and cleaning of the council and other facilities within the premises.
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Rivers Local Government Vote Demonstrates Citizens Are Weary Of Autocrats
He said Governor Fubara had no alternative but to go ahead with the poll when his political party, the PDP, opted out of the process.
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Okpara, asserts the positive outcome of the conduct of the October 5, 2024 local government election in the oil-rich state demonstrates the indigenes of the state are tired of domination.
"What it portends is that Rivers people are tired of oppression, Rivers people are tired of emperorship, Rivers people are tired of dictatorship," he said on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme.
"The difference now is that we have a governor who wants to serve and not be served; not a governor who Adolf Hitler is his mentor or (Donald) Trump.
"Rivers people feel liberated; Rivers people are happy, they came out in their numbers to vote and they are excited."
Okpara, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, knocked ex-governor Nyesom Wike for trying to control the structures of the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
"A man wants to control APC structure, he wants to be in control of PDP structure, in a state? How do you explain that?" he queried.
Okpara applauded Governor Siminalayi Fubara for defying all odds to hold the local government election in the state despite the withdrawal of the PDP and the APC.
"We should give credit to Governor Fubara because by the end of the month, any state that does not have (a) democratically elected local government structure will not receive money. What’s the implication? It means that civil servants at the local government level will not be paid? Families will be deprived.
"So, Governor Fubara was helpless in this situation, sacrificed and ensured that rather than go on a party line, let there be an election so that the state would continue to benefit from (FAAC allocations)."
‘Fubara Didn’t Engage In Anti-Party Activities’
At the end of the LG poll on Saturday, the Action People’s Party (APP) won 22 chairmanship positions out of 23 in the oil-rich state, leaving the Action Alliance (AA) with one seat. Fubara swore in the winners on Sunday.
Okpara said Fubara had no option but to proceed with the election when his party, the PDP, opted out of the exercise.
He said, "We cannot describe that as an anti-party because his party where he belonged. If you listen to his speech today (Sunday), he said he is still a member of the Peoples Democratic Party and his party opted out of the election. How do you explain that? A PDP state? His party opted out so he decided to hold the election."
Okpara, a former ally of Wike, said he dumped the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and moved to Fubara’s camp because of ideological differences.
"We were political associates but now we are no longer are," he said, noting that the point of disagreement was when Wike supported the APC in the 2023 presidential election at the expense of the PDP.
Okpara also stressed that the election in the state showed that peaceful polls can be conducted in Nigeria without the police.
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People's Democratic Party Wins Thirty Of 31 Local Government Area Chairmanships In Akwa Ibom
The electoral body, which announced the outcomes of the October 5 council election, also indicated that the All Progressives Congress won one LGA.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured thirty of the thirty-one local government chairmanship seats in the Oct 5, 2024 local government poll in Akwa Ibom.
The AKISIEC made this known on Sunday.
The commission, which published the results of the October 5 Local Government election, also showed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) claimed victory in one local government area.
Following the successful conduct of the voting, everything is ready for victorious local government leaders to be sworn in on Oct 7, 2024, by 8 am at the Government House Banquet Hall, Uyo in the capital city.
This was announced through a official communication authorized by the SSG, Enobong Uwah.
The statement indicated that Governor Umo Eno would perform the function in the presence of invited attendees.
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Governor of Bauchi Witnesses As Fubara Installs Twenty-Two APP Chieftains, Other As Local Government Heads
The River State governor, who assured Mohammed that he remains a PDP member, stated a desperate situation demands drastic measures.
Fubara has inaugurated 23 recently selected local government chairmen in Rivers State.
The exercise held at the Council Chambers of the Government House in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Sunday, comes a day after the state electoral body held an election at the grassroots.
The event was witnessed by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who is also the Leader of the PDP Governors' Forum.
The state leader expressed joy at the success of the local government poll, saying it takes the assistance of God to survive the last few days.
He also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for being a democrat.
Governor Fubara, who assured Mohammed that he is still a member of PDP, however, said that desperate circumstances demands desperate action. According to him, what his administration did with the backing of the people was to save the local government councils.
He said he would not go in the ways of his opponent by being confrontational to protect the assets of the state and cause a breakdown of law and order.
He advised the new chairmen to see themselves as servants and not emperors.
He said the local government areas need development and charged them to work for the people who are the real political structure.
