Reports
INCRA Replies Wike’s Invectives against Transport Minister, Amaechi
…Describes Wike as a paradox
The Inter-ethnic Network for Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, a foremost media group in Rivers State, says its attention has been drawn to a sleazy press statement by Governor Wike’s media aide against the person of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.
The group in a statement signed today signed stated that “naturally, we would not have responded to this dross but we are constrained by our commitment to our fundamental operational philosophy of projecting, protecting and promoting Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, to react accordingly and keep Wike on his tracks.”
Text of the statement reads: “Not much was expected from Wike when he took the oath of office on May 29, 2015, as Governor of Rivers State and true to expectations, Wike has proven beyond doubts that he has absolutely nothing to offer beyond political chicanes and sophistry. With each passing day, Wike’s theatrics assumes more ridiculous and worrisome dimension.
“It beats us hollow, how Wike has little or no time for anything other than politicking at the expense of Rivers people. We recall that we have consistently critiqued the Governor’s actions or inactions on several issues where we believe he has fallen short of expectations and most times advised him accordingly, yet he has never responded to any of those either in words or action but hastily responds to any politically related statements made about him, an indication that he is a misfit for the office of the Governor.
“Governor Wike’s misgovernance and directionlessness are purely a reflection of his mindset. A man who only see government as an opportunity to plunder the resources of the State for selfish reasons other than the collective wellbeing of the masses, this is evident in his alleged N850 Million acquisition of a School adjacent his multibillion-naira mansion along Ada-George road, in his country home, amongst many other numerous inordinate acquisition of properties within the same area.
“We are not bewildered at Wike’s lack of tact and focus in governance, particularly because, he was foisted on Rivers people through the back door. He has repeatedly shown that he became governor by happenstance and is grossly unprepared for governance. Evidently, Wike, is not apprised with the workings of government and has seized every given opportunity to make a spectacle of himself, thereby, stripping bare his greenness. While the economy of the State is in a free fall, Wike’s slush funds and private purse continue to grow into a fort.
Sadly, over two years after, Wike continues to straggle about the political space aimlessly, blaming his inefficiencies and failures on Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, his boss and benefactor, who has moved on and has continued to impact positively on Nigerians through the Ministry of transportation.
“Rather than task his administration with delivering dividends of good governance to the people of Rivers State, Wike has made attacking Amaechi the only agenda of his administration, a situation that is itself, paradoxical as Wike, being a Chief of Staff to Amaechi, was an integral part of the same Amaechi-led administration which he attacks religiously.
“Does Wike need to be reminded that it was the opportunity Amaechi gave him to serve as Chief of Staff in his government that served as a springboard to his political growth?
“The Wike-led government symbolises the rule of vices over virtues and moral midgets over nobles, a grim reversal of the natural order of affairs. Wike’s administration is bereft of the capacity to initiate good projects or programs yet it mismanages those it inherited or supervises their deterioration. Most facilities at the State secretariat are not functional due to negligence and lack of maintenance on the part of government; thus, civil servants are subjected to the rigorous challenge of devising means of going about their duties.
“We are shocked at Wike’s description of the appointment of Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside, as futile and an avenue for Amaechi to indemnify him for the cost he incurred during the 2015 governorship elections in Rivers State. Obviously, this line of thought by the Governor is a reflection of his habitual practice of making appointments on the basis of returns back to him and not on meritocracy. It is a known fact that the Governor imposes a certain percentage on all appointees and contract awardees as a return to him which is why he flagrantly disregards due process in the award of contracts.
“Dr. Peterside, a refined and intellectually sound personality with international acclaim does not fit into any of Wike’s reckless descriptions. Peterside, continues to evince rare and peerless leadership and administrative prowess, qualities which the Governor has not been able to manifest for over two years now, since assumption of office.
“Peterside’s appointment as DG of NIMASA was wholly on merit and not on grounds of compensation or blackmail as Wike would want the public to believe. His transformational achievement at NIMASA since his appointment as DG of the agency are sterling and has gained several international recognition and honour, a feat Wike is willing to pay through his nose to acquire.
“It is an aberration for Wike to compare his visionless government to the achievements of Peterside in all ramifications. Peterside, as a member of the National Assembly, personally instituted a scholarship scheme that saw several youths of Rivers State travel abroad for their studies, but under Wike’s administration all Rivers sons and daughters abroad on scholarships by the Amaechi administration were recalled and their scholarships terminated. As Commissioner of Works under the Amaechi administration, Dakuku Peterside did more than Wike has done as Governor for over two years now. Many years after serving as Commissioner, his imprints can still be seen and felt all over the State. Wike has failed in virtually every sector of government, Agriculture, Education, Employment, Health, Infrastructure, human capacity development, etc.
