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RSG To Sustain Partnership With Labour …As Rivers PDP Warns Deviant Members
The Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi, has declared that his administration is working in partnership with organised labour in the state to protect and promote welfare of workers.
The state governor stated this at the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Rivers State Council’s 4th triennial state delegates conference held at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, yesterday.
The governor who was represented by the Commissioner of Information and Communications, Mrs Ibim Semenitari, said the vision and polices of the state government were people-oriented.
The governor said millions of workers had no representation and social security, stressing that the TUC should always seek to protect the interest of the under-represented workers in the society.
He said the problem of Nigerian was the elite and members of the cabal who formulate policies that are inconsistent with the working class of Nigeria, stressing that such inconsistencies had become culture of impunity.
The governor said that the state government would soon embark on the construction of the Mother and Child Hospital, stressing that the state had completed the building of 500 primary schools across the state with 100 of such schools already in use while 120 primary health centres are completed and already in use.
The state Chief Executive said the government’s Nne Krukrubo model school at Eleme recently admitted 700 students, stressing that government has the obligation to provide laptops and other items to the students.
He said towards making life comfortable and ease traffic jam in the state, the government embarked on the rehabilitation of 10 federal roads after such roads were abandoned by the Federal Government.
Governor Amaechi urged the TUC to always ensure that the dignity of the working class was respected as the state government would always accord prompt attention and other fringe benefits due to workers.
The state governor reassured members and leadership of the union of government’s commitment of assisting in building a befitting secretariat for the union.
Earlier, the National President of TUC, Comrade Peter Esele had described Amaechi as a labour-friendly governor who deserved the support of the organised labour in Nigeria.
Comrade Esele said Governor Amaechi deserved to be called a comrade” for his administration’s interest to protect and promote the welfare of workers in the state.
The TUC boss urged members of the union to build institution within the TUC and not personality, stressing that institutions ensure the survival of the union for effective struggles and cohesion.
Meanwhile, the theme of the 4th triennial state delegates conference was titled ‘ Building the Nigeria of Our Dream, and chaired by retired Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe.
Guest lecturers include Dr Udenta O Udenta, former Director, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, the Presidency, Abuja and Ade Adeogun, Sole Administrator, Rivers State Environmental Sanitation Authority.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), has called for party discipline and commitment among its faithfuls, saying only respect for the party’s leadership can assist it consolidate the virile democratic institutions and culture it had laid in Rivers Stare in the past decade. Asserting that discipline stands as key to party growth and electoral victory, the PDP however said it will no longer fold its arms while certain persons continue in their efforts to discredit the party and leadership of its Rivers State Chairman, Chief Godspower Ake.
The party had therefore hinted of severe consequences to include possible disciplinary sanctions to be applied against continued deviance.
Reacting to rumours of an impending dissolution of the Rivers State Executive and removal from office of the party Chairman, the State PDP Publicity Secretary, Mr. George Ukwuoma-Nwogba in a statement in the state capital, noted that such rumours were the handiwork of mischief-makers and fifth columnists rented by certain disgruntled social deviants in the mould of politicians to cause rifts, describing them as enemies of democracy. “Their stock-in trade is to feast off the laps of their sponsors so long as their pockets are stuffed full with crisp currencies. We will soon unmask them,” Ukwuoma-Nwogba said.
The PDP publicity secretary harped on total loyalty, solidarity and support for the leadership of Chief Ake, whom he described as a rare gift to the politics of Rivers State.
The PDP spokesman described as an ill-wind, the rumour of the inpending dissolution of the Rivers State PDP executive, saying that so far, the current executive had built internal blocks for resolution of real or seeming divergent views.
“In a family as large as the PDP, and as is familiar with all democracies, views could vary but the PDP had instituted mechanisms for conflict resolutions. It’s therefore undemocratic, diversionary and mischievous for any member of our great party to resort to rumour peddling as a means to catching attention. The PDP shall no longer tolerate such deviant behaviour. We will not harbour mischief makers who have been hired to act the mole in the house,” Ukwuoma-Nwogba stated.
The PDP spokesman warned that failure of such moles in the party to retrace their footsteps would leave the PDP with no option but to apply the big stick as prescribed by its Constitution.
“The PDP is giving such members time to repent and follow the path of restitution. Failure will force the party to invoke relevant disciplinary sections of the party’s Constitution. The party must maintain discipline among its faithfuls and would not spare anyone who may act parallel to rules and other statutory prescriptions.”
While calling for absolute, irrevocable support for the party and leadership of Chief Ake, Ukwuoma-Nwogba, reiterated.
Philip Okparaji
The Hausa Community in Rivers State has dissociated itself from media reports credited to one MaiwadaAdamu that the Arewa Community in Rivers State has appointed Alhaji Musa Saidu as the acting SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt, following the inability of the former SarkinHausawa, Alhaji Isa Madaki to carry out his functions.
MaidawaAdamu, who is also the spokesman of the Arewa Initiative for Peaceful Co-existence, had briefed journalists on the change, but in a swift reaction, the Office of Alhaji Isa Madaki, has come out to say that the only recognised body which has the powers to appoint the SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt is the Council of SarkinHausawa in PortHarcourt headed by Alhaji Isa Madaki.
