News
Amaechi Defends Workers Salary Deductions
Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State has defended the
recent deductions from the state civil servants’ salaries as part of the Social
Contributory Levy established by law to meet the demands and well- being of the
people, saying that his administration would give account of how the funds were
spent to justify the commitment of his administration to transparency and good
governance.
The Governor made
the clarification while speaking at a special Interdenominational Church
service to mark the 52nd Independence anniversary at Church of Christ
Interdenominational yesterday in Port Harcourt. “We have started deduction of the Social
Contributory levy, this is to enable government provide those basic things that
the people need, I want you to demand for an explanation and this is the reason
I ask the Chief of Staff of Government House to call for town hall meetings
across the 23 local government councils, we must ensure transparency and good
governance”, he said.”
Government is trying
to meet the demand of our people and we have the responsibility of ensuring
that our children are properly trained, and due to the increase in registration
of new pupils, we will now build one-storey buildings as our new plan for the
new model primary schools”, he further remarked.
Governor Amaechi
who also listed education, health, road and power as priority projects in the
state said some roads in the state were built 30 and 50 years ago, and his
administration had concluded plans to fix the roads during the dry season.
He said his
administration would commence work on the Onne-Eleme road and the
Omagwa-Airport road which would be completed by December this year, while roads
in old Port Harcourt township including Hospital road, Diobu, Borokiri and
D/line would be constructed with drainages and street lights.
The State Governor
also explained the decision of his administration to hand over the new
government hospital at Emenike Street and the Dental Clinic at Garrison to
Americans as measures to sustain the public private partnership initiated by
his administration.
Amaechi also used
the occasion to thank traditional rulers, men of God, politicians and
stakeholders for their maximum co-operation in moving the state forward since
the inception of his administration.
He urged residents
of the state to remain patient and cooperate with his administration to
facilitate the needed development in the state.
Amaechi stated that
already, he has directed the Executive Council to liaise with the Chairman of
Port Harcourt Local Government Council to allocate the completed New Layout
Market to traders.
On his part, the
chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN), Rivers State, Apostle
Zilly Aggrey said the administration of Governor Amaechi needs the prayers of
men of God and the total co-operation of Rivers people to succeed, stating that
the new model schools, health facilities, roads and infrastructure are
testimonies that should be encouraged.Earlier in his sermon, the Resident
Minister of Christ Church, Very Reverend Jacob Ibikunle warned against immoral
activities, including corruption which he said, is sin against God and prayed
for the restoration of the state and the country in general.
Meanwhile, Governor
Amaechi has commended the Pastor, Region 5 and Province 1 of the Redeemed
Christain Church of God, Belemina Obunge for his humility and steadfastness in
the service of God.
Speaking at the
50th birthday celebration held in honour of the cleric in Port Harcourt
yesterday, Amaechi said,” Pastor Obunge is among those called by God to serve
in his vineyard. I respect him and adore him for that.’’
Amaechi thanked the
Church for celebrating their leader and sought more prayers for government
and those in power in order to pilot the
affairs with the fear of God.
News
NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam
The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.
News
Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence
The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.
The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.
News
Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027
A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.
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