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Our Impact’ll Endure For Ages – Fubara …Charges POWA To Help Police Discharge Duties Professionally
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has vowed to spend his time in office executing tenable programmes and delivering services that will both improve the quality of life of all residents and create lasting impact for posterity.
The Governor also urged wives of police officers to be deliberate in advising their husbands to continue to discharge their duties in a professional manner since it is the best way to defend the truth.
Governor Fubara gave the charge when he received in audience the National President of Police Officers Wives’ Association (POWA), Mrs Elizabeth Egbetokun, who is also the wife of the Inspector-General of Police, at Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday night.
Governor Fubara said there are self-styled adversaries against his administration who want to frustrate governance, and cause distraction with provocative acts that are intended to induce violence.
But Governor Fubara said: “As a government, I know that you know all the stories around us. But we will continue to do the best we can for our people.
“At the end of the day, what people want to see or what they want to hear is the mark that we have made. It is not the level of distraction that we have been faced or that is confronting us.
“It is the impact that we have made in governance that will count. So, we will make sure that we continue to do that, focusing on the ball.
“We know that we have started well; one day, it will end, and we will leave. So, because we know that we have decided to take the path of peace (we are happy).”
Governor Fubara enjoined wives of police officers to fervently pray for his administration, and ensure that they advise their husbands to continue to stand on the path of truth.
The task, he noted, might be very challenging for them, but it should not matter whose ox is gored, because it is only the truth that eventually will last forever.
Governor Fubara harped on the importance of building a good name that should reckon in history and serve as reflection of how well one has conducted himself in the service of the people.
He said: “When that name is mentioned somewhere, let people say, ooh, this is a good man. You won’t be there again to defend it but the name can make you pass through. The truth is that we are the head, but you are the neck that controls the head.
“So, help us, pray for Rivers State, intercede for us. There are places that we cannot reach, but our message today is going to those places. So, please, that is the request we are making as a government. We do not want any trouble, what we are doing here is governance.
“The Bible doesn’t make a mistake when it says ‘the sins of the fathers will come upon their children’. So, we should learn and work as professionals. This is very important.”
Governor Fubara acknowledged the lofty accomplishments of POWA and how the association has also supported widows among them with lifelines to cushion the burden of life challenges on them.
The Governor said: “I strongly believe that if the Commissioner of Police (CP) is not doing what is right, you won’t be here. It means, he is living up to his responsibility.
“Let me also commend the wife (of the commissioner) for finding the time and willing to also spend the resources. One thing is to have the time, and the other is to be willing to spend the resources to leave a landmark; something that the police in Rivers State will not forget in a hurry.
“It doesn’t matter how big, what is important is giving back to the society. And I am happy that one of the cardinal objectives of this body (POWA) is giving back to society.
“You might think that what you are doing is nothing, but it goes a long way to assure the police officers, their wives that even if they are no more, somebody is there to look out in their stead for their wives. So, I want to encourage you to continue to do that.
“On our own part as a government, I think from my own record, I have been giving so much support to this association. This is not the first time. I know ones or twice, they have written to me for something, and I have supported them. I support them because I am also from the military background.”
Governor Fubara, who commended the Commissioner of Police in the State for his sterling performance, urged him not to hesitate to bring to his knowledge areas of further support that POWA will require.
He added, “And I can say boldly here, our mummy, you can transmit this one: Disu has been very professional. Without Disu, this State would have been destroyed. I can tell you that without this man being professional, this State would have been destroyed. If they need a recommendation letter, let them come, I will give them.
“You’ve been a very wonderful officer. I need to say this, let it be on record: You found yourself in a very difficult situation, but you’ve been really balanced. So, I want to commend you for that. Continue to be balanced, don’t shift the balance. We will do everything to give you the support for you to succeed more.
“What is important, I keep saying, I want where my children’s name would be mentioned; they say Fubara, do you know so, so person, they say he is my father, the response will be ‘good, good’. That is the greatest legacy anyone can keep.”
In her speech, National President of the Police Officers Wives’ Association (POWA) and wife of the Inspector-General of Police, Mrs Elizabeth Egbetokun, said they are in Port Harcourt to officially open for use the POWA Shopping Complex that was built by the branch of the association in the State.
