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‘Why Wike Sacked RSU’s VC, MoT Perm Sec’
The Rivers State Governor and Visitor to the Rivers State University (RSU), Nkpolu-Oruworukwo, Port Harcourt, Chief Nyesom Wike has terminated the appointment of Prof Blessing Chimezie Didia as the Vice Chancellor of the state university with immediate effect.
A press statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Education, Mr Dagogo Adonye Hart also said that the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof Magnus Oruwari has also been relieved of his appointment.
According to the statement, the governor has consequently approved, with immediate effect, the appointment of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Prof Opuenebo B. Owei, as the acting vice chancellor of the university.
The statement, however, added that the governor also suspended the ongoing employment exercise at the university, adding that a committee has been set up to investigate the employment exercise, with a two-week order to report their findings to the Rivers State Government.
Similarly, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has relieved the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Mr Samuel Eguma, of his appointment with immediate effect.
A statement signed by the Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, quoted the governor as saying that the action was to serve as deterrent to other government officials who spend funds without approval.
However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state has condemned the dastardly killing of two undergraduate students of the state university by gunmen on campus, last week.
Speaking with newsmen in an interview, last Saturday, the state PDP Spokesman, Darlington Orji, described the killings as unfortunate and saddening.
Orji said it was sad that the killings were occurring few days after the governor launched new security architecture tagged ‘Operation Sting’ in the state, and urged the security agencies to step up their game, and apprehend those behind the unfortunate incidents.
However, some residents in Port Harcourt, who spoke with The Tide on the matter, Sunday described the governor’s action as a positive step aimed at to protecting lives and bring sanity the institution.
In his reaction, Mr Emeka Samuel, said that the governor’s action was the demonstration of a responsible leader who has the interest of the people at heart.
He averred that the removal of the two principal officers of the institution would promote confidence among the students, adding that the two officers failed to take issues of security in the institution seriously.
Also speaking, a student of the institution who gave his name as Izukanma Elekachi, lauded the governor for the prompt action to save the university from being taken over by cult groups.
He opined that such ugly incident, which claimed the lives of two students of the institution, could have been averted, if proactive measures were taken by the school authority, adding that the university had come under severe attacks in recent time without the management finding any solution on how to address the matter.
“Severally, students have come under attack, every day; people are robbed of their valuables and money. The governor has done well, and needs to be commended.
On her part, a school teacher, Mrs Agnes Wakanma, said there was nothing wrong with the governor’s action, adding that it was normal in governance.
She hoped that the appointment of a new helmsman at the university by the governor would put an end to the cult clashes in the university.
Our correspondent reports that the sack of the vice chancellor and his deputy in charge of administration by the governor, last Saturday, may not be unconnected with the recent cult war that claimed two students of the university as well as the manner in which the recent staff recruitment exercise approved for the institution was handled under the watch of the two principal officers.
The Tide also learnt that the recruitment exercise authorised by the state government had witnessed protests by some applicants, who expressed displeasure at the way and manner the university authorities were handling the process.
It would be recalled that the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, had last Tuesday, formally queried the Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Prof Blessing Didia over reports of shooting within the school’s campus.
Wike also queried the vice chancellor over recent rampant complaints of ‘sorting’ within the university system.
A statement by the Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, yesterday, quoted the governor as directing the vice chancellor of the Rivers State University to respond to the query in writing within 24 hours.
Earlier last Monday, communities around the state university campus in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area had been thrown into anxiety and palpable fears, following the killing of a final year student of the institution who was shot dead in front of the female hostel by unknown gunmen.
The victim, who was identified as Prince Tuaka, a final year student of the Faculty of Agriculture was reportedly shot in the head by unidentified cultists at the front of NDDC Female Hostel opposite the popular Love Garden in the university.
An eyewitness account has it that the gunmen, numbering over 10 and dressed in black attires, had positioned themselves within the routes to the NDDC Female Hostel and park in the school campus, unknown to the victim that his assailants were trailing him from the lecture hall where he was coming from.
The source further said that the hoodlums, on sighting their victim, opened fire on him, adding that the bullet hit him on the head, and he fell down.
He was rushed to the university hospital but later moved to Rivers State University Teaching Hospital where he was confirmed dead.
According to the source, the hoodlums shot sporadically for over an hour without any challenge from both police and the school security men in the campus, adding that students and lecturers within the vicinity of the incident scampered for safety and took to their heels to avoid being hit by stray bullets.
The students called on the university authority to address the deteriorating security situation in the school.
Our correspondent further reports that cultism, insecurity and other anti-social activities have become a recurring decimal in the university campus in recent times, and a major challenge confronting the university management led by Prof Blessing Chimezie Didia.
