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NBA Lauds Fubara’s Records On Governance, Infrastructure

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The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has lauded the giant strides the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara has recorded in the areas of good governance, restoration and maintenance of peace and unity, provision of massive infrastructure projects as well as promotion of economic prosperity in Rivers State.
The NBA made the commendation when a delegation of Chairmen and Secretaries of the various branches of the Association in the State had audience with the Governor at Government House in Port Harcourt, last Tuesday night.
The delegation, which was received in a closed door session, was led by Chairman of Port Harcourt Branch of the association, Mr Viktor Ibim Benibo.
Speaking with newsmen after a fruitful interaction with the Governor, Mr Benibo explained that the leaderships of NBA branches across the State were inspired to pay the visit by the level of peace and economic prosperity experienced within the short time that Governor Fubara has been on the saddle.
This, he attributed to the manner Governor Fubara has handled the affairs of the State with peaceful demeanour, maturity and wisdom, which have ensured that unity of purpose and progress permeated the entire State.
Mr Benibo said, as a result, key players in the economy and other service providers now enjoy some level of confidence because Governor Fubara has contained the monster of political crisis that erupted seven months ago, adding that the people were benefitting from the gains of peace and economic rejuvenation.
It is for these reasons that he said, “We are encouraged by the peaceful disposition of the Governor, and we have decided to say thank you to him for the peace he has given to this State.
“You know, the way he has handled the affairs of this State with maturity, the economic prosperity experienced within this short time, including the Port Harcourt Ring Road, the Trans-Kalabari Road, and other projects that impact the people positively are good signs for our people.”
Mr Benibo further said: “These are very massive projects which so many administrations had deliberately skipped from reaching the masses.
“But from the way he (Governor Fubara) is going, you understand, it seems we are in to see so many other good things in very short time. These are things the people have been expecting for years.
“So, we are here to say to the Governor, even though notwithstanding your age as a young man, you are doing what older ones could not do. So, we are saying thank you to him for what he has done, and to encourage him and his administration to remain focused in doing those good things lined up for the people of the State.”
Commenting on whether they were in Government House to felicitate with Governor Fubara on the celebration of his one year in office, Mr Benibo restated the apolitical nature of NBA, explaining that the visit had no political colouration but designed to appreciate the good works of the administration.
Mr Benibo, however, noted that the NBA observed at the State Banquet to celebrate the 57th anniversary of the creation of Rivers State, that a number of Rivers leaders with integrity who had hitherto been alienated from governance, voluntarily dedicated their time to associate with the government.
He stated that such display of friendship and brotherliness has erased the politics of bitterness that had characterised the State in recent past, adding that with such sense of purpose and direction, the State will emerge stronger politically, economically and otherwise.
He said, “Honestly, we didn’t have that at the back of our minds because we are not politicians, but inasmuch as we are here, we have come to show support and appreciation for the way he (Governor Fubara) has run the affairs of the State in a peaceful, inclusive and purpose-driven manner.
“This is because yesterday (May 27) was our 57th anniversary as a State, and we are also happy, particularly at the calibre of leaders across all spectrum of endeavours we saw during the State Banquet. It shows that the people of the State are more united now in support of the Governor and his Administration. That support is what we need to move the State forward.
“So, we saw many people that were before alienated politically, and I was happy to see them, and it tells you that just because we are enjoying peace, everybody has come around. That is governance. And we will continue to encourage them to come around because their coming together will help the State grow faster.”
Mr Benibo emphasised: “I am not a politician. I’m not APC, I’m not PDP. And I’m sure most of us here are also not politicians. But as lawyers, we are trained to talk the truth at all material times.
“So, we are here to encourage our dear performing Governor, to say: please, go ahead and provide leadership and good governance to the people of Rivers State,” he added.

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Ibas Inaugurates RSIEC, Service Commissions, Healthcare Board In Rivers  …Charges Appointees To Embrace Principles Of Service 

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The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ibas, has charged newly appointed Board members to uphold the highest standards of discipline, competence, integrity, and unwavering dedication in their service to the State.

 

He emphasized that such commitment is critical to stabilizing governance, restoring democratic institutions, and advancing the principles of good governance in the State.

 

 

 

This was contained in a statement by the Administrator’s Senior Special Adviser on Media, Hector Igbikiowubo on Monday.

 

 

 

Ibas issued the charge on Monday while inaugurating the reconstituted Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Rivers State Civil Service Commission, Rivers State Local Government Service Commission, and the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board at Government House, Port Harcourt.

 

 

 

The Administrator urged the new appointees to embrace their roles with diligence, patriotism, and a commitment to transforming Rivers State through excellent service.

 

 

 

Addressing the Chairman and members of RSIEC, Ibas underscored their pivotal role in ensuring credible local government elections that reflect the will of the people.

 

 

 

“Your task is clear but demanding: to conduct free, fair, transparent, and credible elections at the grassroots level. You must resist bias, favoritism, and external interference while restoring public confidence in the electoral process,” he stated.

 

 

 

“The independence of your actions is crucial to sustaining peace, stability, and grassroots governance. I urge you to act with fairness, impartiality, and professionalism—even in the face of difficult choices,” Ibas added.

 

 

 

The Sole Administrator also charged the Rivers State Civil Service Commission on the need to eliminate mediocrity and foster a culture of excellence through merit-based recruitment, training, and promotions.

 

 

 

“The civil service must transition from favoritism to competence, integrity, and accountability. Your commission will lead reforms, including digital transformation and standardized practices across ministries, departments, and agencies,” he said.

