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Wike Extols Akarolo’s Virtues
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has described the Amangada XI of Rebisi Kingdom, Eze Anthony Worlu Akarolo, as an honest man with integrity, and an astute believer in the NEW Rivers Vision.
He has also eulogised the monarch for his role in the enthronement of a new leadership in the state in 2015, at a time when highly respected Rivers people sold out.
Wike made the assertion at the thanksgiving service organised to celebrate the recognition and elevation of the traditional stool of Eze Anthony Worlu Akarolo, as second class stool by the Rivers State Government at Saint Barnabas’ Anglican Church, Elekahia, Port Harcourt.
The governor, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Engr. Emeka Woke, noted that as a former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who contributed to the upliftment of Rebisi Kingdom, Akarolo mobilised all traditional rulers of Ikwerre nationality to effect change in the state.
“Eze Anthony Worlu Akarolo, is an honest man. He is also a hardworking man. He is a man of integrity. When he believes in something, he stands by what he believes.
“When in 2012/2013, there was need for a change in Rivers State, so many people who were supposed to stand up at that time refused to stand up. Those who the state and the people of Rivers State looked up to speak out, chickened out.
“Our celebrant today is one of those who stood for Rivers people. As a member of Rebisi Chiefs and Elders Forum, he criss-crossed the nooks and crannies of Ikwerre ethnic nationality, mobilised the traditional institution on the need for a change, and the need to move Rivers State forward.”
The governor, who opined that Eze Worlu Akarolo’s position at that time was devoid of personal gain, but for the development and advancement of Rebisi and Rivers State at large, expressed happiness that it was at his reign and that of the present government that Rebisi Kingdom has witnessed numerous development and human capital projects.
“Little wonder today that there is no way you can tell the story of the new Rivers State that his name (Eze Anthony Worlu Akarolo) will not be mentioned as one of the traditional rulers, as one of the believers of the NEW Rivers Vision.
“I also know that the history of Rebisi Kingdom will not be complete without mentioning that at his own time and the time of Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, that Rebisi flyover was initiated, constructed, completed and commissioned”.
He also noted that other projects such as the Orochiri/Wurukwo and Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Oro-Abali flyovers, which are also nearing completion, were initiated, completed and commissioned.
“The Real Madrid Academy was initiated, completed and commissioned. The Nkpogu sand fill project, dualisation of Ogbum-Nu-Abali road was completed. Today, our own son is the acting chairman of the Rivers State Board of Internal Revenue”, he added.
The governor congratulated the monarch on the elevation of his stool, which he noted was for a purpose from God.
He urged him to use the thanksgiving service to forgive all those he perceived to have hurt him for the sake of peace and development of his kingdom.
In his message titled, “Where Does Your Help Come From”, the Bishop, Diocese of Niger Delta North, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev. Wisdom Budu Ihunwo, noted that everyone on earth needs help.
He urged all, to always look up to God for help, as He is the only one that will genuinely help mankind.
The Rivers State Chief judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi has granted pardon to six inmates standing awaiting trial at the Port Harcourt maximum correctional center.
The six lucky inmates granted pardon on Tuesday by the state Chief Judge included Nwekeala Chizoba, Samuel Emmanuel, Aniete Kelvin, Ebube Fubara and Goddey Okpara who were on awaiting trial as murder suspects and have all spent between 10 years to seven years in the custody without a proper information filed against them in the court.
Justice Amadi during a special gaol delivery exercise last Tuesday at the Port Harcourt Maximum Correctional Centre opined that the special gaol delivery was part of activities lined up to commomerate the 2024/2025 legal year in the State and restated the commitment of the state judiciary in decongesting the correctional centre and ensuring that those inmates who are not supposed to be there are removed from the custody.
The state chief judge stressed the need for all stakeholders to work together to build a society that supports rehabilitation and gives a second chance to anyone or group of people who have fallen short of the expectation of the law and have been punished accordingly.
He stressed that the National Judicial Council(NJC) encourages judges to pay more attention to criminal matters to enable them to decongests the correctional facilities, noting that since his assumption into office, his administration has been able to reduce the number of inmates in Nigerian Correctional Centres and the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre in particular, to less than 2,000 as against the over 4,000 inmates previously in the faculty.
