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NHF: NULGE, FMBN Synergise To Enroll LGA Workers In Rivers
The leadership of the National Union of Local Employee (NULGE), Rivers State branch in collaboration with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria are partnering to ensure that workers in the 23 local government councils of the state are enrolled into the contributory initiative of the federal housing scheme
The scheme is to enable workers in the third tier of the government to benefit from the Federal Mortgage Bank housing loans to enable them own their personal houses like their counterparts across the country.
To this end, a one-day sensitisation and advocacy meeting organised by the state leadership of NULGE and the management team of FMBN for the NULGE union executives in the 23 local government councils has been held at the NULGE Consulate in Port Harcourt, last Friday.
Speaking at the event, the President of NULGE, Rivers State Branch, Comrade Paul Clifford described the Federal Mortgage Housing contributory scheme as a laudable project, saying that if members of the union key into the programme, it would afford them the opportunity to own their houses.
Clifford said that the move to get their members to be part of the housing scheme as contributors had been on before his emergence, adding that he inherited the plans from his predecessor.
According to him, the meeting was called to meet with the various branch executives of the union in the 23 local government councils on how to ensure that members begin to participate in the contributions so as to enable them benefit from the scheme.
“It is voluntary, as career civil servants; we have to key into it. But then, the management of the mortgage bank has to work with the various LGAs because some staff are already into some form of loans with other banks so that they can avoid friction, it is a laudable project”, he stated.
Also speaking, a representative of the FMBN Abuja, Mohammed Abubakar, said some staff of the Rivers State Civil Service were already involved in the scheme, explaining that there was need for the LG councils to key in so as to benefit from the scheme.
He said the scheme was designed to provide cheap and affordable loans for low income earners in the country, adding that the bank would continue the sensitisation/advocacy awareness to LG councils as well as strengthen its relationship with NULGE.
In her speech, the Zonal Manager, Port Harcourt branch of FMBN, Mrs Magdalene Ibanichuka expressed delight that the age-long dream of partnership with members of the union has taken place.
According to her, all Nigerians in employment whether self-employed or in paid employment are required by the NHF Act No 3 of 1992 to contribute 2.5per cent of their basic salary/income to the fund.
The Tide reports that the meeting offered an opportunity for the union leaders to abreast themselves with the workings of the scheme and the attendant benefits accruable to a contributor.
By: Akujobi Amadi
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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