Rivers
SA Lauds FG For Introducing Civic Education
The Federal Government has been commended for reintroducing civic education in the educational curriculum. The Special Adviser to Governor Chibuike Amaechi on Primary Education, and a one-time member, Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Sam Sam Etetegwung who was speaking in a keynote address at a one-day capacity building workshop for civic education teachers in Port Harcourt, said civic education was the bedrock of national co-existence.
“Civic education teaches about the values and ethics in both our national life and public service”, he said, adding, “for us to co-exist as a state in spite of the many ethnic groups and dialects in Rivers State, we must learn to love ourselves and respect each other’s culture and beliefs.”
Etetegwung further sated that it was important to teach children to be united in diversity to equip them in their adult lives.
According to him, “if we are not united, we will destroy the state for the future generation”, stressing that, “if children grew with the right values, they will not deviate from it in adulthood”. He, therefore, charged participants to comport themselves and learn all they could, expressing the hope that they would pass their knowledge on to their pupils.
He said the workshop, which was organized by the State National Orientation Agency (NOA) in partnership with the state Ministry of Education was timely and congratulated them for its success. In his welcome address, the Rivers State Director, NOA, Chief Andy Nweye, stated that the workshop was aimed at exposing civic education teachers to the new concepts introduced into the curriculum and to formally present two new books, painstakingly researched by the National Technical Committee on Civil Education and sponsored by NOA, to the teachers, declaring that this had already been done at the national level. Chief Nweye, stated that the reintroduction of civic education in the school curriculum stems from the need to “re-awaken and strengthen the socio-political and economic values which hitherto had broken down in our families and society”, in children and to “inculcate basic values that would make them responsible and patriotic citizens of their fatherland”. He stated that, NOA recognises that the “teacher is fundamental in any programme aimed at socializing the child”, expressing regret that, “the directive to hold the workshop came at a time when public schools were not in session due to an industrial action embarked by teachers in the state, promising that public schools would have their turn. He restated the commitment of NOA to its “statutory mandate of modalising, sensitising and educating” the Nigerian populace on government programmes and policies. Speaking on the theme of the workshop, civil education as the Foundation for Democratic Governance and National Development”. Mr Samuel Egbe, noted that civic education was essential for the survival and existence of democratic governance, and prayed that the Nigerian child would form a better attitude towards the Nigerian people, state, laws and government with the help the teachers and appreciate unity in diversity. Mrs. M.O. Solomon who stood in for the state education commissioner, Mrs. Alice Nemi, presented the books to the teachers.
The management of the Rivers State University, (RSU), Nkpolu Oroworukwu Port Harcourt has admitted eleven thousand and eighty-three students to study in various disciplines and courses for 2024/2025 academic sessions in the university.
The vice chancellor of the university,prof Isaac Zeb-Obipi disclosed this during his address at the 43rd matriculation ceremony of the institution held at the convocation arena in Port Harcourt, last Friday.
Zeb-obipi expressed delight that it was a privilege to welcome everyone to the momentous occasion, marking the beginning of an exciting academic journey for the new students and described matriculation as an important ceremony organised by institutions, especially universities.
“Though this is the 43rd matriculation ceremony of the university,it is the first under my watch as vice chancellor, and I am highly excited that I am having my tail cut in the conduct of this significant ritual of matriculation.”
“Once again, I give God all the glory and thank the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the 14th Governing council under the leadership of Her Excellency, Hon. Justice Mary Odili and the host of others who played one role or the other in my emergence as the vice chancellor. May I also use this opportunity to acknowledge my co-contenstants that made the selection a worthy competition, especially Prof Adolphus J. Toby and prof Nkalo H.Ukoima. There is no doubt that they all mean well for the university and as such i am studying the various vision statements they had submitted for possible inclusion in the efforts to implement what we have, “he stated.
He explained that his vision is to transform the university into a world class, innovative, inclusive institution, fostering a culture of excellence, creativity, and social responsibility through the re-engineering of the university’s academic, administrative, and community engagement frameworks to ensure that they are student centric, faculty driven, community oriented responsive to the need of the 21st century.
