Politics
Don’t Abuse Opportunity, Wike Charges New Commissioners
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has cautioned the newly appointed commissioners
and other members of the State Executive Council not to see their positions as avenue to make money but opportunities to serve the state.
The Rivers State Governor, who gave the charge during the swearing in of 18 new commissioners at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday, also frowned at what he considered as sycophantic orgies of some commissioners and other government officials who shirk their duties and display hypocritic gestures and culpable incompetence.
He drew the attention of the cabinet members to the fact that the present administration in the state was in its last lap and urged them to show deep commitment to the service of the people and prepare proper hand over notes for the new government in May, 2023.
Governor Wike, who congratulated the newly appointed commissioners, urged them to bring their wealth of experience to serve the state by rendering good stewardship.
He reiterated the commitment of his administration in delivering quality service to Rivers people till his last day in office.
The Board of Trustees (BoT), Governing Council and Management of PAMO University of Medical Sciences led by the Pro Chancellor, Dr Peter Odili, former Governor of Rivers State, also on Wednesday paid a courtesy call on the Rivers State Governor in Government House, Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the occasion, Dr Odili said the visit was in appreciation of the enormous support of the Rivers State Governor to the University in the provision of grants and sponsorship of indigent Rivers indigenes to pursue careers in various fields in Medicine.
He thanked the Governor for the partnership of the Rivers State Government with the University which had spurred the institution to accelerated actualisation of its objectives.
The Pro Chancellor pointed out that the impact of Governor Wike’s support and scholarship to Rivers indigenes had given access to education to the beneficiaries with the potential of lifting their families out of poverty and expanding effective medical care services in the state.
Dr Odili further congratulated Governor Wike on the recent award conferred on him by the President and Commander in chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, for outstanding delivery of infrastructure in the state and described Governor Wike as the best Governor ever produced in Rivers State.
He said Wike had brought extraordinary dynamism in the transformation of Rivers State and consistently defended democratic values and made bold advocacy for the promotion of justice in Nigeria.
In his response, Governor Wike commended the management of PAMO University over the uncommon achievements recorded in the training of medical personnel within the short period of its institutional existence as the first Private University in the state, noting that the rare feat had made Rivers State proud.
He assured his guests of the continued support of his administration to the University, adding that plans would be put in place to expand the agreement and partnership of the Rivers State Government and the University beyond his administration.
Governor Wike also, within the week under review, hosted the United States Consul General to Nigeria, Will Stevens, who after a closed door meeting at his (Wike) private residence in Rumueprikom, Obio Akpor Local Government Area, joined the Governor to inspect ongoing projects billed for commissioning in November.
The projects included; Nabo Graham Dauglas Port Harcourt Centre of the Nigerian Law School; Dr Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease Diagnostic and Treatment Centre.
By: Beemene Taneh
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has strongly rejected calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria seeking the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made on genocide.
The Fellowship described the demand as unjustified and a threat to constitutional freedoms.
In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN insisted that Prof Amupitan, like every Nigerian, has the constitutional right to express his views on matters of national concern, irrespective of the public office he occupies.
According to the PFN, the comments attributed to the INEC Chairman were made in his personal capacity and had no link whatsoever with his official responsibilities or electoral duties.
The Fellowship stressed that elections and electoral activities were not involved in the matter, arguing that there was no basis to connect the alleged comments to Prof Amupitan’s role as INEC Chairman.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a Nigerian, has the right to make comments on what he observes to be happening in the nation, regardless of his appointment or assignment,” the statement read.
The PFN said it condemned “in every ramification” the suggestion that the INEC Chairman should be removed from office on the basis of his personal views, warning against attempts to punish public officials for expressing opinions outside the scope of their official duties.
The Tide source reports that the Fellowship also cautioned against what it described as a growing tendency to interpret national issues through religious lenses, noting that such an approach only deepens divisions and undermines peaceful coexistence.
“We must resist the temptation of profiling or judging people based on their religious beliefs or positions. Prof. Amupitan has a right to bear his mind, and this should not be at the cost of his job,” the PFN added.
The PFN called on all stakeholders to exercise restraint, understanding and mutual respect in national discourse, particularly on sensitive issues.
It emphasised that unity and peace must remain paramount in addressing national challenges.
The Fellowship reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, justice and mutual respect, urging that these values guide public engagement and responses to issues affecting the country.
The Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Darlington Oji, has disclosed that about 15 Special Advisers to the governor were duly approved by the Rivers State House of Assembly before the current political crisis in the State.
Oji made the disclosure in a Television programme in Port Harcourt, recently, while reacting to issues surrounding appointments, the impeachment moves against the governor and his deputy, and allegations of financial mismanagement.
He clarified that the appointment of Special Advisers was carried out in strict compliance with constitutional provisions, and received the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, before the crisis began.
According to the Special Adviser, the appointments did not require any further screening, countering claims that the governor violated due process in constituting his advisory team.
On the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, Oji described the process as unfounded and lacking constitutional backing.
He said that several lawmakers who initially supported the impeachment move were now reconsidering their stance after discovering that the process had no legal basis.
Oji also attributed the impeachment plot to personal and political ambitions, saying it is not motivated by the interest or welfare of the people of Rivers State.
Speaking on the financial position of the State after the Emergency Rule, the Special Adviser disclosed that the governor met about ?600 billion in the state’s coffers upon assumption of office.
He explained that the availability of funds enabled the administration to continue governance smoothly without the need for a supplementary budget.
The governor’s aide also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement against the governor, and stressed that all allocations to lawmakers and constituency projects were transparently handled.
He maintained that the Fubara administration remained focused on development, stability, and good governance despite the political distractions in the State.
Oji expressed confidence that the impeachment moves would eventually be abandoned as legislators and the public become more informed, adding that the governor’s leadership has continued to reassure citizens and sustain political stability in the State.
King Onunwor
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