Earlier on Sunday, RSIEC issued certificates of return to the newly elected local government chairmen.
After an exercise held amid heightened tension, the Action People’s Party (APP) won 22 chairmanship positions out of 23 in the oil-rich state.
However, the state electoral umpire suspended the declaration of results for Etche Local Government Area (LGA) because the collation is ongoing.
The RSIEC chairman, Adolphus Enebeli, who declared the result on Saturday, also said that announcement for the 319 councillorship seats will be announced alongside that of the Etche Chairmanship position when collations are concluded.
But a day after the election, RSIEC declared Uzodinma Nwafor of the Action Alliance (AA) as the winner of the election in Etche Local Government Area.
He described the election as free, fair, and credible, despite all odds. According to him, polls were closed at 3 pm and recorded a large turnout of voters.
Enebeli saluted the patriotism of the residents who turned out to vote.
The declaration of the results was observed by members of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), chairmen of the state’s independent electoral bodies across the country, and members of the Nigerian Bar Association who acted as observers in the polls.
He said the commission "adopted the principle of bi-location because of the exigencies" they found themselves.
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LG Election: Rivers Residents Are Steadfast, Opposed Tyranny
Abubakar praised the residents of the oil-rich state for their resilience in the midst of difficulties.
Atiku Abubakar on Sunday lauded the just concluded local government poll in the state, saying the voters is determined in rejecting domination.
After a heated election, the Action Peoples Party (APP) swept 22 of the 23 local government areas in the state. However, the AA clinched just a single LGA – Etche.
With the end of the local government election in Rivers State, the threat of political pressure and legal manipulation have faded, paving the way for the important pursuit of leadership to commence in the State.
Reacting to the outcome, Atiku commended the people of the oil-rich state for "their steadfastness in the face of adversity, courageously ensuring that yesterday’s election unfolded with peace and integrity."
"As prophesied, it has now been revealed that the citizens of Rivers are astute and resolute, unwavering in their rejection of any form of political oppression, harassment, or the machinations of self-serving godfathers," he stated.
"As I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected local government leaders, I urge them to wear the welfare of the people as their foremost badge of honour and shun tyranny and delusional ambition in their political endeavours."
Read entire declaration below:
With the conclusion of the local government election in Rivers State, the shadows of political intimidation and judicial chicanery have dissipated, paving the way for the noble pursuit of governance to commence in the State.
From the bustling heart of Port Harcourt to the tranquil shores of Onne, the populace has spoken in harmonious unison, affirming that nothing can better democracy.
As prophesied, it has now been revealed that the citizens of Rivers are astute and resolute, unwavering in their rejection of any form of political oppression, harassment, or the machinations of self-serving godfathers.
As I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected local government leaders, I urge them to wear the welfare of the people as their foremost badge of honour and shun tyranny and delusional ambition in their political endeavours.
Moreover, I commend the resilient people of Rivers State for their steadfastness in the face of adversity, courageously ensuring that yesterday’s election unfolded with peace and integrity.
I must also applaud Governor Fubara, @SimFubaraKSC, for his unwavering commitment to the people’s interests, safeguarding the sanctity of the local government elections even amidst provocative challenges.
In the grand tapestry of this election, it is ultimately the people who emerge victorious, their sacred right to choose their leaders firmly upheld within the framework of our democratic process. -AA
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9th Senate President Ahmad Lawan Commissions ICU In Yobe State
The ICU which was constructed by Lawan is the second in Nigeria, with the first situated in Ekiti.
President of the 9th Senate, Lawan had commissioned a state-of-the-art ICU at the Yobe State Specialist Hospital, Gashua,.
The Intensive Care Unit which was built by Senator Lawan is the second in the country, with the 1st situated in Ekiti State.
Senator Lawan, who is the senator for Yobe North, during the opening ceremony also presented a brand new ambulance to the hospital to empower it to respond to emergencies.
Speaking at the event, Lawan explained the intensive care unit was established out of his resolve to enhancing healthcare results, as well as fulfilling the urgent need for enhanced healthcare services in his constituency.
He said, "As a representative of the people of Yobe North Senatorial District, I have witnessed firsthand the pressing need for enhanced healthcare services in our communities.
"The absence of adequate critical care facilities has resulted in countless preventable deaths and immeasurable suffering. The realisation of this ICU today is a significant step towards addressing this challenge."