Speaking to journalists at the school campus on the incident, President of Students’ Union Government (SUG) in the university, Comrade Elvis Osima Gogo, described the incident as very unfortunate, and urged students to go about their normal academic activities as the students’ leadership was on top of the situation.
Later last week, another student was also shot and killed by gunmen within the same university campus, thereby increasing the tension amongst students and staff of the institution.
The killing of the female student brought to two the number of students killed within one week in the university, which had before now, been peaceful and violence-free.
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We’re Working To Improve Quality Of Life Of Rivers People -Fubara …As Taraba Gov Inaugurates 6.55km Okania-Ogbogoro-Mgbaraja Roads Project
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated the commitment of his administration to render quality service that will improve the quality of life of residents, and strengthen the platform to promote unity.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance at the Okania-Ogbogoro Road junction, venue of the inauguration of the 6.55km Okania-Ogbogoro-Mgbaraja (and Mgbuoba) Roads project in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, yesterday.
The road cuts across Okania community through Ogbogoro, and connects Port Harcourt Ring Road project under construction, and was inaugurated by the Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas.
Governor Fubara said that during the campaigns, he saw the roads in terrible condition, made a promise to fix them, and noted that that promise has been kept.
He emphasised that his administration will never be reckoned with abandoning of projects that it started, which is why he is particularly excited that the road has been fixed to ease the inconveniences suffered by the people.
The Governor said, “What we are doing here today is very simple: Promise made, promise fulfilled. I told you that whatever we are going to start, we are not going to leave it halfway. So, we have come here this afternoon to fulfill that promise.
“I am so excited, and I am so happy. I am leaving here with so much joy that we have done something that has so much impact, and importance in the lives of our people. So, I feel very fulfilled. Government is about the people. Government is knowing, understanding and seeing what you can do to make life easy for your people.
“We understand the situation of this road. Fortunately, I have a few friends who also live around here. So, there is nothing you will say that I don’t know. As a government, we will continue to do those things we know will make life easy for you.”
The Governor thanked members of the communities in the area for their support to his administration, and also for cooperating with the contractor to ensure completion of the project.
He assured the people that their request for the rehabilitation of the Community Secondary School and Health Centre, will be looked at and addressed immediately, saying, “Our government is a government that takes the interest of our people very seriously.
“There is no government without the people. It is only the people that keep the government going. So, what we will continue to do is to make sure that the problems and interest of our people are top on our list,” he assured.
Performing the inauguration, Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, said roads are not just physical infrastructure but represent a commitment to facilitate ease of transportation, boost local commercial activities and improve quality of lives for the people of Rivers State.
Dr Kefas noted that Governor Fubara has provided the people good roads, and like other good roads, it will serve as an artery of development, further connecting communities, enhancing access to essential services while unlocking economic potentials.
He said, “By completing this project, Your Excellency has, once again, demonstrated the transformative impact of visionary leadership. When I was coming in with the Governor on a ride, I saw the joy, the happiness of the voiceless people who were abandoned and neglected in this area, coming out to wave and welcome us.
“It wasn’t a hired crowd. Everybody, those who couldn’t make it to this place, in front of their homes, they were waving at us, and I was telling the Governor: this is all about good governance. He listened to the people, and solved their problems. So, it shows that he is doing the right thing, and I want to thank you, my brother, for what you are doing for the good people, especially the poor people even in difficult times.”
Governor Kefas further said: “As we celebrate this milestone, I am reminded of the importance of collaboration and shared vision among us as Governors. Together, we can inspire our people, improve their lives, and create lasting legacies in our respective states.”
Providing the project description, the State Commissioner for Works, Barrister Elloka Tasie-Amadi, recalled that when it was flagged-off in May, 2024, the project was for a 5km stretch but was extended in October, to include Mgbaraja axis, increasing the length to 6.55km, explaining that the 10.3 meter wide, and 5km of drains road, has now linked Apara Kingdom to Nkpor Kingdom.
In his address, Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Amb Chijioke Ihunwo, described the road as a very significant route that was abandoned for years until Governor Fubara intervened and fixed it, promising that Obio/Akpor people will not take the gestures of the State Government under Governor Fubara for granted.
Speaking on behalf of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the firm that handled the project, Eric Shen, said they are happy to be part of the infrastructure development strides of Governor Fubara, stating that though the rains posed significant challenge, they have delivered quality road network to serve the connectivity needs of the people.
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We’ll Implement Judicial Commission’s Report On Arson, Killings -Fubara …Says Such Violence Must Stop In Rivers
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured of implementing the recommendations of the report submitted to him by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Arson, Killings, and Wanton Destruction of Property at some local government council headquarters on or around Monday, October 7, 2024.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance when the seven-member commission, led by the Chairman, Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, submitted four volumes of reports of their investigation and recommendations to him at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
The Governor declared that his administration will neither tolerate nor allow such level of violence in the State anymore because it is not profitable or productive.
