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RVHA Refuses To Confirm Revenue Board Nominees
Rivers State House of Assembly yesterday deferred the confirmation of board nominees for the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service till next week.
The House has refused to confirm the nominees after their screening due to improper documentations of the credentials and non-proof of payment of taxes.
The House Leader, Hon Chidi Lloyd, representing Emohua Local Government Area, had observed that the chairmanship-nominee of the board, Mrs Onemen Osila Oshiko-Obele and other members, Christian Ogbowu, Michael Ejiowhor, Iyalla Stewart and Alali Halliday undermined the House by improperly documenting their resume which was an act of disrespect to the House.
According to the House leader, the nominees were aware that they were supposed to appear before the House yesterday but rather chose not to document their resumes in a proper manner, which meant they did not have regards for members of the House.
Lloyd also argued that Mrs Oshiko-Obele, who is currently the head of the Internal Revenue Service would supervise the same service if her nomination is confirmed.
Also speaking, Hon Legborsi Nwidadah, representing Khana 1, urged the House not to confirm the nominees pending when they would present proof of tax payment, adding that as revenue collectors, they ought to show example and attach proof of tax payment.
Answering questions from members, Mrs Oshiko-Obele assured that if she is appointed as chairman of the board, she would work to raise the internally generated revenue (IGR) of the state from N7billion to N8billion monthly, and called for the review of some of the laws, which she said, were obsolete.
“Entertainment, casino and property revenue laws are obsolete and need to be reviewed to meet the current trend and help drive better revenue for the state”, she said.
In her response, Mrs Tobin West appealed to the state government and other government institutions to always patronize companies in which the state government has investment.
West, who is a director in the Ministry of Finance, noted that the state government has 62 investments in companies.
The Speaker, Rt Hon Otelemaba Dan-Amachree ruled that the nominees would be confirmed on Monday.
The House is also expected to screen members of the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) board on Monday as it adjourned till next week.
Nominated members of RSIRS board included Oneme Osila Oshiko-Obele, Tams Peter Fiberesima, Abiye Tobin West, and Wogu Boms.
Others are Micheal Ejiowhor, Ordu Godspower, Iyalla Stewart, Sir Nelson Wali and Alali Halliday.
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RSG INAUGURATES ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY COMMITTEE
The Rivers State Government has inaugurated a Central Planning Committee to organize the celebration of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) in the State.
The committee was formally inaugurated by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba in Port Harcourt, last Thursday.
Dr Anabraba who also serves as Chairman of the Committee
highlighted the State Government’s deep appreciation for the sacrifices of Nigeria’s fallen heroes who laid down their lives for the nation’s peace and unity.
“These heroes have given their lives for the security and peace of our nation and deserve to be celebrated. The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is an opportunity to show our gratitude for their sacrifice,” he said.
Dr. Anabraba further extended recognition to all Security Agencies in the State, emphasizing the importance of the event in appreciating their contributions to national security and sovereignty.
The annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day, observed on January 15 across the country is dedicated to remember Nigeria’s departed soldiers and honouring the nation’s veterans.
