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Boat Accident: CLO, RSG Hail Heroic Blackson
The Rivers State Government and the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) have heaped praises on 36-year old Joseph Blackson, who lost his life after rescuing 13 persons during a boat mishap in Bakana, Degema Local Government Area of the state.
It would be recalled that Blackson, a father of two, who was involved in the rescue operation, was said to have drowned while trying to save the 14th person in the unfortunate incident, last week.
The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Barrister Emma Okah, in a statement, regretted the unfortunate incident, saying Blackson did not live to celebrate the humanity in him.
The statement reads, “Rivers State Government has condoled with the family of late Mr Joseph Blackson, who drowned recently after saving the lives of 13 persons who faced death following a boat mishap in Bakana, Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.”
Okah described late Blackson as an uncommon hero, and regretted that he did not survive to enjoy the enormous sacrifices he made to save several persons.
The commissioner pointed out that the example Blackson showed was a huge lesson for the living, saying the state government is proud of such display of love and selflessness.
“The Rivers State Government is very proud of the love he showed to mankind and the calamity he saved by giving up his precious life.
“In a nation in search of heroes, Mr Blackson’s exemplary feat is a huge lesson for the living especially because the worth of any life is measured by deeds and not by how long,” Okah said.
He charged transport operators and to be more careful and to always obey safety rules in order to prevent accidents.
“At a time of grief like this, it is important to emphasise that those who control means of human transportation should be more careful and vigilant and obey established safety standards because any life lost cannot be retrieved.
“We (Rivers State Government) pray God to accept his soul in peace and grant strength and eternal grace to those he left behind to mourn him with fortitude,” Okah said.
Like Okah, the state Chairman of CLO, Sotonye George, describe Blackson is a hero for sacrificing his life for others to live.
Reacting to the death of Blackson in a news telecast monitored by The Tide, the state CLO chairman said, “For a man that saved the life of 12 or more persons, if what we were told is true, that man is a hero because he sacrificed his life for others to live.
George specifically appealed to the chairman of Degema Local Government to celebrate late Blackson, and also consider automatic employment and scholarship for the family he left behind.
“The man should not just be celebrated. His family (wife) should be given automatic employment. For the children, they should be given scholarship to attain their educational aspirations,” he state.
George, however, charged those in charge of marine transportation to be more careful and strictly adhere to safety standards.
He further said “Safety officers should be stationed at the waterfronts (jetties) to educate boat drivers and make sure passengers obey the rules before boarding by wearing their life jackets.”
Dennis Naku
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene