Connect with us

Rivers

Rivers Chief Judge Tasks Staff On Training, Job Improvement

Published

on

The Rivers State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, has called on the staff of the state judiciary to cultivate the habit of acquiring further knowledge, through workshops, training in order to improve on their job performances and service delivery.
Justice Amadi made this call while declaring open a two- day workshop organised for staff of the state judiciary with the theme , “Repositioning the Staff of the State Judiciary for Effective Service Delivery,” held at the main auditorium of the State High Court in Port Harcourt, Monday.
The state chief judge described the registrars, assistants and other categories of staff of the judiciary as important and integral part in the judiciary administration, saying that they play a very crucial role in the administration of justice service delivery in the society.
He averred that the essence of the workshop was to equip them for the task ahead and improve the standard of their job performances and service delivery in line with the present administrations core mandate which centred on effective service delivery.
According to him, their duties and responsibilities are very important, as no court or courts can function without the registrars and other categories of staff.
“You are all aware of your roles, no court can function without registrars, assistant registrars and other support staffs.
“ I decided to revive this training and workshop because of the enormous role you play in justice delivery. If you do not know what you are to do in the job, how can you control your subjects, because if you allow your subjects to know more than you and be the ones to teach you the job, then you will lose the confidence and cannot to exercise control over them. Therefore, you all must take the workshop serious so as to improve yourself. “he stated.
Justice Amadi, however, told them that computer literacy will be one of the conditions for promotion in the judiciary, saying that the world is moving, leaving the old analog fashion and has fast embraced digitalization.
“Today most states’ judiciary write examination before promotion, though such principles were in practice here before now, however we shall reintroduce the practice again.” he stated.
Earlier in his address, the Acting Chief Registrar of State High Court, David Davis Ihua-maduenyi thanked the chief judge for approving the workshop, adding that in doing so, the chief judge has demonstrated his passion and commitment in repositioning the state judiciary for service delivery.
Ihua-maduenyi explained that the essence of the workshop was to involve the staff to key in to the various programmes, efforts and commitment laid out by the present administration to reposition the judiciary for better service delivery to the public
“The workshop is to explain all these goals so that staff will be ready for the task ahead, every staff is called to service. The workshop will be practical and interactive to enhance job performance and effective service delivery,” he stated
He used the opportunity to assure the chief judge of the resolve by the judiciary staff to support his administration’s quest to reposition and move the state judiciary forward.

By: Akujobi Amadi

Continue Reading

Rivers

INEC Urges Peaceful Rivers Assembly Bye-elections

Published

on

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged stakeholders to promote peace and ensure credible Rivers State House of Assembly bye-elections scheduled for February 21.
The state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Gabriel Yomere, made the appeal at a stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
Yomere said the poll was vital for voters in Ahoada-East II and Khana II constituencies, who had remained without representation at the state level.
He said INEC had begun preparations, including deploying trained personnel and ensuring timely distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive election materials.
“The bye-election will involve 112,950 registered voters across 14 registration areas and 242 polling units in the two Local Government Areas.
“We have commenced all necessary internal preparations towards a successful bye-election”, he said.
Yomere urged political parties and candidates to uphold internal democracy and responsibility during the primaries scheduled to hold by January 23.
“Elections should be contests of ideas, not battles marked by intimidation, destruction or violence”, he said.
He commended security agencies for professionalism and assured them of INEC’s continued collaboration to ensure a secure election environment.
Yomere also encouraged political parties, civil society groups and the media to support voter education, peaceful participation and counter misinformation.
He disclosed that INEC commenced the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise on January 5 across all registration centres in the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, Mr. Olugbenga Adepoju, appealed to stakeholders to ensure peaceful bye-elections, stressing that security remained everyone’s responsibility.
Represented by CSP James Njoku, Adepoju emphasised collaboration between security agencies and the public for a credible electoral process.
“Security agencies cannot do it alone without your contribution. We appreciate your efforts towards the safety and security of our state”, he said.
Adepoju warned against electoral violence, describing it as any act intended to intimidate, harm or abuse electoral stakeholders.
He urged stakeholders to educate relatives and party members on the dangers of electoral violence and its consequences.
Adepoju appealed to youths, religious, community and political leaders to encourage followers to shun violence and promote peace.
He assured that security agencies would work together to safeguard lives and properties for the conduct of free and fair elections.
The Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Dr. Nnanna Onyekere, praised INEC’s proactiveness, saying it boosted confidence in a credible election.
“We assure you there will be no violence. There will be peace across the state”,  Onyekere said.
He commended INEC for moving voter registration to ward level, noting it would ease access for prospective voters.
Onyekere called on political parties to collaborate with INEC and expressed confidence that the bye-elections would be peaceful and successful.
Continue Reading

