News
RSG Captures 12,456 Pensioners, Says Protest Malicious…As 30 Perm Secs Bow Out
The Rivers State Government says it has captured and documented 12,456 pensioners, whose names are now included into the state pension pay roll.
It however says that the recent protests by some pensioners in the state are orchestrated blackmail to paint the state government blacks, hence, the government will not yield to such campaign, insisting that the right thing must be done.
Speaking to newsmen at the weekend during a send forth and awards for 30 Permanent Secretaries who have retired from the services of the state government, Head of Service, Barrister Rufus Godwins, said the frequent protests by some sections of retirees in the state were malicious and deceitful.
He said, “Those who have retired have to go through the biometrics by submitting their documents individually and not as a mob to be physically captured, after which one is put into the pension pay roll. All those who have been captured voluntarily submitted themselves to do so”.
Reacting to the protest at Government House by the retirees a forthnight ago, the Head of Service said, “They are dramatising the issues and it seems there is a malicious campaign against the state government and we will not yield to it”.
He maintained that the State Government wanted to sanitise the system while at the same time introducing a less cumbersome process such that those who have served the state in one capacity or the other are honoured by having their benefits as at when due.
Barrister Godwins while thanking the Permanent Secretaries for their services to the state said they are retiring at a time the state government led by Chief Nyesom Wike placed premium on the services of those who have served the state meritoriously.
He disclosed that, “we have put in place whole lots of reforms but we are not loud about it”.
One of such reforms according to the Head of Service is such that Permanent Secretaries who have retired will enjoy “seamless” transition retirement, and will get their benefits without hassles.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the State Civil Service Commission, Chief Oris Onyiri has counseled retired Permanent Secretaries to seek ways of using their experience to the benefit of the state.
“There are so many areas of human endeavours that you can go into after retirement”, Onyiri counselld, “So you people are very important, and there is nothing to retire about, we still need you”.
By: Kevin Nengia.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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