Connect with us

News

WE’LL SUPPORT EFFORTS AT BUILDING PRODUCTIVE CIVIL SERVICE, FUBARA ASSURES WALSON-JACK

Published

on

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.

 

Continue Reading

News

Rivers DPOs Receive Awards For Outstanding Performance In Crime Prevention …As Students, Media Group Honour CSP Worgu, CSP Yusuf

Published

on

Two Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in Rivers State have been honoured by separate groups for their contributions to security, crime prevention and improved community-police relations in their respective areas of responsibility.

The beneficiaries are the DPO of Afam Police Division, CSP  Endurance Worgu and his counterpart at Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf.

CSP Worgu was honoured by a group of students under the aegis of Rivers State Graduate Students Associations for what they described as his commitment and outstanding performance in the discharge of his duties.

The students, led by  Chidi John Enyie, Esq. said CSP Worgu was selected based on his track record and status as one of the longest-serving young DPOs of Rivers State origin.

According to the group, CSP Worgu has made significant contributions to the protection of lives and property in the area since assuming office following the #EndSARS period.

The students said they were particularly impressed by the improvement in community-police relations under his leadership, noting that professionalism had remained a key feature of his service.

Enyie represented by Comrade Briggs Soku, said the students community was pleased to identify with a Rivers indigene who had distinguished himself in the police force.

He said the students considered it necessary to encourage and celebrate CSP Worgu because of his achievements as a young Rivers man excelling in a profession that many people from the state were often reluctant to join.

Receiving the award at his office in Afam, CSP Worgu expressed gratitude to God and the students for finding him worthy of the honour.

The DPO said the recognition had boosted his morale and encouraged him to sustain his efforts towards maintaining peace and security in the area.

He said he least expected the honour, particularly because it came from the students, adding that the recognition would further motivate him to serve the people better.

CSP Worgu assured residents of Afam that the police would sustain the existing peace in the area.

He appealed to members of the public to support the police by providing credible and timely information, stressing that useful information from residents would make the job of security personnel easier.

Meanwhile, the Ikwerre/Etche Media Association has also honoured the DPO of Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf, for his efforts in tackling criminal activities in the area.

The media group presented the award following the swift tracking and arrest of five suspected kidnappers who had allegedly terrorised residents of the Kom-Kom axis and other parts of Oyigbo.

The group commended CSP Bello for what it described as his determined efforts to restore confidence and security in the affected communities, particularly Kom-Kom and Obeama.

According to the group, the arrest of the suspects demonstrated the DPO’s commitment to tackling criminality and safeguarding residents.

The media association said residents had received the development with relief, noting that the police action had sent a strong message to criminal elements operating in the area.

Responding, CSP Yusuf appreciated the group for the recognition and reaffirmed that there would be no room for criminality in Oyigbo.

He also commended the media for its role in disseminating credible information to the public, saying the media had remained supportive of the police in the fight against crime.

CSP Yusuf warned criminal elements operating in Oyigbo to leave the area or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.

He assured residents that the police would continue to pursue criminals and work to dismantle their hideouts, regardless of where they might be operating.

Continue Reading

News

College Of Bishops Endorses Tinubu, APC Candidates  For 2027 Polls

Published

on

The 5000 Achievers Christian Forum and Colleges of Bishops, Archbishops and Apostles, a Christian interdenominational organisation, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State for the 2027 general elections.

International President of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, disclosed this during the ordination and consecration of three new Bishops, as well as an award ceremony held in Port Harcourt.

Aroh said the performance of the APC-led Federal Government had endeared the party to the organisation, prompting the forum to declare its support for President Tinubu and other APC candidates in Rivers State.

He said the forum would support all APC candidates in the state during the 2027 elections and urged Nigerians to vote for the party.

Aroh, who is also the General Overseer of Caring Peoples Church, Port Harcourt, charged the newly consecrated Bishops to see their new positions as a great responsibility and dedicate themselves to the advancement of the kingdom of God.

