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We’ll Support Efforts At Building Productive Civil Service, Fubara Assures Walson-Jack

Published

12 months ago

September 25, 2024

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has acknowledged the tremendous efforts of the leadership of the Federal Civil Service at building the capacity of the workforce for greater productivity, and assured that the Rivers State Government will not relent in offering tenable support that will contribute to the success of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The Governor maintained that in addition to joining efforts with the President Tinubu-led administration to achieve its Renewed Hope Agenda for the country, the current Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, has been a true ambassador of Rivers State with sterling performance that requires support.

Governor Fubara made the acknowledgment when he received on courtesy visit, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack at Government House in Port Harcourt, last Monday.

On her entourage were; Eyo Okpo-Ene, the South-South Zonal Chairman/Local Organising Committee of Nigerian Institute of Management, Prof. Abubakar Garuba, council member and North-East Zonal Chairman of Nigerian Institute of Management, and Sir Emmanuel Okafor, council member of Nigerian Institute of Management.

Governor Fubara said: “Let me also say this to everyone, when you become an ambassador of our State, the ambassador, as I understand it very well, is that you are representing a people.

“You might be a messenger to protect their interest or maybe, do one or two things for your people. It is always good for your person to speak peace and not trouble. I can say it here without fear that you symbolize peace, and we are very proud to associate with you.

“We will, by the special grace of God, in anyway we can, support you. We will support you because we know what you stand for. We also appreciate the work you are doing, and we are going to join hands together with you to support the success of the administration of Mr. President.

“Because it is important, if we fail from the head, it will also go down to the toe. So, we need all aspects of succeed,” he added.

Governor Fubara told his quest the need to bring back the glory that was once reckoned with the Rivers State Civil Service.

He said when Mrs Walson-Jack was still with the Rivers State Civil Service, she worked with dedication and attained a certain level in the service to merit the recommendation that took her to federal level because she was an outstanding officer.

“So, those of you that are here, you can see what it means to work hard, and to be dedicated. And today, it is because of those qualities, those hard works that led her to go to the federal, and she is now the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. It is not a walk in the pack, no. It is a big achievement. So, I am happy that you were able to achieve it for us.”

Governor Fubara said lots of initiatives and actions have been taken since he assumed office to reposition the State Civil Service that was nearly dead.

One of the decisions implemented, he stated, was to commence the promotion of civil servants who had been denied such statutory rights for upwards of 11 years, stressing that the decision has restored hope in them as a workforce of the government.

“We came in and it wasn’t easy, but we have to give the civil servants hope by ensuring that they were promoted. When we came on board, we inherited a near dead civil service. A service that there was no promotion for 11 years.

“We didn’t even end there. We immediately, when Nigerian Institute of Management visited us earlier, we assured them that they are going to be consultant to the Civil Service in terms of training, which is key.”

Governor Fubara also bemoaned how civil servants have been deprived of functional training opportunities that should expose them to contemporary procedures and work ethics, which had taken a toll on the entire service.

He said: “Training is the only thing that can build the service that will give us that level of result. Result of transparency, efficiency, even assurance that there is hope. It is only when you start building them and they feel secured that they also understand that something is at stake.

“I can’t remember the year that any of the civil servants here had gone for any training. I think the last time we did training was in 2010. That was the last time the civil service was involved in any training. So, I know what it means, because that is my primary constituency,” he said.

Governor Fubara noted with delight that the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation showed respect by undertaking the courtesy visit that most government functionaries find it difficult to do because they do not want to be in the bad book of somebody.

Specifically, he said: “I feel very honoured, I am overwhelmed with so much joy and my reason is this: We’ve had cases where people come into our State, people come in to represent the President in events, and they don’t bother paying courtesy (visit).

“The singular reason is for fear of some persons in Abuja. So, I am really happy that you are doing what is the normal standard everywhere in the federation.

“Somebody of your calibre cannot come into Rivers State without paying a courtesy call to the Governor. And by that, we also recognize you, because if anything happens to you while you are here, it is our problem. So, I want to thank you for honouring us,” he added.

In her speech, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, said as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, she is dedicated to ensuring that Rivers State’s concerns and aspirations are amplified at the highest level of government.

She pledged her readiness to support any initiatives that align with the goals of advancing the State because of her passion to build a civil service that is robust, responsive, dynamic, and one that meets the needs of the people.

She said, “At the Federal level, our ongoing civil service reforms are focused on performance management and digital transformation to improve transparency, accountability and efficiency.

