News
Time For Genuine Reconciliation, Says Amaechi
The Governor of Rivers State, Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, says, time has come for genuine reconciliation between himself, his mentor and former governor of the state, Dr Peter Odili as well as those with divergent views about the leadership of the state.
Amaechi stated this while reacting to the presence of Dr Odili and ex-governor Rufus Ada-George at the Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service at Corpus Christi Cathedral, Port Harcourt, both of whom also attended Amaechi’s swearing-in ceremony.
The two former governors, were products of the political engineering process led by Chief Rufus Ada-George in the early 1990s at Corpus Christi Cathedral, Port Harcourt.
The governor who spoke at the service attributed the reconciliation to fervent prayers, and the spiritual guidance of the Catholic Bishop of Port Harcourt and the Bishop of Niger Delta Diocese of the Anglican Communion, described Dr Peter Odili as not only a father, but a mentor who has contributed immensely to the success of his political career
According to him, “l have always expressed optimism that at God’s own time, God Himself will perfect the process”. This relationship will no longer break”, he said.
The State Chief Executive reassured Rivers people that his administration would not disappoint them, saying his second term would attach more premium to employment generation, stressing that the agricultural subsector would equally be accorded priority attention.
He said that a proposed fish farm valued at Nl.6billion, was designed to provide employment to the teeming youths of the state, and would soon commence operation in Buguma, Asari Toru Local Government Area. He assured also that security of life and property would not be compromised, as citizens must be alive to enjoy the good things of life.
Earlier in his sermon, the Catholic Bishop of Port Harcourt Most Rev. Camilus Etukudo had stressed the need to exhibit the virtues of life, forgiveness and tolerance in governance, to bring about peaceful coexistence, and prayed for divine wisdom in the discharge of service to God and humanity.
The Catholic Bishop, who called for genuine reconciliation among the politicians who went different ways in the wake of political disagreements in the 2007 general elections, said “in every competition, there is always a winner and loser, but the winner should always carry others along”.
“Don’t condemn, don’t retaliate and, don’t fight one another, rather forgive one another. Think of Jesus prayer when he said, forgive one another, there is need for reconciliation. This day calls for forgiveness. Always say I am sorry and somebody must say, l have forgiven you. Governor, l urge you to carry every body along in the true spirit of genuine reconciliation”, the Catholic Bishop advised.
The Renewed Hope Initiative in conjunction with the Rivers State Government has empowered 500 elderly citizens in Rivers State with financial support of N200,000 each.
The empowerment programme was part of activities to celebrate the third anniversary of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme RHIESS, a social investment policy initiated by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Speaking at the event which held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, recently, under the theme, ‘Finding Joy in Old Age,’ Senator Tinubu said the gesture which has become traditional since 2023 was a mark of gratitude in recognition of the invaluable contributions of the senior citizens to nation building.
The First Lady who was represented by the wife of the Rivers State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Lady Valerie Fubara, said the scheme was to “support two hundred and fifty (250) vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) totalling 9,500 selected beneficiaries across the nation.
She urged the beneficiaries to engage in activities that will make them find joy in old age.
“I encourage you to continue playing your part by staying healthy and active, nurture both your body and mind through regular exercise and meaningful engagement,” Senator Tinubu advised.
On her part, Lady Fubara said the State Government through the magnanimity of the governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has increased the beneficiaries of the programme from 250 to 500.
She restated the commitment of the State Government towards provision of social welfare and improving the standard of living of the elderly in the State.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr Vetty Agala, said the State Government has through the Health4allrivers Initiative, introduced free medical care for senior citizens in the State, in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to expedite the prosecution of the Director of the now distressed MBA Forex Trading, Mr. Maxwell Odum, in the interest of justice.
The Rivers State NUJ made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the EFFC’s Ag. Zonal Director, ACE Hassan Saidu, in Port Harcourt, recently.
The council’s chairman, Comrade Paul Bazia, said the appeal became imperative after it considered the number of Nigerians and others involved in the financial misconduct.
According to him, it has caused hardship among many households in the country and should be given the attention it deserves.
He said that investors cannot come into a country or invest in an economy or nation ridden with fraud.
This, he said, has made it more imperative to arrest, prosecute and convict alleged fraudsters like the MBA Forex Director, who is alleged to have defrauded thousands of unsuspecting Nigerians, to serve as a deterrent to others.
The chairman also requested that while the trial lasts, part of the swindled funds should be given to the victims that suffered loss and trauma as a result of the fraud.
The NUJ reiterated its resolve to change the narrative of reportage from crisis to developmental communication.
According to him, the NUJ’s main focus is blue economy and tourism.
He expressed the readiness of the Council to partner the agency in the area of information dissemination.
“We believe you have a responsibility to fight financial crimes. We also know that you need the Press to publicize your activities and NUJ can provide that,” he said.
Responding, the Zonal EFFC’s boss commended the NUJ’s vision to change the narrative of reporting from crisis to developmental communication.
According to Saidu, the Western world have since imbibed such culture, hence the negative stories about them are carefully sifted to allow only positive ones to be released to the outside world.
As for the trapped funds to be released, the EFCC Zonal Director stated that only the court can authorize such action, stressing that the primary responsibility of the Commission is to arrest and prosecute.
He pledged to partner with the NUJ now that the leadership has visited the Commission.
The Head of the Legal & Prosecution Department, DCE Odiase Stephen, corroborated the Zonal Director’s position and stressed that it was only when the matter has been determined by the court that such funds can be released.
He further stated that once a matter is before a court of competent jurisdiction, it cannot be discussed outside.
By: King Onunwor
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