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I’ll Bring Peace To Rivers PDP, Ag Chair Assures
The Acting Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Hon Chukwuemeka Aaron, has given assurance that his tenure would bring peace between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, and advised party faithful to intensify prayers.
Addressing the congregation during the bi-weekly prayer and worship session tagged, “One Hour With Jesus”, at the party’s office on yesterday, Aaron said what was needed to bring enduring peace to both men was consistent prayers.
The acting chairman said enemies of the state were not happy with the cordial relationship that has existed between the FCT minister and the state governor, and were doing everything possible to scatter them, but expressed optimism that with persistent prayers, the plan of the enemies would fail.
Aaron, who said he was happy to talk about Amb Desmond Akawor at any time, noted that throughout Akawor’s stay as PDP chairman, they never had any disagreement, and thanked Akawor for handing over to him with happiness.
“I am very happy to talk about Amb Desmond Akawor. Throughout my working with him, we never had any issue. I thank him for handing over to me with joy. I thank the FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike; Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara; and Amb Desmond Akawor; for agreeing that I should take over as acting chairman, because if they didn’t agree, I won’t have been here”, he said.
He warmed those perpetuating crisis in the state to desist, disclosing that the FCT minister and the governor were like father and son, and whatever was between them would soon be resolved.
“For those who are writing, blackmailing, gossiping and spreading false rumours, they need to stop. They should thread with caution because it is a family affair and once it is resolved they would be the looser. People are not happy that this is a PDP state and also a Christian state. Those who want to destroy the state will fail”, he warned.
Aaron, who asked for wisdom, knowledge, grace and understanding to pilot the affairs of the party, solicited the support of the Executive Committee of the party, staff and the entire congregation to enable him succeed.
The acting chairman congratulated Governor Fubara over his victory at both the Election Petitions Tribunal and the Appeal Court, emphasising that the judgement had solidified the unity in the party.
Aaron said PDP had expected nothing than victory due to the massive campaigns the party embarked upon across the state and the overwhelming support it received through the people’s votes during the election.
He also stated that the party was proud that after eight years as governor of Rivers State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Chief Nyesom Wike as FCT minister, adding that with the appointment, the President has shown that he loves Rivers people, and thanked the President for the gesture.
He explained that within few months of Wike’s appointment as minister, many Rivers people have also been given federal appointments, saying that the development had lessen the burden on the governor.
He advised staff to remain committed to their duties and also pray for peace in the state.
“For the staff, you have the capacity, you have shown commitment, you supported Amb Desmond Akawor. I need your support, Exco I need your support. We will work as a team”, he said.
The acting chairman also held separate meetings with staff of PDP office and members of the State Executive Committee.
At both fora, Aaron emphasized on team work, commitment, dedication to duty and loyalty.
Present at the event were the State Secretary, Dr Benibo George; State Woman Leader, Mrs Miriam Ogbonda; PDP Vice Chairman, Rivers South East, his Rivers East counterpart, and state publicity secretary of the party, among others.
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.