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Banigo, Obuah Hail New Rivers CJ
Civil servants’ Choir, singing at the 2016 thanksgiging/dediction service organised by the Rivers State Government in Port Harcourt on Thursday. Photo: Chris Monyanaga
Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo has described the appointment of Justice A. I. Iyayi-Lamikanra (the most senior judge in the state High Court) as Acting Chief Judge of Rivers State as a progressive development in the state judiciary.
Dr. Banigo, in a statement by her Press Secretary, Paul Damgbor, said the appointment of Justice Iyayi-Lamikanra, another female, by the State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has further restored stability and sanctity in the state judicial system in particular and Nigeria as a whole.
The deputy governor noted that the governor’s action has demonstrated obedience to rule of law, Justice, equity and fairness as well as compliance to laid down principles of engagement.
The deputy governor opined that the peaceful transition has again positioned Rivers State as a reference point in Judicial issues, pointing out that the State Government has lived up to its promise of reviving and respecting the independence of the Judiciary and the legislative Arms of Government as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution under the principle of separation of powers.
Banigo congratulated the new acting chief judge on her appointment, urging her to ensure that the peace and stability existing in the State Judiciary are not only maintained but improved upon to justify the confidence reposed in women by Governor Wike to hold positions of trust.
She noted with happiness that the new acting Chief Judge would bring her wealth of experience to bear in the discharge of her duties by sustaining the confidence and stability of the Judiciary Arm of Government.
It would be recalled that Justice Daisy Okocha retired on Thursday January 14, 2014, as Chief Judge of Rivers State after her statutory years in service.
In a related development, the Chairman, Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Felix Obuah has lauded the indisputable disposition and steadfastness of the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, in respecting due process and rule of law in governance of the state.
The PDP chairman noted that the appointment of the Acting Chief Judge of the state, Hon. Justice A. I. Iyayi-Lamikanra, following due retirement of the immediate past substantive Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Daisy Wotube Okocha, is one among other demonstrable actions of the governor in keeping to the relevant provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the rules and procedures guiding such appointment.
Obuah said that Wike’s transparency and commitment since assumption of office as governor of the state on May 29, 2015, has restored justice, respect and smote succession in the Rivers State Judiciary.
He hinted that the governor’s action has also prevented undue and avoidable judiciary crisis which was the hallmark of the former administration, expressing confidence that Rivers State courts will no longer be closed, thereby denying citizens and residents of the state access to justice.
“We promised people of the state, and indeed all Nigerians a brand new Rivers State, where the three arms of government will function independently and carry out their constitutional duties accordingly. I am happy that the Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has been resolute in keeping to this promise, and assure our people that he will not be distracted or betray the thrust reposed in him as our governor”, Obuah said.
While we congratulate the immediate past Chief Judge of our dear state, Hon. Justice Daisy Okocha, on her uprightness, successful completion of service to the State in that capacity, and retirement from active service, we welcome the incoming Acting Chief Judge, Hon. Justice A. I. Iyayi- Lamikanra, and urge her to continue the good works of her predecessor by ensuring dispensation and efficient administration of justice in the state, he said
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.