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HOS Explains Xmas Gifts, Flays Reports
The Rivers State Head of Service (HOS), Mrs Esther Anucha, has urged civil servants and the general public to disregard unsavoury reports published in some newspapers in the state aimed at tarnishing her hard earned reputation.
Mrs Anucha stated this yesterday at a meeting with staff of the office of the Head of Service held at the conference hall, Point Hall Block, Secretariat Complex in Port Harcourt.
The Head of Service, who used the forum to formally announce her statutory retirement from the service in September this year, recounted the series of negative reports dating back to the year 2010 when it was falsely reported that she had been suspended by the governor for allegedly embezzling N1million gift given to each civil servant in the state.
Recently, another report of monies for Christmas hampers and falsification of age documents were dangled to embarrass, malign and discredit her.
Mrs Anucha described the report as malicious and wicked, and wondered where on earth such things had happened before, that a governor would leave important projects to be executed which would benefit the masses to give N1million each to 55,000 civil servants who were on the payroll of government at that time, which would have amounted to a whopping N55billion.
The Head of Service, who said it was necessary to clarify these issues, pointed out that most of the local newspapers that published such false stories were not registered and had no fixed address, noting that she directed her lawyer to file a court action on the criminal and malicious publications but neither the address of the newspapers nor the publishers could be located.
On the alleged embezzlement of N175million meant for Christmas hampers to civil servants, the Head of Service explained that when the governor directed her to organise a party for workers as a platform to apologise for the delay in the payment of November and December, 2011 salaries, she suggested that a little purse be presented to them as well for Christmas hampers, considering the Yuletide season.
She said a committee comprising Permanent Secretaries, directors and members of labour unions including the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council was set up to plan for the party and a memo was submitted with a proposal for cash gift and the governor in his wisdom, graciously approved N5,000 each, noting that the records were available for anyone to cross-check.
On the age falsification report, Mrs Auncha said, “ I started work in the Governor’s Office and by the grace of God, I am retiring from the same office. My records are there in the civil service commission and in all the MDAs I had worked. I have worked in the schools board, the Ministries of Education, Transport, Agriculture and in all these MDAs, my records are there for anyone to cross check”.
She said the state governor was very pleased with her office for successfully reducing the staff strength from 55,000 staff paid between 2008 and 2010 to 47,000 being paid presently, at the conclusion of the staff biometric exercise.
She thanked the staff for their cooperation without which, what had been achieved would not have been possible, and called for their continued prayers.
In their separate responses, the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare, Mr Lambert Ekwueme, the Director, Computer Department, Mr Ernest Chap-Jumbo and chairman of the Association of Senior Civil Servants, Mr Jonas Okere condemned the erroneous publications and their sponsors; describing the development as unfortunate and outrageous’, and expressed their continued commitment, royalty and support to the Head of Service.
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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