“Obviously, Wike’s memory failed him too soon. It is on record that the internal road network in his country home, Rumuepirikom, which he plans to reconstruct with billions of Naira, were fully awarded to him by the Amaechi administration through the ministry of works under the Works Commissioner, Dakuku Peterside. In other to amass wealth for himself, Wike, executed sub-standard roads without paying compensations due his kinsmen even when such compensations were fully accommodated for in the contract terms.
“Wike’s barefaced lie that Amaechi’s political structure was unable to deliver Peterside in the 2015 elections is a slight on the sensibilities of Rivers people who were denied the opportunity to vote for the candidate of their choice. It is on record that despite the electoral fraud masterminded by the PDP under the auspices of former President Jonathan and his wife, Patience Jonathan, the APC never lost any elections in Opobo-Nkoro Local Government Area, not even on any of the several rerun elections. All elections in Opobo-Nkoro were lost at the elections petition tribunal under questionable circumstances. Were it not for the use of state apparatus and manipulation of the electoral umpire, Wike would never have been Governor.
“Wike’s allusion that Dakuku Peterside made away with the election results of Ikwerre LGA during one of the rerun elections in a bid to spare his boss, Amaechi, some embarrassment, is not only fictitious but a grand farce and has no bearing with reality. Ikwerre LGA is a safe haven for the APC, being the home LGA of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the Honourable Minister of Transportation and Leader of the APC in the State.
“Wike who became governor by fluke and judicial magnanimity must learn to make the most of this lifetime opportunity by taking the business of governance seriously with all sense of humility and service. Perhaps, he needs to be reminded that he may not always have an “Oga” that will tell him to go here or there at ungodly hours to seek one judicial favour or the other, as he rightly affirmed during his Supreme Court verdict thanksgiving service in his hometown.
“While the Governor is busy trying to beguile the unsuspecting public into believing he is performing well with his low-class motor park, jetty and pleasure park projects, Kebbi State, with allocation and IGR far below that of Rivers State recently commissioned a mega rice mill adjudged to be one of the biggest in Africa. In the same vein, Lagos State is set to launch its 5000 buses Urban Mass Transit Scheme to remodel its transport sector and cushion the transportation challenges of its growing population.
“One wonders if Rivers State is now a Local Government Council to be embarking on such low-profile projects.
Amaechi’s indelible legacies stare Wike in the face and will continue to haunt him and act as a constant reminder of his failure as Governor.
“In 2019, Wike will have to test his popularity at the polls for the first time in reality. He must come to the realisation that only his legacies will speak for him in 2019 as no magic, electoral infractions and shenanigans will be enough to make him stay in office beyond May 29, 2019.
“For now, he continues to bear the onerous burden of measuring up to Amaechi’s achievements and legacies as Governor of Rivers State. Until then, we have the need to reiterate Amaechi’s advice to Governor Wike for the umpteenth time, “SHUT UP AND WORK.”
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(DDM) – A dramatic scene unfolded in Aku community, Imo State, as a family burial turned chaotic over allegations of financial settlement demands by the deceased’s first son.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the first son, identified as Uzoma Nwawere, reportedly blocked the burial of his late mother, insisting that his married sisters and their husbands must “settle” him before interment could proceed.
The incident occurred at the family compound where a large crowd gathered for the ceremony, only for the event to descend into confusion.
Eyewitnesses said Uzoma argued that his late mother and sisters had allegedly disrespected him while she was alive, depriving him of the recognition traditionally accorded to a first son.
A retired police officer at the scene narrated in Igbo that the deceased’s husband, Godwin Nwawere, had passed away earlier, leaving behind Uzoma as the first son and several daughters now married into different families.
The officer alleged that Uzoma had lived in the family compound for years, claiming he was left to fend for himself “on credit” while his sisters enjoyed better treatment.
He accused the daughters of conspiring with their late mother to undermine Uzoma’s status as heir to the family property, a situation that allegedly fueled tensions even before her death.
Reports indicated that Uzoma insisted the burial could not hold in the family compound, which he now claims as inheritance, unless his in-laws complied with his demands for settlement.
A viral video from the scene showed mourners and family members exchanging heated words near a freshly dug grave as light rain drizzled over the area.
In the footage, relatives and sympathizers were seen pleading with Uzoma to allow the burial to proceed, but he reportedly stood his ground.
