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COVID-19: Rivers Palliative C’ttee Debunks Alleged Hijack Of Foodstuffs …Urges Journalists To Be Objective In Reportage …As Police Investigate Alleged Extortion Of Food Truck Drivers
The Rivers State COVID-19 Palliative Distribution Committee has debunked allegations from some quarters of foodstuffs meant for the less privileged being hijacked by those who are supposed to distribute them to the targeted people.
The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, who cleared the air in a live television broadcast, Stewardship, yesterday, at the Rivers State Television, stated that such allegations were not true.
Nsirim, who serves as the secretary of the committee, explained that the chances of anyone hijacking of the foodstuffs were not even there as alleged, based on the constitution of the committee and its modus operandi.
According to him, towards ensuring that the palliatives get to the less privileged in the 23 local government areas (LGAs) of the state that it is meant for, conscious and strategic measures have been put in place.
“We (the committee) have ensured that monitoring is effective. So, we challenge anybody who has evidence that these materials (foodstuffs) were hijacked to get it to us. We’ll investigate and take appropriate action.
“Right now, what we’re dealing with is hearsay, and, of course, you know that hearsays are neither here nor there”, he said.
Part of the measures taken to forestall any attempt to hijack the foodstuffs, and for it to get to those there were meant for, he said, is the fact that beside the 24-man Palliative Committee that was appointed by the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, the committee hands over the foodstuffs to notable persons at the ward levels of each LGA.
The commissioner explained that, “when the issue of palliatives came up, the committee he (Governor Wike) set up was drawn from critical stakeholder groups: you have members of the State Executive Council, LG Council chairmen, members of the Armed Forces, and religious groups that made up the 24-man committee set up for food distribution.
“At the inauguration of the committee, because it’s a grassroots committee, he set out the criteria: he said thsee palliatives will be for the vulnerable, and that has to do with the aged, widows, those who cannot afford anything within this period. He also said this is not for partisan interest, it’s not for tribal interest. The criteria for this (committee) was clearly spelt out”, he said.
This criteria, he continued, was carried to the letter by the Chairman of the committee, Amb Desmond Akawor, in order to ensure that the governor’s directive was strictly adhered to.
“When we had the inaugural meeting, he (Akawor) ensured that the committee set up a kind of community-based approach to the distribution of the palliatives. The way it is run, for every ward, those who receive the palliatives from the committee include a traditional ruler, a religious leader, a woman leader, a youth leader, chairman of Community Development Committee (CDC), and the councillor of the ward”, he said.
Beyond this, the commissioner stated further that when the palliatives get to the ward, “a member of the Central Working Committee supervised by Amb Akawor, supervises the distribution of the food items”, adding that “the supervisory role of the Central Committee also happens at the ward level”.
The commissioner, who also used the opportunity to assure Rivers people and those living and doing business in the state of the determination of the state governor to make life easier for all by being proactive and strategic in governance, particularly as it relates to prevention of the COVID-19 pandemic in the state, also urged journalists to be objective in their reportage.
“What I say to people is that posterity will judge every action or inaction. Journalists can make or mar. Journalists are Agenda-Setters.
“So, my advise to Journalists, even at this critical time, is to please be objective in your reportage. We’re setting the agenda for other states to follow. Try and see the positive things that Rivers State Government is doing under Governor Nyesom Wike.
“We’re open to collaboration, we’re open to criticism. When I appear on programmes like this, I take it as a channel of feedback for governance”, he stated.
Meanwhile, following allegations of extortion to the tune of N80,000 on the police by food truck drivers being what they allegedly pay to the security agents at the state’s borders to be allowed entry into the state, the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Nnamdi Omoni, said the state Police Command was currently investigating the matter.
This, he said, also includes allegation of bribery of lower amount from N1,000 and above paid to security agents at the state’s borders by people in order to gain entry into the state.
Omoni, who spoke via telephone on the television programme to respond to the allegations, said, “as far as I’m concerned, we’ve received pockets of complaints. … As we speak now, we’re at Oyigbo border post where we’re going to inspect the activities of our men”.