“In today’s rapidly changing world, technology has become indispensable. We have embraced digitalization in the Federal Civil Service to streamline processes, enhance communication and deliver better services.

“I look forward to discussing how the Federal and Rivers State Civil Services can collaborate on technology-driven initiatives that can serve as a model for other states and regions.”

Speaking further, she said: “Your Excellency, I have long admired your commitment to public service, and I am excited to explore how we can work together to strengthen the Rivers State Civil Service further by prioritizing initiatives such as capacity building, promotion of transparency and accountability, and fostering greater citizen engagement. We can build the service that meets and exceeds expectations.

“Your leadership vision and dedication to good governance are not just commendable, but also critical to the success of our efforts at the Federal level.

“I am confident that together, we can advocate for policies that would unlock Rivers State’s full potential, and ensure its citizens have access to the resources and opportunities needed for sustainable growth and development.”

Mrs Walson-Jack expressed delight at learning how Rivers State under the leadership of Governor Fubara is determined to host the annual Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA) in November, 2024, and is on the verge of securing the hosting right for the 2024 meeting of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council.

She said the prestigious events would further advance the standing of Rivers State as a centre for national activities, and demonstrates it’s capacity for excellence.

Featured

PANDEF Hails Tinubu For Lifting Emergency Rule In Rivers

Published

2 days ago

September 19, 2025

The Tide

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has hailed the lifting of the State of Emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

In a statement signed by Board members and National Executive Committee members, yesterday, PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu for rectifying what they described as an anomaly.

The statement was co-signed by Co-Chairmen, PANDEF Board of Trustees, Alfred Diette-Spiff and Obong Victor Attah, National Chairman Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, and National Secretary, Beks Dagogo-Jack.

Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State on the 18th of March, 2025, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, and members of the state House of Assembly for six months in the first instance.

In place of the governor, the President appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) as Sole Administrator.

However, Tinubu announced the suspension of the Emergency Rule on Wednesday, stating, “It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State shall end with effect from midnight today (Wednesday).”

The Forum commended Fubara’s unwavering perseverance and “faith in the divine will of Almighty God,” while also commending the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension.

“The Board and National Executive Committee of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, the apex socio-political organisation representing the South-South geopolitical zone, joins millions of Nigerians in welcoming the lifting of the state of emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

“While PANDEF had expressed strong reservations regarding the erstwhile emergency rule, we commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for taking this bold step to rectify the anomaly.

“We welcome Governor Siminalayi Fubara back to his elected office and salute his unwavering perseverance and faith in the divine will of Almighty God. We extend similar commendations to the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Oduah, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension,” the statement read.

Addressing Rivers people, the forum declared, “Light has returned to the state and a new glorious dawn has come. A moment in which the bitter pains of the past months will inspire all to rededicate themselves to true mutual forbearance, new alignments and forward movement.”

They urged political leaders and citizens to put the past behind them and work towards the collective good of the State, while pledging to support Rivers’ developmental trajectory under Fubara.

“All hearts and hands must therefore be joined together to put the past behind us and work towards the collective good of the state.

“We look forward to the State’s return to normalcy and the resumption of its developmental trajectory under the leadership of Governor Fubara and his team. PANDEF reiterates its commitment to supporting the government and people of Rivers State in their pursuit of progress and development,” the statement added.

Featured

RSG Approves Full Rehabilitation of State Secretariat …Unveils Housing Scheme for Civil Servants, Honours Veterans

Published

1 week ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Eteh Ibas (Rtd), has approved the complete rehabilitation and modernization of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex to enhance efficiency and productivity in the civil service.

Ibas made the announcement at the 2025 Civil Service Week Gala and Awards Ceremony held at Banquet Hall, Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday,.

He disclosed that “initiative is designed to transform the secretariat into a modern, efficient and conducive work environment, directly supporting the civil servants who form the backbone of the state’s governance.”

The Administrator also approved the provision of 106 housing units for civil servants in the State.

Ibas paid glowing tribute to retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, describing them as the bedrock of the state’s administration.

He stated that the awards ceremony was a symbol of deep appreciation for decades of sacrifice, resilience, and commitment.

“These interventions are designed to not only recognize your service, but also to improve your welfare in tangible and lasting ways,” the Administrator stated.

“We must build an administration that is efficient, effective, and truly citizen-centric,” he added.

The Administrator urged serving officers to draw inspiration from their predecessors and strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of citizens.

He emphasized the importance of embracing innovation, technology, and continuous training to build a civil service equipped for the future.

