The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and the Rivers State Independent Publishers Association (RIVPA) have lauded Governor Nyesom Wike over the appointment of Paulinus Nsirim as the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, describing it as meritorious and well deserved.
The NIPR in a statement by its Public Relations Officer in Rivers State, Chinedum Emeana and made available to The Tide expressed belief that the appointment of Nsirim who is the current Chairman of the body in the State, is strategic.
The statement reads: “Rivers State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has applauded Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State for the meritorious appointment of Pastor Paulinus Nsirim as the Hon. Commissioner for Information and Communication.
“The NIPR Rivers State Chapter believes strongly that the appointment of Nsirim, who is the current Chairman of our Chapter, is a strategic appointment that would help the State Government to change the narrative of the state in a positive way.
“Nsirim’s pedigree as a seasoned journalist, erudite editor, public relations strategist and public administrator par excellence was eminently displayed by him as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry from November 2017. He carried out campaigns and programmes that stood him out as a competent professional and loyal ally.
“The information and communication ministry has evolved beyond an information dissemination platform to the reputation management engine-room of the state.”
The NIPR further said that the appointment of Nsirim, who they described as a seasoned Public Relations practitioner, shows that “the Governor wants to harness the reputation capital of the state towards his New Rivers Vision strategy for the benefit of the people.
“Indeed, the Rivers state chapter of NIPR notes that reputation is a key ingredient in attracting scarce investment capital amidst competing destinations around the world.
“We believe very strongly that Nsirim will help Governor Wike in repositioning Rivers State to be a preferred investment destination,” it said.
Similarly, RIVPA in a statement issued by its Chairman, Jerry Needam and Secretary, Solomon Parakom and obtained by The Tide said Governor Wike’s foresight in the said appointment was unprecedented.
“RIVPA described the appointment and swearing in of Pastor Paulinus Nsirim as the State Commissioner for Information and Communications as duly earned and well deserved,” the publishers said.
It further said the appointment was not only a plus to the Journalism profession but also an appreciation of the media practitioners for their efforts in the promotion and sustenance of democratic leadership in the society.
The state based publishers also said the appointment of Nsirim, an ace journalist, and former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council as the new spokesman of Government is a reminder that in life, it’s  not what we take up, but we give up that gives us due recognition.
The statement reads further, “Pastor Nsirim has proven himself as a prominent member and trail blazer in the journalism profession having served as Chief Press Secretary to the Rivers State Government at different times with remarkable records.
We also give kudos to His Excellency, Gov Nyesom  Ezenwo Wike for his magnanimity and hindsight to select one of the best brains and a core professional journalist to man the Information machinery of Rivers State government”, RIVPA declared.
The RIVPA Leadership assured of their unalloyed support to the new Information Commissioner to ensure that Rivers people are well informed about public affairs for a better understanding between them and their leaders.

Dennis Naku, Favour Ukwi