Rivers
NULGE Probes Alleged Promotion, Posting Fraud

Former Governor of Rivers State, Chief Rufus Ada George (right) in a chat with former Minister of External Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi during the 80th birthday celebration of former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme at the Banquet Hall, Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, recently. Photo: Egberi .A. Sampson.
The Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) Rivers State Chapter, says it is making concerted effort to ascertain the true facts about the alleged irregularities in the recently concluded postings and promotions of some officers of the local Governments by the State local Government Service Commission.
The NULGE Chairman, Comrade Franklin Ajunwo gave the assurance Monday in an interview with The Tide in Port Harcourt, said the commission was biased in its recently concluded posting and promotion exercises across the 23 Local Government areas of the State.
The NULGE Chairman, who confirmed that, the union has received series of complaints concerning the just-concluded posting and promotion exercises said, the union executive has scheduled a meeting with the authority of the commission, where the commission would present to the Union the criteria and facts about the controversial local government staff posting and promotion in the state two months ago.
He urged those officers affected in the posting and promotion exercises to remain calm pending when the union would conclude its findings with the commission.
“We are meeting the Commission to find out the truth and facts about the posting and promotion, and if there is any irregularity, the union will look for solution to correct it immediately”, Comrade Ajunwo said.
However, The Tide learnt that the recent postings and promotions made by the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission across the 23 Local Government areas of the state have not gone down well with some officers of the service.
An affected officer of the local government service, under anonymity told The Tide that he was demoted from the position of Head of Personnel Manager (HPM) to Head of a sub-department that is meant for a senior cadre, while an officer below his grade was made Head of Personnel manager without cogent reasons.
The officer described the treatment meted out to him by the commission as most unfair and bias of the highest order in the civil service system in the state.
Another officer on grade level 15 said, he was replaced by an officer of grade level 13 who does not merit directors position, if going by the local government civil service Act.
The affected officers called on the State Government and NULGE authority to wade into the alleged irregularities in the exercises by the commission.
Efforts to confirm from the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Chief Azubuike Nmerekini proved abortive, as access to him through phone or in person was impossible at the time of filing this report.
Enoch Epelle
Niger Delta
RSNC Head Charges NAOMEW On Professionalism, Effective Service Delivery

The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages

The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.
Rivers
Rivers NYCN Wants Sokubo For Second Term
National Youth Council of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter, under the dynamic leadership of Amb. Ambrose Sopuruchukwu Okpor, has called on the result-oriented National President, Amb. Sokubo Saraigbe Sokubo, to re-contest.
This call stems from the overwhelming confidence reposed in him by Nigerian youths, based on his outstanding track record, charismatic leadership, and unwavering commitment to youth development.
This was contained in a statement made available to news men, yesterday.
Amb. Akpor explained that under the leadership of Amb. Sokubo the NYCN has experienced unprecedented progress in youth empowerment, advocacy, and national unity.
“I want to say that Amb. Sokubo’s ability to maintain harmony, sustainable peace, and foster an inclusive atmosphere within the youth leadership structure is a testament to his visionary and tactical approach to leadership.
“The Rivers State Chapter, with other progressive and stakeholders, believes he is best positioned to continue piloting the affairs of the Council towards greater heights”,he said.
The youth council chairman in the State further appeal to Sokubo to answer this noble call to serve once again, for the sake of continuity, growth, and the collective aspirations of Nigerian youths across the country.
-
Featured5 days ago
Tinubu Signs Four Tax Reform Bills Into Law …Says Nigeria Open For Business
-
News5 days ago
Shettima In Ethiopia For State Visit
-
Niger Delta5 days ago
RSNC Head Charges NAOMEW On Professionalism, Effective Service Delivery
-
News5 days ago
Tinubu Orders Civil Service Personnel Audit, Skill Gap Analysis
-
Women5 days ago
How Women Can Manage Issues In Marriage
-
Politics5 days ago
Church Bans Political Speeches On Pulpits
-
Politics5 days ago
Presidency Slams El-Rufai Over Tinubu Criticism …Says He Suffers From Small Man Syndrome
-
Politics5 days ago
10 NWC Members Oppose Damagum Over National Secretary’s Reinstatement