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Semenitari Advocates Media Blackout Of NASS Members
The Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs Ibim Semenitari, has called for media black out against members of the National Assembly who voted in favour of early child marriage in Nigeria.
She made the call on Saturday during the maiden edition of the South-South Zonal Conference of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in Port Harcourt.
Mrs Semenitari explained that such law will further enhance retrogression in the lives of such girls, not only to the health of the girls, but also to the state and nation.
The state Information and Communications boss who was delivering her keynote address with the theme, “gender balancing,’ the role of education”, further explained that such a bill coming at this point when every thing is being done to encourage the girl child to aspire for higher education, can only hamper the development of such girls involved in the marriage.
She therefore, urged members of NAWOJ in Nigeria to declare a media black out on the National Assembly members who voted for early girl child marriage in the country.
While declaring the conference open, the Commissioner for Education, Dame Alice Lawerence-Nemi had emphasized the importance of education for every one in the society, including girls.
Education has been seen as the foundation of all forms of development. It is an entry point to other opportunities. As much as education is important for every one in the society, it is especially significant for girls and women”, she said.
The state education boss who was represented by the Director of Higher Education in the Ministry, Mrs Mac Solomon, buttressed her statement with the popular quote by Dr James Emmanuel Kwegyir of Ghana that, “ If you educate a man, you educate an individual. But if you educate a women you educate a nation”.
Towards achieving education for all in Rivers State, therefore, the state education boss said, the Rivers State Government under the leadership of Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi has achieved various milestones.
These, she said, include the signing into law of the state Child Rights Act, operation of a free education policy from primary to secondary school levels in the state with provision of free books, school uniforms, sandals, stocking and school bags.
It also includes the employment of 13, 000 teachers for the300 primary model schools that have been built and 24 model secondary schools currently at different stages of completion in the 23 local government areas of the state.
Earlier in her welcome address titled Gender Balancing: the Role of Education, the state NAWOJ chairman, Dr Enale Kodu had enumerated the achievement of NAWOJ towards the education of the girl child and women in Rivers State.
According to her the state NAWOJ has currently secured four plots of land, two each in Omoku and Ahoada West for the establishment of information technology communication and Adult education resource centres.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene