Rivers

Firm Denies Sacking Of Workers In Rivers, Others

Published

5 years ago

January 8, 2021

he Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) has denied the rumour that it sacked some workers from its offices in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers states on December, 30.
PHED’s Acting Manager, Corporate Communications, Mrs Chioma Aninwe, refuted the assertion in a statement on Wednesday in Port Harcourt.
The Tide reports that the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) had threatened to take action following the alleged sack of members.
The union described the alleged sacking of an undisclosed number of PHED staff as an injustice and accused its management of failing to abide by an agreement reached with the association in 2020.
But Aninwe said that PHED had not sacked any worker and described SSAEAC’s position on the matter as misleading and misinformation.
“PHED finds this rumour being peddled about staff optimisation and related issues as misinformation, and as such, wishes to clarify events to stakeholders and concerned citizens.
“Contrary to the misinformation being circulated, PHED management had already paid the full terminal benefits to optimised staff.
“The company commits to upholding the values of its Condition of Service, and as such, all concerned staff at the time of this release would have had their accounts credited.
“Aside this, PHED has earmarked a large number of staff who have distinguished themselves for promotion before the end of first quarter of 2021,” she said.
The PHED spokesperson said the Condition of Service between the distribution company, SSAEAC and the other unions was testament of the importance the current management attached to staff welfare.
According to her, the new management is determined to change the narrative in PHED by improving staff welfare and delivering quality service to customers.
“In 2020, PHED embarked on organisational repositioning exercise to deliver first class services to customers in line with its vision of becoming the number one distribution company in Nigeria.
“To achieve this, management launched a series of initiatives, including engagement of over 400 staff as well as resolved staff profile by a mix of early retirement and staff optimisation.
“Others include the absorption of some core functions into PHED from the hitherto outsource arrangement; Graduate Trainee Scheme and office complex remodelling,” she said.
Aninwe further said that management also upgraded its 24 hours state-of-the-art call centre and customers’ service centre as well as constructed new feeders and acquired new operational vehicles, among others.
She said that in spite of the global COVID-19 pandemic; change in market rules and #EndSARS protests among others, that management stood by its determination to improve on welfare and its operation.

Rivers

Monarch Urges Residents To Abstain From Crime

Published

26 minutes ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

The Traditional ruler of Evo Kingdom, His Majesty, King Leslie N. Eke, has called on residents of the Kingdom and Rivers State at large to shun all forms of crime and embrace peaceful coexistence in the interest of sustainable development.

He made the call recently while briefing newsmen at his palace in Woji Community , Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

While stressing that crime remains a major setback to growth and stability in the state, the monarch expressed deep concern over the rising cases of insecurity in some communities, noting that such acts not only endanger lives, but also discourage investment and meaningful development.

According to the royal father, traditional institutions must continue to play a pivotal role in promoting peace and guiding the conduct of youths within their domains.

King Eke, who is also the Chairman of the Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, urged community leaders to collaborate with security agencies to rid their areas of criminal elements.

He emphasized that lasting peace can only be achieved when residents consciously decide to uphold law and order, adding that no meaningful progress can thrive in an atmosphere of fear and violence.

He also used the occasion to throw his weight behind the peace initiative of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, describing it as timely and necessary for the unity of the state.

He commended the Governor for prioritizing peace and stability, noting that such efforts would create an enabling environment for governance and socio-economic development.

King Eke called on youths in the state to resist the temptation of being used as instruments of violence, urging them instead to engage in productive ventures that would enhance their future.

He appealed to parents and guardians to instill moral values in their children, stressing that the fight against crime begins at home.

The traditional ruler reaffirmed the commitment of the Ikwerre traditional institution to support all genuine efforts aimed at maintaining peace and security across the state.

He also urged all stakeholders, including community leaders, security agencies and residents, to work collectively towards building a safer and more prosperous Rivers State.

King Onunwor

Rivers

NUJ Chairman Applauds RSTV Reforms, Urges Sustained Professionalism … As Station Rewards Excellence

Published

27 minutes ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, Comrade Paul Bazia-Nsaneh, has commended the management of the Rivers State Television (RSTV) for what he described as remarkable innovations that are reshaping the broadcast landscape in the state.

