News
RSG Presents NUJ Secretariat Keys To Union …To Review Posting Policies For NYSC
The Rivers State Government yesterday handed over the keys of the ultra-modern Ernest Ikoli Press Centre to the new executive of the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) barely 34 days after the official commissioning of the building.
The secretariat was commissioned by the immediate past Governor of the State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi on the 27th of May, 2015 amid fanfare and celebrations from journalists in the state.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Mr. Sam Woka, who performed the handover ceremony on behalf of the state government, explained that the ceremony had to be delayed to protect the edifice from being vandalised by hoodlums following perceived crisis in the union.
Woka, who expressed the hope that journalists in the state, will get access to the secretariat in the next few weeks, also stressed the need for proper maintenance of the facilities at the press centre.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary has assured of the state government’s readiness to work with journalists to improve access to government information in the state.
Speaking during a courtesy call on him by the new executive of the Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in his office in Port Harcourt, yesterday, he said that government will continue to insist in responsible journalism practice.
Woka stressed the need for journalists to always verify their stories before going to press to avoid litigation, and urged the new executive to always maintain listening ears, while discharging its duties.
The Permanent Secretary also commended the union for its successful triennial delegates’ conference, and assured that its request for assistance to enable the journalists in the state participate in the forth-coming triennial National delegates’ Conference in Abuja will be communicated to the state Governor for prompt action.
Earlier, the newly elected state Chairman of the Council, Mr. Ayo Tamuno had said that the visit was to thank the Ministry and government for their continuous support to journalists in the state.
Tamuno, particularly thanked the government for the ultra-modern secretariat, and stressed the need for the government to facilitate its connection to the national grid.
He also requested for a yearly grant and vehicles to enable the union discharge its duties effectively.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has promised government’s support to the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC) in the state.
Speaking when the state Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs. Dorothy Nwatarali and other senior officials of the scheme visited him in Government House, Port Harcourt on Monday, Wike said the state government will not hesitate in providing the necessary support to make the programme effective
Against this backdrop, he promised to upgrade facilities at the orientation camp and also provide a 500KVA generator to guarantee sufficient power supply for the camp.
The Rivers State governor reiterated the desire of government to make the welfare of corps members a priority, as he donated two coaster buses and over 1,000-life jackets for those serving in the riverine areas of the state.
He also pledged government’s support for the Rural Mobile Health Scheme floated by corps members, and commended them for their efforts in raising the standard of health care delivery at the grassroots.
On the request by the state coordinator of the scheme to review its posting policy for corps members, the governor said the review will not be total, since that will negate the essence of the scheme.
In his words, “the scheme is to contribute to the development of the country. Therefore, if we are going to revisit the posting policy of the state, we are going to post you where you are relevant and not necessarily were you want to be posted to”
The governor remarked that his experience as Minister of State for Education has shown that many corps members shy away from contributing to the nation’s development by refusing to be posted to where they are expected to practice their profession – an act, he attributed to the poor quality of graduates in the country who are half-baked and scared of being exposed.
He insisted that while professionals like doctors, lawyers and engineers can be engaged in the ministries and parastatals, others should be sent to the classrooms, saying that he could not comprehend what a graduate of mathematics will be doing in an oil company.
Wike commended the State’s director for the role of corps members in the last general elections.
Conceding the brilliant performance of INEC, Wike argued that the success of INEC cannot be divorced from the role of corps members.
His words: “they said INEC performed well but without corps members, they would not have achieved success.”
Earlier, the state Coordinator of the programme, Mrs. Dorothy Nwatarali, had congratulated the governor on his success at the polls as she sought for government’s support for the scheme.
In addition to the provision of the 500KVA generator, the NYSC state director had also prayed the governor to renovate the orientation camp and offices of the scheme, disclosing that there are over 11,000 corps members serving in Rivers State.
Nwatarali, had earlier called for the review of the state’s posting policy for corps members, disclosing that currently the state has over 11,000 members posted and that all cannot serve in schools.
Pledging support of the scheme to promote education and health policies, the state director of the NYSC, pleaded with government to pay corps members special allowances in addition to the provision of safety gears, especially for those serving in the riverine parts of the state.
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.