The statement also said Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki is the only recognisedSarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, adding that his appointment follows the proclamation and endorsement by the council members of SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The statement further called on the general public and all authorities concerned to give Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki maximum co-operation and support,as he discharges his duties as SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt.
The Suspended Rivers State Commissioner for health, Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, has described as baseless allegations in some quarters that she was responsible for the purported disruption of the Nigerian First Lady’s empowerment program in Port Harcourt.
Dr Oreh, who said this in a statement personally signed by her and a copy made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt also described the allegation as a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers
According to Dr Oreh, “they are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord”
In her words,”the allegations levelled against me, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, regarding the supposed disruption of the First Lady’s empowerment programme on Friday 2nd May, 2025, are entirely unfounded, completely false, and a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers and conflict entrepreneurs.
“They are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord.”
The suspended commissioner challenged those behind the allegation, especially the Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation to show proof of its assertion adding “It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I challenge the “Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation” (assuming such a body really exists) to provide tangible proof to support their assertions.
“It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I have neither sponsored nor will sponsor any activities aimed at embarrassing or disrupting the activities of the administration appointed by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to oversee the affairs of Rivers State following his declaration of a state of emergency on Tuesday, 18th March, 2025, and have rather spent the time of my suspension from office focused on other endeavours and my doctoral studies.
“I reaffirm my commitment to working tirelessly for the progress and development of Rivers State.
“Furthermore, I believe that it is crucial for all stakeholders to promote a culture of truth, integrity, and respect in public discourse.
“Unsubstantiated wild claims undermine trust and hinder constructive engagement, and this is not what the state needs at this difficult and delicate time.
“I urge everyone to focus on issues that unite us and foster a positive, solution-driven dialogue for the betterment of our State, and urge everyone to work together to build a brighter future for Rivers State, grounded in truth, transparency, and collective effort,”she said.
By: John Bibor
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has called on key regulators, asset owners and other stakeholders to continue to support the agency toward the goal of remediating the Ogoni environment and restoring the livelihoods of the people and building structures for peace.
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who made the call during the Project’s first quarter meeting with regulators, asset owners and stakeholders in Port Harcourt, urged the stakeholders to remain resolute in supporting HYPREP’s work.
“We particularly expect each regulatory agency and asset owner to deepen their involvement and continue to provide strategic support to the project”, he said, stressing that the quarterly meeting platform remains instrumental in providing a structural avenue for regulators, asset owners, and implementation partners to offer feedback to HYPREP on project performance and deliberate on ideas that move the project forward, as well as strengthen collaboration, deepen synergy and reinforce collective responsibility.
Zabbey disclosed that the socio-economic study of Ogoni has started, as HYPREP has contacted the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organisation(WHO) to commence in the next quarter a three-year human health biomonitoring in Ogoniland.
He noted that work on several fronts of the cleanup project is progressing steadily, adding that as key project partners, the insights and shared experience of the regulators and asset owners have always enriched HYPREP’s operations.
He said the policy thrust of HYPREP for 2025 is clear, as the Project is intensifying efforts to complete within stated timelines, the various ongoing projects, including remediation works and mangrove restoration, potable water facilities, the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, the Ogoni Power Project, Ogoni Specialist Hospital, and Buan Cottage Hospital, among others.
Zabbey, however, announced that HYPREP would commence new set of shoreline cleanup, mangrove restoration and livelihood projects, to sustain the momentum of implementing the Ogoni cleanup, adding that the agency would also conduct detailed site characterisation of the high-risk complex sites, leading to remediation works at the sites.
He noted that HYPREP’s collaboration with Rivers State Ministries of Health, Power and Environment, and civil society organisations remains vital, stressing that the technical and administrative support of all relevant government agencies and funding partners is indispensable in helping HYPREP overcome operational bottlenecks, especially those encountered in interfacing with host communities.
He further indicated that “the people of Ogoni and the nation are looking to us with hope and expectation, and expect tangible results from the remediation initiative”, assuring the participants that the Project Coordination Office is committed to delivering positive results.
“We must, therefore, continue to work with diligence, transparency, and a renewed sense of purpose”, he declared, saying, “ the completion and commissioning of projects this year must reflect not only our technical ability but also our collective commitment to environmental sustainability and sustainable development in Ogoni.”
During the interactive session, the Project Coordinator briefed the participants on the progress made so far by HYPREP to conclude the distribution of starter packs to the 5,000 Ogoni trainees, and called on contractors who had already collected huge chunk of money for the project, to deliver without further delay.
In all, the regulators, asset owners and stakeholders commended HYPREP for the good works it is doing, and urged it to do more.
The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency(NOSDRA) was represented at the event by Deputy Director, Oil Field Assessment, Dr Abam Komommo Omini, while Dr Vincent Nwachukwu, Director of Medical Services, represented the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
The Rivers State Ministries of Water Resources, Power and Environment were represented by Dr Bealo Brownson; Engr K. J. Osele; and Mr James Ordu respectively, while the Society for Women and Youth Affairs (SWAYA); and the Stakeholder Democracy Network(SDN); among other civil society organisations were also at the event.
By: Donatus Ebi