Featured
COVID-19: Rivers Palliative C’ttee Debunks Alleged Hijack Of Foodstuffs …Urges Journalists To Be Objective In Reportage …As Police Investigate Alleged Extortion Of Food Truck Drivers
The Rivers State COVID-19 Palliative Distribution Committee has debunked allegations from some quarters of foodstuffs meant for the less privileged being hijacked by those who are supposed to distribute them to the targeted people.
The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, who cleared the air in a live television broadcast, Stewardship, yesterday, at the Rivers State Television, stated that such allegations were not true.
Nsirim, who serves as the secretary of the committee, explained that the chances of anyone hijacking of the foodstuffs were not even there as alleged, based on the constitution of the committee and its modus operandi.
According to him, towards ensuring that the palliatives get to the less privileged in the 23 local government areas (LGAs) of the state that it is meant for, conscious and strategic measures have been put in place.
“We (the committee) have ensured that monitoring is effective. So, we challenge anybody who has evidence that these materials (foodstuffs) were hijacked to get it to us. We’ll investigate and take appropriate action.
“Right now, what we’re dealing with is hearsay, and, of course, you know that hearsays are neither here nor there”, he said.
Part of the measures taken to forestall any attempt to hijack the foodstuffs, and for it to get to those there were meant for, he said, is the fact that beside the 24-man Palliative Committee that was appointed by the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, the committee hands over the foodstuffs to notable persons at the ward levels of each LGA.
The commissioner explained that, “when the issue of palliatives came up, the committee he (Governor Wike) set up was drawn from critical stakeholder groups: you have members of the State Executive Council, LG Council chairmen, members of the Armed Forces, and religious groups that made up the 24-man committee set up for food distribution.
“At the inauguration of the committee, because it’s a grassroots committee, he set out the criteria: he said thsee palliatives will be for the vulnerable, and that has to do with the aged, widows, those who cannot afford anything within this period. He also said this is not for partisan interest, it’s not for tribal interest. The criteria for this (committee) was clearly spelt out”, he said.
This criteria, he continued, was carried to the letter by the Chairman of the committee, Amb Desmond Akawor, in order to ensure that the governor’s directive was strictly adhered to.
“When we had the inaugural meeting, he (Akawor) ensured that the committee set up a kind of community-based approach to the distribution of the palliatives. The way it is run, for every ward, those who receive the palliatives from the committee include a traditional ruler, a religious leader, a woman leader, a youth leader, chairman of Community Development Committee (CDC), and the councillor of the ward”, he said.
Beyond this, the commissioner stated further that when the palliatives get to the ward, “a member of the Central Working Committee supervised by Amb Akawor, supervises the distribution of the food items”, adding that “the supervisory role of the Central Committee also happens at the ward level”.
The commissioner, who also used the opportunity to assure Rivers people and those living and doing business in the state of the determination of the state governor to make life easier for all by being proactive and strategic in governance, particularly as it relates to prevention of the COVID-19 pandemic in the state, also urged journalists to be objective in their reportage.
“What I say to people is that posterity will judge every action or inaction. Journalists can make or mar. Journalists are Agenda-Setters.
“So, my advise to Journalists, even at this critical time, is to please be objective in your reportage. We’re setting the agenda for other states to follow. Try and see the positive things that Rivers State Government is doing under Governor Nyesom Wike.
“We’re open to collaboration, we’re open to criticism. When I appear on programmes like this, I take it as a channel of feedback for governance”, he stated.
Meanwhile, following allegations of extortion to the tune of N80,000 on the police by food truck drivers being what they allegedly pay to the security agents at the state’s borders to be allowed entry into the state, the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Nnamdi Omoni, said the state Police Command was currently investigating the matter.
This, he said, also includes allegation of bribery of lower amount from N1,000 and above paid to security agents at the state’s borders by people in order to gain entry into the state.
Omoni, who spoke via telephone on the television programme to respond to the allegations, said, “as far as I’m concerned, we’ve received pockets of complaints. … As we speak now, we’re at Oyigbo border post where we’re going to inspect the activities of our men”.
Responding to further questions, the state police spokesperson explained that the command currently has about nine of its men in custody over such allegations, and that investigation would be carried out on complaints received so far.
The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has assured the commitment of Rivers State government to workers’s welfare and industrial harmony in Rivers State.
The Sole Administrator gave the assurance after meeting with leadership of organized labour unions at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Ibas reaffirmed government’s policy of prompt payment of salaries and pensions to workers and retirees, stating that all local government employees are not receiving the approved minimum wage.
He disclosed that approval has been given for payment of newly employed staff at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Judiciary, while medical workers in Local Government Areas will now receive correct wages.
Ibas explained that, Government is reviewing implementation challenges of the Contributory Pension Scheme ahead of the July 2025 deadline, adding that Intervention buses have been reintroduced to ease workers’ transportation ,with plans to expand the fleet.
