RSG Recalls 11 Suspended LG Chairmen …Okrika Stakeholders Hail Move …PH City Mayor Roots For Service

Rivers State Governor , Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has recalled the 11 local government chairmen suspended from office early this month.

The state Information and Communications Commissioner, Mrs Ibim Semenitari who made this known said the affected council chairmen could resume normal duty immediately.

The Tide recalls that the state governor had on January 9, this year announced the suspension of  11 out of the 23 local government council chairmen for among other things, failing to attend crucial pre-national strike meeting.

They were replaced by their deputies in acting capacities until yesterday when the suspension was finally revoked.

Meanwhile, Okrika stakeholders appear unanimous in gratitude to Governor Amaechi for recalling from suspension, their local government council chairman, Hon Tamuno Williams.

Publisher of the Newswriter, Mr Kenneth Amabipi said the decision was most welcome especially considering the youngman’s focus and clear plan to make a marked change in the area.

Mr Amabipi said Hon Tamuno’s council administration had within the brief period endeared itself to the people through various projects that directly touch the people.

He recalled the free transport scheme’ during the Christmas festival, expansion and re-construction of the ATC Island Road and beautification  of the precincts of the ATC Jetty area as some of the projects that marked out the young lawyer as well prepared to serve.

Also speaking, the Chairman, Central Community Development Committee (CDC), Ogoloma, Elder Blessing Agama described as legendary the new council administrator’s penchant of consulting widely and regularly with stakeholders.

Elder Agama said, Hon Williams was the only council chairman since the creation of the local government area to convoke town hall meetings where accounts were rendered and project plans articulated, apparently toeing the path laid out by Governor Amaechi.

He thanked the governor for tempering justice with mercy and hoped that the council chairman would recover the lost days in suspension and return to work.

In his contribution, a renowned educationalist, Dr Amina Fiberesima described Hon Tamuno’s recall as most timely and thanked Gov Amaechi for the discretion.

In a telephone interview with The Tide, Hon Williams said the  brief period of suspension enabled him to reflect very deeply on his avowed quality service to the Okrika people.

He thanked the governor for rescinding the suspension order and pledged to contribute meaningfully to the development of the local government and indeed the state.

Also reacting to the development , the Mayor of Port Harcourt City Council, Hon Chimbiko Akarolo said his suspension from office had afforded him the opportunity to identify his mistakes to enable him key into the state government’s purposeful and focused policies for the overall interest of the state.

Hon Akarolo who was reacting to his recall to office yesterday by the state governor said there was nothing to celebrate or rejoice about but thanked God for the opportunity to serve the people of his local government area.

The mayor said he did not feel different after being recalled, adding that the only time we celebrate was when we won election.

“If I was given a query, would I have celebrated or jubilated? There is nothing to celebrate rather  to key into the state government’s policies,” he said.

Soye Wilson

In-coming Mananging Director of Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas and his wife, Engr and Mrs Babs Jolayemi Omotowa at the reception ceremony organised by NLNG management and staff at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, Satruday

Jamabo