Rivers
Ogu/Bolo Swears In 150 Political Aides …Berates Opposition Over S’Court Judgment
The Chairman, Caretaker Committee (CTC) of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Evans Bipi, has sworn in over 150 appointees into office as a form of economic empowerment and wealth creation.
Addressing the appointees after taking their oath of office at the Ogu Magistrate Court, Bipi said the move is in line with the directive of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his policy on stomach infrastructure to empower the people with appointments as part of measures to mitigate the current economic hardship at the grassroots.
He said the appointment slots were evenly spread across the twelve Wards of Ogu/Bolo and even to non-indigenes to ensure balance representation, inclusivity and a sense of belonging in governance.
The LG boss explained that the appointment will enhance the financial capacity of the appointees with a far-reaching ripple effect on their families and communities.
“The appointment of over 150 aides is part of my empowerment programme to ensure financial inclusion and enhance the financial capacity of breadwinners in Ogu/Bolo to enable them meet the rising needs of their households amidst the current economic situation in the country”, he said.
Bipi also urged the people of Ogu/Bolo to remain peaceful in the face of provocation by loyalists of the FCT Minister in the area.
He noted though no one has a monopoly of violence, but members of the Simplified Movement in Ogu/Bolo decided to toe the path of peace due to the peaceful nature of Governor Fubara.
“God is on our side. Our Governor is a peacemaker. Let’s toe the path of peace, let us not be swayed or intimidated by their lies, they live by lies. Our Governor is a man of few words, he does not talk much but he does much, so don’t join issue with them”, he added.
Bipi also charged the appointees to key into his development agenda, bring their experiences to bear and contribute positively to the development of the LGA.
“I charge all appointees to key into my vision and policy direction on economic empowerment, a.k.a stomach infrastructure, and human capital development, which aims at reducing the scourge of hunger and hardship in our land.
“As you assume your new roles today, I urge you to be diligent, upright and live above board in all your dealings in office.
“You must bring your experiences to bear and make positive contribution for the good governance of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area”, he charged them.
The Ogu/Bolo Council boss also berated the opposition for jubilating in ignorance over the Supreme Court verdict on financial autonomy for Local Government system not knowing the implication of the judgment.
“The Supreme Court gave a judgment that federal allocation should be paid directly to the 774 Local Government Areas of the country and some people are jubilating ignorantly not knowing the implication of the judgment, truly ignorance is a big disease.
“What this means is that the allocation should be paid directly to me the Council Chairman Ogu/Bolo and not to someone else who is not the Council Chairman.
“It is laughable that some people decided to deliberately misinterpret the judgment to soothe themselves, hoodwink the public and give their gullible followers false hope”, he said.
The Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII), His Majesty, King Prof. Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, Eze Gbakagbaka, has called on communication professionals to rise above routine narratives and become vanguards in rebuilding public trust in the face of Nigeria’s challenging economic realities.
The revered monarch made the charge while delivering the Chairman’s Opening Remarks at the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Rivers State Chapter, held in Port Harcourt, with the theme: “Refocusing Stakeholders’ Engagement and Public Trust in a Challenging Economy.”
The event, which drew leading figures in public communication, governance, and industry, witnessed presentations, keynote addresses and robust deliberations aimed at repositioning the PR profession to respond to national realities with innovation and integrity.
In his remarks, HM Eke commended the Rivers State Chapter of NIPR, led by Rev. Francis Asuk, for what he called its unwavering commitment to professionalism, knowledge-sharing, and continuous dialogue on issues affecting the nation’s social and institutional fabric.
He noted that the theme of the conference could not have been more appropriate, considering the current national climate where public confidence in institutions is at an all-time low, and economic uncertainties have strained relationships between stakeholders and the state.
“We are living in a season when trust has become a scarce commodity. Citizens are asking tough questions, and institutions are struggling to maintain credibility. In such a time, the role of the Public Relations professional becomes even more crucial”, he said.
The Eze Gbakagbaka, who is the Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, noted that Public Relations practitioners must understand their strategic role as mediators between the people and the truth, adding that the tools of their trade: honest communication, transparency, and empathy, must be wielded with renewed purpose and patriotism.
“You are the bridge between the people and the truth; between perception and reality. Your work determines whether society believes, doubts, or hopes again. Let this conference remind us that trust is not demanded, it is earned”, he urged.
He emphasized that the restoration of trust in both public and private sectors requires consistent, deliberate, and sincere stakeholder engagement.
According to him, when communication is driven by integrity, not propaganda, society will gradually find its voice and confidence once again.
“With transparent communication and genuine engagement, even in a difficult economy, confidence can be restored”, the monarch said, urging the delegates to see themselves not just as professionals, but as nation-builders with a moral obligation to influence public perception positively.
The Evo apex King, who is also a Fellow of the Institute, called on participants to approach the discussions with open minds and patriotic intent, stressing that every contribution must be geared towards rebuilding national cohesion and institutional trust.
“With a deep sense of honour and responsibility”, he declared, “I, His Majesty, King Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, JP, Eze Gbakagbaka, Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII) and Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, formally declare open the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Rivers State Chapter to the glory of God and for the good of our society.”
At a post conference courtesy call at the instance of the Eze Gbakagbaka, the President of the Association, Dr. Ike Neliaku, described the Kung as an astute Fellow who is determined to add colour to the Institute regardless of any odds.
Also, the Council Member, Pastor Palunius Nsirim, who corroborated the President’s position, noted that His Majesty’s recognition was something valid given his contributions to the growth of the association.
“We value your presence with us. We will continue to benefit from your wise counsel. We won’t take your support for granted”, he said.
Climax of the visit was the decoration of Dr. Neliaku by the Evo apex King as a Honorary citizen of the Kingdom.
By: King Onunwor