Niger Delta
Cleric A’Ibom NLC Laud Jonathan, Continues Wage Strike
The Catholic Bishop of Uyo Diocese, Bishop Joseph Ekuwem and the Akwa Ibom chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, have commended the Federal Government for reducing the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N141 to N97.
However, the NLC in the state said that it would continue with the strike in protest against the non-release of the correct salary table on the N18,000 minimum wage.
In a statement issued in Uyo on Monday and made available to newsmen, Ekuwem described President Goodluck Jonathan as a listening president.
“I am very pleased that the Federal Government has shifted its position from N141 to N97 per litre of petrol.
“Jonathan’s shift of position in this fuel matter makes him a hero and not a dictator.
“I commend President Jonathan for the bold step he has taken as this demonstrates true democracy; he is concerned about Nigerians and their well-being which altogether are above money and fuel.
“Kudos to the Jonathan Administration.”
He noted that Nigeria was capable of overcoming all the problems confronting the country for the good of democracy, for its own good as a nation and for the good of Africa.
The bishop urged Nigerians not to lose sight of the leading role God had placed on the shoulders of the country.
“Nigeria is a large country in Africa, densely populated and blessed with both human and natural resources.
“We should always remember that there are many African nations that look up to us and we cannot afford to fail them,” the bishop advised.
He also urged leaders at all levels to listen to the people and warned Nigerians against doing things that would jeopardise the unity and stability of Nigeria.
Similarly, the Akwa Ibom chapter of the NLC expressed satisfaction with Nigerians for the success achieved so far.
In an interview with our correspondent, the state NLC Chairman, Mr Unyime Usoro, commended both the Federal Government and labour for shifting their positions on the subsidy removal issue.
He directed all Federal Government and private sector workers to resume work immediately.
Usoro, however, said that workers in Akwa Ibom would continue with their local strike until the correct salary table on the N18,000 minimum wage was produced.
He said that the labour movement in the state had not made any fruitful contact with the state government in the last one week.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Rt Hon Evans Bipi, has eulogised Gen Gabriel Asabuja over his recent birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
Bipi said Asabuja is worth celebrating following his numerous contributions and support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He described Asabuja as a strong pillar of governance in Rivers State, adding that the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning is happy working with him.
He noted that Asabuja’s position as a team leader of the Ministry’s taskforce has been amazing, saying the Ministry is proud associating with him.
The former lawmaker hinted that since Asabuja assumed office as leader of the taskforce, the Ministry has witnessed tremendous improvement.
Bipi said the Ministry will always stand by him to ensure that the dreams of the Governor Fubara-led government are achieved.
On his part, the celebrant, Gen Gabriel Asabuja expressed gratitude to God and the Commissioner for the honour done him.
Gen Asabuja also commended Governor Fubara for his tremendous and good leadership in the State, saying his group will continue to give the Governor maximum support in order to achieve more for Rivers people.
Gen Asabuja described Rt Hon Evans Bipi as one of the best brains working with the Governor, saying under Bipi, the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has shown capacity to leverage on the Governor’s mantra of Rivers First.
He said both the personnel of the Ministry, the Directors and adhoc staff are happy with his style of leadership.
The Joint Provincial Council, East of the Niger, Anglican Communion, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, Diocese of Evo from Saturday 15th — Sunday 16th February, 2025.
The meeting which had the theme, “Kept By His Mercies”, with text from Lamentations 3:22-23, had the Archbishops, Bishops, their wives, Chancellors, Financial Secretaries and Synod Clerical Secretaries of the 58 Dioceses as delegates.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev Blessing Enyindah, charged delegates to stay focused and committed to the matters for discussion and implement decisions reached for the growth of the Church in the region and the advancement of the business of God’s Kingdom.
Most Rev Enyindah, who is also the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, lauded the Diocese of Evo for the giant strides recorded in just 15 years of existence while tasking the leadership not to rest on its oars but to strive further to complete the work of the Kingdom in their hands.
Addressing the council in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo and host of the Joint Council, The Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, welcomed the delegates, and reminded them that the theme is apt and fit as it reminds the Church of God’s inexplicable and instructible mercy towards mankind, which supersedes His righteous judgements.
Bishop Ordu further lamented the many challenges bedeviling the country, such as skyrocketing cost of living, ravaging sicknesses and ailments, proliferation of harmful drugs, natural disasters, high level corruption in public offices, inept political leadership, amongst others, which he said could not consume mankind because of God’s mercies.
In their separate speeches, delegates saluted the Diocese of Evo for willingly accepting to host the council and the comfort they enjoyed during their stay.
Earlier, the council appointed the Synod’s Clerical Secretary of the Diocese of Evo, Rev (Canon) (Dr) Ebenezer Owhor as the Assistant Secretary of the Joint Council.
Also, before the commencement of plenary, the women of St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery thrilled delegates to good traditional tunes and dance steps while His Royal Highness Eze( Sir) Raymond Chinda led the chiefs and elders of Rumuomasi community in Oropotoma Kingdom, to appreciate the council for choosing the community to host the meeting.
They solicited for prayers of peace, unity and development from the council.
The meeting ended on Sunday evening while the Archbishops and Bishops worshipped in various churches in the Diocese of Evo.