Rivers
Confab: Bizman Tasks Delegates On Rotational Presidency
As the long expected
National Conference takes off today, a Port Harcourt-based businessman, Mr Emeka Iwezor has urged delegates from Rivers State and others from the South-South region to give rotational presidency, true federalism and resource control priority attention.
Speaking during an interview with The Tide in Port Harcourt, Mr Iwezor said these issues were paramount for the continued existence of Nigeria as a nation, saying that although Nigerians clamoured for a sovereign national conference, it could still make meaningful progress from the national confab.
Iwezor noted that the country would enjoy peace and political stability if every state would be allowed to produce a president, pointing out that the situation where a particular ethnic group or geopolitical region would want to remain at the helm of affairs of the nation would not augur well for democracy.
He said, “Rotational presidency, true federalism, resource control should be entrenched in the constitution of Nigeria. The central government is weak so some of the affairs of the country should be divested and divulged to the states. Only issues of military, foreign affairs and monitoring should be left with the federal government.”
According to him, “Nigeria is drifting to chaos and our children will suffer if nothing is done now,” pointing out that the major problem facing the country was corruption.
“As a nation, the major problem is corruption, the leaders are rich and the masses are poor. Christ made His followers rich while Himself was poor”, Iwezor stressed and underscored the need to intensify the fight against corruption at all levels.
Mr Iwezor called for abolition of the Land Use Decree which he said had denied Nigerians the ownership of land.
He stressed the need to give the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) more legal powers to enable it handle the increasing spate of corruption and financial crime.
“We should stop celebrating criminals who siphon public funds. Such persons should be probed and made to face the wrath of the law, he said, pointing out that appointment of EFCC officials should be based on professionalism and not by god-fatherism.
Shedie Okpara
General Manager, Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mr Celestine Ogolo (3rd right) flanked by Director of Administration of the corporation, Mrs Emi Jameson, and members of Rivers State Ministry of Health, during their courtesy visit to the corporation, last Thursday. Photo: Ibioye Diama
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.