Rivers

… ‘ll Not Spend Money From the Monthly Savings Account – Amaechi

Published

15 years ago

October 11, 2010

The Rivers State Government says it would not utilize the Nl billion monthly saving in the State’s Compulsory Saving Account as the law setting up the savings stipulates.

Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi disclosed this last Friday at a quarterly interactive meeting with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Community Base Organisations (CBOs), Faith Based Organisations (FBOs)and Civil Society Organisation (CSOs) in Port Harcourt.

Governor Amaechi, said the state compulsory savings account, which is credited monthly with Nl billion is backed by law and it is meant for future use, should the need arise and his government intends to maintain it.

According to him, “I will not touch the money in the Special Savings Account because the money is meant for future needs of the state”, noting that those doubting the existence of the money should check the accounts details with Skye Bank Pic for confirmation,

The governor explained that his administration has tried to be as transparent as possible in handling government business, and cited the publication of revenue receipts from the Federation Accounts to the state, as well as internally generated funds on quarterly basis, as examples of the transparency of government.

He remarked that the establishment of the public procurement commission and the passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Law were meant to check the process of regulating the transaction of government activities with a view to ensuring openness and compliance with due process,

“We also hold Town Hall Meetings to give account of our stewardship and we have maintained transparency record since assumption of office .. , I have a brand name and my brand is honesty and transparency which I have kept”, Governor Amaechi declared.

Responding to questions, the State Governor, highlighted some of the achievements of his administration, explaining that out of the 150 Health Centres completed, 70 of them are now functional with nurses and doctor attached to each, while appealing to the residents of the state to use the nearest health centre to them for minor ailments.

The governor said the state government’s collaboration with the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) has began to yield results as the city of Port Harcourt is recording an improvement in power supply, while the Ogoni axis of the state would have light before November in keeping with his promise to the people

On 2011 elections, the governor said no aspirant should claim to be the government candidate, because the Peoples Democratic Party (POP) insists on free and fair primaries, while advising citizens of 18 years and above to ensure that they register for the forthcoming voters’ registration exercise, as “votes will count in the elections and the only way to choose candidates of one’s choice is to have a valid voters card”,

On the judgment cutting his tenure short, Governor Amaechi said “we are studying the judgment but we have no problems obeying the law because we are products of the law. However, we are not disturbed by it stressing that the attention is to make functional some of the completed health institutions and schools in the state.

Highlight of the meeting was questions and answers from participants.

Rivers

Motor Spare Parts, Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union Swears Gets New Chairman in Port Harcourt

Published

1 day ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Owhonda Dickson Motor Spare Parts and Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union operating in Ikoku Port Harcourt, Rivers state has sworn in Mr. Cyril Igbokwe, popularly known as Onyeoma Cy, as its new Chairman.

The brief swearing _in ceremony was held at the union office in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Igbokwe expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence his members had shown in him, despite his perceived educational background compared to others. , “I feel very happy to be the chairman of this great union in this great market. I’m proud of my executives for demonstrating commitment and cooperation.” Notably, the executives raised over ?1 million for the inauguration ceremony within an hour.

The new Chairman promised to tackle key challenges facing the union, including security and indiscipline. He vowed to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, who he praised for excellent performance, and aimed to possibly do better.

Mr. Igbokwe emphasized maintaining a robust relationship with the host community and conducting his affairs within the ambit of the law.

In his remarks,the Electoral Committee Chairman’, Igwe Amobichukwu Eze Okorie, assured that the elections were conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner. Despite facing challenges such as non-compliance with guidelines and unfounded propaganda campaigns, no formal protest letters had been received.

Also speaking, the Women’s Leader, Lolo Nkechinyere Okolie, expressed faith in the new Chairman, citing his integrity and experience. She highlighted her role in ensuring women’s voices are counted in the union and vouched for the credibility of the election, noting that Mr. Igbokwe was the popular choice among members.

Rivers

CDS Urges Communities To Protect Pipelines

Published

2 days ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has urged Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) host communities to protect national assets located within their areas.

Musa made the appeal at a monthly stakeholders’ meeting organised by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in Port Harcourt.

Represented by Navy Capt. Lassie Ozovehe, he said the effects of oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism were mostly borne by the host communities themselves.

He noted that the environmental and health risks from pipeline damage affect locals more than the oil companies operating in the region.

“These assets are on your land. You benefit from them, so you must protect them and safeguard yourselves from the hazards”, he said.

He praised PINL for its consistent efforts in securing the assets, particularly its record of zero infractions on the Trans Niger pipelines.

Earlier, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, PINL’s Community Relations Consultant, urged host communities to collaborate in tackling security challenges in the Niger Delta.

Mezeh said PINL had expanded its mandate to include the security of all oil and gas infrastructure in the Eastern Corridor, including gas pipelines.

He explained that the meeting aimed to reduce pipeline vandalism and oil theft, which have major economic consequences for the country.

He stated that PINL had seen near-zero incidents over the past month, crediting host community cooperation for the achievement.

He, however, identified ongoing issues such as poor information sharing, threats to surveillance guards, stakeholder collusion, and leadership disputes.

A keynote speaker, Mr. Otoyo Sunday, discussed the serious health effects of gas flaring in the Niger Delta region.

He urged people to view the environment as living, warning that harmful activities have long-term consequences for people and nature.

Sunday condemned gas flaring caused by well testing, pressure releases, and illegal refining activities.

On his part, Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, Mr. Datolu Sokubo, called for a balanced focus on security and human development.

“You can’t protect pipelines without addressing people’s welfare. Without our cooperation, infrastructure is never truly secure”, he said.

He urged the Federal Government to prioritise development, especially in education and healthcare, across the region.

The Traditional Ruler of Ekpeye Land, Eze Kelvin Anugwu, called on oil companies to end gas flaring immediately.

Represented by Dr. Patricia Ogbonnaya, he urged PINL to raise awareness of the health and environmental concerns of the communities.

“We keep advising our youths against bunkering. But oil firms must take responsibility for the long-term effects of their operations”, he stated.

Other traditional leaders at the meeting requested improved welfare for surveillance workers, chiefs, and communities to maintain stability and protect oil infrastructure.

Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Monarch Cautions Youths Against Illicit Drug Consumption

Published

2 days ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Eze Igbu Orlukwor II, Eze Ehie II, HRH Eze Prince Ike Ehie, has cautioned youths in his kingdom and Ekpeye at large on the need to abstain from illicit drugs consumption.

Ehie said this recently while fielding questions from newsmen in commemoration of the 2025 World Drug Abuse Day at his liaison office, Ahoada.

He emphasized that drug abuse was dangerous to the body system as it had harmed many physically, mentally and otherwise.

The Monarch noted that people should always take ‘drugs’ based on prescription by qualified medical and health personnel.

He said youths’ alleged disrespect for constituted authorities, mental challenge and various types of illnesses can be linked to the consumption of illicit drugs.

The Royal Father further noted that except government agencies saddled with the requisite responsibilities synergized with traditional institutions and other like-minded organizations, much may not be achieved against the campaign and fight against illicit drug consumption.

According to him, most youths today can do nothing without taking hard drugs, which he said makes them ‘high’ and hyper elated.

The Orlukwor Monarch wondered how the youths would take over the mantle of leadership at both communities and federal levels with such uncultured behaviour and repugnant attitudes.

The World Day of Drug Abuse, was tagged, “Breaking The Chains, Prevention, Treatment And Recovery For All”.

King Onunwor