Rivers
NCSU Lambasts Rivers LawmakersOver LG Reforms

Apparently taking a cue from some opposition members in the House of Representatives, the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) has vehemently opposed the moves by some members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, to veto and override the assent of Governor Siminalayi Fubara on controversial bills to reform local government administration in the State, as well as extend the tenure of serving Council Chairmen and Councillors in the State.
The union said the action of the lawmakers is unknown to any extant law in the country and therefore is condemnable and unacceptable.
The Rivers State Chairman of NCSU, Comrade Chukwuka Richman Osumah, who gave the indication in an interview in Port Harcourt, said the lawmakers must now tread with caution in order not to incur the wrath of Rivers people who have risen stoutly in defence of the Governor in the wake of the current political crisis in the State.
According to him, the action of the lawmakers is a recipe for chaos, anarchy and lawlessness, and goes contrary to the peace accord brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He noted that in spite of the fact that Governor Fubara had taken steps to abide by the terms of the peace accord, and has continued to preach peace, the lawmakers and their co-travellers have rather continued to stoke the ambers of chaos, violence and needless bloodletting in the State.
Osumah, therefore, opined that if the lawmakers fail to retrace their steps and give peace a chance, the union would without hesitation, in conjunction with other labour unions in the State mobilise workers across the country to storm Rivers State, in order to call the legislators to order.
He regretted that the lawmakers have in a hurry forgotten that by virtue of their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP), they had ceased to be elected members of the State House of Assembly, and advised them to purge themselves of the tendencies of taking the laws into their own hands.
He said the time has come for the National Assembly to take over the functions of legislating for the Rivers State House of Assembly since majority of the state lawmakers had lost the mandate and legitimacy to continue to perform their legislative functions for their constituents and the State, by virtue of their defections.
While describing the moves by the lawmakers to amend the Local Government Law of the State without recourse to the Governor’s assent as legislative rascality, Osumah said civil servants in the State can no longer fold their arms and watch while some individuals take pleasure in insulting the Governor with impunity and denigrating the office of the Governor.
He maintained that the civil servants are united in their unalloyed support for the Governor Fubara administration and would continue to support the Governor to succeed in office as one of their own. This is even as he called on all civil servants in the State to continue to support and pray for the Governor and be prepared to march out whenever they are called upon.
Osumah also appealed to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to take keen interest in what is happening in Rivers State, particularly when one of its members in the person of Governor Fubara is being haunted and maligned.
He called on the Governors to rise up in defence of their colleague, by sending a strong message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The Governors should be reminded that there is an adage that says, ‘wetin reach old pot must surely reach the new pot’. If this rascality is allowed to thrive, any one of them could be the next victim. Folding their arms and sleeping while one of them is being maligned is dangerous. It could spell disaster”, he said.
Osumah also condemned the recent call by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Governor Fubara to publicly face the press, describing the comments by the Minister as infantile, unnecessary and frivolous.
According to him, Governor Fubara should be left alone and be allowed to concentrate on governance.
The labour leader expressed optimism that Governor Fubara would put smiles on the faces of civil servants in the State as Christendom prepares for this year’s Easter celebrations.
Niger Delta
RSNC Head Charges NAOMEW On Professionalism, Effective Service Delivery

The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages

The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.
Rivers
Rivers NYCN Wants Sokubo For Second Term
National Youth Council of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter, under the dynamic leadership of Amb. Ambrose Sopuruchukwu Okpor, has called on the result-oriented National President, Amb. Sokubo Saraigbe Sokubo, to re-contest.
This call stems from the overwhelming confidence reposed in him by Nigerian youths, based on his outstanding track record, charismatic leadership, and unwavering commitment to youth development.
This was contained in a statement made available to news men, yesterday.
Amb. Akpor explained that under the leadership of Amb. Sokubo the NYCN has experienced unprecedented progress in youth empowerment, advocacy, and national unity.
“I want to say that Amb. Sokubo’s ability to maintain harmony, sustainable peace, and foster an inclusive atmosphere within the youth leadership structure is a testament to his visionary and tactical approach to leadership.
“The Rivers State Chapter, with other progressive and stakeholders, believes he is best positioned to continue piloting the affairs of the Council towards greater heights”,he said.
The youth council chairman in the State further appeal to Sokubo to answer this noble call to serve once again, for the sake of continuity, growth, and the collective aspirations of Nigerian youths across the country.