News
Think Beyond Oil, PANDEF Tasks N’Delta Stakeholders
The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has tasked state governments and other stakeholders in the Niger Delta to think beyond oil, and work out sustainable livelihoods for the people of the region.
The National Chairman of the forum, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien said this, yesterday, in Port Harcourt during the official opening of the Rivers State office and the inauguration of the 23 local government chapters of the forum.
Essien, who was the former Senate deputy chief whip, said the era of oil would soon be over as electric engines were being developed to replace combustible ones.
He also commended the interim administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) for refocusing the minds of some ex-agitators away from the oil economy.
The PANDEF national chairman also commended some governors in the region for putting in place programmes that would ensure sustainable livelihood for their people.
He, however, stressed the need for all state governments in the region, interventionist agencies and civil society organisations to synchronise their activities with that of the forum to ensure the speedy development of the Niger Delta.
Also speaking, Founder of Belema Oil Producing Limited and the Special Guest of Honour, Mr. Tein Jackrich, described PANDEF as the authentic voice of the Niger Delta.
Jackrich, who was represented by Dr. Harrison Gaga, said the company would sustain its support for the forum to enable it continue to champion the course of the Niger Delta region.
Earlier, the state Chairman of PANDEF, Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah (rtd), said the ideals and objectives of the forum were to promote the peace and unity of the Niger Delta.
“I believe we all choose to be here because of our shared passion for the region, the people; and our desire to be part of efforts to change the damning narratives”, he said.
Minimah also said that in the coming months, “we will do our best to build on the events of today, and endeavour to entrench PANDEF at the grassroots with the message of unity, peace and development”.
He said the office would provide the leadership with a comfortable environment to reach out to all stakeholders in the state.
By: John Bibor &
Oribim Ibama
Asiwaju Bola Tinubu yesterday signed his first piece of legislation as President, when he assented to a constitutional amendment bill bringing uniformity to the retirement age and pension rights of judicial officers in the country.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the State House Director of Information, Abiodun Oladunjoye, yesterday.
The statement is titled ‘President Tinubu assents to constitutional amendment Bill on uniformity in retirement age of judicial officers’.
The statement read in part: “In exercising the powers vested in him under the 1999 Constitution as amended, President Bola Tinubu yesterday at the State House assented to a fresh amendment of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“President Tinubu signed into law the ‘Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fifth Alteration) (No.37), 2023’ presented by the outgoing 9th National Assembly”.
It added that “With the signing of the Constitutional amendment Bill, retirement age and pension rights of judicial officers have been effectively brought into uniformity and other related matters”.
While signing the amendment Bill into law, Tinubu pledged his administration’s dedication to strengthening the judiciary, ensuring the rule of law, and empowering judicial officers to execute their responsibilities effectively.
The Federal Government has declared Monday, June 12, as a public holiday in commemoration of 2023 Democracy Day celebration.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr Oluwatoyin Akinlade, on behalf of the Federal Government.
While congratulating Nigerians on the occasion, Akinlade stated that the country’s democratic journey has encountered stormy and smooth sails, just like in many other climes.
She said, “But the ship of State, its institutions and most importantly, the Nigerian people have remained steadfast on the tenets of democratic governance.”
“On this memorable occasion therefore, Nigerians and friends of Nigeria are invited to appreciate the progress that has been made, celebrate the milestones covered and look forward to a better future for the country’s democracy.
“The Permanent Secretary wishes all Nigerians a Happy Democracy Day celebration, “ the statement added.
Five commissioner nominees are to appear before the Rivers State House of Assembly, today for screening.
The nominees include Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, Barr.(Mrs) Inime Aguma, Hon Nwafor Uchechukwu, Dr. Kenneth Chisom Gbah and Hon. Henry Ogiri.
In a statement signed by the Acting Clerk of the House, Dr. Emeka Amadi, the five commissioner nominees are expected to appear before the lawmakers by 10am.
The nominees are also requested to submit 40 copies of their original credentials to the office of the Acting Clerk on or before 9am, today.
Four commissioners had earlier been screened by the Assembly and sworn in by the State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, last week.
These nominees, if screened and confirmed, will therefore, bring the number of commissioners in the State to nine in the last one week.
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