Amaechi Solicits Journalists’ Support Against Crime

Last week began on a birthday note. A day after visiting Bera Town in Gokana Local Government Area to celebrate with the State Commissioner for Works, Chief Victor Giadom on his 50th birthday. Governor Amaechi  penultimate Sunday took part in the 40th birthday of former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Emmanuela Izunwa, held at the Gateway International Church, Elioparanwo. Other members of the State Executive Council were in attendance.
Governor Amaechi during the church service thanked the Izunwa family for being supportive of his administration and prayed God to reward them immensely.
On her part, the celebrant expressed appreciation to God for keeping her to celebrate her 40th birthday. She also thanked the Governor and other well wishers for celebrating with her, while especially lauding her husband for always being a bulwark to her.
On Tuesday, Governor Amaechi swore-in a substantive Chief Judge of the State, Justice Peter Agumagu. The swearing in came barely six hours after a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt presided over by Justice Lambo Akanbi upheld the powers of the governor to appoint the Chief Judge following disagreement with recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC).
Rt Hon Amaechi urged the new Chief Judge to jettison the bickering that arose from his appointment by treating all parties fairly. Not even the bishop is appointed without a contest, so I hope you will see what happens as a mere contest and treat everybody fairly,” he said.
The governor also commended the Federal High Court for helping “the state out of bondage,” reasoning that the court has shown that it could not be influenced in matters of such weight. He further called on those who want to manipulate the judiciary to eschew from such selfish motive.
On Wednesday, shortly after conducting unscheduled inspection of ongoing projects in the State, especially the Dr Peter  Odili/Woji Akpajo By-pass, Rt Hon Amaechi proceeded to break ground and laid foundation for the new Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat at Moscow Road in Port Harcourt.
The Rivers State governor used the occasion to challenge media workers to support government in the fight against crime and other social vices. “Journalists must work with us to send back these criminals back,” he said.
On the new Rivers NUJ Secretariat, Governor Amaechi  disclosed that 100 per cent of the building fund has been released while expressing the hope that the contract will meet deadline.
Dignitaries who spoke at the foundation-laying ceremony include the State Commissioner for Information, National President of NUJ, Garba Mohammed, his counterpart in RATTAWU, Abel Yemisi, Vice President of Nigerian Guild of Editors, Eastern Zone, Mr Victor Agusiobo and State chairman of NUJ, Mr Opaka Dokubo.
Governor Amaechi was also at Ozuoha Town in Ikwerre Local Government Area to celebrate with former chairman of the council, Hon Kerian Wobodo on his 50th birthday.
Speaking at a special Church Service to mark Wobodo’s 50th birthday at St Michael’s Catholic Church, Ozuoha, Governor Amaechi averred that the former Ikwerre council boss contributed to his political success.  He described as a very loyal political ally and associate.
Shortly after he returned from Ozuoha Town, Governor Amaechi hosted the Prelate of Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr Samuel Kanu Uche at Government House. Responding to the plaudits of the Methodist, the governor appreciate God’s role in his life and thanked the prelate.
On Friday, Governor Amaechi carried out unscheduled visit of project sites and later in he day held meeting with APC chieftains across the 23 local government areas of the state.