Rivers
Govt’s Inaction, Bane Of Corruption In Nigeria – Prof
The inability of Government at all levels to impose appropriate sanction against citizens found culpable has contributed to widespread corruption in Nigeria.
This is the opinion of Professor Ozioma Bennett Orluweni, while delivering the 53rd inaugural lecture of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) recently at the university’s auditorium.
The Professor of Public Administration said corruption is now seen as the norm in both private and public spheres.
Nigerians, according to Professor Orluweni, are counted among the richest in the world, but their economy is underdeveloped with majority of the population wallowing in abject poverty and misery.
The country, he stated, is ranked as one of the poorest countries in the world, hence it is tagged the poverty capital of the world and among the most corrupt people on earth.
The inaugural Lecturer noted that the so-called religiosity of Nigerians has not in any way stopped those in position of power from exploiting the privilege they have been given by the people to serve at both the Local, State and National levels from abusing those positions through corrupt practices.
He informed that the Nigerian society tend to over emphasise individual goal attainment at the expense of the legitimate means of achieving these set goals.
He observed that “material acquisition has virtually become the ultimate goal, and that the society does not appear to be concerned with how one makes it. All that is important is that one has arrived”.
This, he continued, marked discrepancy between the goals and means in the society, adding that “it has invariably led to various forms of corruption, such as embezzlement of public fund, offering and acceptance of bribe, electoral rigging, examination malpractice, etc., making it difficult to have a corruption free society, especially as the Principal often times not only aid and abet corruption, but also connives in the spreading of corruption”.
Orluweni, who is the Director of the University printing press and Bookshop, hinted that the economic condition of a society induces corruption and called for egalitarian distribution of wealth to reduce corruption to the barest minimum.
He stressed the need for the establishment or reform of the existing public service to the one that is built on rules and procedures, stating that such procedures must be based on “integrity, merit, professionalism and patriotism imbued with the commitment to model against corruption”.
The Professor of Public Administration advocated for stiffer sanctions for corrupt public officials or individuals to serve as deterrence against the institutionalisation of corrupt behaviour and anti-democratic value system.
“A vibrant anti-graft agency devoid of political interest, and dependence on any powerful political class”, Professor Orluweni continued, “should be instituted in the general fight against corruption.
“Such institutions should not only be constitutionally empowered to be independent, they should also be autonomously funded with appropriate legislation.
“The rule of law and constitutionalism should be strengthened to serve as deterrence against corruption”.
The Director concluded by advising politicians to avoid the temptation to play God in politics and to be God-fearing and loving, saying “this will enable them eschew the Nigerian politician’s characteristics of shamelessness, deceitfulness and selfishness”.
These, he said, would improve democracy, strengthen institutions and good governance.
In his remarks, the Acting Vice Chancellor of IAUE, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, commended the 53rd inaugural Lecturer for a job well done and welcomed him to the medal class.
He called for caution and moderation in the manipulation of societal resources and described unemployment and poverty as a bane of corruption, which has retarded economic growth and development in the country.
While lauding the Lecturer for doing justice to the topic of discourse, he urged those who amass wealth to reinvest the resources through building of factories, enhancement of massive industrialisation programme, and provision of other facilities where they can at least create job opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths in the country.
In a vote of thanks, Professor Godwin Chukwuemeka Nwaeke expressed gratitude to all who came to identify with the university and the inaugural lecture and expressed the hope that they would take the lessons learnt to better their lot and that of the country.
Continue Reading
The Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University (RSU), Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, has inaugurated and sworn-in eleven newly elected Deans of Faculties, charging them to provide inclusive, transparent and people-oriented leadership across the University.
The ceremony, held at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room, marked the formal assumption of office by the new Deans following a university-wide election process.
Those inaugurated are Prof. John Ohaka (Faculty of Administration and Management), Prof. David Kiin-Kabari (Faculty of Agriculture), Prof. Barigbon G. Nsereka (Faculty of Communication and Media Studies), Prof. Isaac N. Dokubo (Faculty of Education), Prof. Enwuso Aleruchi Igwe (Faculty of Engineering), Prof. Paulinus W. Ihua (Faculty of Environmental Sciences), Prof. Jones M. Jaja (Faculty of Humanities), Prof. Grace Akolokwu (Faculty of Law), Prof. Ebirien-Agana S. Bartimaues (Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science), Prof. Ndokiari Boisa (Faculty of Science), and Prof. Emmanuel B. Okemini (Faculty of Social Sciences).
In his address, Prof. Zeb-Obipi expressed deep appreciation to the Committee of Provosts and Deans, led by the Provost, College of Medical Sciences, Prof. Kenneth S. Ordu, for their sustained support and cooperation since he assumed office.
He also commended the Electoral Committee, chaired by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Blessing R. Jaja, for conducting what he described as a free, fair and credible election.
According to him, the professionalism displayed by the committee has prompted Management’s decision to develop a formal Electoral Guidelines and Code of Conduct Handbook to guide future elections within the University.
