IGP Directs Reopening Of Local Council Offices After Governor Fubara Appoints Action People's Party Leaders

The secretariat was closed in June as a result of the disagreement between the Interim Committee Leaders loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the previous local government chairmen.

The police authority in Rivers State has reopened all twenty-three local council headquarters in the state following the selection and inauguration of newly elected leaders.

This was verified in a press release by the police public relations officer, Iringe-Koko on Monday.

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.

See Entire Announcement Underneath:

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 Emerges Champion Of BBNaija 9th Edition

He now adds to the group of last season's champion Ilebaye (GenZ Baddie) to claim the top prize.

Kellyrae on the weekend was announced as the winner of the latest BBNaija 9th Season, taking home the main award of N60 million, a sports utility vehicle, and additional prizes.

Kellyrae pipped competitor Wanni, who emerged first runner-up, and Onyeka, who secured the second runner-up position.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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Unrest Grips Rivers State Over Easing Of Ban On LG Headquarters

Gov. Fubara had sworn in twenty-three freshly selected local government chairmen in the state.

Some disagreement was said to have arisen in the Ahoada East of Rivers State following lifting of the 90-day restriction on the local council headquarters by the IGP, Egbetokun on Monday.

Ahoada East is the L.G.A of the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Edison 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 LG Vote Reveals Voters Are Weary Of Autocrats

He stated Governor Fubara had no choice but to go ahead with the poll when his party, the PDP, decided not to participate in the process.

A leading figure of the PDP in Rivers State, Austin Okpara, asserts the positive outcome of the organization of the Oct 5, 2024 council election in the resource-rich state shows the residents of the state are fed up with 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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PDP Clinches Thirty Of 31 Local Council Positions In Akwa Ibom

The electoral body, which published the outcomes of the Oct 5 local government election, also revealed that the All Progressives Congress claimed one local government area.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured thirty of the 31 LG chairman positions in the October 5, 2024 local government poll in Akwa Ibom State.

The AKISIEC made this known on Sunday.

The commission, which made public the results of the Oct 5 Local Government election, also showed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured one local government area.

In light of the of the election, everything is ready for newly chosen Chairmen and Vice Chairmen to be sworn in on Oct 7, 2024, by 8 am at the Government House Banquet Hall, Uyo in the capital city.

This was stated in a official communication authorized by the SSG, Enobong Uwah.

The release indicated that Governor Umo Eno would conduct the ceremony in the presence of guests.

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Governor of Bauchi In Attendance As Fubara Swears In Twenty-Two Action Peoples Party Chieftains, Others As LG Bosses

The River State governor, who assured Bala Mohammed that he continues to be a member of the PDP, stated a desperate situation requires desperate action.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara has officially appointed twenty-three newly elected 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 ceremony was witnessed by Governor of Bauchi State Bala Mohammed, who is also the Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors' Forum.

The state leader showed happiness at the positive outcome of the LG election, stating it requires the grace of God to endure the last few days.

He also thanked President Tinubu for being a democrat.

Fubara, who reassured Mohammed that he is still a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, said that desperate circumstances requires drastic measures. According to him, what his government did with the support of the people was to salvage 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 Vote: Rivers Residents Are Resolute, Rebuffed Autocracy

Abubakar praised the residents of the resource-rich state for their steadfastness in the despite difficulties.

Atiku Abubakar on Sunday acclaimed the just concluded local government poll in the state, saying the electorate is determined in opposing domination.

After a closely contested election, the APP won 22 of the twenty-three LGAs in the state. However, the AA secured just one LGA – Etche LGA.

With the completion of the LG poll in Rivers State, the shadows of political pressure and judicial chicanery have disappeared, making way for the important pursuit of administration to begin 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."

Check out unabridged statement 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 Opens Intensive Care Unit In Yobe

The Intensive Care Unit which was constructed by Senator Lawan is the 2nd in the country, with the first located in Ekiti State.

President of the 9th Senate, Lawan had commissioned a modern Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Specialist Hospital, Gashua.

The Intensive Care Unit which was constructed by Senator Lawan is the second in the country, with the first based in Ekiti State.

Senator Lawan, who represents Yobe North, during the opening ceremony also gifted a new ambulance to the hospital to allow it to handle emergencies.

Addressing attendees at the ceremony, Lawan said the ICU was constructed out of his resolve to upgrading healthcare results, as well as addressing the pressing 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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Nigerian Government To Start Relocation Of Nigerian Citizens From Lebanon, Reports Numerous Disinclined To Leave

As per an announcement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated though some Nigerians have shown interest in being brought back, a good number of them are reluctant to do so.

The Nigerian Government announces it will in the near future commence the return of Nigerians from Lebanon, due to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

According to a release, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated although some Nigerians have expressed interest in being repatriated, a considerable amount of them are unwilling 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."


VIEW UNABRIDGED STATEMENT BELOW:

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: info@mfa.gov.ng.

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