The argument quickly attracted onlookers, causing embarrassment for the family and disrupting what was expected to be a solemn ceremony.
Cultural analysts say disputes over inheritance and burial rites are common in parts of Igbo land, particularly when tensions exist between sons and married daughters.
They note that first sons traditionally hold significant authority in family affairs, including burial decisions, but such authority can spark conflicts when perceived to be misused.
Social media reactions to the incident have been mixed, with some condemning Uzoma’s action as insensitive, while others argue that cultural norms were ignored by the deceased’s daughters.
As of press time, it was unclear whether the burial was eventually completed or postponed, as efforts to reach the family for clarification were unsuccessful.
(DDM) – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the arrest of thirty-six suspected internet fraudsters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the operation was carried out by operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the anti-graft agency.
The sting operation reportedly took place on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at various locations within Port Harcourt.
According to EFCC officials, the arrests followed credible intelligence linking the suspects to widespread internet-related fraud.
Authorities disclosed that the crackdown was part of ongoing efforts to curb cybercrime in Nigeria’s southern region.
Recovered items from the suspects included exotic vehicles, a Q-link motorcycle, and several high-end mobile phones.
Laptop computers reportedly containing incriminating documents were also seized during the coordinated raid.
EFCC stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the scale of the fraudulent activities uncovered.
The suspects are expected to face charges in court as soon as preliminary investigations are concluded.
The anti-graft commission maintained that no one would be spared in its fight against cybercrime and financial malfeasance.
Background of EFCC’s operations
The EFCC has intensified its clampdown on internet fraud across Nigeria in recent years.
In 2024, the agency recorded multiple arrests in Lagos, Abuja, and Benin City as part of its cybercrime crackdown.
Cybercrime, popularly called “Yahoo Yahoo” in Nigeria, has continued to tarnish the nation’s international image.
According to law enforcement data, billions of naira are lost annually to internet scams originating from Nigeria.
Experts link the rise of internet fraud to unemployment, economic hardship, and greed among youths.
EFCC has repeatedly urged young Nigerians to explore legitimate sources of income rather than resort to fraudulent schemes.
Port Harcourt under spotlight
Port Harcourt, a major commercial hub in the Niger Delta, has seen a surge in cybercrime activities in recent years.
Authorities believe the city’s thriving nightlife and influx of oil wealth make it a hotspot for fraud syndicates.
Previous raids in 2023 and 2024 led to the arrest of over 150 suspects, with many facing prosecution.
The EFCC warned that more sting operations would follow as part of its ongoing anti-fraud campaign.
Conclusion
The latest arrests signal a renewed drive by the EFCC to dismantle cybercrime networks across Nigeria.
The agency has promised to release further updates as investigations progress and suspects face legal proceedings.
News
Anambra Govt Arrests, Beats Up 18 Journalists Monitoring Senatorial Bye-Election
By Chuks Collins, Awka
The Anambra State Government has reportedly arrested eighteen journalists, who were touring electoral Wards and communities of the 7 Councils that made up the Anambra South senatorial zone where the bye-elections were held on Saturday, August 16, 2025.
Our correspondent reported that the journalists were arrested and detained at gunpoint by the operatives of the Anambra State Vigilante Service, generally known as Udo-Gachi.
The journalists had gone to Nnewi, in Nnewi North, as well as Ukpor, Osumenyi, Ezinifite, Amichi and other communities in Nnewi South LGA of the State to monitor proceedings in the bye-elections.
The journalists, it was learnt, were rushing after the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship flag bearer, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, for his remarks on the day’s process after covering the day’s proceedings.
At a spot, described as Eke Orsumenyi, they were jolted when their vehicle was forcefully stopped.
They were, thereafter, detained for more than three hours, allegedly on the orders of the State ‘s Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Gilbert Ibezim, according to the security operatives.
“Journalists are the problem of Nigeria, they write whatever they like and deceive the people.
“We will deal with you people today,” an overzealous Udogachi operative threatened the journalists.
Some of the journalists and their cameramen were arrested and detained by the vigilante goons.
The journalists include correspondents of The Guardian, Daily Independent, Authority Newspaper, Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) Arise TV, TVC, National Vision and National Daily newspapers.
The leader of the over one hundred vigilante operatives who kept surging in with about 20 vehicles said that the arrest was on the instruction of the Anambra State Deputy Governor.
As the altercations continued, the Deputy Governor, in company of Nnewi South LGA Mayor, arrived the scene and ordered a thorough search of the media practitioners.
Information of the development later got to the APC gubernatorial candidate in the November 8 Anambra State governorship election.
