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‘RSG Not Indepted To Any Bank’

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The Rivers State Government, last Monday, dismissed claims in some quarters that it was owing some local and external banks, insisting that it was “not indebted to any bank in Nigeria”.
The state government was reacting to media reports credited to the Federal Government-run agency, the Debt Management Office, to the effect that Lagos, Delta, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom were states currently topping domestic debt list with N1.18trillion.
But the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, who shrugged off the claims as a figment of the imagination of their purveyors, while speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt, described the Debt Management Office’s position as another attempt at maligning the integrity of the current administration in the state.
Nsirim maintained that the state government had been frugal in its management of state resources, adding that the statistics were incorrect and a ploy to de-market Rivers State.
Putting Rivers monthly Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) at around N8billion, the permanent secretary added that the state had never resorted to reckless borrowing that would make her run into debts.
He said: “That with a healthy monthly Internally Generated Revenue profile of, at least, N8billion, the state does not resort to reckless borrowing that will make her run into debts.
“That as a matter of deliberate policy, the present administration in Rivers State, desirous to leave behind a worthy legacy, does not embark on a white elephant project that will require bogus financial obligations.”
Nsirim explained that Rivers State Government operated accounts with only Zenith and Access Banks, clarifying that it had since repaid all loans obtained.
“The state government inherited a commercial bank loan of N15,845,118,108.44 in 2015, which had been liquidated.
“The issues of debts owed to contractors, pension arrears, etc, which the Debt Management Office used to stigmatise the state are recurrent and capital expenditures, which payments are ongoing.
“The Federal Government’s intervention loan approved for every state of the federation has a repayment plan that is spread over many years. Rivers State Government has not defaulted on the repayment plan.
“The Wike administration has been prudent in the management of scarce state resources backed by healthy monthly internally generated revenue.
“Unlike previous administrations that left behind huge debt profiles, the present administration will not mortgage the future of the state in any way,” Nsirim said.
He added that all loans taken by the current administration for infrastructural development of the state from Zenith and Access Banks had been cleared.
The Rivers State Government said: “That since 2015 till now, His Excellency through a well-articulated fiduciary template has made governance better than how he met it.
“That unlike previous administrations that left behind huge debt profiles, the present administration will not mortgage the future of the state in any way.
“That journalists and media houses should adhere to the dictum, ‘Facts Are Sacred’ by always cross-checking their facts before publication. That the Rivers State Government under the visionary leadership of His Excellency will not be distracted by any form of yellow journalism but will remain focused to fulfill the social contract with the people.
“This appears to be another orchestrated plan to de-market the state through unconfirmed statistics since other forms of negative propaganda had failed”.
The Rivers State Government urged well meaning Nigerians to disregard the falsehood being peddled by anti-Rivers political forces.

 

Chris Oluoh

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NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam

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The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.

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Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence

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The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.

The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.

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Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027

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A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.

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