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Wike Laments Lack Of Respect For Sacrifices Of Armed Forces
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has described as sad that most Nigerians do not appreciate the role men of the Nigeria Armed Forces have continued to play in ensuring there is peace and unity in the country.
Wike made the observation at the All Saint’s Cathedral Church of the Anglican Communion, Rumuokwurusi Town in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, where the thanksgiving and inter- denominational church service organised in commemoration of 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebrations held, last Sunday.
The governor said each year; the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebrations begin with the Emblem launch.
After the launch, he noted, crests were usually made available that were meant to be worn daily, but most Nigerians do not attach importance to it.
He stated that pinning such crests on shirts won daily serves as a mark of honour, and a way of identifying with the men and officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Refusing to wear them, Wike stated, indicates a lack of appreciation of the sacrifices the officers had made in fighting to curtail insurrection, secession, crime and all forms of criminality that threaten peace in a healthy country.
Wike reiterated his stance on the need for the Federal Government to establish a standing welfare fund, from which pool money could be pulled to cater for the families of fallen heroes and war veterans that had defended the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
The governor also lauded the leadership qualities of the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo, the Rt. Rev. Innocent Uchechukwu Ordu, describing him as a true Man of God and an exemplary leader.
“I must express my satisfaction at the amazing work I have seen here in this cathedral. I will continue to support the diocese.
“I have never doubted the leadership qualities of Bishop Ordu, but coming here today and seeing the quality of things in this cathedral, I now have more love and greater respect for him.
“This is why I will continue to love and support him because he has shown that he is a true Man of God,” Wike said.
The Rivers State governor also announced a donation of N50million to support missions and other sundry work at the cathedral.
The service was used to offer prayers for men and officers of the Nigeria Armed Forces, unity within families of the citizenry, peace, justice and economic advancement in Rivers State, and Nigeria, and greater grace of God upon Wike.
Delivering his sermon titled, “A Blessed Memory” with text from Prov. 10:7, the Vicar of All Saints Cathedralof the Anglican Church in Rumuokwurusi, Ven. Alex Usifoh, applauded the sacrifices of the retired servicemen, stating that “their sacrifices cannot be easily forgotten”.
Usifoh further noted that a blessed memory is service that leaves impact, loud legacies and unchallenged monuments that will cut across generations.
He urged Nigerians, especially those in positions of authority to ensure that they bequeath worthy legacies that would have positive impact on the society.
He noted the sacrifices made by the ex-servicemen, and other members of the armed forces working under adverse conditions without adequate equipment.
He said the fallen heroes and war veterans who served the nation had made valuable sacrifices, giving up their comfort while fighting against insurrection and secession attempts in order to keep Nigeria united, and in peace.
He explained that a blessed memory is evoked by worthy legacy left behind, and urged Nigerians to conduct their affairs in a manner that leaves positive impact in their work places, communities and at the state level, without wasting the opportunities so given to them.
While praying that God gives grace to everyone to have such mindset to leave enduring impact on the sands of time, Usifoh urged Nigerians to continue to support families of the war veterans in appreciation of the sacrifices they have made.
He admonished leaders in all areas of life to impact positively on the people with love and fear of God so as to live amazing footprints on the sands of time.
The Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo, read the first lesson on behalf of the governor, while the second lesson was read by the Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Rivers State, ACG Justice O. Chichi.
The church, during intercession, prayed for the Nigerian Legion, the families of the fallen heroes, the state government, the Nigerian government and Nigeria as a country.
One of the highlights of the service was the treating of the congregation to a melodious rendition by the Cathedral Choir.
The 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Service was also attended by chaplains from various military chaplaincies, members of the Nigerian Legion, the Armed Forces, top government functionaries, traditional rulers and the political class.
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.