News
Hold Govt To Account, Tam-George Urges NUJ, CSOs
The Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Dr Austin Tam-George, has charged journalists and Civil Society Organisations in the state to be proactive in their roles as society’s vanguard by holding government to account at all times.
The commissioner gave the charge in his office in Port Harcourt yesterday when the leadership of the Rivers State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and coalition of civil society organizations, under the aegis of Civil Society Platform, paid him a courtesy visit.
The commissioner, who described the NUJ and Civil Society platform as the custodians of the conscience of society, said public accountability can only be upheld when these critical stakeholders exert vigilance on the activities of government.
Tam-George, who decried the financial recklessness of the immediate past administration in Rivers State, said the previous administration of Governor Chibuike Amaechi had a field day in the looting of public funds because of the lack of effective advocacy and checks on the part of civil society organizations and journalists in the state.
He accused the Amaechi administration of politicizing development in Rivers State, as the government was characterized by frivolity in the management of public funds, which resulted in what he referred to as a catastrophic legacy and failed management pedigree. He pointed out that the Amaechi’s government received over N3trillion in eight years, but left the highest number of abandoned projects in the state.
The commissioner, who stated that the Amaechi administration would be held accountable to its misdeed, stressed the need for all critical stakeholders in the state to contribute their quota in upholding public accountability and trust.
He said the Governor Nyesom Wike administration had within six months in the saddle, demonstrated its commitment to the development of the state through the implementation of projects with direct bearing on the lives of the people of Rivers State.
Tam-George, who assured the readiness of the Wike’s administration to partner with the NUJ and Civil Society Organisations in Rivers state, said his ministry will live up to its expectations as a frontier of information dissemination and not operate on propaganda and deceit.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Rivers State council of the NUJ, Mr Ayo Tamuno had said that the leadership of the Rivers State council of NUJ was on the courtesy visit to felicitate with the information commissioner over his appointment and to partner with the ministry in the effective information dissemination in Rivers State.
Also, the group leader of Civil Society Platform, Amb Emmanuel Nweke, stated that the coalition was in the commissioner’s office to register its solidarity and to partner with the ministry on issues on information management in the state.
Taneh Beemene
News
PDP Opobo/Nkoro Hails Fubara On Peace, Projects
Stakeholders of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Opobo/ Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State have commended the state Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his disposition that has fostered peace in the State.
Rising from an expanded stakeholders meeting last Saturday in Opobo Town, the body in an eight-point communique signed by its Chairman, Hon. Benneth Daminabo, Chairman of Council, Rt. Hon. Enyiada Cookey-Gam and LG party Chairman, Warisenibo Godwin Pepple commended the governor for linking Opobo/Nkoro LGA to the national grid.
In addition, it lauded the effort of the governor in pursuing the 50.15 kilometre Dual Carriage Ring Road, Elelenwo internal road, Aleto-Ebubu-Eteo Road in Eleme and Andoni Road projects.
Despite the distractions, the stakeholders said they were impressed that the governor had equally done projects in health-the unveiling of Prof. Kelsey Harrison Hospital, Agric projects at Tai and Oyigbo and improving welfare of civil servants.
In their words, “members reaffirmed their unalloyed loyalty and implicit confidence in his administration.”
Condemning the unfriendly and discourteous utterances of Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Tony Okocha in different fora in the State, the forum urged the duo to desist from such action in order not to heat up the polity.
The forum pledged to stand by the governor through, “thick and thin”, the stakeholders acknowledged the contributions of women, who through prayers for the government has impacted positively in the direction and posture of the governor.
Finally, the forum unanimously expressed gratitude to the Simplified Movement and other bodies that have thrown their weight behind the governor to ensure that the administration is stable and successful.
By: Kevin Nengia
News
‘Rivers People Are Now Breathing Fresh Air Under Fubara’
Aformer Caretaker Committee Chairman of Abua/Odual Local Government Council of Rivers State, Hon Elamo Arogu, says under Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the people of the State are now breathing fresh air.
Hon Arogu said Governor Fubara has given Rivers people hope, considering the impactful and people-oriented projects being carried out by his administration.
The former CTC chairman made the assertion during the Simplified Movement’s thanksgiving service and rally held in honour of Rivers State chief executive last Friday in Abua .
Arogu said under Governor Fubara, the Abua/Odual people have the confidence that the dividends of democracy will definitely get to them.
He noted that the Governor has the strong will to change the narrative in Rivers State, being the reason he is receiving massive support across the State.
“The people of Abua/Odual are strongly behind him. Our doors ate open for everyone because there is government in place to attend to the needs of the people. I believe that he will develop Abua/Odual and other Rivers council areas, hence, the massive support. This government is business- oriented and we are ready to encourage him succeed and invest in our land. The issue of a bank; road networks and other necessities of life bordering on development as demanded by the people will be considered by Governor Fubara”, he said.
He called on the opposition to team up with Governor Fubara to build a stronger, united and viable Rivers State.
He maintained that ward nine under his leadership is Simplified.
News
Rivers State University Cooperative Society Elects New Leaders
The United Port Harcourt Peoples Cooperative Investment & Credit Society Limited, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, has elected new leaders to pilot the affairs of the cooperative for the next two years.
They are Pastor Dr. Barine Aeba (President); Dr. Gift N. Nkweke (Vice-President), Dr. Kenneth Chima Adiele (General Secretary), Victor G. Banigo (Assistant General Secretary),
Rose Yeyeda Nwosu (Treasurer), Adaku Nwogu (Financial Secretary) and Stella Ereba (Public Relations Officer).
Inaugurating the new Management Committee after a keenly contested election held recently at the University Amphitheatre, the Director of Cooperatives in Rivers State, Dr. Elizabeth Chidi-Wike, congratulated the seven-member Executive for emerging winners at the election, charging them to uphold the bye laws of the Cooperative Society and hold regular congress meetings.
Dr. Chidi-Wike used the forum to commend the outgone Management Committee for reviving the Cooperative and placing it on an enviable pedestrial.
In her remarks, the Acting Registrar of the University, Mrs. Ibimonia Sotonye Harry applauded Cooperative members for keeping faith with the Cooperative Society, stressing that the goal of the society in helping members save for retirement cannot be over emphasised.
In his valedictory speech, the outgone President, Dr. Mie-Idala Jones Amachree expressed gratitude to God for the successful completion of his four-year tenure, thanking his fellow Management Committee members who gave him the needed support that transformed the Cooperative Society.
In his acceptance address, the President, Pastor (Dr.) Barine Aeba thanked the university management for providing the enabling environment for the peaceful conduct of the election, pledging that he will fulfill all his campaign promises.
A total of 165 Cooperative members participated in the electoral exercise which was conducted by an Electoral Committee led by Engr. (Dr.) Joseph D. Enoch.
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