Mrs Egbetokun explained that it is their duty as leaders at the national headquarters to go round facilities and branches of the association to see what progress has been made or challenges faced by members, including windows.
She said, “We are here in this State. The chairperson here told us that she has built a POWA Shopping Complex. So, we are here to commission it, and by the special grace of God, we have done that this afternoon.
“And we are able to empower our women, those who need our support, and that is what we have done. But it is actually a tradition in POWA that whenever we are in a State, we like to visit the Governor, and let him know about our activities. That is why we are here this evening, Sir.”
Mrs Egbetokun expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for his generosity and immense support not only to POWA in the State but also to officers of the command that has served as good motivation for them to carry out their duties.
A bill to amend the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.
The bill, which mandates compulsory counselling and training for individuals convicted of corruption-related offences, was sponsored by Kayode Akiolu (APC-Lagos) during plenary on Wednesday.
Leading the debate, Mr Akiolu explained that the bill sought to amend Section 67 of the principal act, introducing new provisions that were not part of the original section.
“These additional provisions, found in subsections 2, 3, and 4 of the amendment bill, require judges and magistrates to not only impose imprisonment and/or fines on those convicted of corruption but also mandate a minimum four-week anti-corruption counselling and training.
“The counselling and training will be designed and delivered by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) and aims to address the psychological factors related to corrupt behaviour,” Mr Akiolu said.
Mr Akiolu emphasised that the training would help reform convicts by addressing their corrupt tendencies and could even transform them into advocates for anti-corruption efforts.
He added that this approach aligned with the reformative aspect of the criminal justice system, which focused on punishment and rehabilitation.
“As per subsection 4, the bill allows magistrates and judges to order convicts to cover the cost of their counselling and training, preventing additional financial burdens on the government,” the lawmaker noted.
Mr Akiolu further argued that if the bill is passed into law, it would strengthen the country’s fight against corruption.
Given the widespread negative impact of corruption, he urged the House to support the bill for the country’s benefit.
Following the debate, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas referred the bill to the relevant committee for further legislative consideration.
The Judiciary and the Media are key pillars of democracy, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has said.
Kekere-Ekun made this statement in her address at the 2024 National Conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC).
The CJN was represented by Mr Abdulaziz Olumo, the Secretary of the National Judicial Institute (NJI).
“ The judiciary and the media occupy unique and complementary roles in any democratic society.
“ The judiciary serves as the guardian of justice, equity, and the rule of law, the media acts as the conscience of society, disseminating information, shaping public opinion, and ensuring accountability.
“ Together, these institutions provide checks and balances that strengthen the fabric of democracy,” she said.
Quoting Felix Frankfurter, a former U.S. Supreme Court Justice, she said: free press is not to be preferred to an independent judiciary, nor an independent judiciary to a free press. Neither has primacy over the other; both are indispensable to a free society.”
The CJN said this dynamic interdependence between the judiciary and the media presents opportunities and challenges alike.
“ The media is entrusted with the responsibility of informing the public about judicial activities, the judiciary relies on accurate and ethical reportage to enhance public confidence in its work.
“ However, the inherent power of the media to influence public opinion requires careful management, especially when its focus turns to judicial proceedings.
“ The question posed by Robert J.Cordy, a former Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, is pertinent here: “What happens when the free press turns its sights on the courts-scrutinizing, sensationalizing, and exposing the frailties of the judiciary while questioning its ethical standards and performance?”
“The media’s capacity to shape narratives and perceptions is undeniable” she said.
Quoting Jim Morrison , she said “Whoever controls the media controls the mind.”
According to her, this underscores the immense responsibility placed on journalists to report truthfully, fairly, and objectively.
“ Unfortunately, the commercialisation of news and external influences have led to the rise of sensationalism-a practice that distorts facts, erodes trust, and undermines the very essence of journalism.
“ Sensationalised headlines, such as the infamous 2016 headline “We raided the houses of ‘corrupt, unholy’ judges, says DSS,” can paint a skewed picture of the judiciary and its officers. Such reporting, often devoid of context, compromises the integrity of the justice system and misleads the public.
“ Closely tied to this is the issue of “trial by media,” where premature and often biased media narratives prejudge cases and infringe on the constitutional rights of individuals” she said.
