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Niger Delta

A’Ibom Govt Boycotts Court As Hearing Commences Over Manipulated Teachers’ Recruitment

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3 years ago

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The Akwa Ibom State Government on Wednesday boycotted the court as a legal battle between the state and Obolo nation over alleged manipulation of the last 1000 teachers’ recruitment began.
Obolo nation consisting of Eastern Obolo, Mbo, Oron, Okobo, Urueoffong/Oruku, and Udunguko LGAs through their lawyer, Mr. Sunday Afiko, had approached the state High Court demanding to know the perimeters used in the last teachers’ recruitment exercise where a great number of Obolo people were not employed after scoring high points.
In suit number HU/322/2, the defendants include; the Executive Chairman, Secondary School Education Board, Akwa Ibom State, the Secondary School Education Board, the Commissioner for Education, the Honorable Attorney General, and Commissioner for Justice and Akwa Ibom State Government.
Fielding questions from newsmen in Uyo on Thursday, the plaintiff’s lawyer, Afiko, said that in the recruitment exercise, all the local government areas in Obolo nation had a paltry four to nine slots while other LGAs had between 20 and 70 slots.
Afiko, who confirmed to own evidence for the court, said after Obolo people had as high as 92 and above scores in the examination, they were still marginalised and ultimately denied employment.
“In the last 1000 teachers recruitment, Eastern Obolo was given just four slots, Ibeno eight slots while some local government areas like Oron had nine and non of them had up to 20 and above. This is very sad as other Ibibio nation had as many as 20 to 70 slots and IbesikpoAsutan had 79 slots.
“Aside from the slots, now we are asking what is the perimeters they (government) used in giving the employment.
“They had filed their processes alleging that their processes were on merit. But, we have filed our reply challenging the process and now they are saying it was on approved score. And we are saying the approved score is so vague, that is not what to use in quantifying merit.
“If it was on merit, it should be that those who had like 70, 79,90 and above were employed, therefore people from your locality never had 90 that is why they were not employed but, our people, I have exhibited records, scored 92 an above and were not given employment.
“Our people took full participation in the process, but, were not given the opportunity, they were marginalised,” he said.
“From what they filed, we just saw that they don’t have any case and the court in its wisdom said for the interest of the security of the state because of the nature of the matter, we should explore option on peaceful settlement which we were open to such option.
“So, we were open to Attorney General using his good office to say my people come let’s look at what the challenges are, SSEB, why didn’t you employ these people?
“We could have chatted a way forward but, they have not done that. We have been the ones pestering them and calling for settlement meetings.
“Today, the court has said okay, since the matter was adjourned for settlement or further mention, we should move forward and take our case,” Afiko added.
Meanwhile the court, presided over by Justice ArchibongArchibong due to state government absenteeism, had adjourned the matter to April 14, 2022.

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Niger Delta

Welfare Ministry Reviews 2024 Milestones … Prioritizes Remodeling Children’s, Elderly Homes 

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21 hours ago

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January 15, 2025

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Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation has reviewed its achievements for 2024, highlighting significant progress in various areas.
The Commissioner, Mr. Ilamu Arugu, who made this known during a retrospective meeting with his management staff in his office in Port-Harcourt, disclosed that the ministry achieved remarkable milestones in 2024.
He also said the Ministry successfully surmounted the challenges faced to make significant advancements, particularly in child welfare and social services generally.
Key accomplishments highlighted by the Commissioner under review include: Tackling Illegal Baby Homes to ensure the safety and well-being of children; Enhancing Public Safety Initiatives by addressing the movement of mentally challenged individuals on major roads in Port-Harcourt, aimed at promoting a safer environment for residents; and improving care facilities by  fumigating and carrying out minor repairs at the Children’s home, to provide comfortable living conditions for residents.
Others are: introduction of a monthly cash prize of N100,000 for the best staff member in the Ministry to boost morale and encourage optimal service delivery; renovation of the Commissioner’s office, which was previously in a deplorable state; installation of two transformers at the Rehabilitation Center in Iriebe and Safe Home in Borikiri to address power issues and  enrollment of children under the ministry’s care into the Rivers State Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP) to provide quality healthcare services to them.
“Notably, the Ministry  also initiated a team to ensure accurate and efficient documentation and data management at the homes, further enhancing transparency and accountability”. the Commissioner said.
The Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Commissioner further unveiled the Ministry’s 2025 infrastructure plans, which include: remodeling of the Children’s Home at Borikiri.
He expressed optimism that with Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s approval, the ministry will make significant strides in providing humanitarian services to vulnerable populations in the state, and encouraged staff to take ownership of the upcoming projects.
“The ministry’s 2025 targets also include: establishing a proposed home for the elderly; partnering with relevant NGOs to monitor homes using specialized software in enhancing the management and care of children in orphanages as well as publishing a quarterly newsletter showcasing activities of the ministry.
He commended the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Professor Justina Jumbo, for her invaluable support and administrative efforts that have assisted the ministry’s growth and  equally praised the Directors for their tireless work and dedication, which, according to him, have been instrumental in achieving success in the ministry.
Mr.  Arugu also hailed the Ministry’s media team for showcasing the ministry’s efforts through social media, newspapers, television, and radio stations.
Mr. Arugu emphasized the importance of consistent teamwork amongst  members of staff and urged them to maintain their collaborative spirit for the collective good of the ministry.
On her part, the Permanent Secretary underscored the crucial role of planning, teamwork, and accountability in driving the ministry’s success, urging her colleagues to exert maximum effort in achieving their goals.
The ministry, she said, has established notable collaborations with several organizations such as UNICEF, ActionAid  Nigeria, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria  (IHVN), University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT), and NGOS, including Association of Orphanages and Home Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON) to enhance its impact.
The Permanent Secretary also highlighted the need for specialized training for casual staff to handle vulnerable groups, given the ministry’s manpower shortage.
While praising the Commissioner’s leadership, the Permanent Secretary noted her willingness to tolerate mistakes and support staff growth for the new year.
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Niger Delta

