The Rivers State Government under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara is poised to run an open and transparent administration that would make the accelerated development of the State the centrepiece of its focus.
The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joseph Johnson, said this while playing host to leaders and members of the Independent Newspaper Publishers Association of Rivers State (RIVPA), who paid him a courtesy visit in his office on Wednesday.
The commissioner thanked them for the visit and declared that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is a good governor with good intentions for people of the state.
He assured that RIVPA’s request will receive government’s cooperation and support.
He disclosed that the Ministry of Information and Communications under his leadership will initiate periodic media parleys where commissioners and heads of government departments and agencies would be able to tell people of the state their activities, achievements and challenges in implementation of the robust Economic Development Blue Print of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Johnson also informed about the governor’s desire to hold luncheon with media practitioners in the state to apprise them of the policy thrust of the government, even as he stressed that the government seeks the advice of the media entrepreneurs and practitioners alike to succeed.
He observed that what may appear like a crisis currently in the state is a normal thing that occurs in governance, pointing out that the situation will be stabilized with time.
The commissioner said that he is aware of the numerous challenges publishers are going through at the moment, due to the prevailing economic situation, but noted that the government is determined to create the enabling serene atmosphere conducive for smooth business operations.
He informed that the Sir Siminalayi Fubara-led Rivers State Government was committed to the transformation of the state socio-economic well-being through effective implant if the blue print, which focuses on 12 major areas, including agriculture, education, health, transportation, among others.
According to him; “This is why Governor Siminalayi Fubara is interested in the revival of the Songhai Farm, Buguma Fish Farm, among others”.
The commissioner vowed to break the cycle of exclusion.
He hinted that work is in progress at both the reawarded Andoni axis of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo Unity Road, as well as the Opobo Ring Road projects, with noticeable progress.
”We will throw the gate wide open for inclusiveness in our information and communications management.
“I will fight for and defend the media community,” he said.
Earlier in her speech, RIVPA Chairman, Gloria Boma Harry, informed that the purpose of the visit was to congratulate the commissioner who is a former secretary of the association, on his appointment as the Chief Driver of the Information and Communications vehicle of Rivers State.
The RIVPA chairman noted that Johnson’s appointment would boost the relationship between the media and the Rivers State Government.
“It is, indeed, a privilege for me to lead a team of great publishers in Rivers State to this August meeting holding in November.
“The aim of our visit is to primarily congratulate you, our former secretary on your well deserved appointment as the driver of the communication vehicle in our dear Rivers State.
“Your appointment is well deserved and will boost the relationship between the media and the state government under the leadership of Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
“As media owners, whose job it is to set agenda for society through our various newspapers and magazines, we want to assure you that RIVPA will do everything within her powers to ensure that Rivers State receives positive and investment friendly reportage which will impact on the socioeconomic sector of the state.
“We want to also use this opportunity to express our gratitude to the Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for appointing you as the commissioner of information and communications.
“This appointment has further confirmed that his administration places priority on harnessing the fortunes inherent in fostering a mutually beneficial relationship with the media”, she said.
The RIVPA chairman appealed to the commissioner to help in restoring the support members of RIVPA were getting from the state government under previous administrations in order to help their businesses as well as forge a stronger partnership with the government for better service delivery and effective perception management of government policies and programmes.
She said, “It is important to note that RIVPA members publicise the activities of the state government on daily basis, as part of our social responsibility of informing, educating and entertaining the public.
“Just like Queen Esther in the Bible was placed in the palace ahead of time to prevent the destruction of the Jews, you, our commissioner and former secretary general have been put in this office to speak on behalf of your colleagues and primary constituents.
“Secondly, RIVPA has asked me to tell you that we would want to have a hand sake with our performance-driven Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, especially now that he has made one of us a member of the State Executive Council. We want to pay him a thank you visit.”
She informed the commissioner of plans by the association to honour him, as a mark recognition of his new status.
“Finally, RIVPA is planning an end of year party, and we will be honouring you, our dear commissioner and other colleagues, who have made us proud.
“On behalf of RIVPA, I pray that God will use you to change the narrative when it comes to media and government relations, and grant you all you need to succeed.”, she said.