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Wike Bans ‘Sorting’ In RSU – Commissions Faculty Buildings – As Minister, Forum Endorse Him For 2019
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike yesterday proscribed sorting and other academic frauds being perpetrated at the Rivers State University (RSU).
The governor also warned the Vice Chancellor, Prof Blessing Didia and the governing council of the institution to take the proscription seriously or face serious sanctions from the state government, if the trend continues unabated in the university.
Wike also approved the release of N500million for the building of infrastructure at the College of Medical Sciences at the institution.
The state governor made these pronouncements while commissioning faculties of Management and Environmental Sciences buildings undertaken by the state government at the institution, yesterday.
He warned lecturers, who indulge in sorting and intimidating students with failure if they fail to comply, to stop forthwith or be ready to pay the price, adding that providing qualitative education cannot be achieved without the provision of adequate learning environment and necessary infrastructure.
The governor berated the past administration for not doing enough for the institution, especially in the two faculties.
According to him, his administration was committed to ensuring the development of infrastructure in the institution, and called on those entrusted with public offices to ensure they do something for their people, adding that there would be a day of stewardship.
“You must do something for your people, not by giving excuses, there is a day you will give account, not by carrying military and SARS officials”, he added.
He used the opportunity to commend the management and the governing council of the institution for delivering on the projects, adding that he was impressed with the quality of work done on the two projects.
The governor, who was impressed by the quality of job done on the two buildings, announced the immediate release of N250million being part of the initial N1billion promised the institution, out of which N750million has already been released.
Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Justice Iche Ndu (rtd) lauded the state governor for his untiring efforts in the development of the institution, adding that the commissioning of the two faculties has added another milestone to the litany of achievements by the Wike-led administration in the state.
He urged the governor not to relent in his efforts in improving on the pace of the development of the institution by doing more, especially now that more faculties and courses have been approved for the university by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Prof Blessing Didia, had said that with the completion of the two faculty buildings, the university has overcome the office challenges facing it.
Didia added that the university was now ready to face any accreditation panel both nationally and internationally, even as it was set to revive the proscribed post-graduate degree programme in Business Administration occasioned by lack of building space in the Faculty of Management Sciences.
He thanked the governor for providing the needed funds that led to the completion of the projects, even as he assured the institution’s support in his quest to take the state to greater heights.
“The two faculty buildings are a three-storey complex made up of large conference rooms, class-rooms, offices and associated conveniences. The buildings are serviced with its own water and dedicated electricity line, to ensure regular power and water supply. Although, there will be the need in the future to provide a power generating plant for each of the buildings, and also adequately furnish them,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung has endorsed the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for a second term, declaring that the outstanding achievements of the governor have earned him the approval rating.
Dalung stated that the Rivers State governor has lived up to the expectations of his people, hence, the need to be rewarded with an additional term in office.
The minister spoke at the Alfred Diete-Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt, last Monday, during the opening ceremony for the Governor Nyesom Wike National Wrestling Championship organised by the Nigerian Wrestling Federation.
He said that the 2019 general elections would be a time for all political leaders to give an account of their stewardship, pointing out, “that only performing leaders like Wike would be successful at the polls”.
Commenting on the Governor Nyesom Wike National Wrestling Championship, Dalung said that the Rivers State governor has made history as the first governor to sponsor the championship.
“This National Wrestling Championship is setting an agenda for Nigeria to compete in the continental championship”, he said.
Declaring the Governor Wike National Wrestling Championship open, Wike assured the wrestling community that the Rivers State Government will also sponsor the 2018 event.
He said that Rivers State was a destination of choice for events, sports and conferences because his administration has invested in peace and security.
The governor said: “If Rivers State is not peaceful, people will not be trooping to the state every day. The propaganda of the enemies of the state has failed”.
Wike assured the athletes of their safety, saying that they will not regret coming to the state.
