News
4 Firms Bid To Supply Rotary Machine At RSNC
Four reputable firms are bidding to procure, supply and install rotary machine at the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, publishers of The Tide newspapers.
The affected companies vying for the job when the bid opened last Friday at the boardroom of RSNC were Voith (Nig) Limited, Chuduank Ltd, Image and Media Limited and Flavours Limited.
Addressing the bidders and management of the corporation during the bid opening ceremony, State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs Ibim Semenitari said that the state government was committed to reviving media houses in the state to enable them compete favourably with their counterparts across the country.
The commissioner who was represented by the Director of Publication and one time state chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Paulinus Nsirim, said the new move was a fulfilment of Governor Chibuike Amaechi’s commitment to reposition the media houses, describing Amaechi as media-friendly.
He assured that the rotary machine would be procured, but called for high level of professionalism and commitment amongst the staff so that the editorial content of the newspaper would start speaking to the public as a reputable newspaper house.
He commended the bidders for the interest shown, and said that only the best qualified rotary machine was ideal for The Tide. He also urged the eventual winner of the bid to ensure that the machine works efficiently when installed in order to serve the desired purpose.
In his address at the ceremony, the General Manager of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mr Celestine Ogolo, noted that a newspaper outfit without a rotary machine was like a begger on the street. It can hardly have enough to sustain itself.
He noted that the rotary machine was the main hold, and the key to the successful rebranding and repositioning of The Tide group of newspapers, for not just increased circulation and visibility, but also smart quality prints, editorial content, market segmentation reach and fiscal viability. He stressed that the bid’s opening event “marked another turning point in our desire to create a new image for The Tide which began in the late 1990s.”
Mr Ogolo explained that with the acquisition of a new state-of-the-art rotary machine, The Tide would restart its journey to penetrate and capture the newspaper market, not only in Rivers State but the entire Niger Delta region and beyond. He stressed that The Tide would begin to come out early, the print run and circulation would astronomically increase and the readership would be improved.
The General Manager assured that with the Rotary machine The Tide would not only become relevant again to Rivers people but that the Rivers project would be vigorously presented.
In his vote of thanks, the corporation’s Director of Administration, Mr Alfred Nworgu thanked the bidders and assured them that the procurement committee will follow due process in selecting the winner.
Jacob Obinna
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene
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