Gist

OMOKU MOTORCYCLISTS STAGE DEMONSTRATES AGAINST INSECURITY AT COUNCIL GATE

Commercial motorcycle riders have barricaded the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Council gate in protest against the alarming rate of killings and frequent theft of motorcycles in the area, calling on the council to take immediate measures to safeguard their lives and property.

According to Gist Report, three commercial motorcyclists were allegedly killed by unknown assailants in Omoku last night, who also stole their motorcycles. This emerging trend, which some attribute to Hausa/Fulani scavengers, is a grave allegation requiring special investigation to verify.

With the recent inauguration of the new LGA Boss, actions are anticipated to address the insecurity, as local vigilantes are committed to securing their territory.

Urgent Appeal to ECOWAS for Independent Investigation into Rivers State Crisis

To the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS),

We, the Greater Ogonis in Diaspora Organisation (GODO), a non-governmental organisation championing good governance, development, and advancement in Nigeria, and protecting the rights of Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora, urge you to establish an independent investigation into the recent attacks on oil facilities in Rivers State, Nigeria, which led to the declaration of a State of Emergency in the state.

The people of Rivers State, particularly the Ogoni community, have suffered greatly due to the destruction of oil facilities, which has disrupted economic activities and put the lives of innocent citizens at risk. It is imperative that we get to the bottom of these attacks and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

As a critical member of ECOWAS, Nigeria is bound by the decisions of the organization. We appeal to the ECOWAS Commission, particularly the Department of Human Rights, Democracy, and Good Governance, to take decisive action in this matter. This department is responsible for promoting and protecting human rights, preventing and resolving conflicts, and ensuring compliance with international treaties.

We urge ECOWAS to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attacks, identify those responsible, and recommend measures to prevent such incidents in the future. We also call on ECOWAS to ensure that the human rights of all individuals affected by the crisis are respected and protected.

Furthermore, we appeal to ECOWAS to take a strong stance against any actions that may be deemed as a political coup d'état or an attempt to undermine democratic governance in Nigeria. The ECOWAS Treaty and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance must be upheld and respected.

Greater Ogonis in Diaspora Organisation (GODO) also urges the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to compel President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately reinstate the democratically elected Governor of Rivers State. The governor's suspension from office and replacement with a sole administrator is deemed a political coup by GODO. The organization asserts that the grounds for the governor's removal are fundamentally flawed and do not align with Nigerian laws or international best practices. GODO believes this action is a politically motivated maneuver aimed at suppressing opposition voices in Nigeria. As a regional organization, ECOWAS plays a vital role in promoting democracy, good governance, and human rights in West Africa. GODO calls on ECOWAS to take decisive action and ensure that the democratic will of the people of Rivers State is respected.

We count on ECOWAS to demonstrate its commitment to promoting peace, stability, and good governance in West Africa. We urge you to take immediate action on this matter and establish an independent investigation into the attacks on oil facilities in Rivers State.

Thank you for your attention to this pressing matter.

Sincerely,

Chief Ambrose Kii
Leader, Greater Ogonis in Diaspora Organisation (GODO)

POLICE ARREST NDC PRESIDENT OVER PLANNED PROTEST AGAINST TINUBU’S EMERGENCY RULE IN RIVERS

Tensions are rising in Rivers State as police detain the Niger Delta Congress (NDC) President over a planned protest against President Tinubu’s emergency rule.

The arrest, carried out in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, has sparked outrage among activists, who see it as a crackdown on free speech.

The police had initially invited NDC Spokesperson Mudiaga Ogboru but, instead of waiting for him, went ahead to arrest the group’s president.

Ogboru, who received police invitations from both Lagos and Rivers, described the move as intimidation, vowing that Niger Delta voices will not be silenced.

Civil rights groups have condemned the arrest, warning against efforts to stifle dissent in the oil-rich region.