“We will continue to live up to the expectations of the people of Rivers State. We will never disappoint them”.
President of the Nigerian Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali stated that the championship was a milestone in the development of the game.
Highpoint of the opening ceremony was the unveiling of the Logo/Mascot for the 2018 African Wrestling Championship.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has lauded the Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung for his commitment to the development of a united Nigeria, irrespective of party affiliation.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by Dalung at the Government House, Port Harcourt, last Monday, Wike said the minister has shown uncommon courage in allowing Rivers State to host the national wrestling championship and the African Wrestling Championship in 2018.
He said: “If we have ministers like you, nobody will be talking about political parties. People like you work well for Mr President. People like you are the ones Mr President needs to move the country forward.
“What you have done for Rivers State is not what money can buy. You have by this action introduced a positive for Rivers State. You are telling the world that Rivers State is peaceful and a place to invest”.
Wike also praised the President of the Nigerian Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali for his decision to promote the hosting of the championship in Rivers State.
In his remarks, Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung said that wrestling was traditional to Nigeria, hence, the country will continue to excel in the sport.
He commended Wike for his investments in the development of sports, noting that the facilities put in place for the competition were world class.
The minister said that over 700 athletes, 300 officials, 24 states and 12 wrestling clubs were participating in the Governor Wike National Wrestling Championship.
He said while most states have neglected sports, Rivers State governor is promoting sports, thereby enhancing social cohesion.
Similiarly, in appreciation of the quality projects and programmes executed by the Rivers State Government, the Kengema Unity Forum (KUF) has endorsed Governor Nyesom Wike for a second term.
The group, on a solidarity visit to the governor at Government House, Port Harcourt, last Monday evening, declared that its members would work diligently for the re-election of Wike in 2019.
Leader of Kengema Unity Forum (KUF), Sobomabo Jackreece, who led thousands of KUF members on the solidarity visit, declared that the performance of the governor has endeared him to all development-loving people of Rivers State.
He said that the governor, aside diligent execution of projects, has exhibited love for all sections of the state through political patronage.
“Come 2019, the KUF will work for the re-election of Wike because he has used the mandate to improve the lives of the people.
“Our members across the state will work for the re-election of the Rivers State governor because we have seen his handiwork. We urge Wike to continue to carry the KUF along in all appointments”, Jackreece said.
Responding, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike assured the leader and members of the Kengema Unity Forum that he will sustain the development projects being executed across the state.
Wike said that he has a covenant with Rivers people to perform, noting that he will always keep his own side of the bargain.
He said: “The KUF supported us during the campaigns for 2015, and I have also reciprocated by ensuring execution of projects and appointments within available resources.
“I am happy that you have endorsed me for a second term. Be rest assured that I will continue to work hard to justify your trust. Projects like the Buguma internal roads, Degema internal roads, land reclamation, Abonnema Ring Road and Degema Zonal Hospital will be completed, among other ongoing projects in Kalabari land”, he said.
He charged the leader and members of KUF to continue with their peaceful mobilisation for his re-election, noting that their efforts will promote the interest of the people.
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Arson: Those Behind It’ll Account For Atrocities -Fubara …Swears In Bipi, Three Others As Commissioners
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that his administration will not fold its hands and watch sponsored political thugs run berserk, committing arson in the State.
The Governor, therefore, assured that, working with the Nigerian Police Force and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), measures will be taken to unravel those behind the recent burning of council Secretariats at Ikwerre, Emohua and Eleme Local Government areas, with a view to making them account for their atrocities.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance while swearing in four new commissioners into the Rivers State Executive Council at Government House in Port Harcourt yestersday.
Those sworn in are Hon. Israel Lebura Ngbuelu, PhD; Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi; Barrister Otamiri John Ngubo; and Hon. Barrister Benibo Anabraba.
Governor Fubara recalled mentioning when he sworn-in newly elected Local Government Councils’ Chairmen on 6th October, 2024, that there was intelligence on planned mayhem by misguided persons, who had threatened to prevent the elected officers from resuming duties.