MOSIEND Hails RSG Over Asari’s Chieftaincy Recognition 

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23 hours ago

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January 15, 2025

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The Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality in Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has commended the Rivers State Government for recognizing the stool and Ascension of His Royal Highness (HRH) Alhaji Mujahid Asari-Dokubo in Buguma, Asari Toru Local Government Area.
Dokubo was officially proclaimed the Amanyanabo (traditional ruler) of Torusarama Piri (Elem Ama), an ancient Ijaw Kingdom in Rivers State.
This was contained in a statement by National President, MOSIEND, Ambassador Kennedy Tonjo West and made available to newsmen  in Port Harcourt.
Tonjo West said the ascension officially acknowledged by the Rivers State Government marks a pivotal moment for the Ijaw ethnic group and underscores the enduring importance of traditional institutions in modern governance and cultural identity.
The President said the recognition by the  government will lead to unity, cultural safeguarding, and socio-economic development in the region.
“His Royal Highness, Allhaji Mujahid Asari Dokubo has been officially proclaimed the Amanyanabo (traditional ruler) of Torusarama PIRI (Elem-Ama), an ancient Ijaw kingdom in Rivers State, Nigeria.
“This ascension, officially acknowledged by the Rivers State Government, marks a pivotal moment for the Ijaw ethnic group and underscores the enduring importance of traditional institutions in modern governance and cultural identity.
“MOSIEND joins in celebrating this feat and considers it a remarkable achievement that will further solidify the craving for development of Ijaw Communities, it’s people and Institutions.
“The yearnings of Ijaw Communities for a better deal in its leadership is a result of their veneration for their traditional structures, and the confidence reposed in Alhaji Asari Dokubo’s benevolence and leadership style will bring the expected development.
“I commend the prompt recognition by the State Government, for it is an example of the synergy we have been advocating for, a case where traditional institutions will be recognized as an important starter for the development of communities and regions”, he said.
According to Dr. West,  “a new era dawns for the citizenry of Elem-Ama and the Ijaw Nation as HRH Alhaji Mujahid Asari Dokubo is known for his indomitable belief in the Ijaw course and unwavering advocacy, leadership and  fervent devotion to the well-being of his people”.
The MOSIEND  leader noted  that HRH Asari Dokubo’s leadership will attract modern and fast-paced development to the Kingdom, endear unity, cultural safeguard, and socio-economic development for the nation.
Amb Tonjo West also noted that the community is the center of strong cultural heritage, strategically located in the Niger Delta.
MOSIEND appealed to the international community, cultural organizations, development partners, communities,and the Ijaw population to stand behind Alhaji Asari Dokubo in support of his developmental plan.
Chinedu Wosu
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Niger Delta

Yenagoa Becoming Modern City Under Our Stewardship – Diri

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23 hours ago

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January 15, 2025

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Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has said his administration’s urban renewal programme will transform Yenagoa, the state capital, into a modern city.
Senator Diri stated this against the backdrop of the recent relocation of inter-state commercial transporters to the new state-owned transport terminal at Igbogene.
Speaking recently during the State Executive Council meeting in Government House, Yenagoa, the Governor said centralised motor parks were features of modern cities, which Yenagoa was gradually turning into.
He warned against touting around the vicinity of the terminal, saying that all travellers were expected to go into the terminal for booking and boarding of vehicles.
Diri also stressed that the relocation would curb crime as passengers coming into the state would now be monitored.
“I visited the new terminal and saw its beauty. This is what every modern society does.
“For those who play politics and are still criticising, I am very sorry for them. Bayelsans are however happy with what we have done. It is only those who do not know what a modern society looks like that make derogatory statements about me and the government.
“For the first time in our state, we are seeing what a city is like. We want to actually turn Yenagoa into a modern city. We want to bring Yenagoa to a better place.
“I am happy that the terminal is bubbling. Nobody should act like agbero (tout) in that place. That park is a modern one with everything provided.
“For those who want to come into Bayelsa to commit crime, we have stopped them with the movement to the new terminal”, he said.
Commenting on the peaceful and crime-free Yuletide period, the Bayelsa helmsman commended security agencies for their collaborative efforts that ensured the state was secured throughout the festive season.
He also noted that there was a boost in tourism and entertainment during the period, and particularly commended dancehall music star, Enetimi Odon (popularly called Timaya) for giving back to the state through his annual Timaya Day concert held every 1st January.
He observed that the event attracted a huge crowd of mostly youths and that the show had great tourism potential for the state.
“In the whole of these festivities, what I consider as the final lap was the January 1st Timaya Day that had to do with youths of our state.
“Instructively, there was no incident of crime. I was there. The youths were well behaved and they became security by themselves.
“From what I saw, I believe there is hope for this country and for our state. We all need to do what is right”, the Governor added.
Commenting on an ugly incident at Agbere in Sagbama Local Government Area, Diri thanked the leadership of the community for maintaining the peace and for not taking the laws into their hands.
He assured that ongoing investigation would unravel those behind the dastardly murder of a chief in the community.
Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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