News

Rivers threatens to revoke illegally acquired land’s C of O

Published

4 months ago

June 8, 2024

The Rivers State Government has threatened to revoke the Certificate of Occupancy of the former Trans-Amadi Slaughter market land where a popular shopping mall is built.

This came following a peaceful protest by the people of Oginigba community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state over alleged land grabbing by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The protesters, comprising youths, women and men from the community called on the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to come to their rescue.

The State Head of Civil Service, Dr George Nweke, while addressing the people thanked them for their peaceful disposition.

Nweke, however, said all lands belong to the government, pointing out that the Certificate of Occupancy of any land illegally acquired would be revoked.

He stated, “Rivers State is blessed with a very good leadership. It is blessed with a leadership that thinks of the people, a government that is produced by the people.

“This is a government that has taken an oath to protect the people, their lives and their property. It is disheartening to hear the pathetic story that was told.

“Whereas they should have been thinking of how to enlarge your land to see how they can get you because I know the sacrifices you have made with those properties that people, companies here and there.

“So, I want to say that I hope you heard the message, so that you will hand it over and I can give it to the governor. But before it comes, what I will assure you is that the governor is the owner and custodian of all lands in Rivers State. Everything has a procedure, the procedure for the acquisition of land and all associated rights. If they are not followed, then that process would be repossessed.”

Earlier, leader of the protesters, Elder George Ariolu, said the people of the area (Oginigba) were deceived that the land would be used for a state project but to their surprise, it was handed over to a private shopping mall belonging to the immediate past governor of the state to do business.

Elder Ariolu stated, “We came here on a peaceful protest to let His Excellency know that our land was forcefully taken away from us by the ex-governor of Rivers State and some of his men.

“They allocated to themselves and allocated to a company called Hypercity without consultation whatsoever. Not one day did they call the community people for any meeting. And we have been there for the past two weeks; nobody has come to speak with us. That is why we came here.”

Our correspondent reports that the people of Oginigba community have occupied land for almost a week before taking their protest to the Government House along Azakiwe Road, Port Harcourt.

News

Deputy Speaker Mourns New Telegraph Photojournalist, Liberty TV reporter

Published

49 seconds ago

October 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu has expressed sadness over the demise of Mr. Elijah Olaluyi, a photojournalist with the New Telegraph Newspapers.

Until his death on Thursday evening, Olaluyi covered the activities of the House of Representatives with zest and professional integrity.

Kalu in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, extended his sincerest condolences to Olaluyi’s family, the publishers of New Telegraph, the House of Representatives Press Corps (HoRPC) and the entire membership of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) where the deceased belonged to as a member.

The Deputy Speaker recalled that Olaluyi practiced his career with utmost decency, displaying unassailable photographic skills, guided by the fine ethos and ethics of journalism profession.

According to him, Olaluyi, having covered the parliament for since 1999 had acquired institutional memory while documenting the House proceedings pictorially.

Kalu said that Olaluyi will be greatly missed by his family, colleagues and all who knew him.

He however said that the photojournalist will be remembered by the string of legacies he left behind.

Similarly, the Deputy Speaker also commiserated with the Senate Press Corps over the death of Malam Mohammed Adamu, a reporter with Liberty Radio and Television who passed on early hours of Wednesday.

While praying God to give the families and the people who knew them the fortitude to bear these irreparable losses, Kalu also asked for the repose of the souls of the departed.

News

Despite Sinwar’s death, the war is yet to come to an end-Israeli PM

Published

39 mins ago

October 18, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Killing Yahya Sinwar is Israel’s biggest victory so far in the war against Hamas in Gaza.

His death is a serious blow for Hamas, the organisation he turned into a fighting force that inflicted the biggest defeat on the state of Israel in its history.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, praised the soldiers and made clear that however big a victory, it was not the end of the war.

The remaining hostages are not free and Hamas is fighting and sometimes killing Israeli troops.

A year of war has killed at least 42,000 Palestinians and left much of Gaza in ruins

Source: bbc.com

News

NUJ FCT Council Elections: Group Calls for Fair and Transparent Process

Published

57 mins ago

October 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Ahead of the inauguration of the Credentials Committee of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council on Saturday, 19th October 2024, which is expected to oversee the election of a new leadership, an advocate group under the auspices of Make A Difference Initiative (MAD) has called for a level playing field to ensure a peaceful transition.

The group, known for promoting justice and equity, has urged journalists in Abuja to set an example for the political class by conducting elections free from manipulation, rancour, or crisis.

According to the group, this can only be achieved through a leadership committed to the collective good of the union, protecting members’ interests, and resisting undue influence from self-serving individuals or groups.

In a statement signed by Executive Director of MAD Initiative, Dr. Lemmy Ughegbe, the group placed the responsibility of ensuring a fair electoral process on the incumbent chairman, Patrick Osaretin Osadebamwen, and his executive team.

He therefore urged them to create a conducive environment that allows all aspirants and voting members to participate freely and without intimidation.

“It is our hope that Osadebamwen will seize this opportunity to leave a lasting legacy by managing the process with transparency, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the union’s values”, the statement read.

MAD Initiative also called on the NUJ National President, Comrade Christopher Ikechukwu Isiguzo, to closely monitor the process and offer timely guidance to the FCT Council leadership if necessary.

The group concluded by expressing its hope for a smooth, peaceful transition that reflects the true will of the union’s members.

The NUJ FCT Council election is seen as an important opportunity for journalists in the nation’s capital to demonstrate that credible elections are possible, even in challenging environments.