News
Amaechi Seeks ICT, Training For Judiciary
Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State, says his administration will partner with the judiciary on improving its Information Communication Technology (ICT) and manpower training.
The Governor made the pledge during a special court session to mark the official commencement of the 2010/2011 Legal Year in Rivers State at the weekend in Port Harcourt.
Amaechi asserted that it was one way to upgrade the status of the judiciary to work effectively and at the same time match modern practices as obtained in other countries.
He stressed that regular training and re-training of judicial officers would also add to quality justice delivery and promised that his government would support the third arm of government in making sure that its staffers were trained within and outside the country.
Rt Hon Amaechi also stressed the need for the establishment of more courts, “the first phase of the new city will commence this January, so, I will urge you to take the opportunity by establishing more courts in that area.”
Speaking earlier at the church service held at St Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Rt Hon Ameachi pledged to partner with the judiciary in the development of the state.
In his words, “I promised at an earlier event that if fund is what determines the independence of the judiciary, that I would give the judiciary all the money they need”.
He further asserted that, “the executive would obey the law and would implement all judgements coming from the judiciary even if we disagree”.
The Governor enjoined judicial officers to always be courageous in the discharge of their duties. “In the face of challenges and temptations, our judges and magistrates must be courageous in the dispensation of justice. Be rest assured that if you discharge your responsibilities according to your conscience, you can sleep peacefully,” he said.
Delivering his sermon, Anglican Bishop of Evo Diocese, Rt Rev. Innocent Ordu harped on the need for judicial officers to dispense their duties with the fear of God.
Bishop Ordu cautioned them to avoid any form of conduct that would tarnish the credibility of the legal system noting, “God himself delights in justice because justice is more acceptable than sacrifice”.
In his remarks later, the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Iche Ndu lauded the Governor for releasing funds to the judiciary.
Justice Ndu stated that Governor Amaechi had displayed exceptional quality in making sure that the judiciary was efficient and remain independent in the state.
He assured that once this year’s funding got on stream, the judiciary would embark on massive ICT overhaul especially through the electronic satellite and recording system.
He added, “at the moment, over 50 judicial officers have undergone a special IT training for staffers.”
Justice Ndu, however, called for improvements in the status of the prisons, lamenting that despite carrying out numerous gaol delivery, the conditions in the Port Harcourt prisons were still not conducive due to congestion.
The same view was expressed by the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Rivers State, Patrice Ukposi who called for quick prison reforms in the country.
Barrister Ukposi also charged the police to improve on their investigative mechanisms in order to reduce the influx of suspects at the prisons.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the State, Barrister Worgu Boms has advocated for ethical conduct amongst the members of the bar.
Boms frowned at the increasing spate of unethical practices by members in a bid to make quick money.
He warned that if such conduct continued, lawyers would inadvertently erode the core values of the justice system built on credibility, good conduct, character and professionalism.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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