News
Jonathan Assures On Rule Of Law …Says ASUU Has No More Reason To Strike
L-R: Administrator, Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, Dame Aleruchi Cookey-Gam, Eleme LGA Chairman, Hon. Oji Ngofa, HRH Chief Philip Osaro and Chief B.M Olowa, during a sensitisation meeting between the Authority and Aleto Clan in Eleme LGA for the acquisition of lands for the Eleme Industrial Area by the Rivers State Government, recently.
President Goodluck Jonathan has commended the leadership of Nigerian Bar Association for its choice of “Law, Leadership and Challenges of Nationhood in the 21st Century Nigeria’’ as theme for its 2013 conference.
He made the commendation in an address at the opening of the 2013 Annual General Conference of the NBA last Monday in Calabar.
Represented by Mr Mohammed Adoke, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Jonathan said the theme reflected the centrality of law in the economic and socio-political spheres of Nigeria.
“The theme of this year’s conference: “Law, Leadership and Challenges of Nationhood in the 21st Century Nigeria,” is particularly significant.
“It takes cognizance of the centrality of law in the economic and socio-political spheres of our nation as well as Nigeria’s quest for transformational leadership as we prepare to celebrate 100 years of our existence as a nation.
“I,therefore, congratulate the leadership of the bar for this initiative and for organising what promises to be a very successful conference.
“I am delighted to have been invited to present an address at the opening ceremony of the 2013 annual general conference of the NBA.
“I commend our amiable President, Mr Okey Wali (SAN), for his inspirational leadership and the members of the executive committee for their committed service to our great association.
The president also congratulated Governor Liyel Imok for being “ a worthy ambassador of the bar in governance in the present democratic dispensation.’’
According to him, Imoke’s developmental stride bears glowing testimony of his astuteness and able leadership in handling the affairs of the state.
Jonathan also restated the pre-eminent position of the law in the development agenda of nation states.
He said that Nigerian courts had done well in spite of “controversies that attend political rivalries and contests within and outside political parties, in the course of evolving sustainable constitutional principles for our democracy.
“And in the face of security challenges, the courts have dispensed justice according to the law and our constitutional evolution has benefited immensely from their interventions.
The president also listed a number of challenges for nation states whether developed or developing most prominent of which was how to ensure the security of lives and property in the face of increasing global terrorism.
He said that other challenges include how to protect the rights and liberties of the people in the midst of competing social norms and how to achieve economic development and improvement in living conditions of the people.
“In Nigeria, the challenges of nationhood are more pronounced in the areas of security, fostering of national unity and democratic consolidation.
“The threat of global terrorism hitherto, considered an alien phenomenon has unfortunately found a place in our nation.
He lamented the alarming security situation in the country, saying it had now passed crisis point.
The NBA boss also described the abduction of Ozekhome as a sad commentary on the state of national security, appealing to the Federal Government to stand up to the security challenges in the country.
He said that members of the bar were sad that “the new faces of crime like kidnapping, terrorism, insurgency, cyber crime, etc in recent times have led to the loss of precious lives of Nigerians.
Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said there was no need for the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to continue with its industrial action.
Jonathan said this at the inauguration of the Federal Government sponsored-transformation projects at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).
Represented by the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyat Rufai, the President said N30 billion had been released for the payment of earned allowances in all public universities.
The president said that the inaugurated projects were in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to providing quality education in the country.
He said the projects were based on the need assessment exercise conducted by the Federal Government in universities.
Jonathan urged the university administration to engage in research for national development, while stressing the need for proper maintenance of completed projects.
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