News
Rivers NUJ Gets New Exco
Following a keenly contested election of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Rivers State Council, yesterday, a new executive has emerged to steer the affairs of the union for the next three years.
In the election, which took place at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, Mr Stanley Job Stanley of Radio Rivers Chapel emerged as the new chairman having beaten his only opponent, Miss Uchechukwu Agbam to a distant second.
Stanley polled 124 votes while Agbam scored 46 votes.
The position of the union’s secretary was clinched by Mr Ikechukwu Wigodo of The Tide Chapel.
He polled 125 votes against his opponent, Mr Jim Opiki-Udede, who scored 47 votes.
Mrs Ifeoma Uche Ossai polled 110 votes to emerge as the new treasurer of the union while her opponent, Miss Priscilla Okere got 60 votes.
Messrs Paul Bazia, Martins Giadom and Godspower Lekia Anya emerged unopposed as the vice chairman, financial secretary and internal auditor, respectively.
The position of the assistant secretary is expected to be filled through bye-election within three months.
In his post-election speech, the new Chairman, Stanley Job Stanley thanked members, especially the NUJ Rescue Team for their support which led to the victory of his team.
He promised to be magnanimous in victory, and called on his opponents to work with the new executive to build a new vibrant union.
Also speaking, the Rivers State NUJ Election Planning Committee Chairman, Mr Gabriel Nwanetanya listed some of the challenges the committee face, including short period of time the credentials committee to deliver, poor funding, and members’ apathy to issues of election.
“I believe that journalists are society’s watchdogs, but we have to watch ourselves first. We are meant to mirror the society; we have to put ourselves in a position that we can objectively mirror the society because if we are not practicing what we are preaching, it is going to be very difficult for the society to move forward.
“Some of our members have attitudinal problem, and we need to shift from seeing ourselves as ordinary citizens on the streets, among others. We must see ourselves as professionals who are supposed to be role models, who the society should look up to,” Nwanetanya added.
He urged members of the union to see the election not as a do or die affair, stressing that positions of authority were only given by God.
Nwanetanya further stressed that many members do not have clear understanding and knowledge of the provisions of the Constitution of the union, but would jump into the fray to contest for any position because of their personal ambitions, and advised members to always read the Constitution thoroughly before indicating interest to contest elections.
He expressed joy that the committee has acquitted itself, and appealed to all members to join hands with the new executive to move the union forward.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
Happy Birthday Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON
Honourable Minister Federal Capital Territory
News
We’ll Drive Tinubu’s Vision in Rivers With Vigour – Fubara …Inaugurates Dualized Ahoada/Omoku Road ….Debunks Rift With RSHA
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that he will lead Rivers people to galvanize support for President Bola Tinubu to drive the vision and objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the State with vigour.
The governor, who joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), on Tuesday, explained that his decision to join the APC was not for personal interest but for the overall benefit of Rivers State.
Fubara disclosed these while inaugurating the extension of the dualized Ahoada/ Omoku Express road in Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
He commended the contracting firm, Julius Berger, for timely delivery of the project, saying the project is a campaign promise fulfilled which will bring economic benefits to the people and tackle issues of insecurity associated with the route.
He said his administration has remained focused in delivering democratic dividends in the state despite facing glaring challenges.
The governor thanked the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas for their continuous support, and urged his supporters to remain steadfast and also support President Tinubu who he said, has demonstrated love to Rivers State as a father.
Fubara denied having rift with the Rivers State House of Assembly, stating that his meeting with the lawmakers was stalled as a result of delay in the agreed meeting to be convened by former Governor Nyesom Wike and other stakeholders for him to meet with the state lawmakers.
“I have made every effort to meet with the Assembly members, but it is not within my leadership to initiate the meeting process.
“The arrangement was for my leader, Wike, and the elders led by Anabraba to call for a meeting with the the lawmakers.
“I’m a gentleman and principled. I can’t go behind to call them when we’ve already agreed. Whoever that tell them that I don’t want to meet with them, or I rejected proposal meant for them isn’t saying the truth,” Fubara said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry Works, Mr Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who gave the project description, said the delivery of the project was a fulfillment of long time dream by the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas.
He said the road was previously a single lane and has now been dualised to 14.6 meters wide, complete with solar-powered streetlights with drainages.
He said the road significantly would reduce travel time between Ahoada and Omoku while improving economic activity in the region.
In his welcome address, Chairman of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, Hon. Chuku Shedrack Ogbogu, described the road as a symbol of unity, oneness, and development, thanking the governor for fulfilling his campaign promises.
On his part, the Managing Director of Julius Berger, Engr. Peer Lusbash, said the project was awarded to his company in 2023 with a completion period of 18 months which was achieved in best quality.
He added that Julius Berger enjoyed a good support from the Fubara administration, and assured to complete all ongoing projects being handled by Julius Berger on specification, especially the Ring Road project which is a legacy project.
Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring good healthcare for the people of Rivers State.
?
?Governor Fubara stated this when he played host to the Country Director of UNICEF, Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef and her management team in Port Harcourt, last Tuesday.
?
?The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, said he would continue to provide the necessary facilities in order to ensure accessible and good health care for all Rivers people.
?
?”We are constructing new zonal hospitals across the State. The Ahoada Zonal hospital will be commissioned in December and others are near completion.
?
?”We are grateful to UNICEF for all they have done and believe we can always work together to care for the vulnerable in the society. We appreciate your physical presence, and believe that your staff working remotely, can also do more virtually. We have a capable Commissioner of Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, to help foster our relationship, communication and greater collaboration,” he said.
?
?The Country Director for UNICEF Nigeria, Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, assured Governor Fubara of UNICEF’s support to the programmes of the State Government. She appealed that health facilities such as the Oxygen Plant at Eleme Local Government Ares and the New Born Care Units be solarized.
?
?”Be assured that UNICEF will continue to work and support the programmes here in Rivers State. We have seen the Oxygen Plant at Eleme LGA which has been effective because of the Public Private Partnership. We appeal that the plant be solarized.
?
?”I commend your leadership of the State and assure that we are here to support your effort and assure you that you can count on our support and partnership. Rivers State is one of the states we can showcase how things are working so others can learn,” she added.
?