Rivers

PH To Host 2026 NBA Conference

Published

on

The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) says Port Harcourt will host its 2026 Annual General Conference with an ambitious theme: “Beyond Limits.”
Its President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, disclosed this at its National Secretariat on Friday.
The theme, the President said, serves as a strategic mandate for legal practitioners to shatter traditional constraints and pivot toward innovation in justice delivery and governance.
Osigwe emphasised that bringing the flagship event to the South-South region is a calculated move to foster national inclusion and ensure that the association’s activities resonate deeply with members across every geographical zone.
Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Abdul Mohammed, SAN, assured the legal community that early preparations are focused on delivering a high-caliber experience that aligns with international organisational standards.
The day’s proceedings also took a significant turn toward professional development with the inauguration of a new co-working space for young lawyers.
Located at the National Secretariat, the facility is a direct response to the structural and economic hurdles facing early-career practitioners.
It offers a professional setting for client consultations and collaborative research, ensuring that junior members remain vibrantly engaged in active practice.
The co-working initiative, spearheaded by the NBA Welfare Committee, was personally funded by its chairman, Chief James Onoja, SAN, and coordinated by Welfare Secretary, Mr. Auta Nyada.
In a tribute to professional excellence, the space was named after former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, whose legacy of mentorship and ethical advocacy served as the inspiration for the project.
While urging local branches to establish similar hubs at their respective bar centers, the NBA also confirmed that registration for the 2026 conference is now officially open, with more details on the speaker lineup and session schedules to follow.
By; Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso
Continue Reading

Rivers

Wobodo Pledges Support For Ex-Service Men, Others

Published

on

The Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Charles Wobodo, said he would not renege on his administration’s commitment to support ex-servicemen and other security personnel within the Local Government area.
Wobodo made this known during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration held in Isiokpo, the Headquarters of Ikwerre Local Government.
He said the event provided an opportunity to honour men and women who paid the supreme price in the defence of Nigeria’s unity and sovereignty.
The council chairman described fallen servicemen as national heroes whose sacrifices must never be forgotten by government and citizens alike.
According to him, his administration remains committed to strengthening the local security architecture to enhance peace and safety across Ikwerre communities.
He disclosed that the council has provided operational vehicles and other forms of support to security agencies operating in the area.
The Kelga Council Chairman noted that beyond serving officers, the local government is also focused on the welfare of retired and disabled security personnel.
He also assured that widows of fallen servicemen would not be neglected, stressing that they would be included in the council’s social welfare programmes.
The chairman further emphasized the need for continuous collaboration between the local government and security stakeholders to sustain peace and development.
As part of activities marking the remembrance event, Wobodo made a cash donation to members of the Nigerian Legion in the area.
He urged the legionnaires to maintain a cordial relationship with the local government and to continue supporting peace initiatives.
One of the Ex-service men, Major Joseph Wonuma, stated that  the Armed Forces Remembrance Day was a significant occasion and appealed to the Council chairman to prioritise welfare, employment and empowerment programmes for ex-servicemen and their families.
By: King Onunwor
Continue Reading

Trending