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RSG Set To Flag Off Judicial Institute For Magistrates, Judges’ Training, Wike Assures
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has hinted that the state would soon become a centre for the training of magistrates and judges in the country.
The governor said this would be possible when the foundation stone for the National Judicial Institute would be laid during the next round of inauguration of projects in the state.
Wike gave the hint while speaking to journalists shortly after inspecting the Rumuola and G.R.A. Junction flyovers, and the Ezimgbu Link Road in Port Harcourt, the state capital, last Saturday.
The governor pointed out that the State Executive Council would soon meet to determine the specific projects that would be lined up for the next phase of inauguration, and those to invite as special quests to perform the functions.
“Frankly speaking, it’s not going to be road infrastructure alone, it will involve health, schools and other humanitarian areas.
“We believe that the Chokocho-Igbodo Road in Etche and the Oyigbo Road are key projects we think will be included. And then, we are also going to lay foundation for the Judicial Institute that will train our magistrates and judges.
“We will also lay foundation stone for the liaison office for the Federal Judicial Service Commission, which they have approved and should be sited, for the South-South region, in Port Harcourt.”
Speaking about the flyover projects just inspected, Wike expressed satisfaction with the quality of work that has been delivered.
He noted that from what has been seen, it was still reassuring that the projects would be ready for inauguration by the end of September, 2021.
According to him, the contractors have completed the asphalting work on both the flyovers and the service lanes of the road, with attention now focused on building up barricades that would prevent the people from trading directly on the road.
“You were aware the last time we were here, we saw the Rumuola flyover, G.R.A Junction, Ezimgbu Road, Tombia Extension, we were told that by September, 2021, they would have handed over these four projects to us.
“And as part of our routine job, we still make sure we have to go round to see the extent of work done; whether the stage they are will rhyme with our plans for the commissioning of the projects.
“From what is seen, I believe that all will be completed by the end of the month. You can see the beauty of the projects, the way the places look like. Everybody appreciates them.”
Wike, however, frowned at the aftermath of street trading activities that deface the vicinity of the projects that are to be handed over to the government by the contractors.
He, therefore, vowed to set up a task force that will make it difficult for such trading activities to take place around those projects since the traders have continued to litter the area with refuse.
“You know, so many people would talk about hunger, but the mere fact that people are hungry does not mean that you should dirty the environment.
“When we allow you to do your trading, it doesn’t mean that in doing your trading, you should litter the entire place. It is your responsibility after doing the trading or whatever economic activities that you’re engaged in, you should be able to clean up the area.
“So, one is compelled to set up a task force not to allow hawkers. By Monday, we will set up a task force that will never allow hawkers on these major projects that have beautified Port Harcourt and changed its landscape.”
The governor solicited the understanding of all residents because it was the duty of government to keep the state clean in order to promote good health.
According to Wike, it costs the government huge sum of money to rid the streets of refuse, adding that the people cannot be tolerated with their unhygienic activities.
“Everybody has to bear with us. It is our job to keep the place clean. I mean, some of these people come from neighbouring states, they litter the whole place, and in the evening, they take off.
“It is the government that suffers in spending a lot of money to clean them up”, he added.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said the 33.5-kilometre Elele–Umudioga–Egbeda–Ubimini–Ikiri–Omoku dual carriageway is nearing completion and will be ready for inauguration by early May.
Speaking after inspecting the project last Wednesday, the governor disclosed that the N80.8 billion road project, currently at about 90 per cent completion, is on track for delivery before the end of April.
The project, which links Ikwerre, Emohua and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government areas, was awarded to Craneburg Construction Company with a 24-month completion timeline.
Fubara expressed satisfaction with the pace of work, describing the road as a landmark achievement of his administration.
He noted that beyond infrastructure, the project symbolises progress and purposeful governance.
Highlighting its economic and security value, the governor said the road serves as a vital link to Omoku, a major gas hub, and would significantly enhance business activities in the area.
He recalled that the corridor was previously notorious for kidnapping and armed robbery but said the ongoing development had transformed the security outlook.
According to him, improved accessibility will enable security agencies to respond swiftly to emergencies, effectively curbing criminal activities that once plagued the route.
Fubara commended the contractor for adhering to the project timeline, expressing confidence that the road will soon be completed and opened to the public.
Recall that the governor had, during the flag-off ceremony in May 2024, disclosed that the project is funded from the State’s internally generated revenue savings.
