News
Soot, Fire Outbreaks: RSG Seeks Synergy To End Illegal Refineries …As Nsirim Rewards Theme Song Contest Winners
The Rivers State Government has called for citizens’ and security agencies’ collaboration to end activities of illegal refiners of crude oil, popularly known as ‘Kpofire’, which has caused incessant fire outbreaks and environmental pollution in the state.
Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim made the call during the presentation of prizes to winners of the ministry’s #OurStateOurResponsibility Theme Song competition in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday.
Nsirim also called on the media to engage in aggressive public enlightenment campaign against ‘Kpofire’ activities in Rivers State.
He expressed concern that the activities of illegal refiners of crude oil have caused incessant fire outbreaks and pollution of the atmosphere through the emission of soot.
“Hardly any day passes that you will not get reports of incidents of fire outbreak, and investigations have revealed that most of these fire incidents are as a result of stockpiling of adulterated petroleum products.
“Government cannot stop this trend without the cooperation of the citizens and the law enforcement agencies. We are appealing that we need to do something, that as we enter into the New Year, let us have a collective resolve as a people to ensure that our environment is not polluted anymore.
“It should concern everyone. Apart from the fire hazards that we are experiencing, the health implication of what we are seeing in Port Harcourt today is something that should worry anyone living and doing business here in Rivers State,” he said.
Nsirim condemned the activities of some security personnel who collect gratification from operators of the illegal petroleum products businesses and allow them free passage on the roads.
“We cannot be our own enemies. We must collectively fight this syndrome. The hazard we are facing is becoming worrisome. If you live and do business here in Rivers State, this ‘Kpofire’ syndrome should concern you, and I think the time has come for us to put an end to this menace,” he said.
He emphasised that the idea behind the second phase of the #OurStateOurResponsibility advocacy campaign was to mobilise a cross spectrum of Rivers society to be part of the NEW Rivers Vision.
He noted that governance cannot be complete if citizens do not play active role in the development process, hence the advocacy campaign.
“It is a vision that will engineer our collective understanding that Rivers State belongs to all of us, whether you are an indigene or not, as long as you live and do business here, Rivers State belongs to you,” he said.
He said the theme song competition awards ceremony coming after the essay competition was a milestone in the quest to strengthen citizens’ participation in governance in Rivers State.
Nsirim congratulated the three persons that emerged first, second and third position winners of the competition, and announced the first position winner, Mr. Barnabas Baridam, as the ambassador of the ministry and the face of #OurStateOurResponsibility campaign.
The commissioner also commended the three-man panel of judges who rendered a diligent service without asking for professional fees.
He said criteria for the theme song include originality and simplicity of content, strong credibility, and appeal to all segments of the society.
Nsirim expressed optimism that the competition would be a starting point for the blossoming career in music for the winners, and charged them to see the opportunity as a foundation for something bigger and greater in years ahead.
Chairman of the panel of judges, Mr Lexy Maol, said the panel was careful in selecting the winners out of the several entries.
According to him, some of the other criteria considered were nature of the song, the connection, the lyric, and the careful fusion of #OurStateOurResponsibility.
In his remarks, the first position winner, Mr. Barnabas Baridam, thanked the commissioner for floating the programme that gave him the platform to showcase his talent.
He promised to represent the ministry and the government positively as its ambassador.
The first runner up is Indiana Tonye, while the third runner up is Prince Innocent Ikinga.
Cash prizes of N300,000, N150,000, and N100,000, were given to the first, second and third position winners, respectively.
By: John Bibor & Oribim Ibama
News
Tinubu Signs Bill Unifying Retirement Age For Judicial Officers

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.
News
Democracy Day: FG Declares Monday Public Holiday
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.
News
RSHA Screens Five For Commissioners, Today
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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