Politics
RVHA To Review Safety Laws
The lull in the activities of the Rivers State House of Assembly (RVHA) gave way last week with the hosting of the Zone “6” Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Commander, Mr Donald Agu at the Assembly Complex in Port Harcourt.
The Speaker of the House, Rt Hon. Ikuinuyi-Owaji Ibani, last Tuesday, in an interactive session with he FRSC delegation, charged them to be proactive in discharging their statutory duties to reduce road accidents in the state.
Ibani, reiterated the Assembly’s readiness to revisit some of the State laws including the State Road Safety Law and the State Child Right Acts to Protect Children in the State.
The speaker, who commended the Zonal Commander, Donald Agu for his efforts at ensuring that accidents on the roads of the state were reduced expressed the need for the House to revisit the safety laws to give the corps legal backing to discharge its duties, especially, on monitoring of special cars seat for children in the state.
Agu had earlier said that the corps visit to the Assembly was to identify with the House on the area of the state Road Safety law to update car’s seat law for children in the state.
Agu also appealed to the Assembly to review the State’s Laws to ensure that all safety rules and signs are included in the school curriculum, especially in nursery and primary schools to impart the knowledge of road safety in children in the state.
Last Thursday the Rivers State House of Assembly promised to enact a law that would assist in the fight against illegal oil refineries in the state.
The speaker who made this known in a chat with journalists, at the Assembly Complex in Port Harcourt said the house was determined more than ever before to address the problem of black soots in the state.
Ibani hinted that the law, when enacted, will give legal backing to the effort of the Rivers State Government towards eradicating illegal oil bunkering and artisanal refineries in the state.
He said the House decided to come up with the bill to outlaw artisanal refineries to check the environmental hazards posed by the activities of those involved.
Ibani assured of the readiness of the Assembly to collaborate with the State Government to ensure implementation of policies that would promote good governance and good health to all residents of the state.
Enoch Epelle
Politics
Fubara Tasks Rivers Stakeholders On Political, Economic Emancipation …Commissions NAVAL Training Command Headquarters At Ebubu
Rivers State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that the task of emancipating Rivers State and taking it to its desired height of development among the comity of Nigerian states depends on the concerted efforts of all stakeholders in the state.
Governor Fubara said this at Ubima, on Saturday, when he attended the burial ceremony of late Madam Cecelia Omehia, mother of Sir Celestine Omehia.
Addressing the leaders of the state who attended the burial ceremony in their numbers, the governor urged them to demonstrate their love for the state by living up to their patriotic responsibilities and make meaningful contributions that will move the state forward.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to the service of the state and cautioned against politics of bitterness and animosity, stating that he will not govern the state as an underdog, nor compromise the interest of Rivers people, no matter the challenges facing his administration.
“Anybody who claims to love this State should not be party to anything, directly or indirectly, that will bring us backwards. We will continue to support every course that will advance the interest of our dear Rivers State.
“And I am happy to say, and I’ve said it over and again, it doesn’t matter the number of people that are standing with me, I will stand on the side of truth.
”I will not, I repeat, I will not govern our dear State on my knees. If that was the purpose, I will not do that. I will stand to govern our dear state and stand continually on the side of right”, he said.
The governor commiserated with the Omehia family over the transition of their beloved matriarch and urged them to take solace in the good legacies she left behind.
Sir Celestine Omehia, the chief mourner, in his response thanked the Rivers State governor and his entourage for honoring the memory of his beloved mother, whom he described as a role model, teacher and great disciplinarian.
Earlier on Saturday, Governor Fubara visited the scene of the Friday night inferno occasioned by a tanker explosion that occurred at the Indorama axis of East West Road, causing untold disaster with over 60 vehicles razed and about four lives lost.
Governor Fubara who was accompanied by the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olatunji Disu, and the state Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, Mr Uchechukwu Nwafor, during the visit, expressed deep concern over the unfortunate incident and condoled with the families of the victims, assuring that the state government will provide needed assistance to cushion the effects of the tragedy.
“We are here to see for ourselves and get a first hand information of what happened yesterday night.
“I was told that it was caused by a tanker that was conveying premium motor spirit. In fact, I got the information through the MD of Indorama, and I immediately alerted the security agencies to make sure they take control of the security situation in the area.
