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Rule Of Law, Judiciary Independence, Our Priority -Wike …Inaugurates State Law Review Commission
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, says the state places high premium on the rule of law and independence of the judiciary.
Wike made assertion while declaring open the 2017 African Bar Association Conference (AFBA) in Port Harcourt, recently.
The governor said that on assumption of office on May 29, 2015, he reopened the courts shut for almost two years, and has so far given financial autonomy to the judiciary which was key to good governance.
As a way of encouraging investment and creating conducive business environment, Wike stated that his administration has streamlined a new tax regime by cutting double taxation, improved land acquisition process and tackled security.
So far, he said that about N130billion has been expended on infrastructure development, adding that, “Our vision is to provide world-class infrastructure such that Rivers State remains attractive to both local and foreign businesses.”
Consequently, Wike has tasked AFBA to stimulate ideas towards changing the stereotype of the continent in order to drive investment in business cooperation among African countries.
He lamented that the poor perception of Africa stemming from bad leadership and lack of cooperation has affected investment, stressing that, “All is not well with African business community”.
The Rivers State governor reasoned that the theme of the conference was apt as it will provide the impetus for understanding the business environment, and setting agenda for future growth.
In Rivers State, he disclosed that his administration was providing the necessary environment germane for business growth.
These include granting independence to the judiciary, separation of powers of different arms of government and provision of world-class infrastructure so that, “Rivers State remains attractive to both local and foreign firms”.
In the same vein, Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal pointed out that Africa’s challenges are surmountable with upfront united action.
With members from different countries, Tambuwal posited that the association can provide leadership in harnessing diversity capable of promoting unity and common vision.
He commended AFBA for its interventions in the crisis at The Gambia and Burundi, saying, “These are the roles that AFBA can continue to play to help Africa.”
Meanwhile, Governor Wike, has inaugurated the 14-member Rivers State Law Review Commission in Port Harcourt, and advised its members to amend existing laws to strengthen governance in the state.
He said that the function of the commission was to contribute toward reviewing and enforcing instruments that would assist the government in its law amendment process.
The governor noted that the state’s law was last reviewed in 2013, and urged members of the committee to take advantage of the assignment to contribute toward enhancing the laws of the state.
According to him, the commission was expected to carry out its task for a period of six months after which its report would be forwarded to the state House of Assembly for consideration and approval.
The members of the commission are: Retired Justice Osu (chairman), Florence Fiberesima (secretary), Mr. Queen Goodwill, O. C. Okocha (SAN), Prof. Paul Worika and Fidelis George.
Others are, Dr Zacheus Adango, C .A. Chinwo, Somiete Inko-aria, Blackstone Gogo, Oroma Omodu, K.O. Saaka and the director of Legal Service in the Rivers State House of Assembly.
In his response, the Chairman of the commission, Justice Osu, thanked the state government for the opportunity afforded them to serve the state.
He promised that the commission would make effective use of the opportunity.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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