News
I’ll Continue To Stand By Rivers People …Sets N10bn Monthly Revenue Target For RSIRB – Amaechi
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.
The Renewed Hope Initiative in conjunction with the Rivers State Government has empowered 500 elderly citizens in Rivers State with financial support of N200,000 each.
The empowerment programme was part of activities to celebrate the third anniversary of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme RHIESS, a social investment policy initiated by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Speaking at the event which held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, recently, under the theme, ‘Finding Joy in Old Age,’ Senator Tinubu said the gesture which has become traditional since 2023 was a mark of gratitude in recognition of the invaluable contributions of the senior citizens to nation building.
The First Lady who was represented by the wife of the Rivers State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Lady Valerie Fubara, said the scheme was to “support two hundred and fifty (250) vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) totalling 9,500 selected beneficiaries across the nation.
She urged the beneficiaries to engage in activities that will make them find joy in old age.
“I encourage you to continue playing your part by staying healthy and active, nurture both your body and mind through regular exercise and meaningful engagement,” Senator Tinubu advised.
On her part, Lady Fubara said the State Government through the magnanimity of the governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has increased the beneficiaries of the programme from 250 to 500.
She restated the commitment of the State Government towards provision of social welfare and improving the standard of living of the elderly in the State.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr Vetty Agala, said the State Government has through the Health4allrivers Initiative, introduced free medical care for senior citizens in the State, in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to expedite the prosecution of the Director of the now distressed MBA Forex Trading, Mr. Maxwell Odum, in the interest of justice.
The Rivers State NUJ made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the EFFC’s Ag. Zonal Director, ACE Hassan Saidu, in Port Harcourt, recently.
The council’s chairman, Comrade Paul Bazia, said the appeal became imperative after it considered the number of Nigerians and others involved in the financial misconduct.
According to him, it has caused hardship among many households in the country and should be given the attention it deserves.
He said that investors cannot come into a country or invest in an economy or nation ridden with fraud.
This, he said, has made it more imperative to arrest, prosecute and convict alleged fraudsters like the MBA Forex Director, who is alleged to have defrauded thousands of unsuspecting Nigerians, to serve as a deterrent to others.
The chairman also requested that while the trial lasts, part of the swindled funds should be given to the victims that suffered loss and trauma as a result of the fraud.
The NUJ reiterated its resolve to change the narrative of reportage from crisis to developmental communication.
According to him, the NUJ’s main focus is blue economy and tourism.
He expressed the readiness of the Council to partner the agency in the area of information dissemination.
“We believe you have a responsibility to fight financial crimes. We also know that you need the Press to publicize your activities and NUJ can provide that,” he said.
Responding, the Zonal EFFC’s boss commended the NUJ’s vision to change the narrative of reporting from crisis to developmental communication.
According to Saidu, the Western world have since imbibed such culture, hence the negative stories about them are carefully sifted to allow only positive ones to be released to the outside world.
As for the trapped funds to be released, the EFCC Zonal Director stated that only the court can authorize such action, stressing that the primary responsibility of the Commission is to arrest and prosecute.
He pledged to partner with the NUJ now that the leadership has visited the Commission.
The Head of the Legal & Prosecution Department, DCE Odiase Stephen, corroborated the Zonal Director’s position and stressed that it was only when the matter has been determined by the court that such funds can be released.
He further stated that once a matter is before a court of competent jurisdiction, it cannot be discussed outside.
By: King Onunwor
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