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War Against Crime: ‘No Going Back’

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The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has identified the unfortunate tendency of citizens to tolerate and accommodate people of questionable characters around them as one of the major problems promoting criminality in the state.
Wike, who stated this while declaring open the 2016 Triennial State Delegates’ Conference of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Port Harcourt, yesterday, said the people have contributed to the promotion of an environment characterised by crime and criminality.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Kenneth Kobani, the governor was worried that some citizens of the state were in the habit of harbouring criminals, thereby exacerbating the security situation of the state.
The governor further emphasised that his administration has zero-tolerance for criminality, adding that all vices would be forced to give way and be replaced with attitudes that enhance peace and development.
Wike also reiterated that despite the dwindling economy of the state and the N3.5billion state allocation from the federation account, the government will continue to ensure that workers’ salaries and pensioners allowances are paid, adding that his administration was working hard to eliminate the scourge of ghost workers and multiple salary payments.
He urged workers to bear with his administration as the biometric exercise would help boost the state’s financial base.
The governor commended the outgoing TUC Chairman, Comrade Chika Onuegbu for his pragmatic approach in handling labour issues, and urged the new leadership to emulate the legacies of past leaders in ensuring peace and industrial harmony in the state.
In his remarks, the outgoing TUC Chairman, Comrade Chika Onuegbu, stated that the union has grown from a relatively unknown state council in 2009 to a vibrant and resilient brand capable of enhancing labour rights and welfare in the state in particular and the nation at large.
He said that the conference, with the theme: “Democracy, Human Development and Social Inclusion In Nigeria,” aims to galvanise the labour movement in the state for greater productivity.
Onuegbu said, “I am convinced, however, that we will continue to maintain that position against all odds, if we allow God to continue to lead us,” and promised TUC’s readiness to work with government to ensure industrial peace and harmony in the state.
In his address, President of the TUC, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama, said the theme was apt and strongly appeals to labour movement in view of cogent and urgent need for our country to embrace and practise true democracy, pursue people-centred development and social structure that guarantees the empowerment of our people to actualise their greatest potentials for optimal collective advancement.
Kaigama stated that the Comrade Chika Onuegbu-led administration made it top priority to promote workers’ welfare and maintain a functional secretariat with sound administrative and organisational competence.
Highlights of the event was the TUC Rivers State election which produced, the Chairman as Comrade Austin Jonah, Vice Chairman in person of Comrade Chris Mbata, Secretary as Comrade Chima Charles Igwe, Assist Secretary as Comrade Dinipre Agbozu, Treasurer as Comrade Beatrice Fombu, and the State Woman Leader, Comrade Abigail Adeku.
In his goodwill message, the Elder Statesman, Comrade Milten Dabibi called on the state labour movement not to mix up union issues with politics, but should always fight to ensure that staff salaries are paid in order to reduce corruption.
He added that dedication must be given first to your Union as our priority is to protect the job, economy and company we are working for.
Also, in her good will message, the Nigeria Labour Congress Leader in Rivers State, Mrs Beatrice Itubo reiterated the robust working relationship between TUC and NLC, noting that election was not a do or die affair, and as such, urged fellow comrades to take the outcome of the election in good fate.

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I’m Committed To Community Dev – Ajinwo

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The Sole Administrator of Emohua Local Government Area, Barr. Franklin Ajinwo, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to supporting community development, peace, and progress, describing it as his life’s calling.
Ajinwo made this known on when Okporowo Vanguard—a foremost association dedicated to driving sustainable development in Okporowo community—paid him a courtesy visit at the Council Secretariat, Emohua.

Speaking during the visit, the Emolga  Council boss advised the group to shun internal wranglings and leadership tussles, cautioning that such impediments could undermine their collective goals. He emphasized that unity is strength, and true power comes only from God.

Highlighting his ongoing efforts in repositioning standards within Emohua Local Government, Barr. Ajinwo commended Okporowo Vanguard for initiating plans to conduct large-scale skills acquisition training for young people in Okporowo. He assured them of his steadfast support towards such developmental initiative.

The former Chairman of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Rivers State stressed the need for selfless service, saying it is essential for achieving peace, unity, and development in any community.

He applauded the group’s vision of empowering youths through skills acquisition, aligning it with global best practices aimed at reducing dependency on white-collar jobs.

Earlier, the President of Okporowo Vanguard, Hon. Israel Emeji, outlined Barr. Ajinwo’s numerous and impactful contributions to the development of Okporowo community.

According to him, every family in the community has benefited from Barr. Ajinwo’s dedicated employment initiatives.

Hon. Emeji disclosed that during his tenure as Head of Local Government Administration (HLGA) and as NULGE Chairman, Barr. Ajinwo facilitated the employment of over five hundred (500) individuals from Okporowo community—a record that informed the association’s decision to honour him with the Excellent Leadership Award.

In a vote of thanks, the Secretary of the group, Dr. Okechukwu Godwin Amadi, praised Barr. Ajinwo’s outstanding leadership and unwavering support, both before and after his appointment as Sole Administrator.