The Acting Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyingi Brown, in her welcome address, described the civil service as the “engine room of government” and expressed profound gratitude to the Administrator for his unwavering support and commitment to its modernization.“

“A society that does not honour its heroes is not worthy of emulation,” Dr. Brown remarked, lauding the retirees as torchbearers of discipline and loyalty.

She pledged to build on their legacy through reforms and innovation, projecting that the Rivers State Civil Service would become a model of efficiency and transparency by 2030.

Speaking on behalf of the retirees, President of the Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries, Sir Promise Njowhor,

expressed heartfelt appreciation for the historic recognition.

“For once, since the creation of the State, we are being honoured,” Njowhor said, adding, “Our morale has been lifted.”

He pledged the association’s continuous support for government programmes, describing the body of experienced retirees as a resource available to contribute to state development.

The rehabilitation of the State Secretariat and the new housing scheme represent a major investment in the infrastructure and dignity of public service in Rivers State, signaling a new era of support for the civil servants who drive the government’s policies and programmes.

The Tide reports that the Administrator also conferred awards of meritorious service on retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries in the State

Featured

Rivers LG Poll: APC Wins 20 chairmanship seats, PDP Clears Three

Published

3 weeks ago

September 1, 2025

The Tide

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has won 20 out of the 23 local government areas in the just concluded local government election in the State, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clinched three local governments.

According to the results released by the Rivers State independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), yesterday, the APC won the chairmanship seats in Abua/Odual, Andoni, Opobo Nkoro, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Khana local government areas.

APC also won in Gokana, Tai, Oyigbo, Bonny, Eleme, Etche, Omuna, Akuku Toru, Asari Toru, Degema, Ikwerre and Emohua local government areas.

The Commission, however, said the PDP won in Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor, and Ogba Egbema Ndoni local government areas.

Chairman of the Commission, Dr Michael Odey, who announced the results at the Commission headquarters in Port Harcourt, said Ofori Owolabi of the APC scored 28,755 votes to emerge winner of the election for Abua Odual while Solomon Ochomma, also of the APC, emerged chairman elect for Ahoada East after scoring 54,509 votes.

Odey said Eugene Epelle also of the APC scored 84,125 votes to emerge winner in Ahoada West, while Bob Fubara was elected the chairman-elect for Akuku Toru after scoring 63,593 votes.

Similarly APC chairmanship candidate Lucky Otuo Promise emerged chairman-elect for Andoni after scoring a total of 126,181 votes, APC’s George Onengiyeofori emerged winner in Asari Toru after scoring 56,383 votes, while Pepple Blessing Abinye garnered 13,543 votes to emerge winner in Bonny Local Government Area.

Other APC candidates elected include Michael John Williams who scored 16,536 votes to emerge chairman-elect for Degema Local Government; Obarlllormate Ollor (77,452) for Eleme; Dr Chidi Julius Lloyd (114,380) for Emohua; Njoku Boniface (100,649) for Etche; Confidence Deekor (96,478) for Gokana, while Wobodo Charles got 62,746 votes to emerge winner in Ikwerre Local Government Area.

Other APC winners from the APC include Akuro Tobins (32,285 votes) for Okrika; Hon Obasi Uchechukwu (38,530) for Omuma; James A James (38,822) for Opobo Nkoro; Vincent Nemieboka (36,374) for Ogu/Bolo; Hon Mbakpone Okpe (70,080) for Tai LGA, while in Oyigbo, Okechukwu Akara scored 101,495 votes to emerge winner.

Meanwhile, the RSIEC chairman announced Dr Gift Worlu of the PDP with 328,823 votes to emerge winner in Obio Akpor; Shedrack Ogbogu, also of the PDP, scored 51,051 votes for Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area, while in Port Harcourt City, Sir Alwell Ihunda garnered 235,054 votes for PDP to emerge winner.

The APC also cleared the councillorship seats in Abua/Odual, Andoni, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Khana, Oyigbo, Bonny, Eleme, Etche,Tai, Khana Opobo/Nkoro and Degema local government areas.

Similarly APC councillorship candidates also emerged winners in Asari Toru, Degema, Akuku Toru, Gokana and Khana while PDP cleared the councillorship seats in Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt city, and Ogba Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Areas

Meanwhile, the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions has passed a vote of confidence on the just concluded local government election in the State.

National Chairman of the forum, Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, said this in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt.

Eri said all the chairmen across the country were in Port Harcourt to monitor the election as well as gain experience in an election under emergency rule.

John Bibor & King Onunwor