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I’ll Continue To Stand By Rivers People …Sets N10bn Monthly Revenue Target For RSIRB – Amaechi

Published

12 years ago

May 12, 2014

One of the burnt cars during yesterday’s Muslims, Christians clash in Kaduna State

Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi says he remains fully committed to courageously defending and protecting the interest of Rivers people, come what may.
Governor Amaechi said this Saturday during the 4th Synod of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Diocese of Okrika, held at St. James (Anglican Church), Ogoloma in Okrika Local Government Area of the state.
Represented by his Deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru, the governor stated that he has always been truthful to the people of the state and proactive in identifying critical areas of interest to the welfare and wellbeing of Rivers people.
“While we were trying assiduously to tackle the menace of militancy in 2007, we were also concerned with taking the necessary step to make sure it does not resurface in the future. This explains why we paid serious attention to the education sector,” he said, adding that the administration has always been driven by the ideology to quench an evil tendency in its toothing stage as it might be difficult to contain when it matures; hence it’s zero tolerance for cultism and other forms of violence.
The governor said there was need for the Anglican Church to review its method of administering the Holy Communion to its faithful from a single cup, in light of prevalent health issues in modern society.
Earlier, President of the Synod and Bishop of the Okrika Diocese of the Anglican Communion, speaking on the theme of the synod, “The Joy of the Cross”, observed that joy is not the absence of sorrow or difficulties, neither is it the same thing as pleasure, instead it is the deep-seated peace given by God, in spite of prevailing circumstances.
He explained that the cross displays the fact that by the act of God, life can be introduced into the house of death, light can shine in darkness and hope can be seen in despair.
The session, which also featured the launch of the synod report, also had in attendance the Administrator of Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority (GPHCDA), Dame Aleruchi Cookey-Gam, chairmen of Okrika and Ogu/Bolo local government areas, Barr. Tamuno Williams, and Hon. Maureen Tamuno, respectively, amongst other dignitaries.
The Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi has given a new revenue target to the state Internal Revenue Board (RSIRB) to hit and maintain N10billion monthly mark to cover recurrent expenditure and ongoing infrastructure development projects.
Speaking shortly after inaugurating new Chairman of the board of RSIR, Mrs. Onene Osila Obele-Oshoko on Friday in Government House, Port Harcourt, he assured her of government’s continuous incentives to ensure the board meets the new target.
He said, “If you don’t improve in the next two months, then something is wrong with the appointment. So, we believe that in the next two months, you people should work very hard, it does not require new things to improve, but to block the loopholes. If you reduce the number of touts that hang around you, you will see that you will improve.”
According to him, the new board is expected to rake-in between N9billion to N10billion monthly to cover the state’s recurrent expenditure, which has risen to N8.9billion monthly.
Besides that, he stated that the state government has numerous capital projects, including the new University of Science and Technology to be commenced next month, the ongoing Trans-Amadi Road expansion and the Dr Peter Odili/Woji/Akpajo Link Road, all of which require huge funding in order to be completed.
The governor explained that roads construction were not for political gains but to tackle the city’s growing traffic challenges, reasoning that more flyovers need to be built on the Trans Amadi Road and Dr Peter Odili Link Road to decongest Port Harcourt/Aba Road.
He added, “we are introducing two toll gates on the Dr Peter Odili Road. So, if you want to get out of Port Harcourt fast, then you have to pay us some money or alternatively follow Aba Road”.
The governor, however, congratulated the new revenue board chairperson for raising the state revenue profile, and assured her of more motivation as she improves on the current milestone.
On the other hand, Governor Amaechi has charged the State Judicial Service Commission to discharge their duties fairly without prejudice.
Shortly after swearing-in three members of the commission, he expressed the hope that the present crisis in the judiciary will be decided by the courts, and congratulated them on their appointment.
Members of the commission include, Tom Jackson Orage, Tonye Winston Lolomari, and High Chief Ambrose Nwuzi Igbokwe.

News

Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers

Published

1 day ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.

By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi

News

Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70

Published

1 day ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.

News

Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition

Published

1 day ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.

By: Jessica Sambol