Responding to further questions, the state police spokesperson explained that the command currently has about nine of its men in custody over such allegations, and that investigation would be carried out on complaints received so far.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the State Executive Council.
Under the new disposition, Barrister Christopher Green, who until now served as Commissioner for Sports, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Justice as the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
This is contained in an official statement signed by Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications.
According to the statement, Barrister Green will also continue to coordinate the activities of the Ministry of Sports pending the appointment of a substantive Commissioner to oversee the ministry.
The redeployment, which takes immediate effect, was approved at the last State Executive Council meeting for the year 2025, underscoring the Governor’s commitment to strengthening governance, ensuring continuity in service delivery, and optimising the performance of key ministries within the state.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration will ensure the delivery of developmental projects and the prevalence of peace in all parts of Rivers State.
The Governor emphasized that the achievement of these lofty ideals can only occur through the unwavering contributions of all Rivers stakeholders.
Speaking during the commissioning of the 10.7-kilometre Egbeda–Omerelu Road constructed by his administration, the governor said Rivers State can only move forward when its people choose unity over division.
He assured Rivers people that development projects would reach every part of the State but cautioned that progress cannot thrive where conflict persists.
Reflecting on the project, Governor Fubara recalled that the road was a promise he made during the inauguration of the first phase about a year ago.
“We made a promise that we were going to do this project, and today I am happy that the government has fulfilled that promise made to Emohua people, Egbeda community and Omerelu people,” he said.
He noted that the essence of governance is service to the people, adding that responding to their needs is a core responsibility of any administration.
“We decided to do this because you know where we are coming from, and if we don’t tell our story, many won’t know what we are doing. Even in the face of tribulations, we have remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We will continue to serve our people with respect and honour,” he affirmed.
Governor Fubara also reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to back all groups working towards securing the President’s victory in 2027.
Giving technical details of the project, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, explained that the contract was awarded on October 27, 2024, to Messrs Johnson Roadworks Limited.
He said the road links communities in Emohua and Ikwerre LGAs and shortens travel time for motorists commuting from Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Omoku through Egbeda to Owerri in Imo State.
He added that the infrastructure features a 12-metre clearing width and an 8-metre asphalt surface, comprising a 50mm binder course and a 40mm wearing course. It is complemented by 24 kilometres of drainage channels with a 1.05m² cross-sectional capacity to ensure durability and efficient water flow.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, described the road as a crucial link for surrounding communities, significantly easing movement for residents.
He praised the governor for demonstrating continuity and consolidation and prayed for God’s strength to enable him to achieve even more for the people.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers State remains the best investment destination for investors in the oil and gas sector.
Governor Fubara stated that since the economic development of Rivers State is closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry, his administration has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government and host communities to protect natural assets in the sector.
The Governor stated this during the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he pointed out that since the economy of Nigeria relies substantially on the oil and gas sector, his administration will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ramp up production.
“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90% of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State, home to numerous national and multinational oil and gas companies, is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40% of the country’s revenue.
“?Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry. That is why, since the beginning of this administration, we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets in collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders, and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.
“Furthermore, we have established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State as part of a strategic plan to stimulate our economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of our citizens.
“We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he stressed.?
Governor Fubara affirmed that Nigerian-funded companies can only succeed and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic prosperity when challenges that limit the nation are effectively tackled, and expressed his administration’s stand to support indigenous organisations such as the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation.
Declaring the roundtable open, the Governor assured the Nigerian-Owned companies in the oil and gas sector, that “we are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State.”
The Founder of the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation, Mr Emeka ugwu-Ozu, disclosed that the summit, held only in an oil and gas producing place, is a forum for all in the industry to brainstorm and suggest best practices for local players.
“This roundtable discussion takes place in only oil and gas producing states, and it is intentional. And that is to make sure that sooner, it becomes like what we say is the equivalent of Houston in the United States of America.
“I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he said.