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RSG Orders Release Of Teachers’ Promotion
As part of measures to boost the morale of teachers, Rivers State Government has directed the Chairman of the State Civil Service Commission to ensure the prompt release of teachers promotion and payment of arrears due them.
The state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike stated this on Monday during the 2015 World Teachers’ Day celebration in Port Harcourt with the theme “Empowering Teachers, Building Sustainable Societies.”
Wike, who was represented at the occasion by his Deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, was optimistic that with the zeal displayed by the new management of the State Civil Service Commission, issues of promotion and the associated entitlements for workers would be adequately addressed.
He described teachers as critical elements in the enhancement of society, noting that the present government is a ‘teacher-friendly’ administration that holds the teaching profession in high esteem.
The state chief executive noted that the present administration is committed to addressing the welfare needs of the teachers to enhance increased productivity.
“Rivers State Government attaches importance to the teaching profession and therefore declared Monday school free to celebrate the day,” he asserted.
The governor commended the teachers for their massive turn out at the event, pointing out that as character moulders, they must live up to their responsibilities, adding that the state government would strive to fulfill its promises to the people, by giving education priority attention.
The state government also assured its determination to raise the bar in the educational development of the state through the provision of infrastructure and training of personnel.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr. Minabelem Michael West, also warned against all forms of indiscipline in the state schools system.
The Permanent Secretary said that the Ministry of Education will not hesitate to show any teachers who failed to perform, the way out of the service, and urged them to brace up for the challenges of providing quality education to the citizen.
He, however, assured that the Ministry would give all necessary support to teachers to enable them regain their pride of place in the society.
In his lecture entitled: “Empowering Teachers, Building Sustainable Societies”, a university teacher, Dr. M.A. Nwala called for continuous self-development by teachers in the state, adding that it is the only way to be properly equipped for the challenges ahead.
Nwala further said that continuous self-development by teachers will enable them compete effectively with their peers in other parts of the world.
“We should aim to be good enough to hold a teaching job in any part of the world. To think global, I do suggest that you neglect the specific local needs of our world, because what you teach the students must as well be locally relevant”, he said.
Earlier, state Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Rivers State Wing, Comrade Nkpogone Lucky, said the World Teachers Day was created by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in 1966, as a day for employers and employees to exchange ideas and plan the best strategies towards realizing objectives of education.
Lucky, said sustainable society can only be built through quality education where teachers are drivers, and therefore, called for adequate incentives to motivate the educators to give their best.
Commended the State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for the regular payment of salaries as well as payment of salary arrears to teachers in the state.
Lucky also commended the governor for intervening in the overseas scholarship programme as well as on the issue of the closure of Model Primary Schools by security contractors.
He used the occasion to call for the implementation of their promotion arrears of 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2013 as well as the release of promotion interview for 2011, 2012 and 2013.
The celebration witnessed match past by Teachers from the 23 Local Government Areas.
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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