According to him, “as they release the deserving inmates, they affirm their commitment to justice, compassion and rule of law but that they must not forget the fundamental principles of justice delivery system which is truth and fairness, integrity and equality before the law.”
I encourage you all the released inmates to return to your families and become better citizens. You must not engage in action that will return you all back to prison. Let me say that while the judges show empathy to you all, it does not absolved individuals from being held accountable for actions against individuals, corporate organisations and state which the law frowns at, ”he stated
The Chief Judge thereafter stood down the exercise to enable the DPP to intervene to case files following the fact that majority of the persons listed to benefit from the exercise are facing murder charges and adjourned to a date that will come before December.
Earlier in his goodwill message, the outgoing state Comptroller of Nigerian Correctional Centre, Port Harcourt, Felix Lawrence, who was recently promoted to the rank of Assistant Controller General, commended the state judiciary led by Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi for their continuous effort aimed at ensuring justice and decongesting the facilities.
Other activities lined up for the event included special church service at St Paul’s Cathedral , Anglican Communion, Rebisi Port Harcourt, inspection of guard of honour by the state Chief Judge mounted by officers of the Nigerian police and a special court session held at the ceremonial court hall.
By: AkujobiAmadi
The Director General of Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement (RBoPP), Dr. Ine Briggs, has explained that the Sir Siminalayi Fubara administration plans to enforce transparency in governance through public procurement.
Speaking at a one-day Public Procurement Enlightenment workshop organised in collaboration with the State Local Government Service Commission for newly elected chairmen, vice chairmen, secretaries and leaders of legislative assemblies, Dr. Briggs said it is key for grassroot development.
She stated that the Sir. Fubara administration plans to reduce wastage and at same time infuse efficiency in public expenditure.
The RSoPP DG said the local government political office holders remain key drivers in the new vision hence the workshop is to arm them with knowledge on how to execute projects in tandem with needs of the people.
“ Your role in the prudent management of public resources is, therefore, not just administrative it’s the cornerstone of delivering the dividends of democracy. Every procurement decision you make must reflect a commitment to fairness, transparency and accountability” Dr. Briggs submitted.
One of the key goals of the administration she further reminded the participants was to use their offices to foster economic growth through public procurement.
She warned that the law establishing the agency empowers it to penalise defaulters, but that what is more important is voluntary compliance to the laws.
In addition to that, she said urged the local government council leaders that champion the practice and implementation of public procurement law.
On his part, Acting Chairman of Local Government Service Commission, Pastor GoodLife Ben Iduoku averred that the aim of the workshop is to arm key stakeholders in the local government system to generate new ideas, innovation and strategies in tandem with government policies and programmes.
The workshop dealt on various topics on procurement planning, methods, Understanding Bid Process, including types of Construction Contracts and law.
Some participants were awarded excellence and meritorious awards as part of the programme.
By: Kevin Nengia
The 19th anniversary of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Rivers State Chapter, recently ended in Port Harcourt in grand style, with participants from various schools including proprietors, the academia, civil society groups and top government functionaries charting the way forward for educational improvement.
The 19th NAPPS anniversary christened, ‘Innovation and Adaptation: Transforming Challenges Into Opportunities’ was held at Casoni Hotels, Port Harcourt.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Rivers State Chapter of the association, Dr. Jaja Adafe Sunday expressed gratitude to the members and executives for their untiring efforts towards the achievements of the body.
He sought the intervention of government on the lingering crisis on the economy as it is affecting the running of schools.
He decried high cost of things including fuel and raw materials which has adversely affected the running of schools and payment of teachers.
Dr. Sunday hinted that the current economic situation in the nation is biting hard on the operations of schools, saying inflation, removal of fuel subsidy, fuel scarcity, poor electricity supply, tariffs and lack of government grants are some of the challenges faced by schools, and urged the members to brace up to the challenges, as it is the panacea to building a brighter future.
Guest speakers from the health sector and the academia thrilled the gathering on the essence of basic education which they said is the key to national development.
Former Dean of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Professor Azuru and the Chief Medical Director of Meridian Hospitals, Dr. Odo Iyke were some notable guest speakers who delivered lectures at the occasion.
Some distinguished proprietors also got special recognitions and awards.
The 19th anniversary cake was cut by the Rivers State NAPPS Chairman with representatives of the state government assisting.