Prince Ukachukwu quickly arrived the scene and ensured that the detained journalists were released, insisting that they we’re merely doing their normal civic duties.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the collation of the bye-election in the seven local government areas that constitute the Anambra South senatorial zone.
(DDM) – Popular Nollywood actor Segun Remi, widely known by his stage name Chief Kanran, has passed away at the age of 72.
The news of his death was confirmed by celebrity journalist Seun Oloketuyi in an Instagram post on Friday morning, though details surrounding the cause of his passing have yet to be disclosed.
Chief Kanran was a celebrated figure in the Yoruba film industry, known for his distinctive style, sharp humor, and commanding presence that endeared him to audiences over several decades.
He was recognized for his memorable performances in numerous stage plays and films, often portraying authoritative and affluent characters, and was considered a household name in Nigerian cinema.
Segun Remi began his career in the arts in the mid-1970s and gained popularity with notable roles in Ola Rotimi’s play “Kurunmi,” and the Lagos Television drama “Aláàfin Kanran” in 1988.
His extensive filmography includes several acclaimed Yoruba films such as “Vigilante,” “Ose-Sango,” “Eri Okan,” “Itunnu,” and “Orire,” among others.
Despite his success, Chief Kanran faced significant personal challenges, including devastating fire incidents that destroyed his home, studio, and equipment, which left him struggling and at one point homeless.
His contributions to Nollywood have been widely celebrated, with colleagues and fans mourning the loss of a veteran actor who left an indelible mark on the Nigerian entertainment industry.
This news comes as the Nollywood community recently mourned other actors, adding to the list of notable film personalities who have passed away this year.
Chief Kanran’s legacy as a pioneer and beloved actor will continue to be remembered by fans and the wider film fraternity.
In a major crackdown on cybercrime, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the convictions of three internet fraudsters following a sweeping operation at a hotel located within the precincts of the former President Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) complex in Abeokuta.
The operation, which initially saw 93 suspects apprehended, has shone a spotlight on the rising tide of cybercriminal activities in high-profile Nigerian locations, underscoring the agency’s commitment to combating financial crimes in the country’s digital age.
The suspects, Isaac Akinwale, Ibrahim Azeez Olatunji, and Habeeb Oladipupo Oshundairo, pleaded guilty to an array of charges linked to false pretence, identity theft, and illicit acquisition of funds, contravening provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 and the EFCC Act, 2004.
Presiding over the proceedings as a vacation judge, Justice Dehinde Dipeolu handed down measured sentences designed both as punishment and deterrence, reflecting the seriousness with which the judiciary views such offences.
EFCC operative Umar Shuaibu revealed that Isaac Akinwale operated a celebrity scam on WhatsApp under female pseudonyms, defrauding a victim of $500.
The court accepted multiple exhibits tendered by prosecution counsel Franklin Ofoma, including a 2007 Toyota Camry, a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, and a N400,000 bank draft, as proceeds and instruments of crime.
Justice Dipeolu sentenced Akinwale to three months imprisonment or an alternative fine of N1million.
Olatunji, convicted for running a romance scam, was sentenced to one month imprisonment or a N500,000 fine.
Oshundairo, who posed as an expert in service certificates and tax preparation through a fraudulent Gmail account, was ordered to perform 30 days community service.
His punishment is publicly symbolic: he must carry a banner with the cautionary message, “Cybercrime Does Not Pay. Stay Away from Cybercrime”.
In a notable twist, fourth defendant Onunoye Fawas Olamilekan entered a not guilty plea to charges of impersonating a nurse on Facebook and controlling $50 acquired via fraudulent transactions.
His counsel disputed the validity of the charges under the Cybercrimes Act, prompting the court to remand him at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending further trial in October 2025.
The EFCC had flagged a total of 23 suspects for arraignment, but only four were accommodated by the court during its session, indicating broadening investigations and prosecutions may follow.
This operation marks one of the EFCC’s largest anti-fraud sweeps from a single Nigerian location in recent memory.
The prominence of the Obasanjo Presidential Library as the scene of the arrests dramatically heightened public awareness, raising questions about the security and due diligence in hospitality establishments across the country.
Nigerian authorities continue to escalate efforts against cybercriminals, aiming to assert the rule of law over digital spaces.
The EFCC, empowered by the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act and other statutes, urges citizens to remain vigilant online and to report suspicious activities.
With growing internet adoption in Nigeria, law enforcement faces an evolving battle against increasingly sophisticated scams, making deterrent convictions like these a critical step in restoring confidence in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
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