True to it, Governor Fubara said, the sponsored political thugs hatched their plans, and burnt valued buildings at some council secretariats.
He said, “I said it before it happened. I knew because they were unhappy, they would go extra miles to create disaffection in the minds and hearts of the good people of Rivers State.
“We want to also let the people know that what has happened (arson) after the election, we are not going to allow it to go uninvestigated.
“A similar event had happened in this manner before, and after some weeks, some of our supporters were declared wanted in order to turn the story around.
“But this time around, I strongly believe, with the support and cooperation of the Nigerian Police and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), we will unravel those behind the assault and make sure that they account for their atrocities.”
Governor Fubara expressed appreciation for the show of patience and calmness by majority of Rivers people despite the fact that they are angry with the reckless acts of the misguided miscreants.
The Governor said he has continued to show leadership, provided the climate that has engendered productive endeavours, and will not mislead those he is leading.
“As your leader; the one steering the ship, I assure you I will not mislead anyone of you. I still stand on the path of peace. We have cases of arson in some local government areas.
“But, I appreciate your calmness. I have always maintained that we are going to be the greatest losers, if we meet them force-for-force. We need to go with peace.
“So, I will encourage everyone of you not to follow them with violence. We are carrying a basket of precious eggs in our hands. So, we need to follow them with carefulness and wisdom.”
Governor Fubara reiterated what he said the previous day on what should matter most for Rivers State, which is a firm support to ensure that the progress of Nigeria is sustained.
He said, if oil theft is not checked, the country’s economy will be badly impacted, and there will not be funds to address critical issues.
“We are in a situation where the fund that is being generated from oil production is not sufficient to tackle the challenges of Nigeria, and every hand has to be on deck to make sure that there is increase in production.
“Our focus here, not minding the distractions, will be how to provide support. You have to work with us to make sure that we curb this issue of oil theft and pipeline vandalisation.
“This is the only way that the allowances (revenue) will increase and more will also come to our State, and more progress will also be achieved in this State.”
Governor Fubara explained that his administration is doing a lot for the good people of the State, that are not being seen because of the political drama that takes their attention away.
He, however, said that his administration is working out modalities, and will soon choose a day, which could probably be before the end of October, 2024, to showcase a few projects and services that have positively impacted lives in the State.
Governor Fubara congratulated the newly sworn-in commissioners for making it into the Rivers State Executive Council.
He explained that more persons whose loyalty are for Rivers people and the administration needed to be admitted into the Rivers State Executive Council to help drive the policy of government because they will not resign their appointment.
Governor Fubara said: “We want to be sure, at this point, who we are adding into the Council, so that we will not wake up one morning and see resignation letter. So, we are taking our time.
“And usually, after a normal political period, there used to be what we call balancing. So, I can also say that the new Commissioners that are coming in are coming from their zones to also balance the political equation.”
Governor Fubara charged them to be dedicated, forthright, diligent and productive while rendering quality services to the State.
The Governor said he believed in their capacity to deliver because of their exposure to the workings of government, and expressed the hope that they will contribute positively to the success of the administration.
He said, “So, let me thank everyone of you. Let me also use this opportunity to thank the good people of Rivers State for their support, and to assure them that we will continue to defend, protect the interest of Rivers people.
“I want to thank everyone of you for your support, more especially before, during and after the elections. I appreciate your doggedness, your belief in our course to salvage this State, to protect the integrity of this State,” he added.
Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, has sought media support to fast-track the implementation of the ongoing reforms in the civil service sector.
Walson-Jack made the request during a cocktail organised by her office for media executives from different organisations in Abuja.
The event, according to her, aimed at interacting with the media men one-on-one, appreciate them and implore them to continue to strengthen the bond with the office.