He said, “We are not going to be part of any system that would encourage any destruction in this State. And for that reason, we had to inaugurate this commission, so that this commission should look into the remote and immediate causes of this problem.
“And I believe that the recommendations of this commission, with the help of God and the support of everyone, we will make sure that we implement the recommendations.”
Governor Fubara said: “We are going to take it to the next stage. The report will be presented to the Executive Council, and there, we will surely come out with the White Paper and with the White Paper. I can assure you, we are going to follow it to the end.
“Nobody is above the law, including me. So, provided what we are doing is within the confines of the law, we will do it with the help of every one.”
Governor Fubara recalled how, before 2014, a group of persons had ran wide recklessly in the State, burning down court buildings.
He noted that it is such persons, who had recently surfaced with their destructive tendencies, and have extended the violence to local government councils, killing people and destroying government property.
Governor Fubara wondered why somebody will spend so much money to build a structure intended to last as legacy of the administration but would eventually be part of its destruction in the name of politics.
Governor Fubara clarified that he has never been part of such destructive politics that continue to set the State backwards and frustrate progressive development strides.
Governor Fubara said: “I make bold to say it, I have never been and will never be a party to anything that will bring shame, disgrace, destruction to our dear State.
“It is our State. If it is well with us, it will be well with everybody. As a matter of fact, why should I encourage destruction, when I know that when you finish spoiling things, you still need money to rebuild them.
“I am an accountant, I know the importance of how we can manage money. Rather than spoil, you should use that money to do a new thing for the State.”
Governor Fubara vowed: “So, I am going to ensure that we put a stop to that level of violence or such unreasonable violence. I call it unreasonable violence because it doesn’t mean anything in politics.
“Politics is a business of interest. There is no permanent friend, no permanent enemy. Some persons who were not even in our support, today, they are here following us because their interest is the most important thing.
“Likewise tomorrow, if the interest changes, they will also go their different ways. So, why burn down the house?”
Governor Fubara thanked members of the commission for being bold, focused, and accomplishing their task with determination in the face of physical and legal threats.
In her presentation, Chairman of the seven-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry, Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, said they had put their findings into four volumes, including the recommendations.
Justice Minakiri explained: “We have here four volumes of the report. We have the memoranda, which is the memoranda we got after we made our publications.
“We also have the exhibits that came with the memoranda. We have the proceedings and the records. At the end of the day, we came up with the main report.”
Justice Minakiri advised that the recommendations of the report should be studied and implemented so that people can be deterred from such callous acts and the sought-after peace secured for the State.
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We Are Eager To Showcase The Best Of Rivers State -Fubara …Declares Federation Of Public Service Games Open
The Rivers State Government says it is committed to providing a memorable experience for all delegates participating in the Federation of Public Service Games(FEPSGA) hosted by the State Government.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara stated this during the opening Ceremony of the 43rd Edition, Public Service Games, titled ”Simplified Rivers 2024″, at Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt, last Sunday.
Speaking through his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, Governor Fubara said “Our hospitality is renowned and we are eager to showcase the best of Rivers State. From top-notch facilities to a secure environment, we have everything in place to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants.”
Governor Fubara said to ensure the success of the games his Administration has put in place comprehensive plans and preparations with four venues approved for the events which include the Sharks Stadium, Alfred Diette -Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt Club and the University of Port Harcourt.
The State Chief Executive urged participants to remember that the true spirit of FEPSGA goes beyond winning medals, stressing that it is about building bridges of friendship, fostering a sense of community and celebrating our diversity.
According to him, we envision a public service that is more productive, more efficient and more effective, a future where public servants are empowered to deliver exceptional results driven by a culture of excellence, innovation and teamwork.
The Governor reiterated that while a healthy mind and body are essential for high productivity, regular physical activity boosts our mood, increases energy levels and enhances our cognitive function. We are eager to showcase the best of Rivers State. From top-notch facilities to a secure environment.
In her address Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who spoke through Dr.(Mrs) Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Interior Commended Governor Fubara for hosting this year’s event, and for his dedication to promoting sports and fostering unity in the country.
She noted that the event which serves as a platform for furthering unity, camaraderie and sportsmanship amongst public servants, was a celebration of their shared commitment to excellence, resilience and service to the nation.
Also speaking the National President of the Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA), Comrade Amaebi Aloku, said Rivers State got the nod to host the annual event because the Federation was pleased with the vision of Governor Fubara in identifying with the needs of the Civil Servants in the State, in terms of their welfare and being one of the first State to implement the new minimum wage and even taking it above what was approved by the national.
Earlier the Head of Service Rivers State, Dr George Nwaeke had welcomed all participants to the State and expressed gratitude to the Governor for approving and making available the resources to host the games, noting that it was an opportunity to interact with all Civil Servants across the nation.
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