According to him the university aim to achieve the visions by enhancing academic programmes to meet global standards, strengthening research capacity and promoting innovation and improving infrastructure and facilities to support teaching, learning research, and fostering partnerships with industries, government, and other stakeholders to promote community engagement and entrepreneurship among others.
The VC while giving the statistics of the administration said a total of 29,107 candidates took the university as first choice in the 2024 JAMB Examination, 16,172 qualified the institution 190 cutoff mark, 15,348 registered for the post UTME, while 15,014 participated in university test and out of the number,11,083 was admitted.
The VC while congratulating the matriculants, urged them to shun any forms of social vices such as cultism, examination malpractices, sorting and indicent dressing, adding that the the school has zero tolerance on indiscipline and other anti social behaviours that are detrimental to societal growth.
Akujobi Amadi
The Vice Chairman of Opobo Council of Chiefs, Alabo Edwin Cockeye Brown has joined the chorus of voices calling for an immediate end to the suspension of democratically elected officials in Rivers State.
The Opobo chiefs Council’s vice chair who was speaking on the sidelines at an emergency stakeholders’ congress of the INC held at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa last Wednesday, emphasized the gravity of the suspension of a state governor, deputy and legislators, characterizing it as an unprecedented assault on the democratic process.
He argued that suspending an elected governor and the state legislature not only undermine the mandate given by the electorate but also poses a significant threat to the political stability of the state. Brown further declared the suspension as “an aberration and travesty of the constitution.”
His words, “Even though the Nigerian Constitution grants the President powers to declare a state of emergency under Section 305, it does not authorize the suspension of democratically elected officials, such as governors or members of the legislature. The proper procedure for removing a governor is outlined in Section 188 of the Constitution, which requires legislative processes rather than executive fiat”.
Brown went on, “The unconstitutional suspension of democratically elected government officials is a Slowly but surely dismantling of democratic structures. This will not help our fledgling democracy, but will destroy all the gains so far made in this democratic dispensation”.
“This is not just about Governor Fubara; it is about every citizen of Rivers State who participated in a democratic election,” he stated. He added, “Injustice in Rivers State is injustice all over Nigeria because we are all governed by one constitution.”
He expressed concern that such actions could set a dangerous precedent, eroding public trust in the electoral system and democratic institutions across Nigeria.
He further articulated the historical context of the Ijaw struggle for
representation, highlighting the community’s long-standing grievances
regarding political marginalization.
“For over 24 years, we have fought to regain our rightful place in governance,” Brown remarked. “To have that struggle undermined by a unilateral decision from the federal government is not just
frustrating—it is an affront to our identity and aspirations as Ijaw people.”
Brown called for a united front among Ijaw leaders and communities,
urging them to resist any attempts to divide or silence their voices.
He underscored the importance of dialogue and reconciliation as vital
pathways to resolving the ongoing crisis, rather than resorting to forceful measures that could exacerbate tensions. “We must engage with
the federal government, but we will do so on our terms,” he insisted.
In closing, Brown reaffirmed his commitment to the principles of
justice and equity, emphasizing that the Ijaw people would not back down in their quest for recognition and respect.
“We are prepared to stand firm and advocate for our rights. Our
history is rich with leaders who have fought for us, and we will not
allow their sacrifices to be in vain,” he concluded, rallying support
for a peaceful resolution that honors the democratic process and the will of the Rivers people.
The high-profile one-day stakeholders’ meeting brought together
influential Ijaw leaders, including Bayelsa State Governor, Douye
Diri, his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; former Rivers State
Governor and Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff; former Rivers Governor, Chief Rufus Ada-George; and former Bayelsa Deputy
Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah.
Also in attendance were the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of
Assembly, Abraham Ingobere; National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta
Forum (PANDEF), Dr. Boladei Igali; prominent traditional rulers from
various parts of Ijawland; the President of the Ijaw Youth Council
(IYC), Jonathan Lokpobiri and many other notable Ijaw leaders from across the Niger Delta.