RIVERS SEEKS LIFE JAIL FOR KIDNAPPERS

RVHA seeks life jail for kidnappers

The Rivers State House of Assembly yesterday commenced debate on a bill seeking to prohibit the act of kidnapping in the state by instituting life imprisonment for offenders.

Presenting the bill, the sponsor, Hon Chidi Lloyd said, for the past two years, the economy of the state has depreciated due to the menace of kidnapping and militancy.

Hon Lloyd opined that such activities were alien to the characteristics of Rivers people, adding that they are criminal activities perpetuated by some disgruntled elements out to forment trouble in the state.

He noted that the trend has increased the unemployment situation in the state, adding that the bill would, among other things, seek to establish an act that would punish any person or group of persons involved in the act of kidnapping.

The bill would prescribe punishment for any person who kidnaps or abducts or by any other means of instilling fear, or tricks, takes another persons with intent to demand ransom or compel another to do anything against his or her will. Such an offender is liable on conviction to life imprisonment without an option of fine.

The bill also seeks to provide life imprisonment as punishment for any person who aids or abets another to commit the act of kidnapping or abduction while a corporate body which gets involved in the act through connivance or neglect on the part of a director, manager, secretary or other similar officers, would pay the sum of N50 million as a fine.

The bill also makes it an offence for any person who permits his or her premises, building or place occupied by him or her which he or she has control over for purposes of keeping a kidnapped person. Such a person is liable on conviction to imprisonment for 14 years without an option of fine.

The leader of the House said that as a responsible assembly, there was the need to give the bill the attention it deserves by giving it accelerated hearing for quick passage into law.

In his ruling, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Tonye Harry, thanked the sponsor of the bill, and called on members to ensure that the bill is passed quickly.

Hon Harry noted that the issue of kidnapping has become a threat to the state, adding that the challenges call for a collective effort by all to ensure that the menace is eradicated in the state. The bill has passed its first reading.

WORK RESUMES ON ELEME JUNCTION FLYOVER PROJECT….AS JULIUS BERGER RETURNS

Construction work on the flyover project at Eleme junction, along the PH-Aba Expressway in Port Harcourt , has resumed following Julius Berger’s return to site, few months after pulling out due to what it called security concerns.

When Government House News Crew visited Eleme junction today Julius Berger workers were seen on site handling various aspects of the construction work.

The Assistant Liaison Manager, Julius Berger, Plc, Chief Sam Ngbor in an interview said the company’s gesture of returning to site is in keeping with the understanding reached with the Rivers State Government.

Chief Ngbor said that with adequate security measures and the provision of other logistics, the company would be able to complete the project by June, 2009.

He thanked Governor Amaechi for providing the environment that facilitated the resumption of work by the company, and solicited public cooperation towards ensuring uninterrupted operation.

A cross section of people interviewed were also full of happiness over the developments and urged the so called militants to sheathe their swords since no one was benefiting from their actions.

According to Mr. Ifeanyi Odogwu, the activities of the miscreants had affected the progress of work on the flyover project, and caused untold hardship on the people, while Mr. Lucky Obezi and Mrs Forstina Franklin enjoined the government to continue its clampdown on the militants to ensure that developmental projects were no longer affected.

BLESSING WIKINA

Ag. Chief Press Secretary

to the Governor

October 8, 2008