News
Ex-LG Boss Tasks Politicians On Honesty, Sincerity
Former Executive Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State and Chairman of the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Agency, Prince Timothy Nsirim, has stressed the need for politicians, especially those elected into public office to always deal and relate with their constituents with a sense of honesty and sincerity, as doing so would ultimately endear the political leaders to their people.
This is even as he expresses gratitude to the Executive Governor of the State, Chief Nyesom Wike and other Rivers people for their immense support during the burial of his mother.
Nsirim, who gave the charge during the funeral ceremony of his mother, Late Mrs Victoria Wejionwu Nsirim at the Rumueme Civic Centre in Port Harcourt last Saturday, said his foray into politics for several years has taught him that it pays to be honest and sincere in dealing and relating with the people at all times, contending that it is no longer fashionable for politicians to see politics as an avenue to deceive or take the people for granted.
While applauding Governor Wike’s giant development strides in politics, Nsirim said following and working with the Governor has so equipped him that even if he is entrusted with a moribund industry, he would resuscitate and resurrect it.
Speaking with The Tide in an exclusive interview in Port Harcourt yesterday, the former local government chairman said he was happy and grateful to God that he was able to give the mother a befitting burial and paid glowing tribute to the deceased, whom he described as a compassionate and loving Queen.
He noted that it was a thing of joy that the mother campaigned for him during the chairmanship election in the local government which saw him emerge the council chairman and equally assisted the husband, Nyenwe-Eli Omunakwe Nyeche Nsirim won elections as a Councillor for two terms.
According to him, his mother gave freely to all those who came in contact with her during her life time.
He further noted that he was able to make his mark in the administration of OBALGA as Executive Chairman because he was able to show love and sincerity of purpose to his people as well as carried them along in whatever projects he embarked on, adding that as somebody who took over the mantle of leadership from Governor Wike as Chairman, he strived hard to improve on the governor’s excellent achievements.
Against this backdrop, Nsirim advised future council chairmen of the local government to be careful while administering the council area going by the high standards of performance set by the governor and himself.
Nsirim said the calibre of personalities that graced the mother’s burial was a demonstration of love for him and the entire Nsirim’s family, and thanked Governor Wike whom he said is always there for him.
He also thanked the Rumueme people, the OBALGA and the entire people of the State for their uncommon outpouring of affection, and promised never to let them down.
The former council boss said for the sheer fact that the entire Nsirim’s family jointly gave his mother a befitting burial was an indication that there is peace radiating in the family.
Among dignitaries who graced the burial ceremony included the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo; Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Iyayi Laminkara; former President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), O. C. J. Okocha (SAN) and his wife; former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Chief Austin Opara, traditional rulers, captains of industries, among others.
The officiating ministers included Apostle David Zilly Aggrey; Bishop Victor Uzosike, Bishop Lucky Aroh, among others.
By: Donatus Ebi
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
