Rivers

2015: Amaechi Urges Church Leaders To Preach Free, Fair Elections

Published

12 years ago

May 29, 2014

As the 2015 general elections
draw closer, Rivers State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has called on church leaders to enlighten their members and the masses on the need to ensure free, fair and non-violent elections in the state.
He also urged the clergy to preach against the use of Police and the Military to violate civic rights of citizens in the current democratic dispensation, adding that citizens are obliged under the constitution to enjoy freedom, social justice and the right to choose leaders of their choice.
Amaechi spoke Wednesday when the Dean of Nigeria, Archbishop Province of Niger Delta and Bishop Diocese of Niger Delta North, Most Reverend Ignatius Kattey led a delegation on a courtesy call to the Governor at Government House, Port Harcourt, the state capital.
According to him, “The Priest or clergy of our churches should begin to preach free and fair elections in 2015. They should also preach against the use of Police and the Military against the people and allow the people choose their Governor.”
While apologizing to Most Reverend Katty over the security situation that led to his sudden kidnap, Amaechi expressed worry over the ambition of politicians who are desperate to capture power by all means.
“I am sure you are aware that some of those involved in your kidnap 8 months ago have been arrested. God wanted them to be exposed. It may interest you to know that we on this side are open to any reconciliation. But, we need to give you one person to brief you further, and to tell you that it is difficult on the opposition because it is not about quarrel, it is all about struggle for power, and who wants to hold power. So, the only way you can reconcile us is to call on one party to say, ‘OK, I give you all the power, you can take President, Governor etc,’ and until that issue is resolved, they may not allow you achieve that objective”.
He explained further that for democracy to thrive in the state, good governance should be the basis for which eligible candidates are selected and voted into office by the electorate under a level playing ground.
Amaechi urged the church leaders to preach against corruption, violence, and rigging of elections stating that any attempt to violate the legitimate rights of the people will be considered as a rape on democracy.
“So, I plead with you Sir, to enjoin our leaders in the church to preach against corruption, violence and rigging. We want our people to choose their leaders freely, so that, the people elected will be accountable, and that choice is meant for the people legally. We are accountable to the people who elected us to power. And if they do that, the government will be more open”, Amaechi said
Earlier, Most Reverend Ignatius Kattey said they were in Government House to thank Governor Amaechi for the role he played over his unfortunate kidnap and release of his wife eight months ago.

Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Dame Judith Amaechi with children interceding in prayer for the release of the Chibok Girls, during the Children’s Day celebration at Government House, Port Harcourt, last Tuesday. Photo: NAN

Rivers

Group Urges LGA Chairmen To Prioritise Accountability, People-Centred Governance

Published

1 week ago

December 22, 2025

The Tide

The Rivers Peace Initiative, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has urged chairmen of the 23 Local Government Areas (LGA) to prioritise accountability and people-oriented governance at the local level.

The Convener of the group, Mr. Obinna Ebogidi, made the remark during the launch of the 5th edition of “The Rivers We Want Town Hall Series” in Port Harcourt.

He said the stakeholders’ meeting was organised by the group in collaboration with Super 93.3FM Port Harcourt and the Centre for Security and Studies, University of Port Harcourt.

Ebogidi explained that the town hall series, with the theme “The First 100 Days of Leadership at the Local Government Level”, aimed to bring stakeholders together to assess progress and challenges in grassroots governance.

He added that the meeting also aimed to promote constructive civic engagement and rebuild trust between leaders and citizens, thereby fostering a culture of accountability and transparency.

“This is to remind our elected LGA chairmen in the state of the need for people-oriented governance in areas such as security, education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, with active participation from citizens”, he said.

He emphasised the importance of ensuring that peace translates into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.

He said: “Peace is not the finish line. Peace is only meaningful when it reflects in the daily lives of the people.”

Also, the Business Manager of Super 93.3FM Port Harcourt, Dr. Segun Owolabi, commended the Rivers Peace Initiative for organising the town hall series, noting that it provided a platform for citizens to contribute to the development of the state.

Owolabi said Super 93.3FM and the Rivers Peace Initiative shared a vision of making a positive impact in the community and contributing to the growth and development of Rivers State.

He stressed the importance of citizen engagement and urged local government chairpersons to take note of the concerns and suggestions raised during the town hall series.

“The people have spoken, and they know what they want. It is now up to the chairpersons to deliver, because history will judge their performance.

“We are committed to giving citizens a voice; we want every Rivers person to have a say in the kind of leadership and state they want”, Owolabi said.

In his response, Chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Dr. Gift Worlu, emphasised the need for local governments to prioritise financial prudence and explore internal revenue sources.

Worlu noted the importance of motivating teams and providing visionary leadership as essential drivers of development.

He identified real estate, markets, and technology as potential areas for revenue growth, urging local government chairmen to tap into these opportunities to augment federal allocations in the state.

The Chairman noted that most local governments in Nigeria lacked savings, stressing the need for financial discipline at all levels of government.