Governor Fubara, on Friday, commissioned the new Naval Training Command Headquarters at Ebubu, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Speaking at the event, Governor Fubara said he was delighted with the transformation recorded in the abandoned facility after it was ceded by the Rivers State Government to the Nigerian Navy on request in 2023.
He pointed out that the relocation of the Naval Training Command headquarters to Rivers State underscores the proficiency of the Nigerian Navy in managing the maritime sector, especially in safeguarding the waterways and fighting against economic sabotage such as crude oil theft and its associated menace.
Governor Fubara commended the Navy for investing in the training of its personnel to evolve a highly skilled workforce to secure the Nigerian waterways, stating that the new development is a manifestation of President Bola Tinibu’s commitment to building a strong security architecture for Nigeria.
The Governor who assured the support of his administration to the Navy and other security outfits, announced a donation of N350m to the Navy, and urged synergy between the Navy and the host communities in terms of development support and security of lives and property.
“As you go on to put this training command into full service, my charge to you is to ensure that this sprawling facility is effectively maintained and utilized to expand your operations and activities for national security development.
“I further implore you to provide effective security and development support to the host communities, and live in peace and harmony with the civilian population in the local government area,” the Governor added.
In his remark, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral, Emmanuel Ogalla, expressed gratitude to the Governor for the continuous support and partnership of the Rivers State Government with the Navy.
Taneh Beemene
Politics
Constitution Amendment: Senator Barau Urges Stakeholders’ Collaboration
Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution, Senator Barau Jibrin, has called for robust collaboration among all stakeholders to drive the ongoing constitution amendment process to a successful conclusion.
Senator Barau stated this on Saturday at the joint retreat of the secretariat and consultants to the Senate and House of Representatives committees on the review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, in Abuja.
He commended the synergy between the constitution review secretariat and consultants to the Senate and House of Representatives committees, saying this will create harmony in the workings of both committees.
Senator Barau assured that the National Assembly will carry out the review of the constitution by a thorough aggregation of the yearnings of Nigerians from all walks of life through public hearings and collection of memoranda from various interests throughout the country, as well as embarking on a progressive engagement with state governments and legislatures and the federal government to achieve consensus on all issues.
“We must work together. Our country is facing a lot of challenges and this is the right time to fashion out a constitution that will go in line with the wishes and aspirations of the people of this country.
“The world is dynamic and this compels all serious countries to go with modernity and fashion their laws in accordance with contemporary happenings within their peculiarities.
“We have started on a progressive note of collaboration and let us add momentum to this very important collaboration within our ranks in order to achieve a result that will help in driving the process of making prospective peace, justice and fair play in the way we run our affairs as a nation,” he said.
Politics
Makinde Hails Electorate, OYSIEC Over LG Poll Conduct
Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has applauded the residents of the state for turning out to vote in the ongoing local government election across the state.
The governor also rated the conduct of the election high, stating it compared favourably with elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The governor stated this on Saturday after casting his vote at Unit 1, Ward 011, Abayomi Open Space, Iwo Road, Ibadan North East LGA of Oyo State.
Addressing journalists after exercising his civic responsibility, Gov Makinde said, “For us in Oyo State, it is almost like a given that democracy at the grassroots is what we practise. This is almost our fifth year in office and we are holding local government election for the second time.
“Before we came in, it had always been caretaker administration at the grassroots without the people having a say in who should govern them.
“You can see around also that the people are going about, performing the exercise peacefully and the traffic restriction is being obeyed by the people. So, I will commend our people for coming out to take seriously democracy at that level.”
The governor, who noted that security report about the election had been excellent, also charged those who observed any untoward development to report same to the security agencies.
-
Niger Delta2 days ago
Obaseki Approves N70,000 Minimum Wage For Workers
-
Sports5 days ago
Chess Championship: Dan-Jumbo Emerges Best Female Player
-
Niger Delta2 days ago
Ministry Of Health Decorates Odu As End Malaria Champion In Rivers
-
Niger Delta2 days ago
Group Dismisses Call For NDDC MD’s Sack … Passes Confidence Vote.
-
Business2 days ago
Fuel Scarcity: IPMAN threatens shutdown over bridging claims
-
Niger Delta2 days ago
Court Exonerates Ekpeye Monarch, 42 Others From Murder Of Ahoada DPO
-
Niger Delta2 days ago
Ibom Air Reiterates Commitment To Healthcare Delivery
-
News2 days ago
Fubara Hails Finidi’s Choice As Super Eagles’ Head Coach