He thanked him for the warm reception and appreciated members of Okporowo Vanguard for their strong turnout and continuous support for the present administration.

In their separate remarks, Barr. Kelvin Ajinwo, Chief Polycarp Ndala, and other dignitaries present prayed for God’s continued guidance and protection over Barr. Ajinwo, describing him as a divine gift to the Okporowo community.

They expressed hope that he would be granted even more leadership opportunities to further uplift the living standards of the people.

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RSG Tasks Rural Dwellers On RAAMP  …As Sensitization Team Visits Akulga, Degema, Three Others

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Rivers State Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Inyingi Brown, has called on rural communities in the State to embrace the Rural Access and Agricultural marketing project (RAAMP) with a view to improving their  living conditions.

This follows the ongoing sensitization campaign by the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) visits to Degema, Abonnema, Afam headquarters of Degema, Akuku Toru and Oyigbo Etche and Omuma local government areas respectively.

Dr Brown who was represented by the Deputy Director, Special Duties in her office, Mrs Dein Akpanah, said RAAMP was initiated by the Federal Government and World Bank to economically empower rural dwellers.s

She said the World Bank understands the plights of rural farmers and traders in the State, and therefore came up with the programme to address them.

According to her, RAAMP will improve the conditions of farmers, traders and fishermen, and therefore, behoves on every rural communities in the State to embrace the programme.

The Head of Service also said the programme would support the youths to be gainfully employed while  bridges and roads will be built to link farms and fishing settlements.

Also speaking, the State project coordinator, Mr Joshua Kpakol, said the programme has the potential of creating millionaires among farmers and fishermen in the State.

Kpakol who was represented by Engr. Sam Tombari, said RAAMP would help farmers and fishermen to preserve their produce.

According to him, the project will build cold rooms and Silos for preservation of crops and fishes while access roads will also be created to link farmers and fishermen to the market.

He, however, warned them against any act that will lead to the suspension of the projects by the World Bank.

Kpakol particularly warned against acts such as kidnapping, marching ground, gender based violence and child labour, adding that such acts if they occur may  lead to the cancellation of the project by the World Bank.

During the visit to Oyigbo local government area, Mr Joshua Kpakol, said the team was there to let them know how they will benefit from the Raamp.

The coordinator who was personally at Oyigbo said the World Bank introduced the project to check food insecurity in the State.

He said already 19 states in Nigeria are already benefitting from the project and called on them to embrace the project.

Meanwhile, stakeholders in the three local government areas have commended the World Bank for including their areas in the project.

They, however, complained over the incessant attacks by pirates on their waterways.

At Degema, King Agolia of Ke kingdom said land was a major problem in the kingdom.

King Agolia represented by High Chief Alpheus Damiebi said many indigenes of the kingdom are willing to go into farming but are handicapped by lack of land.

Also at Degema, the representative of the Omu Onyam Ekeim of Usokun Degema kingdom, Osoabo Isaac, said Degema has embraced the programme but needed more information on the implementation of the programme.

Similarly, while High Chief Precious Abadi advised that the project should not be narrowed to only crop farming, a community women leader, Mrs Orikinge Eremabo Otto, called for the construction of cold rooms in all fishing settlements in the area.

At Abonnema, Mr Diamond Kio linked the problem of the area to incessant piracy along waterways.

He also expressed fears over the possibility of the project being hijacked by politicians.

Also at Abonnema, a stakeholder, Ikiriko Kelvin, called on the World Bank to design an agricultural project that will suit the riverine environment, while at Oyigbo, HRH Eze Boniface Akawo expressed satisfaction with the project.

 

John Bibor

 

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Senate Replaces Natasha As Committee Chairman 

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The political mudslinging between the Senate leadership and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan continued yesterday as the Senate named Senator Aniekan Bassey as the new Chairman of the Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the appointment during yesterday’s plenary, confirming Bassey’s replacement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is currently on suspension.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was reassigned to the Diaspora and NGOs Committee in February after she was removed as Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content during a minor reshuffle.

Bassey is the senator representing Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District.

Although no reason was given for her removal yesterday, the change is believed to be connected to her unresolved suspension.

In May, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court ordered her reinstatement and directed her to tender an apology to the Senate.

However, the Senate has insisted it has not received a certified true copy of the court judgment.

Akpoti-Uduaghan who represents Kogi Central, has yet to resume her legislative duties despite a recent court ruling that voided her suspension.

In a televised interview on Tuesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she was awaiting the Certified True Copy of the judgment before officially returning to plenary, citing legal advice and respect for institutional process.

Although the Federal High Court described her suspension as “excessive and unconstitutional”, a legal opinion dated July 5 and attributed to the Senate’s counsel, Paul Daudu (SAN), argued that the ruling lacked any binding directive to enforce her reinstatement.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, one of only three female senators in the current assembly, said the continued delay in allowing her return was not only a denial of her mandate but also a blow to democratic representation.

“By keeping me out of the chambers, the Senate is not just silencing Kogi Central, it’s denying Nigerian women and children representation. We are only three female senators now, down from eight,” she said.

 

 

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