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NASS Can Prune Ministers’ List – Okocha

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As Nigerians groan under the high cost of governance in the present democratic dispensation, a legal luminary in Rivers State and former National President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Chief O.C.J Okocha, has said that only the National Assembly can effect reduction in the number of ministers in the country.

Chief Okocha who said this while reacting to the call by the Presidential Advisory Council (PAC) to reduce the number of ministers, said that the presidency was right to have rejected the call.

The former NBA President who spoke in a telephone interview with The Tide on the issue said that the National Assembly could decide the number of ministerial appointments in the country through the amendment of the constitution.

He said that although it was the wish of Nigerians for the country to have a small size and efficient cabinet, constitutionally, the Federal Executive Council must reflect the 36 states of the federation.

Chief Okocha, however, stressed the need for the National Assembly to take a second look at the issue by amending the relevant sections of the constitution.

President Goodluck Jonathan had said that he preferred a leaner and more efficient cabinet but was constrained by constitutional provisions.

Jonathan stated this at a valedictory session with members of the Presidential Advisory Committee (PAC), who had wound up their assignments.

According to him, the federal cabinet in the country was large due to the constitutional provision which stipulates that each state of the country must produce a minister.

“Your suggestion for a smaller cabinet is excellent and I agree with you, but this cannot be achieved without constitutional amendment,’’ he said.

The president said, however, that the suggestions and advice which PAC offered to the government played a key role in stabilising the administration.

He assured the members that their final report would form part of the policy direction of the incoming administration.

Jonathan thanked them for accepting to serve the nation in spite of their individual schedules, and informed them that the Federal Government would continue to tap from their wealth of experience in the years ahead.

Earlier, the Chairman of PAC, retired Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, said they were privileged to have been selected to proffer advice to the new administration.

He advised the president to apply the same diligence he applied in selecting the PAC members to the appointment of his new cabinet from among the abundant qualified Nigerians willing to serve the country.

Our correspondent  recalled that the committee was constituted by Jonathan as acting president on March 1 and was inaugurated on May 5 last year.

Jonathan had charged the members to provide alternative inputs into policy formulation in the areas of power, economy, security, infrastructure, social sector, electoral process and anti-corruption

In a related development, experts in policy making have lauded the directive by President Goodluck Jonathan to the Presidential Advisory Council to review the country’s foreign policy.

Speaking with newsmen in Abuja, Dr Joseph Golwa, the Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, said there was the need to review the policy.

Describing the directive as apt and proper, Golwa said the review would provide a clear leadership direction for the new administration.

According to him, given Nigeria’s present role in the international community, the community was expecting a lot from the country.

“I use the word apt and timely because it’s to provide the clear direction for the new cabinet on what they are expected to focus on as far as our foreign policy is concerned.

“The international community is expecting to have some major positions from Nigeria and this statement coming like this shows that they would begin to have at the back of their minds that we are  expecting a very major, proactive position as far as foreign policy is concerned for Nigeria,” he said.

He stressed the need for key players in the sector to work in harmony for the successful implementation of the policy.

“Every policy will require the harmonious cooperation of every stakeholder for it to be successfully implemented and with issues of foreign policies you don’t expect anybody to play a different role if you are a major stakeholder.

“The co-operation of every other person is necessary because it is through such cooperation and shared views you will be able to get to achieve your objectives and mission,” he added.

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NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam

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The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.

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Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence

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The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.

The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.

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Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027

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A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.

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