He advised other LGA chairmen to adopt a personal approach to saving by setting aside a portion of funds each month to ensure financial stability and security.

“This calls for a shift in mindset, one that focuses on sustainable revenue generation and responsible financial management to drive development and growth in the state”, Worlu said.

By: Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Health Commissioner Gets Royal Accolade Over 2025 JAR Leadership

Published

1 week ago

December 22, 2025

The Tide

The Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII), His Majesty, King Prof. Leslie N. Eke, JP, Eze Gbakagbaka, has applauded the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, for what he described as “consistent and result-driven contributions” toward advancing the State’s health sector.

He stated this recently during Rivers State’s presentation at the 2025 Nigeria Health Sector-Wide Joint Annual Review (JAR) held in Port Harcourt.

Eze Eke, who is the Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government-Recognized Traditional Rulers, said the Commissioner’s commitment to service continues to place Rivers State among the nation’s leading performers in the ongoing health-sector reforms.

The Evo apex monarch noted that this year’s JAR, convened under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), offered states the opportunity to showcase progress under the theme, “All Hands, One Mission: Bringing Nigeria’s Health Sector to Light.”

King Eke noted that under Dr. Oreh’s leadership, Rivers State has strategically aligned with the national reform agenda strengthening primary health care, expanding health-insurance coverage, and improving service delivery across local communities.

He commended the state-level gains presented during the review, including Rivers State’s steady improvements in maternal and child-health outcomes, wider PHC utilisation, and stronger performance across key health-sector indicators, all reflecting the Commissioner’s results-oriented approach.

According to him, the remarkable growth of the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), with its consistently rising enrolment figures across LGAs, demonstrates the Commissioner’s commitment to ensuring that residents have access to affordable and reliable health services.

Eke described Dr. Oreh as “a dependable public servant whose vision and diligence continue to make meaningful impact across communities”, adding that her sustained engagement with traditional institutions has deepened public trust in health interventions.

He further noted the State’s progress in skilled birth attendance, immunisation coverage, antenatal care uptake, and family-planning access, areas in which Rivers State continues to show strong alignment with national targets.

According to him, the Commissioner’s work in revitalising primary health-care centres and expanding community-level utilisation would not have been possible without the support of the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, who he described as God-sent.

He continued that the nationwide rise in PHC utilisation is also reflected in Rivers State, where revitalised PHC centres are recording significantly improved attendance and service access across communities.

The traditional ruler praised the Commissioner for effectively coordinating the deployment of community-based health workers and ensuring that Rivers State is fully positioned to benefit from ongoing high-impact health projects under the national framework.

“We need stakeholders, partners, and government agencies to sustain their support for the Ministry of Health. Continued investment, transparency, and accountability are essential for preserving and expanding the gains already achieved”, he said.

He also expressed optimism that with Dr. Oreh’s consistency and Rivers State’s alignment with broader national health reforms, the State is well on course to becoming a model of excellence in healthcare delivery, delivering benefits to residents across both rural and urban areas.

By: King Onunwor

Rivers

Perm Sec Tasks Engineers On projects Delivery

Published

1 week ago

December 22, 2025

The Tide

Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel Hart, has solicited the support of Engineers in the Ministry towards the delivery of quality projects to the people.

He said this recently while declaring closed a three-day capacity building workshop organized by the ministry of works in conjunction with Chattel Associates for Engineers in the Ministry of Works in Port Harcourt.

While absolving Engineers of blame from some lapses observed in some roads in the state, he charged them to put the knowledge acquired during the three days workshop to use by ensuring quality and better supervision of government projects in the state.

Meanwhile, some facilitators at the workshop have called for regular integrity and structural tests on government projects in the state.

One of the facilitators, Engr. Clifford Njah, who spoke to The Tide at the workshop, blamed some structural failures on projects on lack of integrity tests.

“I think it’s a good one for Engineers in the society. Today I can see different challenges that are facing Engineers in our system and most of these issues have been addressed in the seminar”, he stated.

He listed some of the challenges as structural failures, high waste and shore protection, adding that “these are things that are actually impacting on the society.”

Njah said the solution lies on “constant integrity tests and site investigation. Most engineering facilities today do not meet the criteria of soil testing, every structure must pass through rudimentary test”, he said.

Also speaking, Engr, Levy Ugba of Chattel Associates said the workshop has met its desired objective of impacting knowledge on participants.

“I think we have achieved our aim of impacting knowledge”, he said, stressing that with these workshop, Engineers in the Ministry are better equipped to handle whatever they see on project sites.

On their part, some of the participants, including Engrs. Richard Ogbamgba, Quinn John Jaja, Nwachukwu Ibiene Pepple, thanked the state government for the workshop, adding that it has taken them back to their academic cycles.

They said the event has provided a platform for them to come together to express their challenges as well as update their knowledge with the new Engineering Code and measures to adopt, especially in foundational design.

They also requested for a more befitting laboratory in the ministry with a view to enabling them embark on regular researches and testing.

The participants said more of such workshop should be held for them regularly.

By; John Bibor