Rivers
Commissioner Hails NLNG , AKULGA Chiefs’ Parley
The open-hearted discussions in a meeting between t he officials of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Ltd and representatives of the Akuku-Toru Local Government Area (AKULGA) Traditional Rulers Council have been described as ground breaking and significant in LNG and Akuku-Toru community relationship.
Dr Tammy W. Danagogo, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs stated this on Tuesday, while speaking as the chief facilitator of the meeting designed to explore better understanding ensure peaceful operations in Akuku-Toru council area.
To sustain the tempo, the commissioner advised NLNG to converse a meeting of the traditional rulers, alongside the leaders of the community trust of Soku and Elem Sangama to discuss areas of mutual interest with impacted communities, in order to ensure co-ordinate development of vital infrastructural facility, noting that it would be beneficial to NLNG for it to key into the Global Meomrandum of Understanding (GMU), as concerned by the Rivers State government, to fast track grassroot development in the state.
Speaking earlier, on behalf of NLNG, Mr Micah Sunju Allison, Ag. Manager, Community Relations, had outlined that the company had done several things for its hosts in areas such as youth empowerment scheme, scholarship awards and Micro-credit scheme, in addition to a recent approval for the construction of a Nurses’ quarters at Soku.
In response to NLNG’s insistence that they deal with communities hier, Alabo Charles Dokubo, spokesman of the AKULGA council of traditional rulers, stressed the need to accord due recognition to the royal father who work hard to keep the peace in their domains and ensures smooth operations of NLNG and other companies’ facilities.
He expressed optimism that NLNG would review its stand and find a way of improved relationship to give the traditional institution in AKULGA a sense of belonging.
The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Somieari Isaac Harry, Director, Chieftaincy, Mr Elechi, Chief Abiye Sinpele, Chief Peniel Black Duke, Chief S.A. Lawson-Jack and Chief Rosebury I.S. Briggs.
The Rivers State Judiciary has denied a media report claiming that Justice Frank Onyiri of the State High Court issued an injunction order restraining the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), from inaugurating the newly appointed members of the Rivers State Civil Service Commission (RSCSC).
In a statement issued by the Deputy Chief Registrar in charge of litigation at the High Court, Menenen Poromon (Esq), the state Judiciary disassociated itself from the report, describing it as malicious and fabricated.
The statement emphasized that the report was a falsehood and a misrepresentation of what transpeared in the court.
Poromon clarified that no such order was issued by Justice Onyiri or any other judge of the High Court of the state and urged the public to disregard the information, as it lacked any iota of truth.
The statement however advised the public to verify any information concerning the state Judiciary directly from the office of the Chief Registrar, High Court of the State, to avoid spreading of misinformation.