She added that as Mahatma Gandhi rightly observed, “The sole aim of journalism should be service.” It is imperative for media practitioners to remain steadfast in their commitment to truth and objectivity.
To this end, she advised, the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents to take proactive steps to regulate the activities of its members.
“ This is not merely about enforcing rules but about fostering professionalism and safeguarding the credibility of the media.
“ The judiciary and the media must work as partners in progress.
“ To bridge the gap between these institutions, there is a pressing need for constructive engagement and mutual understanding.
“ Courts can provide the media with guidelines on judicial processes, courtroom decorum, and the nuances of court proceedings.
She noted that globally, courts have adopted initiatives to support the media’s role in reporting judicial matters.
For instance, she said the Supreme Court of Dakota’s media guide outlines protocols for courtroom reporting, while the UK ‘s Media Guidance document provides clarity on access and etiquette for journalists.
“ These examples demonstrate how structured collaboration can enhance the quality of judicial reportage.
“ In Nigeria, we can take a cue from these models by developing a comprehensive media guide tailored to our judicial landscape.
“ This initiative, which would involve inputs from NAJUC and judicial stakeholders, would not only enhance media access to courtrooms but also ensure that judicial activities are accurately and responsibly reported” she said.
She advocated that judiciary correspondents must make deliberate efforts to familiarise themselves with the rules and procedures of the courts.
She added that understanding these frameworks will enable journalists to navigate the complexities of judicial proceedings effectively and responsibly.
“ Training programs such as this conference play a crucial role in equipping judiciary correspondents with the knowledge and skills needed to report judicial matters accurately.
“ The theme of this year’s conference, “The Role of Courts in Enforcement of Judgments,” is both timely and significant, as it addresses an aspect of judicial work that is critical to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice.
“ I commend NAJUC for its commitment to promoting accountability and transparency through its engagements with the judiciary.
“ As I conclude, I must emphasize the importance of credible journalism in strengthening public trust in the judiciary” she said.
She urged judiciary correspondents to prioritise the pursuit of truth and objectivity, resist undue influences, and remain steadfast in their commitment to ethical standards.
She commended the leadership of NAJUC, under the chairmanship of Mr Kayode Lawal, for its efforts in promoting professionalism among judiciary correspondents.
The Senate has issued an arrest warrant for the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr Peer Lubasch, to appear before its Committee on Works.
The Tide’s source reports that the warrant was for Lubasch to explain the utilisation of funds appropriated for the reconstruction work on Calabar-Odukpani-Itu highway.
The warrant followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Sen. Osita Ngwu (PDP- Enugu) and co-sponsored by Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC-Cross River) and Sen. Mpigi Barinada (PDP- Rivers) at plenary in Abuja, yesterday.
Ngwu, in the motion said, that the senate had mandated the committee on works to conduct investigation into the state of road infrastructure across the country.
He said that in furtherance to the investigative hearings, Julius Berger refused to honour invitations to provide details of its role in the Calabar-Odukpani-Itu highway project, in spite of receiving substantial public funds.
He said that this was worrisome, given the alarming discrepancies in performance among contractors on the project, with specific reference to Julius Berger for failing to meet delivery timelines.
Ngwu said it was the constitutional powers of the National Assembly under Sections 8 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to conduct investigations on any person or organisation responsible for administering public funds.
He said that the powers set out in section 6 of the legislative powers and privileges act empowered the Senate to issue warrants of arrest on persons in contempt of its proceedings.
The Tide source reports that the senate further ruled that President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, should sign the warrant, mandating the Julius Berger managing director to appear on a date to be communicated.
Akpabio said that the senate’s decision was in line with its constitutional powers under Section 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“This senate will not tolerate the continued disregard of its authority.
“The managing director of Julius Berger must appear before the relevant committee, failing which further actions will be taken as prescribed by the constitution.
“The point of order, which was supported by the majority of the senators, highlighted the importance of upholding the integrity of the legislature.
“The senate committee will submit its findings to the National Assembly after the MD’s appearance.
“If there is any further failure to comply, we shall take the necessary steps to ensure respect for the constitution and the rule of law,” Akpabio said.