“I want to start by thanking each and everyone of you for honouring this invitation. I want to say that we purposely designed this grail cocktail so that we can have one-on-one interactions.
“Let me also go ahead to thank you for all the supports you have given to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) in the years past I know that the Fourth Estate of the realm has always supported this office.
“I will also go ahead to thank you for your support, especially at my announcement as the HoCSF and that support has continued, up till date.
“We, therefore, thought it fit that we should organise this event just to interact with you to strengthen the bond that this office has with the media, “ she said.
The HoCSF recalled that her office had continued with programmes she met on ground upon assumption of office, especially the ongoing reforms on Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP- 2022 to 2025).
She, therefore, appealed to the media for continuous reportage on the initiative, so as to give it the necessary publicity for proper dissemination to the citizens.
“You will recall that the office has the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP- 2022 to 2025) and that is the plan that we are still driving.
“We want to request that you collaborate more with us, we are asking that the friendship, the partnership go beyond what it is now to ensure that the reforms which this office is driving get the full publicity it requires,” she said.
Walson-Jack used the medium to announce the preparation to re-introduce the civil service national anthem officially for the entire civil servants to recite at every national programme.
“The anthem has been re-introduced to drive the reforms and it’s expected that the anthem will be sung by all federal civil/public servants and indeed Nigerians.
“And it will be an anthem that will encourage every public servants to be efficient, productive, incorruptible and citizen-centred, “ she added.
Participants at the event congratulated Mrs Walson-Jack for her uplifting to the position of the HoCSF and pledged to continue in the relationship.
In a response, Mr Ephraims Sheyin, Editor-in-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), pledged the agency’s readiness to give the HoCSF the needed support.
According to him, supporting government policies has always been NAN’ priority as government’s owned media organisation.
“You can take it for granted that we are going to give the Office total support. It is part of our own mandates to support Federal Government policies, so we are going to do that fully for the head of service.
“As she said, she has her policies which are in tandem with the federal government policies, she is asking for the support in implementation of the Federal Government policies.
“She has very lofty ideas, she has lofty things that she believes that we should do. Our job is to make sure that whatever government wants to do, we have to support such policies, “ he said.
Speaking in the same vein, Mrs Halima Musa, Director News, NTA, assured her office’s partnership with the Head of service towards ensuring communicating the needed values on excellence, incorruptibility and new culture of efficiency to the public.
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LG Polls: Rogue Policemen Break RSIEC Gate, Strong Room To Steal Electoral Materials …Fubara Foils Attempt To Cart Away Materials
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has foiled an attempt by the Nigerian Police, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), to take over the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) at 1am on Friday, 4th October, 2024.
The rogue policemen were said to have attempted to scale through the gates and strong room of the Commission to cart away sensitive Electoral materials meant for the conduct of Saturday’s local government election in the State.
The deployment was said to have been ordered by the Inspector-General of Police.
However, the evil plots of the rogue policemen and DC Ops were botched when vigilant security officials alerted principal officers of the Commission and relevant government authorities, who immediately informed the Governor of the development.
The Governor immediately led a team of government officials, lawmakers from the National Assembly and State House of Assembly, top political stakeholders, and other leaders to storm the facility.
Addressing newsmen in front of RSIEC Office on Aba Road in Port Harcourt, after an encounter with the rogue policemen, the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara condemned the conduct of the policemen on illegal duty, saying that the IGP was taking his friendship with some Abuja-based politicians too far.
He restated the position that the attempt to surreptitiously withdraw policemen already deployed to protect the facility, and replace them with a detachment from a neighbouring State was unacceptable.
He reminded the IGP that local government election was the internal affairs of states, and advised him to allow the federation unit conduct its affairs without interference.
At present, the Chief of Staff, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and State and National Assembly members, alongside other stakeholders, are manning the RSIEC office to ensure that the rogur policemen in two trucks and two Hilux vehicles do not return and that elections will go ahead as scheduled on Saturday.