We’ll Revive Fire Service, Information Commissioner Assures …Says Fubara Is Keeping His Side Of Eight-Point Agreement

The Rivers State Government has promised to revive the moribund State Fire Service abandoned for eight years.
The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joe Johnson gave the assurance while speaking on a live radio programme in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Johnson hinted that the Siminalayi Fubara’s administration is ready to revive the agency to fight fire outbreaks in parts of the state.
Johnson, who expressed pains over the Nembe waterside inferno that gutted outboard motor boats and properties worth millions of naira on Sunday night, said government would no longer fold its hands to allow fire destroy properties of its citizens.
He, however, urged the citizenry to be more cautious during the dry season, and avoid storing inflammable products within neighborhoods.
Responding to comments on the embattled House of Assembly which picked holes in the recent appointments by Governor Fubara, the Information Commissioner said the appointment are legally valid since the governor has the powers to appoint people on acting capacities.
“The governor acted out of the Constitution,” Johnson said,” the appointment is purely fiduciary; meaning one can hold a position until a particular time,” the Commissioner explained.
Citing the immediate past administration for doing similar appointments, Johnson explained that laws governing agencies and boards are similar to what governs other bodies which the governor has fiduciary powers.
On the appointment for New Cities Development, the government spokesman was of the view that it was a mere change in nomenclature as there is an existing board of Greater Port Harcourt City, and therefore the law was not breached by the governor in any way.
He faulted the embattled lawmakers for going beyond their boundaries, as only the judiciary is the only arm that can interpret the law and not lawmakers.
The Commissioner averred that the intransigent posture of the embattled lawmakers displayed them as those who do not abide by the peace pact, insisting that Fubara has fulfilled his own part of the deal.
“We have released funds for the Assembly, even withdrew our cases in court, so we expect them to reciprocate. We are preaching peace and walking the talk, “Johnson maintained.

Kevin Nengia