He disclosed that the ICU is equipped with the latest medical technology and staffed by highly skilled healthcare professionals.
"It features advanced ventilation systems, patient monitors, and life-saving equipment that will enable us to provide the highest level of care to critically ill patients. From victims of road accidents to those suffering from severe infections, ailments or respiratory distress, this ICU will serve as a source of hope for our people", Senator Lawan added.
He commended the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Buni, for prioritising healthcare and providing several medical facilities across the state.
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Federal Government To Begin Evacuation Of Nigerians From Lebanese Republic, Indicates Numerous Disinclined To Leave
As per an announcement, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said although some Nigerians have shown interest in being evacuated, a good number of them are disinclined to do so.
The Nigerian Government says it will in the near future start the return of Nigerians from Lebanon following the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said though some Nigerians have shown interest in being repatriated, a significant portion of them are reluctant to do so.
This spintax format allows for multiple variations of the article while maintaining the core information. Here's one possible variation that could be generated from this spintax:
"According to a release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared although some Nigerians have expressed interest in being repatriated, a significant portion of them are reluctant to do so.
The Nigerian Government announces it will shortly commence the return of Nigerians from Lebanon, in light of the hostilities between Israel and the Hezbollah.
As per an announcement, the Foreign Affairs Ministry stated though some Nigerians have shown interest in being brought back, a considerable amount of them are disinclined to do so."
"In the light of the deteriorating security situation in Lebanon, the Government has activated emergency protocols to ensure the swift and safe evacuation of our
citizens back home as soon as possible," the ministry’s spokesman Eche Abu-Obe said in a Saturday statement.
He said the ministry is working with the president, the National Emergency Management Agency, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency, the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, and other relevant bodies to ensure the safe return of the country’s citizens from Lebanon.
"Presently, about 500 Nigerians have registered with the Mission, however, there are more than 2000 Nigeria citizens residing in the country. Even though most of them have not indicated a willingness to return home in spite of the persuasion by our Embassy, we will continue to do everything to ensure the safety of our citizens," the statement read.
"The Ministry is pleased to report that no life has been lost. In view of the commendable efforts made by the Embassy, working in concert with the leadership of the Nigerian community to evacuate fellow Nigerians from
Southern Lebanon the epicenter of the conflict to Beirut, the administration of President Tinubu is making arrangements to send a C-130 Aircraft or any other available flight for the evacuation exercise."
READ THE FULL ANNOUNCEMENT FOLLOWING:
Further to the last statement issued on the evacuation of Nigerians from Lebanon, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to elucidate on the information contained therein. In this connection, the Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced evacuation procedures for Nigerian citizens living in Lebanon, following the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
The Administration of HE Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, wishes to reiterate that the safety and well- being of its citizens remains its top priority. In the light of the deteriorating security situation in Lebanon, the Government has activated emergency protocols to ensure the swift and safe evacuation of our citizens back home as soon as possible.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Presidency, National Emergency Management Agency, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, and other relevant bodies, is coordinating the evacuation exercise to ensure the safe return of Nigerians from Lebanon.
Our Embassy in Beirut has been issuing several advisories since the conflict started for our citizens to stay indoors and follow local authorities’ instructions as well as appeal to those who have not registered with the Embassy, to do so through Email: [email protected].
Presently, about 500 Nigerians have registered with the Mission, however, there are more than 2000 Nigeria citizens residing in the country. Even though most of them have not indicated a willingness to return home in spite of the persuasion by our Embassy, we will continue to do everything to ensure the safety of our citizens.
The Ministry is pleased to report that no life has been lost. In view of the commendable efforts made by the Embassy, working in concert with the
leadership of the Nigerian community to evacuate fellow Nigerians from Southern Lebanon the epicenter of the conflict to Beirut, the administration of President Tinubu is making arrangements to send a C- 130 Aircraft or any other available flight for the evacuation exercise.
The Nigerian government urges all citizens living In Lebanon not to resist evacuation because the ongoing conflict may escalate and appeals for cooperation with the evacuation process and follow safety guidelines. Nigeria appreciates the understanding of the international community and will continue to monitor the situation.
Signed:
Amb. Eche Abu-Obe
Spokesperson
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Saturday, 5th October, 2024
