In a decisive move to restore order and ensure free movement within the capital city, the Imo State Government has commenced the clearing of street traders obstructing roads and waterways in Owerri.

The operation, which began on Tuesday, spearheaded by the Special Adviser on Monitoring and Compliance, Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, in conjunction with the Imo State Environmental Transformation Commission (IMO ENTRACO).

The enforcement team covered key areas such as Amakohia Market, Akwakuma Junction, Orji Junction, IMSU Junction, Douglas Road to Emmanuel College Roundabout, Egbu Road by Fire Service, and Mbaise Road Junction, etc.

The exercise is set to continue in other locations, including Hospital Junction by Port Harcourt Road and other affected spots.

The government has issued a stern warning to traders against occupying unauthorized spaces for their businesses, emphasizing that defaulters will face strict penalties.

Similarly, residents and traders were cautioned against indiscriminate waste disposal, particularly the habit of dumping refuse in drainages.

The government stressed that offenders will not go unpunished as enforcement measures have already taken effect.

The clearing operation underscores the state’s commitment to environmental sanitation, urban orderliness, and the free flow of traffic in Owerri.

Retired Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, the Rivers State military administrator in the wake of the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu, was born on September 27, 1960.

Mr Ibas, a native of Nko in Cross River, was Nigeria’s 22nd Chief of Naval Staff between 2015 and 2021. He served in the Nigerian Navy from 1979-2021, when he retired.

He started primary education at Nko Primary School in 1966 and concluded at Big Qua Primary School, Calabar 1971. Between 1972 and 1976, he attended Hope Waddell Training Institute Calabar.

In 1977, he attended the School of Basic Studies, Ogoja. He proceeded to the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1979, serving in different capacities and rising through the ranks to be the Chief of Naval Staff.

During his service, he attended several local and international military courses, including Amphibious Warfare School of the U.S. Marine Corps University in Virginia in 1992 and National Defence College, Islamabad, Pakistan. He bagged a master’s degree in defence and strategic studies from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

Mr Ibas,64, bagged several awards in service, including the ECOMOG Medal and Forces Service Star. He was conferred with Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Mr Ibas takes over leadership of River State following Mr Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the oil-rich state amid lingering hostilities between Sim Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike, an ally of the president.

Joseph Johnson, commissioner of information and communication in Rivers state, says the actions of the house of assembly against Siminalayi Fubara, the governor, could bring government operations to a standstill.

His comments follow the assembly’s decision on Monday to serve a notice of “gross misconduct” on Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

The notice, which was signed by 26 lawmakers, is seen as the first step towards impeachment.

In a statement issued shortly after the notice was served, Johnson warned that the ongoing political crisis could have severe economic consequences for residents, particularly civil servants and retirees.

“It is glaringly clear that with the current actions of the House, the dire consequences and harsh realities that the civil servants, retirees and people of the state will face unimaginable economic hardships, as the government will be unable to pay salaries, pensions and other emoluments as well as perform other obligations at the end of the month, as both the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation have been ordered to seize revenue allocations to the state until its judgment is fully implemented,” he said.

“The collateral damages of the actions of the legislative arm of government in Rivers will be so severe as non-release of warehoused revenues due the state from the Federation Account will ultimately ground the operation of all sectors of the government.”

Johnson said Fubara was willing to resubmit the 2025 budget and fully comply with the supreme court’s ruling to maintain peace in the state.

He urged the lawmakers to reconsider their actions, warning that continued tensions could lead to avoidable economic, social, and political crises for the people of Rivers state.