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As Civil Servants Await Salary Review

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Rivers State government’s spirit of benevolence and collectiveness was further exhibited recently, as it announced plans to review the condition of service of civil servants in the state. The move is part of government’s efforts to embrace service delivery and make its workers take home pay comparatively better in the federation.
Indeed, to demonstrate government’s avowed determination to effect the review of workers’ salary, the state Commissioner for Information, Mrs Ibim Semenitari who dropped the hint said a committee which is being headed by the state Head of Service, Mrs Esther Anucha, would review the current pay structure of the workers in line with Governor Chibuike Amaechi administration’s belief in paying its workers a living wage.
Besides, the Information Commissioner said government was desirous of paying all civil servants in the state the same consolidated salary as their counterparts in the federal civil service, and stressed that the state government would maintain its stand that no state in the federation pays its workers higher than Rivers State.
This in effect, means that civil servants both in the mainstream and the parastatals would soon smile home monthly with fat pay envelopes. Suffice is to say that this gesture, no doubt, has in no mean way, demonstrated that the state governor is indeed, a benevolent and liberal man, who imbibes the spirit of the proverb of ‘live and let live”.
It is instructive to state that Governor Amaechi’s implementation of the January 2009 Federal Government’s 15% consolidated public salary structure shortly after he assumed duty as governor, was a historical landmark in the state, especially as several other state governments are yet to implement it. Amaechi’s gesture also shows that he is caring and carrying along all employees of government.
That said, now that the Governor Amaechi-led government has shown what could be termed as ‘sufficient benevolence’, it behoves all civil servants to rise to the occasion and perform their job(s) creditably, to justify the purpose for which they were employed.
In the past few months, speculations were rife that the state government would not review upward the present public salary structure for civil servants working for the government, as currently being worked out by the federal government. The insinuations, to a great extent, dampened the morale of civil servants across the state.
But given the state government’s recent move to review upward the consolidated salary structure, the fears of civil servants on the mind-boggling issue have been laid to rest.
This is why employees in the civil service, being the engine room of government, must redouble their efforts in the discharge of their schedules, as they await the review of the consolidated public salary structure.
As the saying goes “to whom much is given, much is expected.” Therefore, public servants must reciprocate the new consolidated salary package, although yet to be implemented. They must imbibe the spirit of hardwork in order to improve their productivity.
To achieve this, top government functionaries, must henceforth beam their searchlight on indolent workers, and those found wanting should be showed the way out, no matter whose ox is gored. Yes, they cannot enjoy fat monthly pay envelopes and exhibit indiscipline.
It is common knowledge that government’s job is always seen or regarded as “no man’s job”. That was in the past. It must no longer be so now.
At this juncture, it is also imperative to state that the policy of salary review for civil servants, is one of the devices of any government to move workers on the part of sustainable economic recovery and development.
Therefore, the state government’s current resolve to review upward the salary of civil servants must be reciprocated (through hardwork) by all concerned.

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Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers

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The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.

By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi

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Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70

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Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.

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Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition

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Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.

By: Jessica Sambol

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