Speaking during the third edition of the monthly prayer session initiated by the station’s management, Bazia-Nsaneh noted that the renewed vision of RSTV has started yielding positive outcomes, both in staff morale and service delivery.

The NUJ Chairman, in a statement signed by the Council’s Secretary, Dr. Ijeoma Tubosia, particularly lauded the introduction of the prayer initiative, describing it as a strategic step that would foster unity, dedication, and divine guidance for the station’s operations.

He emphasized that committing institutional efforts to God remains a vital ingredient for sustainable success, adding that such spiritual engagements would strengthen the station’s resolve to excel in a competitive media environment.

Bazia-Nsaneh also praised the management for instituting a monthly award system to recognize outstanding staff, noting that the initiative would encourage diligence and inspire a culture of healthy competition among workers.

According to him, rewarding hard work is essential in driving productivity, as it motivates employees to consistently give their best in the discharge of their duties.

“The award motivates staff and makes them want to work harder because the reward for work is more work”, he stated, while urging the recipients to remain focused and committed.

He further advised staff of the station to uphold professionalism, maintain dignity in their conduct, and refrain from actions that could undermine the integrity of the journalism profession.

The NUJ Chairman reaffirmed the union’s readiness to support RSTV whenever necessary, stressing that the progress of government-owned media outfits remains a priority for the union.

He stated that the NUJ would continue to advocate improved conditions and operational standards for such stations, noting that their success ultimately reflects on the union as a whole.

“We will continue to raise our voice until things change, because the success of RSTV and other government-owned stations is the success of NUJ”, he declared.

Earlier, the Acting General Manager of RSTV, Ambassador Paul Damgbor, called for sustained collaboration between the station and the NUJ to further enhance performance and service delivery.

Damgbor attributed recent progress at the station to the monthly prayer meetings, stating that the initiative has ushered in positive developments and renewed commitment among staff.

He highlighted key achievements of his administration to include the renovation of the station’s canteen to improve staff welfare, training of cameramen to boost video production quality, as well as capacity building for security personnel and reception staff to enhance professionalism.

Other milestones, he said, include the procurement of new studio cameras and the provision of modern computers for the station’s library to support research and proper documentation.

The Acting General Manager also expressed appreciation to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Sirawoo, for his support in facilitating the station’s nationwide broadcast license, a development expected to expand RSTV’s reach beyond Rivers State.

The event underscored a renewed commitment by stakeholders to reposition the station for greater efficiency, professionalism, and public service relevance.

King Onunwor

Rivers

NDDC Provides Lifeline To Flood-Hit Ogu-Bolo Community

Published

1 week ago

April 2, 2026

The Tide

In response to the recent flood disaster that displaced families, destroyed farmlands, and worsened economic hardship in Ogu/Bolo Community, The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has distributed relief materials to residents of the community.

Presenting the items on behalf of the Managing Director, the Director II, Education, Health and Social Services, Engr. Jeremiah Onolejoloni, said the intervention underscores the commission’s commitment to alleviating the plight of vulnerable communities across the Niger Delta.

According to a statement by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, the gesture followed the devastating impact of flooding on livelihoods in the community.

The Managing Director noted that the commission, in collaboration with the Derek and Davia Foundation, provided financial support to facilitate the distribution of essential food items and household materials to affected residents.

He described the initiative as part of efforts to address pressing needs, adding that it also reflects government’s solidarity with citizens facing economic challenges.

“This intervention goes beyond palliatives. It is a demonstration of government’s presence, compassion and commitment to supporting families in distress, in line with the renewed hope agenda of the President,” he said.

He urged community leaders to ensure fair distribution of the items and encouraged residents to sustain peace and support development programmes.

The Paramount Ruler of Ogu-Bolo, Chief Joachim Amachiri, commended the Commission for the timely intervention, noting that it would provide much-needed relief to victims of the flood.

He reaffirmed the community’s support for NDDC initiatives aimed at improving living conditions in the region.

Also speaking, a consultant on the programme, represented by Dr. George Smile, praised the commission’s responsiveness to disaster-affected communities, disclosing that plans were underway, in partnership with development stakeholders, to extend similar support to neighbouring areas.

Wokoma Emmanuel & Theresa Frederick