He said specialized leadership training for top civil servants will commence within two weeks, while due consideration is being given to implementing the N32,000 consequential adjustment for pensioners and clearing outstanding gratuities.
Ibas commended Rivers State workers for their dedication to service and called for sustained partnership with labour unions to maintain industrial peace.
“This administration recognizes workers as critical partners in development. We remain committed to addressing your legitimate concerns within available resources,” he stated.
The State NLC Chairman, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, thanked the Administrator for the steps taken so far with regard to workers welfare while appreciating his disposition towards alleviating the transportation problem faced by workers.
He also expressed appreciation for the government’s openness to dialogue and pledged continued cooperation towards achieving mutual goals.
The Rivers State Government assured all workers of its unwavering commitment to their welfare and called for continued dedication to service delivery for the collective progress of our dear State.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers Council, has called for policies that will improve the economic situation of the country in order to ensure enhanced living standard for workers.
The State Chairman, Mr Alex Agwanwor, made the remark on behalf of the unions affiliated to Labour Congress during the 2025 workers day celebration in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Agwanwor highlighted the demands of the Unions which included the immediate payment of pension arrears, implementation of the N32,000 minimum wage for pensioners, and payment of gratuities and death benefits without further delay.
“We are calling for the regulation and protection of e-hailing drivers, implementation of increments and promotions, and resolution of long-standing issues in the polytechnic sector,” he said.
Agwanwor on behalf of the unions appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reinstate the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
He stressed the importance of democratic governance and good working relationship with elected representatives.
According to him, the unions expressed disappointment over the imposition of taxes, increase in electricity tariff, and high cost of goods and services, which have further worsened the plight of workers.
“We urge the federal government to take measures to alleviate the suffering of citizens,” he said.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu is committed to unlocking Nigeria’s full potential and position the country as a leading force on the African continent.
Shettima stated this when he hosted a delegation from the Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, led by its Senior Fellow, Dr Rolf Alter, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja last Wednesday.
He said Nigeria was actively seeking expertise from the global best institutions to enhance policy formulation and implementation, particularly in human capital development.
The Vice-President noted that President Tinubu was determined to elevate Nigeria to its rightful position as a leading force in Africa.
“The current crop of leadership in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is ready and willing to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian nation on the African continent.
” We are laying the groundwork through strategic reforms, and at the heart of it, is human capital development.”
He described the Hertie School as a valuable partner in the journey.
According to him, Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, has track record and institutional knowledge to add value to our policy formulation and delivery, especially in this disruptive age.
Shettima reiterated the government’s priority on upskilling Nigerians, saying ” skills are very important, and with our Human Capital Development (HCD) 2.0 programme.
“We are in a position to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian people by enhancing their capital skills.”
The Vice-President acknowledged the vital support of international development partners in that effort.
” I want to thank the World Bank, the European Union, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and all our partners in that drive to add value to the Nigerian nation,” he maintained.
The Vice-President said human capital development was both an economic imperative and a social necessity.
Shettima assured the delegation of the government’s readiness to deepen cooperation.
” We need the skills and the capacity from your school. The world is now knowledge-driven.
“I wish to implore you to have a very warm and robust partnership with the government and people of Nigeria.”
Shettima further explained recent economic decisions of the government, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms.
“The removal of fuel subsidy, the unification of the exchange rate regime and the revolution in the energy sector are all painful processes, but at the end of the day, the Nigerian people will laugh last.
“President Tinubu is a very modern leader who is willing to take far-reaching, courageous decisions to reposition the Nigerian economy,” he added.
Earlier, Alter, congratulated the Tinubu administration for the successful launch and implementation of the Human Capital Development (HCD) strategy.
The group leader described the development as ambitious and targeted towards the improvement of the lives of the citizens.
He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his engagements since arriving in the country.
He applauded the zeal, commitment, energy and goodwill observed among stakeholders in the implementation of Nigeria’s HCD programme.
Alter said the Hertie School of Governance would work closely with authorities in Nigeria across different levels to deliver programmes specifically designed to address the unique needs of the country.
He, however, stressed the need for government officials at different levels to be agile and amenable to the dynamics of the evolving world, particularly as Nigeria attempted to successfully accelerate its human capital development aspirations.
-
Politics18 hours ago
Gunmen Disrupt Political Rally In Bayelsa ….As Turnah, Others Emerge New Associates’Leaders
-
Rivers18 hours agoSecurity Agencies Engage Rivers Communities On Pipeline Protection
-
Nation17 hours agoNasarawa Varsity Student Commits Suicide
-
Business18 hours ago
Smuggled Rice Tops Seized Items List In 2025
-
News6 hours agoAdeleke Approves N4bn Bond To Clear Pension Arrears
-
Opinion18 hours agoEnding Malaria Menace For Improved Health
-
Sports18 hours ago
Arsenal Eye Special Performance In Paris
-
News16 hours agoFG Licenses 11 New Private Universities