Nigerians were among more than 140 residents injured after Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles at the United Arab Emirates, at the weekend.
This raised fresh fears for thousands of Nigerians living and working in the Gulf nation.
The UAE Ministry of Defence disclosed last Saturday that its air defence systems intercepted several missiles and drones fired from Iran, describing the attack as a major escalation in the ongoing regional tensions.
In a statement posted on its official X handle, the ministry said its air defence units engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 drones during the latest assault on March 14.
It added that the attacks left six people dead and 141 others injured, including foreign nationals.
“The UAE air defence systems on March 14 engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 UAVs launched from Iran,” the ministry stated.
“Since the onset of this blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 294 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,600 UAVs launched from Iran,” UAE added.
According to the ministry, those killed in the attacks included citizens of the UAE as well as foreign nationals from Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.
“Although the authorities did not specify the exact locations where the casualties occurred, the ministry said the injured victims were from several countries, including Nigeria.
Others affected include residents from Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
The list also included Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Türkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia and Sweden.
The Tide reports that this development has sparked concern among Nigerian communities in the UAE, where thousands of citizens live and work in sectors such as construction, hospitality, logistics and trade.
Data from Nigeria’s diaspora commission shows that the UAE remains one of the largest destinations for Nigerian migrants in the Middle East, particularly in the emirates of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
The Nigerian government had in recent years raised concerns over the safety and welfare of its citizens in the country following diplomatic tensions and visa restrictions affecting Nigerians.
Saturday’s attacks have now heightened anxieties within the diaspora community, especially as the Gulf region faces growing military confrontations.
In its statement, the UAE Ministry of Defence said the country remained fully prepared to confront any threats to its security.
“The Ministry of Defence remains fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats and will firmly confront any attempts to undermine state security in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty, security and stability, and safeguards its national interests and capabilities,” the ministry said.
In a separate update, the ministry noted that its defence systems were still actively intercepting missiles and drones.
“UAE air defences are dealing with Iranian ballistic and cruise missiles and drones,” it said.
Regional media reports indicate that the attacks form part of a wider escalation of hostilities between Iran and Western-backed forces in the Middle East.
According to Al Jazeera, Iran has continued sustained missile and drone strikes across the Gulf despite protests from neighbouring states.
The strikes were said to be in retaliation for military operations launched by the United States and Israel against Iranian positions in the region.
Tehran targeted several Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, late on Friday and into Saturday.
The attacks also caused infrastructural damage in parts of the UAE.
Meanwhile, Iran’s elite military wing, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, warned that US interests in the UAE would remain legitimate targets.
Iranian state media reported that the group issued the warning after US forces attacked Iranian-controlled islands.
The IRGC specifically mentioned ports, docks and military installations linked to the United States as potential targets.
It also urged residents in the UAE to evacuate areas around ports and military facilities to avoid civilian casualties.
Security analysts say the growing exchange of threats and strike across the Gulf could destabilise the region’s economic and aviation activities if the conflict escalates further.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the five new commissioners sworn-in last Wednesday to put in their best for the development of the State.
Fubara gave the charge during the swearing-in of the commissioners at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House, Port Harcourt, last Wednesday.
This followed the successful screening of the five commissioners by the Rivers State House of Assembly, last Tuesday.
The five commissioners are Tonye Bellgam, Prof. Temple Nwofor, Dr. Peters Nwagor, Mr. Lekue Kenneth, and Sir Amairigha Edward Hart.
The Tide reports that the governor had sent nine commissioner-nominees to the Assembly for screening, but the Assembly confirmed only five nominees and rejected the nomination of four over various allegations.
Those rejected by the Assembly are Prof. Dantonye Alasia, Mrs. Charity Demua, Mr. Tamuno Williams, and Otonye Amachree.
The governor congratulated the new commissioners on their appointment, noting that their thorough screening by the Rivers State House of Assembly was a proof of their capabilities.
He urged them to deploy their wealth of experience in various fields and put the State on a fast lane of development.
“Ordinarily, I am supposed to charge you on your responsibilities and how to operate. But that has been taken care of by the screening at the Assembly.
“I believe that going through one of the most rigorous screenings, it is enough to say that for those of you who succeeded, you are fit and ready to deliver to our dear State.
“So there is no further charge. The screening was the charge, so I wish you the best as I don’t expect anything less than the best from you,” Fubara said.
