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RSG Lists Priorities …Sure To Consolidate mandate

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Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Engr Emeka Woke (right) addressing sports journalists in Port Harcourt when the state government donated a bus to them.                 Photo: Chris Monyanaga

Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Engr Emeka Woke (right) addressing sports journalists in Port Harcourt when the state government donated a bus to them. Photo: Chris Monyanaga

The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has listed education, employment, agriculture, infrastructure and workers’ welfare as the major areas of focus by his administration, disclosing that in the next few weeks, rehabilitation of selected government secondary schools, will begin.
Speaking at “The People’s Forum”, an interactive platform where he enumerated his achievements and programmes so far in the past 100 days to the people of the state on Saturday at Dr Obi Wali Conference Centre in Port Harcourt, Wike said he needs the people’s support to achieve more in office.
He expressed hope that he will consolidate on his administration achievements, and continue in driving development in the state despite the on-going petition at the election tribunal challenging his mandate.
The governor observed that in the past 100 days, his administration has been able to restore public confidence in governance and government.
He noted that before the inception of his administration, the state was sliding into lawlessness, economic hardship and anxiety but that, “today, normalcy has returned to the judiciary and the courts are working. We have restored the dignity of traditional rulers,” as he listed strides made in paying arrears of workers’ salaries, pensioners’ allowances, health workers and opening of the state House of Assembly for legislative business, among others.
Wike revealed that so far, 49 road projects have been launched with about 30 out of the 52 streets earmarked for rehabilitation completed, maintaining that the N30billion loan has been fully utilized.
He stressed that the state never got any bail out from the Federal Government, as the government, despite the economic crunch, has resolved to transform the state economically.
With the economy transformed, Wike underscored the importance of security in the creation of employment to the teeming youth, arguing that investors can only come to invest in a peaceful atmosphere.
“We are not where we should be but we have improved security than what it used to be,” he emphasized.
To further beef-up security, he stated that the state government has concluded documentation and delivery of two surveillance helicopters purchased by the immediate past administration billed to arrive in the next two weeks.
On roads, Wike announced plans to expand the Ahoada Road, commence work on Etche-Igwuruta Road, the Trans-Kalabari Road, and support the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in completing the Okrika-Port Harcourt Road.
Explaining how he plans to tackle unemployment, the governor stated that commercial agriculture will be used in creating jobs, adding that, “We should de-emphasize on white collar jobs…We must go back to skills and vocational education.”
He assured of tackling the challenge of potable water in rural areas, stating that already, the blueprint of water provision in Abonnema, Gokana and Khana are almost concluded.
Earlier, Chairman of the occasion and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Barinua Wifa, had described the forum as the platform for participatory governance.
Wifa remarked that any government that excludes the citizenry, is bound to fail, hence he advised the administration to continue the interface so as to ensure good governance and support.
In his speech, Secretary to the State Government, Kenneth Kobani said the Wike administration has displayed novelty by spreading development in all parts of the state in the past 100 days.
Kobani maintained that the forum will open new vista and cement relationship between the government and the people, adding that, “no man or woman knows it all, everyone has something to contribute”.

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NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam

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The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.

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Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence

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The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.

The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.

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Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027

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A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.

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