Congratulating the newly elected Deans, the Vice-Chancellor noted that their emergence reflected the confidence reposed in them by their colleagues.
He urged them to foster unity, uphold mutual respect irrespective of rank, and ensure openness and accountability in the administration of their faculties.
The event climaxed with the administration of the oath of office by the Director of Legal Services, Barr. Tamuno Williams, followed by the signing of the Deans’ Register and the presentation of appointment letters by the Vice-Chancellor.
By: Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso
Fasthire Services, in collaboration with the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM), Rivers State Chapter, is set to organise a two-day career development and job creation event in Port Harcourt, from February 27-28, 2026.
The event, known as “Fasthire CareerFest 2026”, is expected to attract over 1,000 job opportunities, with employers actively recruiting across various sectors.
CareerFest 2026 is designed to be a high-impact platform that goes beyond a traditional job fair, and will also feature career exhibitions and professional guidance sessions, aimed at helping participants navigate career pathways, professional development, and long-term career planning.
There will be virtual sessions and industry conversations on February 27, and physical conference and job fair in Port Harcourt on February 28.
The hybrid event will feature three core components career and Industry Conference – keynote sessions, panel discussions, and fireside chats with HR leaders, business executives, policymakers, and industry experts.
The organisers said CareerFest 2026 is open to students, fresh graduates, job seekers, professionals, recruiters, business leaders, and anyone seeking career clarity, growth, or new opportunities.
They called on members of the public, employers who have vacancies and want to recruit, and professionals to register and participate in what is positioned as one of the most impactful career and employment-focused events in the South-South region.
The vision for CareerFest was originally conceived by Fasthire Services and has since received strong buy-in and strategic support from PHCCIMA and CIPM Rivers, reflecting a shared commitment to workforce development, youth empowerment, and sustainable employment.
Other strategic partners supporting the event include NTA, 3MTT, Google Developer Group (GDG) Port Harcourt, SMFest, and other companies and organisations that are committed to skills development, innovation, and employment creation.
With strong institutional backing, a clear employment focus, and a growing network of partners, Fasthire CareerFest 2026 is positioned to play a meaningful role in shaping careers, strengthening the workforce, and driving inclusive economic growth in Rivers State and beyond.
The Rivers State Police Command has raised the alarm over a disturbing rise in criminal activities involving individuals impersonating police officers and extorting members of the public across the state.
The Command described the trend as a serious threat to public safety and trust, urging residents to remain vigilant and security-conscious at all times.
In a press release by its Public Relations Officer, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, in Port Harcourt, the Police said the suspects allegedly operate by dressing in black outfits and posing as law enforcement officers while setting up illegal checkpoints to harass and intimidate unsuspecting citizens.
According to the release, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, also expressed concern over the development and assured the public that decisive steps have been taken to curb the menace.
He said a robust monitoring and intelligence mechanism has been activated to identify, apprehend and prosecute those behind the criminal acts.
Police authorities noted that the actions of these impostors not only amount to extortion and impersonation, but also undermine the credibility of legitimate security operations within the state.
The Command warned that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
The statement further clarified that no police officer or security agent has the legal authority to stop citizens on the road or at checkpoints to search their mobile phones, laptops or other personal electronic devices.
Such actions, the Police said, are unlawful and should be resisted through proper reporting channels.
Residents were also cautioned against complying with demands to accompany any individual to a Point of Sale (POS) operator, bank or other financial outlet for the purpose of withdrawing or transferring money, as this is a common tactic employed by the criminals.
The Police Command also called on members of the public to be alert and to take note of their surroundings, especially when confronted by suspicious persons or hostile checkpoints that do not follow established policing procedures.
To strengthen community participation in tackling the problem, the Command provided several emergency contact numbers for immediate reporting of suspicious activities.
The numbers include the Complaint Response Unit hotlines: 07057605256, 08120822987 and 09035774814.
Additional contact lines include the Police Public Relations Officer on 09014273818 and the Command’s Control Room on 08032003514, all of which are available for prompt response to distress calls.
Security analysts have observed that impersonation of law enforcement officers has become a recurring challenge in urban centres, often thriving where public awareness is low.
They stress that timely reporting by citizens is critical in dismantling such criminal networks.
The State Police Command reassured residents of its unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order and protecting lives and property across the state.
It also appealed to the public to continue supporting legitimate police operations with credible information.
The statement further emphasized that cooperation between the Police and the public remains essential to ensuring a safe and secure Rivers State.
By: King Onunwor
-
Sports3 days agoArsenal Women End Man City’s Invincibility
-
Sports3 days agoU-20 WWC: Falconets claim qualifier win
-
Sports3 days agoInsurance Deepen Enyimba’s Trouble
-
Sports3 days agoYouth Olympics preparation Gears up
-
Sports3 days agoCologne Youth Team Set Crowd Record
-
Sports3 days agoTornadoes Set For NPFL exit over Stadium Ban
-
Sports3 days agoPalmer Stars As Chelsea Compound Wolves Woes
-
Sports3 days agoBarca Pull Out Of Super League Project