Niger Delta
High Expectations, As Bayelsa Commissioners Speak On Service Delivery

Newly inaugurated Commissioners in Bayelsa State have pledged their commitment towards working for the development of the state.
Speaking with newsmen in Yenagoa, yesterday, Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Chief David Alagoa, his counterparts from the Ministry of Power and Water Resources, Hon. Ebitei Tonyo, Justice and Attorney-General, Birigha Dambo, and Environment, Iselemo Gbaranbiri restated their readiness to bring their experiences and expertise to bear in the development of the state.
The Tide sources revealed that the new commissioners had previous experiences in the political terrain, administration as well as the multinational firms.
The commissioners who spoke to newsmen at separate interviews reiterated their intentions to function effectively in their respective Ministries, saying they would not rest on their oars until the prosperity Government of Governor Douye Diri succeeds in all ramifications.
“I’ll be effective and utilize the experience I’ve had over the years in the multinational industry and other sectors for the good of the state as an Exco member”, the Agriculture commissioner said.
The Agriculture commissioner, who was one of the governorship aspirants on the platform of the PDP in the 2019 party primaries harped that as a commissioner in the Diri’s administration the opportunity provided by the Governor through his appointment of capable Bayelsans would not be betrayed just as he said it was an opportunity to continue in the service of the state.
“As a commissioner in the prosperity Government, the desire of any commissioner is to contribute towards the betterment of the state. And that is what I intend to replicate in the Ministry of Agriculture”, he added.
The Tide learnt that the Attorney-General and commissioner for Justice, Dambo, was a Senatorial aspirant for Bayelsa East Senatorial District on the platform of the PDP in the 2019 party primaries.
The Senior Advocate has consequently upon his appointment talked tough on ensuring that there is Justice for every Bayelsan, harping that he would leverage on his rank and pedigree for the good of the state as the chief law officer.
“I came all the way from Lagos as a Bayelsan to make sure that I defend this government and make my best inputs to ensure that Justice is delivered to every Bayelsan”, Dambo said.
“As the chief law officer, I’ll ensure that I advise the Government on the best legal reforms to make when necessary”, he added.
Meanwhile, former Chairman of Kolokuma/Opokuma Council Area of the state and now Commissioner for Environment, Iselema Gbaranbiri has taken a swipe on IOCs, individuals as well as others whom he alleged their activities have had negative effects on the environment.
Gbaranbiri frowned at the pace of devastation facing the Bayelsa Environment, promising that because he is conversant with these menace, the Ministry under him through the support of the prosperity government and goodwill of Bayelsans would checkmate these excesses.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
Niger Delta
RSNC Head Charges NAOMEW On Professionalism, Effective Service Delivery

The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages

The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.