Rivers

Uranta Reads Riot Act To Teachers Stay At Duty Posts Or Face Sack

Published

13 years ago

March 29, 2013

The Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local government Council of Rivers State, Hon Maclean Bethel Uranta, has called on relevant authorities to take stringent measures against teachers and other public servants who either refuse posting to rural areas or abscond from their duty posts.

Hon Uranta, who said that the training of children with the right quality of education is key to a better future but that quality education can only be impacted by qualified teachers who are willing to teach their students, added that when students do not have quality teachers there is the natural tendency to resort to examination malpractice.

The council boss, who made the assertion in a speech during an orientation campaign on raising integrity against examination malpractice organized by the state office of National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Opobo, commended the efforts of the state government in giving quality education to the people.

Hon Uranta said that his council has always been doing its best to not only pay the WASCE and JAMB fees for indigent students in schools in the area, but always engaged the services of more youth corps members and some ad-hoc teachers to fill the gap in the areas where teachers are lacking.

In his speech, the state Director of National Orientation Agency, Mr Oliver Walugbam, represented by the Head of Mobilisation, chief Linus Asuk Nkagwung, who described the evil of examination malpractice and the danger it posed to the society, called on students to shun social vices in all ramifications.

Chief Nkagwung, who gave tips on how to succeed in examinations without engaging in malpractices, also commended the efforts of the council and its boss in giving support to the educational pursuits of the people of the area.

In a related development, chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Council, Hon Maclean Bethel Uranta, has charged youth corps members posted to the area to take their primary assignment of teaching the students seriously, carry out community development programmes that will impact the people, and plan their journeys before travelling out of the area.

Hon Uranta made the call when he received the batch “A” youth corps members posted to the area.

Meanwhile, the Consultancy Committee on State and Local Government Affairs of the House of Representatives has commended the efforts of the chairman and council for executing projects that have direct bearing on the people, and called on the authorizes to work out alternative power supply to provide all-round electricity to the people saying that the situation where the council spends about N9 million monthly for the provision of diesel is unsustainable and unacceptable.

The committee led by Engr Kayode Adebayo, expressed delight with the quality of work executed by the council, despite the unfriendly terrain.

Earlier, chairman of council, Hon Uranta, enumerated some of the challenges faced in executing projects even as he called on the state government to expedite action on the Unity Road project to enable the council hook up communities in the area to national grid to reduce the heavy burden of providing electricity for the people.

Rivers

INEC Urges Peaceful Rivers Assembly Bye-elections

Published

1 day ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged stakeholders to promote peace and ensure credible Rivers State House of Assembly bye-elections scheduled for February 21.

The state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Gabriel Yomere, made the appeal at a stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

Yomere said the poll was vital for voters in Ahoada-East II and Khana II constituencies, who had remained without representation at the state level.

He said INEC had begun preparations, including deploying trained personnel and ensuring timely distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive election materials.

“The bye-election will involve 112,950 registered voters across 14 registration areas and 242 polling units in the two Local Government Areas.

“We have commenced all necessary internal preparations towards a successful bye-election”, he said.

Yomere urged political parties and candidates to uphold internal democracy and responsibility during the primaries scheduled to hold by January 23.

“Elections should be contests of ideas, not battles marked by intimidation, destruction or violence”, he said.

He commended security agencies for professionalism and assured them of INEC’s continued collaboration to ensure a secure election environment.

Yomere also encouraged political parties, civil society groups and the media to support voter education, peaceful participation and counter misinformation.

He disclosed that INEC commenced the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise on January 5 across all registration centres in the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, Mr. Olugbenga Adepoju, appealed to stakeholders to ensure peaceful bye-elections, stressing that security remained everyone’s responsibility.

Represented by CSP James Njoku, Adepoju emphasised collaboration between security agencies and the public for a credible electoral process.

“Security agencies cannot do it alone without your contribution. We appreciate your efforts towards the safety and security of our state”, he said.

Adepoju warned against electoral violence, describing it as any act intended to intimidate, harm or abuse electoral stakeholders.

He urged stakeholders to educate relatives and party members on the dangers of electoral violence and its consequences.

Adepoju appealed to youths, religious, community and political leaders to encourage followers to shun violence and promote peace.

He assured that security agencies would work together to safeguard lives and properties for the conduct of free and fair elections.

The Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Dr. Nnanna Onyekere, praised INEC’s proactiveness, saying it boosted confidence in a credible election.

“We assure you there will be no violence. There will be peace across the state”, Onyekere said.

He commended INEC for moving voter registration to ward level, noting it would ease access for prospective voters.

Onyekere called on political parties to collaborate with INEC and expressed confidence that the bye-elections would be peaceful and successful.

Rivers

PH To Host 2026 NBA Conference

Published

1 day ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) says Port Harcourt will host its 2026 Annual General Conference with an ambitious theme: “Beyond Limits.”

Its President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, disclosed this at its National Secretariat on Friday.

The theme, the President said, serves as a strategic mandate for legal practitioners to shatter traditional constraints and pivot toward innovation in justice delivery and governance.

Osigwe emphasised that bringing the flagship event to the South-South region is a calculated move to foster national inclusion and ensure that the association’s activities resonate deeply with members across every geographical zone.

Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Abdul Mohammed, SAN, assured the legal community that early preparations are focused on delivering a high-caliber experience that aligns with international organisational standards.

The day’s proceedings also took a significant turn toward professional development with the inauguration of a new co-working space for young lawyers.

Located at the National Secretariat, the facility is a direct response to the structural and economic hurdles facing early-career practitioners.

It offers a professional setting for client consultations and collaborative research, ensuring that junior members remain vibrantly engaged in active practice.

The co-working initiative, spearheaded by the NBA Welfare Committee, was personally funded by its chairman, Chief James Onoja, SAN, and coordinated by Welfare Secretary, Mr. Auta Nyada.

In a tribute to professional excellence, the space was named after former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, whose legacy of mentorship and ethical advocacy served as the inspiration for the project.

While urging local branches to establish similar hubs at their respective bar centers, the NBA also confirmed that registration for the 2026 conference is now officially open, with more details on the speaker lineup and session schedules to follow.

By; Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Wobodo Pledges Support For Ex-Service Men, Others

Published

1 day ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

The Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Charles Wobodo, said he would not renege on his administration’s commitment to support ex-servicemen and other security personnel within the Local Government area.

Wobodo made this known during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration held in Isiokpo, the Headquarters of Ikwerre Local Government.

He said the event provided an opportunity to honour men and women who paid the supreme price in the defence of Nigeria’s unity and sovereignty.

The council chairman described fallen servicemen as national heroes whose sacrifices must never be forgotten by government and citizens alike.

According to him, his administration remains committed to strengthening the local security architecture to enhance peace and safety across Ikwerre communities.

He disclosed that the council has provided operational vehicles and other forms of support to security agencies operating in the area.

The Kelga Council Chairman noted that beyond serving officers, the local government is also focused on the welfare of retired and disabled security personnel.

He also assured that widows of fallen servicemen would not be neglected, stressing that they would be included in the council’s social welfare programmes.

The chairman further emphasized the need for continuous collaboration between the local government and security stakeholders to sustain peace and development.

As part of activities marking the remembrance event, Wobodo made a cash donation to members of the Nigerian Legion in the area.

He urged the legionnaires to maintain a cordial relationship with the local government and to continue supporting peace initiatives.

One of the Ex-service men, Major Joseph Wonuma, stated that the Armed Forces Remembrance Day was a significant occasion and appealed to the Council chairman to prioritise welfare, employment and empowerment programmes for ex-servicemen and their families.

By: King Onunwor