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Prepare For Proper Handover, Wike Directs New Commissioners …Orders Compilation Of Success Stories ….As Nwanosike Hails Mmom’s Appointment
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has tasked commissioners, heads of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to begin compilation of relevant information required to document as successes, covering from 2015, when his administration started.
Wike stated that he was determined to do a proper handover to his successor despite the fact that his predecessor did not do a proper handover to him.
This is even as the Rivers State House Assembly has screened and confirmed five commissioner-nominees as part of efforts of the Legislative arm to consolidate the gains of the infrastructure development agenda of the NEW Rivers Vision in the state; just as both the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Engr. Samuel Nwanosike, and the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Barrister George Ariolu, congratulated Prof. Prince Chinedu Mmom, over his screening, confirmation and swearing-in as the new Rivers State commissioner for education by the Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.
The Rivers State governor gave the charge after he had sworn-in five new commissioners, last Saturday, at the Executive Chamber of Government House in Port Harcourt.
The commissioners are Hon. Deinma Iyalla, assigned to the Ministry of Special Projects; Prof. Prince Chinedu Mmom to the Ministry of Education; Hon. Boma Iyaye to the Ministry Local Government Affairs; Hon. Christopher Green as Commissioner for Sports; and Burabe Anea-Bari Donald posted to the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Community Affairs.
Wike explained that his administration was in its last lap and there was need for the different ministries to begin compiling records of their activities in lieu of handing over day.
“Everybody should, as a matter of fact, put the records of their various ministries together. You won’t wait till May 29, 2023. You have to start now since this administration started in 2015. State what we have done, and by the grace of God, when the new person (governor) comes, he will have a handover note, and it will not be like me who didn’t get a handover note.
“Everything we have done, all the records. What we have bought from ministry to ministry, you have to start compiling them. I don’t want to hear a situation where you will say there is no time, there is plenty of time. You don’t need to wait till the last day. That is why things are difficult for some people.”
Wike told the newly sworn-in commissioners that his administration was in its finishing stage and so much was required of them to ensure a good ending.
He urged them to serve the state with incontestable passion, demonstrate competence and leave an indelible imprint in their various ministries of posting.
The governor acknowledged that some of them had served the state in different capacity as former commissioners and special advisers.
He, however, urged them to utilise this present opportunity to further contribute to the development of the state.
“It is not how long that you stayed in office that can make the difference. It is the passion and commitment that you give to it. You can be in office for six months and people will see your impact, and your impact will be known. But if you cannot do it within that period, even if they allowed you to stay ten years, you may not also be able to carry it out.”
The Rivers State governor described as an aberration the appointment of someone without requisite intellectual acumen to represent the state as a minister in the Federal Executive Council.
“I have never seen an embarrassment like that in my life. Yes, you must appoint those who are loyal, but educated people are also loyal. It has never happened in our state. Everything cannot be politics. The image of the state is key.”
Wike also informed that his administration has completed more projects that are scheduled for inauguration.
He, therefore, stated that such projects’ inauguration ceremony would commence early August 2022 and would last for two weeks.
Earlier, the Rivers State House Assembly, had last Friday, screened and confirmed five commissioner-nominees on the floor of the house at the assembly complex.
The screening of the nominees was part of efforts of the Legislative arm to consolidate the infrastructure development agenda of the Executive.
The confirmation of the commissioner-nominees follows a letter from the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, to the state assembly for the screening.
The commissioner-nominees screened include, Deinma Iyalla, Prof Chinedu Wogu, Boma Iyaye, Christopher Green, and Burabe Anea-Bari Donald.
Speaking at the plenary, Speaker of the house, Rt. Hon. Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani, appealed to the lawmakers to allow one of the nominees, Boma Iyaye, who was a member of the house to take a bow and leave the chamber, which was granted.
However, others went through the proper screening process on the floor of the house.
In his submission, Ibani said the screened commissioner-designates were expected to effectively consolidate on the infrastructure gains already made by the Governor Nyesom Wike-led administration.
During the screening, some of the lawmakers poured encomiums on the commissioner-designate who had served the state before.
One of the screened and confirmed commissioner-designates, Christopher Green, who is the current chairman of Rivers State Football Federation (RSFF), said Rivers United, under his watch, has done well, and promised not to relent, but to keep the tempo higher.
In his remarks, Prof Chinedu Wogu, who is an educationist, after being screened and confirmed, said there was need for the Federal Government to find lasting solution to the government and Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU) impasse for the good of the nation’s education system.
Reacting, the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Engr. Samuel Nwanosike, congratulated Prof. Prince Chinedu Mmom, over his screening, confirmation and swearing-in as the Rivers State commissioner for education by the Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.
Nwanosike described Mmom, who is a Professor of Geography and Environmental Management at the University of Port Harcourt, as a round peg in a round hole.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Prince Chris Omodu, last Saturday, and made available to The Tide in Port Harcourt.
He noted that the Ikwerre-born academic colossus would bring his rich academic experience to bear in enhancing the NEW Rivers Vision of Governor Nyesom Wike, and reposition the educational system of the state..
He explained that Mmom belongs to several academic bodies, headed diverse committees and centres of the University of Port Harcourt, and rose from the Head of Department to Dean of Faculty of Management Sciences of the revered institution of higher learning.
Nwanosike added that Ikwerre people were extremely happy over Mmom’s appointment, and wished him well.
In his reaction, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Barrister George Ariolu, congratulated Prof Chinedu Mmom on his appointment and swearing in as commissioner for education in the state.
He stressed that the appointment was as a result of the confidence of Governor Nyesom Wike, and indeed, the entire state have in him.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ichenwo Goodluck, made available to The Tide in Port Harcourt, yesterday, Ariolu expressed optimism that the new commissioner would transform the state’s education sector, using his wealth of experience and knowledge.
He said, “Congratulations on Your Appointment as Commissioner for Education by the Rivers State Government. On behalf of my family and entire people of Obio/Akpor, we hereby congratulate you on your appointment as a commissioner, who has been trusted with the responsibilities of manning the education sector of our dear state.
“This unique assignment glaringly shows the confidence the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, and the people of the state have in your ability and capacity to perform, as exemplified by your excellent performance during your time as Head of Department and Dean of Faculty in the University of Port Harcourt.
“As a people, the entire Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality, which you are a part of in particular, is proud of your meritorious rise, which has distinguished you as a worthy ambassador of the peace-loving tribe and the state in general.”
Ariolu expressed optimism that the newly sworn-in commissioner would turn things around for the good of the people, adding that his appointment would meet the yearnings and desires of the people and further consolidate on the governor’s giant achievements in the education sector.
He, therefore, prayed God to grant the professor sound health and other fruits of grace to further serve Rivers State and the people as God may direct him.
By: Nelson Chukwudi & Ike Wigodo
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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.