 

 

 

He disclosed that extensive training programmes are underway, with a committee set up to overhaul the public service framework for greater efficiency.

 

 

 

Meanwhile, Ibas urged the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission to ensure professionalism and discipline in local government administration.

 

 

 

“As the closest tier of government to the people, you must drive reforms that insulate the system from politics and mediocrity. Your mandate includes merit-based recruitment, training, and enforcing standards for effective service delivery,” he stated.

 

 

 

In the same vein, the Administrator charged the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board with revitalizing healthcare delivery across the state’s 23 local government areas.

 

 

 

“Primary healthcare is the foundation of a sustainable health system. Your board must ensure facilities are adequately staffed, equipped, and operational focusing on maternal health, immunization, malaria control, and community health services,” he said.

 

 

 

He emphasized data-driven operations, incentives for rural health workers, and restoring the referral system to improve healthcare access.

 

 

 

He also assured the Board of sustained government support, including funding, for the effective discharge of their mandates but warned that board members would be held accountable for their performance.

 

 

 

The newly inaugurated members include: RSIEC: Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey (Chairman) with Prof. Arthur Nwafor, Prof. Joyce Akaninwor, and others as members.

 

 

 

Civil Service Commission: Dr. Livinus Bariki (Chairman), Amb. Lot Egopija, Mrs. Maeve Bestman, and others.

 

 

 

Local Govt. Service Commission: Mr. Isreal Amadi (Chairman), Rear Adm. Emmanuel Ofik (Rtd), Dr. Tonye Pepple, and others.

 

 

 

Primary Health Care Board: Dr. Dawari George (Chairman), Dr. Chituru Adiele (Executive Director), Prof. Kaladada Korubo, and representatives from key ministries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Rivers PDP Debunks Sale Of LGA Election Forms

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The Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Dr. Kenneth Yowika, has debunked claims that the party has commenced sale of forms for chairmanship and councillorship elections across the 23 local government areas of the state.

 

Yowika made the rebuttal in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday, describing the publication on the social media as baseless and untrue.

 

He urged members of the PDP to disregard the claim, saying that official communication regarding the sale of forms would be disclosed through the appropriate channels.

 

“With reference to information trending on social media, it has been falsely claimed that the sale of forms for Chairmanship and Councillorship elections in the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Rivers State will begin soon.

 

“However, the party has firmly denied these rumours, stating that they are baseless and untrue.

 

“The party has its own established methods of reaching out to its numerous supporters.

 

“The People’s Democratic Party, a law-abiding organisation, will patiently await the release of guidelines from the recently inaugurated Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) before considering any sale of election forms.

 

“The PDP is urging its members to remain calm as official communication regarding the sale of forms will be disclosed through appropriate channels,” the statement read.

 

Enoch Epelle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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South-South contributes N34trn to Nigeria’s economy in 2024 – Institute

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Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), has stated that the South-South region contributes N34 trillion to country’s economy in 2024.

He made the remark at the South-South Zonal Banking and Finance Conference in Calabar, yesterday.

He spoke on the theme, ‘’Building An Inclusive South-South: Economic Diversification as a Catalyst For Development.’’

Olanrewaju, who quoted the data from the Cable Data Index, said the feat was more than 21 per cent of Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The president described the growth as ‘’ impressive,’’ saying that it was not driven by oil alone but significant expansions in trade, services, and the creative industries.

According to him, to fully harness this potential, coordinated financial, technological, and policy support is essential.

“As we work to reposition the South-South for broad-based prosperity, the financial system must play a central role, not merely as a source of capital, but as a catalyst for innovation, ideas incubation, and inclusive economic growth.

“This conference, therefore, provides a strategic opportunity for stakeholders to reimagine the South-South economy, not merely as a resource belt, but as a region of diverse capabilities and resilient enterprises.”

Olanrewaju added that Nigeria must move beyond old models and chart a new course for the development of the South-South region, where financial institutions and stakeholder collaborate to diversify the economy for shared prosperity.

He,  however, commended Gov. Bassey Otu for his pledge of land for CIBN Secretariat in Cross River and being the first sitting governor to willingly undergo and complete the Chartered Bankers Programme.

On his part, Gov. Otu said that the conference discussion on the economic diversification in South-South region was timely against the backdrop of global trade and economic volatility that was affecting the nation’s economy.

Represented by his deputy, Mr Peter Odey, Otu said the South-South region must now act with urgency to diversify its economy while leveraging its shared natural endowment in agriculture and extractive resources.

“This conference must help develop tailored financial solutions that reflect the unique strengths and realities of states like Cross River in the south-south.

“Diversification should be evidence-based and must be backed not just by financial advice but project focused financing and real investment support,” he noted.

He said that Cross River had taken the bold step to invest in its agricultural sector by launching an Agro processing hub.

Otu further said that the state had invested in aviation by acquiring more aircrafts for Cally Air, construction of the Bakassi Deep Seaport and injecting N18 billion in its tourism sector.

Similarly, Mr Tolefe Jibunoh, Cross River Branch Controller of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said that the region was blessed with natural resources, cultural diversities and immense human potentials.

Jibunoh, who was represented by Mr Segun Shittu, Head, Currency Control Office, CBN, Calabar, noted that strategic diversification could unlock unprecedented opportunities for growth in the region.

He added that the CBN remained steadfast to maintain monetary possibilities and promote a sound financial system as a catalyst for sustainable economic development for the benefit of all.

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