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Johnson Promises RIVPA Inclusive Govt
The Rivers State Government under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara is poised to run an open and transparent administration that would make the accelerated development of the State the centrepiece of its focus.
The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joseph Johnson, said this while playing host to leaders and members of the Independent Newspaper Publishers Association of Rivers State (RIVPA), who paid him a courtesy visit in his office on Wednesday.
The commissioner thanked them for the visit and declared that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is a good governor with good intentions for people of the state.
He assured that RIVPA’s request will receive government’s cooperation and support.
He disclosed that the Ministry of Information and Communications under his leadership will initiate periodic media parleys where commissioners and heads of government departments and agencies would be able to tell people of the state their activities, achievements and challenges in implementation of the robust Economic Development Blue Print of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Johnson also informed about the governor’s desire to hold luncheon with media practitioners in the state to apprise them of the policy thrust of the government, even as he stressed that the government seeks the advice of the media entrepreneurs and practitioners alike to succeed.
He observed that what may appear like a crisis currently in the state is a normal thing that occurs in governance, pointing out that the situation will be stabilized with time.
The commissioner said that he is aware of the numerous challenges publishers are going through at the moment, due to the prevailing economic situation, but noted that the government is determined to create the enabling serene atmosphere conducive for smooth business operations.
He informed that the Sir Siminalayi Fubara-led Rivers State Government was committed to the transformation of the state socio-economic well-being through effective implant if the blue print, which focuses on 12 major areas, including agriculture, education, health, transportation, among others.
According to him; “This is why Governor Siminalayi Fubara is interested in the revival of the Songhai Farm, Buguma Fish Farm, among others”.
The commissioner vowed to break the cycle of exclusion.
He hinted that work is in progress at both the reawarded Andoni axis of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo Unity Road, as well as the Opobo Ring Road projects, with noticeable progress.
”We will throw the gate wide open for inclusiveness in our information and communications management.
“I will fight for and defend the media community,” he said.
Earlier in her speech, RIVPA Chairman, Gloria Boma Harry, informed that the purpose of the visit was to congratulate the commissioner who is a former secretary of the association, on his appointment as the Chief Driver of the Information and Communications vehicle of Rivers State.
The RIVPA chairman noted that Johnson’s appointment would boost the relationship between the media and the Rivers State Government.
“It is, indeed, a privilege for me to lead a team of great publishers in Rivers State to this August meeting holding in November.
“The aim of our visit is to primarily congratulate you, our former secretary on your well deserved appointment as the driver of the communication vehicle in our dear Rivers State.
“Your appointment is well deserved and will boost the relationship between the media and the state government under the leadership of Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
“As media owners, whose job it is to set agenda for society through our various newspapers and magazines, we want to assure you that RIVPA will do everything within her powers to ensure that Rivers State receives positive and investment friendly reportage which will impact on the socioeconomic sector of the state.
“We want to also use this opportunity to express our gratitude to the Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for appointing you as the commissioner of information and communications.
“This appointment has further confirmed that his administration places priority on harnessing the fortunes inherent in fostering a mutually beneficial relationship with the media”, she said.
The RIVPA chairman appealed to the commissioner to help in restoring the support members of RIVPA were getting from the state government under previous administrations in order to help their businesses as well as forge a stronger partnership with the government for better service delivery and effective perception management of government policies and programmes.
She said, “It is important to note that RIVPA members publicise the activities of the state government on daily basis, as part of our social responsibility of informing, educating and entertaining the public.
“Just like Queen Esther in the Bible was placed in the palace ahead of time to prevent the destruction of the Jews, you, our commissioner and former secretary general have been put in this office to speak on behalf of your colleagues and primary constituents.
“Secondly, RIVPA has asked me to tell you that we would want to have a hand sake with our performance-driven Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, especially now that he has made one of us a member of the State Executive Council. We want to pay him a thank you visit.”
She informed the commissioner of plans by the association to honour him, as a mark recognition of his new status.
“Finally, RIVPA is planning an end of year party, and we will be honouring you, our dear commissioner and other colleagues, who have made us proud.
“On behalf of RIVPA, I pray that God will use you to change the narrative when it comes to media and government relations, and grant you all you need to succeed.”, she said.
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.