He cautioned them against conduct capable of bringing their offices into disrepute, stressing that their activities would be closely watched by members of the public.

“As Bishops, the eyes of the public are on your activities. You must therefore conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of your calling,” he said.

Also speaking, the International Coordinator of the forum, Bishop Saint Robinson, urged the newly consecrated Bishops to work diligently towards winning souls for the kingdom of God.

Robinson, who was the guest speaker at the event, stressed that the activities of Bishops must at all times be guided by godly principles.

He also called on members of the church to support and cooperate with the newly consecrated Bishops in the discharge of their responsibilities.

The Secretary of the College, Apostle Elizabeth Ayadi Abaye, said the organisation was established to advance the kingdom of God and promote spiritual development.

According to her, the forum has organised several crusades, conferences, prayer meetings, ordinations, consecrations, enthronements, empowerment programmes and other spiritual development activities across the country as part of efforts to win souls for Christ.

Abaye said the organisation has members across the world and disclosed that more programmes had been scheduled to promote the spiritual development and wellbeing of humanity.

The three Bishops consecrated at the ceremony were Prince Alban Chike, Testimony Omenihu Shedrach and Prince Ifemena.

Among those honoured at the event were the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Abali Community, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Manuchimso Prince Lemmy Wopara, and Clifford Oko Jaja, Coordinator of the 5,000 House-to-House for President Tinubu.

By: John Bibor

Continue Reading

News

Police Arrest Fake Soldier, Others For Armed Robbery, Kidnapping

Published

on

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 49-year-old suspected fake soldier, Andrew Atausi, and several other suspects in connection with various criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, one-chance robbery and the alleged murder of police officers.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this in Port Harcourt, recently during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, where he said the arrests formed part of the operational achievements recorded by the Command between June and August 2026.

Adepoju said Atausi was arrested on August 10 by police operatives along Ada George, Port Harcourt, while dressed in military uniform and driving a Toyota Hilux painted in Army colours.

The Commissioner said investigation revealed that Atausi was not a member of the Armed Forces, adding that he was suspected to be a serial car snatcher, with three suspected stolen vehicles recovered from him.

He said the recovered vehicles included three Toyota Hilux vehicles without registration numbers and a Toyota Corona Premio with registration number BNY 380 ES, noting that the chassis and engine numbers of the vehicles had allegedly been tampered with.

Adepoju added that an axe and military accoutrements were also recovered from Atausi, as investigation continued into the circumstances surrounding the vehicles and other items recovered from him.

On the June 29 attack on police officers at Aluu Division, the Commissioner said three members of the gang allegedly responsible for the incident had been arrested by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU-AKU.

The suspects, identified as Maduabuchi Emeka, 34, alleged gang leader; Doctor Chinedu Owhor, 42, and Kamachi Joe, 28, alleged armourer, reportedly led operatives to their hideout at Omagwa where two AK-47 rifles stolen during the attack were recovered.

Adepoju recalled that two police officers were killed during the Aluu attack, while others were wounded and one officer had his leg amputated, stressing that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fourth suspect.

On kidnapping, the Commissioner said five members of a suspected kidnapping syndicate were arrested in Oyigbo Local Government Area, adding that they allegedly confessed to operations in Kom-Kom, Railway, Obeama and Afam communities.

He said two other suspects from the same network, Anele Ogbogu, 35, alleged to be the gang’s armourer, and Kenneth Eke, 38, were arrested on July 27, with one AK-47 rifle and one SMG rifle recovered.

The Commissioner further disclosed the arrest of suspects in connection with alleged firearm offences, armed robbery, cultism and one-chance robbery, with firearms, ammunition and other exhibits recovered during the operations.

Adepoju assured residents that the Command would sustain intelligence-led, proactive and community-oriented policing in collaboration with other security agencies, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information that would assist the police in combating crime across Rivers State.

By; King Onunwor

Continue Reading

Trending