News
Rivers Zero Crime Initiative, A Collective Responsibility – Fubara
The Rivers State Government has assured that it would continue to collaborate with security agencies to ensure the state remains safe and a happy place to dwell in.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, stated this during the inauguration of Rivers Zero Crime Initiative at Dr. Obi Wali International Conference Centre in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara, who spoke through his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, expressed gratitude to the police for the work they were doing to tame crime and criminality in the state.
He noted that the issue of Zero Crime should be a collective one, involving all the Armed Forces, civilians, all groups, faith-based organisations and all non-governmental organisations and the government.
“We have to do it together, we require collective synergy to pull our energy together and fight the fight, and like the CP also said when you see something, say something, because when you see something and say nothing you are encouraging criminality”, Fubara said.
According to the State Chief Executive, “confidentiality is key, because sometimes, people want to volunteer information, but they are scared of the outcome”.
He commended the CP who has assured of protecting the identity of anyone who comes up with useful information to nip crime in the bud.
“I am satisfied with CP Emeka for his resolve in fighting crime and criminality and he demonstrates it every day by unfolding new ideas, and we know as you continue in Port Harcourt you will continue to unfold these ideas that will cumulate to a safer, happier and more comfortable Rivers State”, the governor said.
“Let us come together and change the narrative to something much better, in the last few months we have had about three international conferences here, which tells us that people have the confidence that they are safe here. I believe that we shall sustain that so that more and more people doing business here and working here can prosper more, and I believe that this is achievable”, Fubara further stressed.
In his remarks, the state Commissioner of Police, Dr Polycarp Nwonyi, expressed gratitude to the governor for the key role he played to ensure that the Rivers Zero Crime initiative becomes a success.
He noted that all hands must be on deck to rid the state of all forms of criminality.
The Renewed Hope Initiative in conjunction with the Rivers State Government has empowered 500 elderly citizens in Rivers State with financial support of N200,000 each.
The empowerment programme was part of activities to celebrate the third anniversary of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme RHIESS, a social investment policy initiated by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Speaking at the event which held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, recently, under the theme, ‘Finding Joy in Old Age,’ Senator Tinubu said the gesture which has become traditional since 2023 was a mark of gratitude in recognition of the invaluable contributions of the senior citizens to nation building.
The First Lady who was represented by the wife of the Rivers State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Lady Valerie Fubara, said the scheme was to “support two hundred and fifty (250) vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) totalling 9,500 selected beneficiaries across the nation.
She urged the beneficiaries to engage in activities that will make them find joy in old age.
“I encourage you to continue playing your part by staying healthy and active, nurture both your body and mind through regular exercise and meaningful engagement,” Senator Tinubu advised.
On her part, Lady Fubara said the State Government through the magnanimity of the governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has increased the beneficiaries of the programme from 250 to 500.
She restated the commitment of the State Government towards provision of social welfare and improving the standard of living of the elderly in the State.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr Vetty Agala, said the State Government has through the Health4allrivers Initiative, introduced free medical care for senior citizens in the State, in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to expedite the prosecution of the Director of the now distressed MBA Forex Trading, Mr. Maxwell Odum, in the interest of justice.
The Rivers State NUJ made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the EFFC’s Ag. Zonal Director, ACE Hassan Saidu, in Port Harcourt, recently.
The council’s chairman, Comrade Paul Bazia, said the appeal became imperative after it considered the number of Nigerians and others involved in the financial misconduct.
According to him, it has caused hardship among many households in the country and should be given the attention it deserves.
He said that investors cannot come into a country or invest in an economy or nation ridden with fraud.
This, he said, has made it more imperative to arrest, prosecute and convict alleged fraudsters like the MBA Forex Director, who is alleged to have defrauded thousands of unsuspecting Nigerians, to serve as a deterrent to others.
The chairman also requested that while the trial lasts, part of the swindled funds should be given to the victims that suffered loss and trauma as a result of the fraud.
The NUJ reiterated its resolve to change the narrative of reportage from crisis to developmental communication.
According to him, the NUJ’s main focus is blue economy and tourism.
He expressed the readiness of the Council to partner the agency in the area of information dissemination.
“We believe you have a responsibility to fight financial crimes. We also know that you need the Press to publicize your activities and NUJ can provide that,” he said.
Responding, the Zonal EFFC’s boss commended the NUJ’s vision to change the narrative of reporting from crisis to developmental communication.
According to Saidu, the Western world have since imbibed such culture, hence the negative stories about them are carefully sifted to allow only positive ones to be released to the outside world.
As for the trapped funds to be released, the EFCC Zonal Director stated that only the court can authorize such action, stressing that the primary responsibility of the Commission is to arrest and prosecute.
He pledged to partner with the NUJ now that the leadership has visited the Commission.
The Head of the Legal & Prosecution Department, DCE Odiase Stephen, corroborated the Zonal Director’s position and stressed that it was only when the matter has been determined by the court that such funds can be released.
He further stated that once a matter is before a court of competent jurisdiction, it cannot be discussed outside.
By: King Onunwor
-
News4 days agoRSIPA Outlines Plans To Boost Investors’ Confidence …China Applauds Fubara As Listening Gov
-
Niger Delta2 days ago
Oborevwori Condoles Diri, Family, Bayelsans Over Passing Ewhrudjakpo’s Passing
-
Politics2 days ago
Alleged Tax Law Changes Risk Eroding Public Trust — CISLAC
-
Politics2 days ago
DEFECTION: FUBARA HAS ENDED SPECULATIONS ABOUT POLITICAL FUTURE — NWOGU
-
Maritime2 days agoImo Category C Victory: NIMASA Staff Host Executive Management Party
-
Politics2 days ago
HILDA DOKUBO ASSUMES CHAIRMANSHIP, DENIES FACTIONS IN RIVERS LP
-
Rivers2 days ago
Group Urges LGA Chairmen To Prioritise Accountability, People-Centred Governance
-
Sports2 days ago
Brighton’s Disappointing Run Continues
