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Monarch Tasks Jonathan On Youth Unemployment
The Eze Udo I of Ogui Nike, Enugu State, Chief Sampson C. O. Emezue has called on president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, to address the problem of epileptic power supply in Nigeria as a means of arresting the current high rate of youth unemployment in the country.
Chief Emezue, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of an Enugu-based SAMAX Printing Press outfit, made the call in a chat with The Tide On Sunday in Enugu.
According to him, constant power supply in all parts of the country will not only go a long way in checking youth unemployment and restiveness, but will also contribute in addressing rural-urban migration, which he described as an ill wind that blows no one any good” .
His words : “The control of everything in Nigeria is power supply. To me, the most important thing we need is adequate power supply. If the problem of power supply is addressed, then the country will be moved forward, as the economy will improve.
“Also, youths will stop relying on government for non-existing white colar jobs, as they can now set up small scale business outfits in the rural areas to sustain themselves financially and otherwise.
“If there is power supply everywhere in Nigeria, armed robbery, kidnapping, 419 and other vices now common among our youths will be reduced to the barest minimum and Nigeria will be better for it”, he explained.
On the nation democracy, Chief Emezue said Nigerians had gained a lot from democracy, adding that people cannot only talk freely now, but can rightly demand for their rights without any fear of persecution in any form or shape, compared to military rule in which the reverse was the case.
“Nigerians have gained a lot from democracy and efforts should be made by all and sundry to sustain it. Let the people’s vote count in the forthcoming 2011 general election in the country”, he also suggested.
Chief Emezue also advised governors to always make judicious use of the monthly federal allocations given to their various states , adding that the Bible says that “To whom much is given , much is expected.”
He further urged president Jonathan “as the number one citizen of Nigeria”, to see the entire country as his constituency by ensuring that the right people are appointed to the right positions , no matter where they come from.
Chief Emezue expressed hope that the forthcoming 2011 general election will take the country to the next level democratically and otherwise, especially if it is conducted in a free and fair manner by ensuring that the people’s votes count.
He, further used the forum to advice Nigerians to always cooperate with president Jonathan in his efforts to make the country a better place for all, adding that with the president, “ the future of Nigeria is very bright “.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene