Rivers
AG Flays NJC Over Appointment Of Acting CJ
Rivers State government has criticised the National Judicial Commission (NJC) for allegedly attempting to force the state governor, Rotimi Amaechi, to choose a particular candidate as the state’s Acting Chief Judge .
The state Attorney- General and Commissioner for Justice, Worgu Boms, said while briefing newsmen in Port Harcourt, last Monday that the state’s judiciary had been politicised and described the action of the NJC as unacceptable.
The commissioner exonerated the state government over the development, adding that unfolding events were a bad precedence that could have been avoided.
The NJC had advised judges of the Rivers State judiciary not to accept the appointment of anyone as Acting Chief Judge from Amaechi, saying Justice Daisy Okocha, who it earlier recommended for the position, must be accepted by the governor.
He said,“It is unfortunate that there are dedicated attempts to politicise the judiciary; certainly not from our own side. The lawmakers knew that there may not be smooth transition from one Chief Judge to the other and they said in the meantime, the governor is empowered without recourse to anybody to appoint an Acting Chief Judge, whose tenure will only be for three months.
“He can’t reappoint that same person, except on the approval of the NJC. So, the NJC comes in only at the point of reappointing that same person. In this case, we have not gone to the NJC; we want to appoint another person. The NJC now writes letters to judges; ‘Don’t accept appointment from him unless he appoints a particular person’. If you were governor, would you accede to that? It is not possible.”, he said.
“So, who started the politicisation? I have powers to appoint and you have no business in it; you come to tell me to appoint a particular person; you are neither a court, nor the appointing authority. It is unfortunate and this is public issue and no hiding about it”, Boms said.
Former member, Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Chief B. K. Amadi (right), receiving an Award from the Secretary, Rebisi Council of Chiefs, Christopher Wonodi, during the sendforth ceremony of the body at Ogbunabali Civic Centre, Port Harcourt, recently. Photo: Obinna Prince Dele
Rivers
Motor Spare Parts, Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union Swears Gets New Chairman in Port Harcourt
The Owhonda Dickson Motor Spare Parts and Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union operating in Ikoku Port Harcourt, Rivers state has sworn in Mr. Cyril Igbokwe, popularly known as Onyeoma Cy, as its new Chairman.
The brief swearing _in ceremony was held at the union office in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Igbokwe expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence his members had shown in him, despite his perceived educational background compared to others. , “I feel very happy to be the chairman of this great union in this great market. I’m proud of my executives for demonstrating commitment and cooperation.” Notably, the executives raised over ?1 million for the inauguration ceremony within an hour.
The new Chairman promised to tackle key challenges facing the union, including security and indiscipline. He vowed to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, who he praised for excellent performance, and aimed to possibly do better.
Mr. Igbokwe emphasized maintaining a robust relationship with the host community and conducting his affairs within the ambit of the law.
In his remarks,the Electoral Committee Chairman’, Igwe Amobichukwu Eze Okorie, assured that the elections were conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner. Despite facing challenges such as non-compliance with guidelines and unfounded propaganda campaigns, no formal protest letters had been received.
Also speaking, the Women’s Leader, Lolo Nkechinyere Okolie, expressed faith in the new Chairman, citing his integrity and experience. She highlighted her role in ensuring women’s voices are counted in the union and vouched for the credibility of the election, noting that Mr. Igbokwe was the popular choice among members.