Rivers
NCSU Salutes Fubara Over Supreme Court Victory
The Nigeria Civil Service Union ( NCSU), Rivers State Council, has expressed excitement and delight over the victory of the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara at the Supreme Court, describing it as a victory for Rivers people and all people of goodwill who mean well for the State and the Governor.
The Rivers State Chairman of NCSU, Comrade Chukwuka Richman Osumah, who gave the indication in an interview in Port Harcourt, said the Supreme Court victory has further emboldened the Governor to continue the good works of his administration and has also given affirmation and credence to the March18, 2023 election which threw him up as the Governor of the State, a strong indication that he was the right choice of the people.
Osumah said the victory has also shown that the choice of the Governor at the poll was never an imposition on Rivers people nor a fluke, saying, Governor Fubara is steadily proving that he is the right person for the job, going by the people-oriented policies and programmes of his administration.
The labour leader equally noted that the victory has provided and afforded the Governor the opportunity to continue to prove his mettle as the right choice of the Rivers people, describing him as a leader sent by God to wipe away the tears of the civil servants in particular.
While congratulating Governor Fubara and his Deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu on their well-deserved victory, Osumah said this is the time for them to concentrate and deliver more dividends of democracy to the people, particularly to civil servants in the State, who he said are the direct beneficiaries of the Governor’s election, being one of their own before his election to the exalted position of Governor.
He, therefore, urged the Governor to ensure that his administration continues to pursue policies and programmes that would positively impact on the lives of the workers, bearing in mind that they were not fairly treated by the immediate past administration in the State, which denied them promotions for several years, among other incentives.
Osumah further placed it on record that conversely, the civil servants are today happy with the present administration, and once again thanked Governor Fubara for the payment of N100, 000 Christmas bonus to civil servants in the State, and for also ensuring that top civil servants like newly appointed Permanent Secretaries are provided a conducive environment to effectively discharge their duties, adding that the provision of SUV cars to 16 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries in the State by the present administration was the first of its kind.
He equally indicated that the Supreme Court victory was a befitting birthday gift to Governor Fubara, who celebrated his 49th birthday last Sunday, January 28, 2024.
He reiterated that civil servants in the State are solidly behind Governor Fubara, under thick and thin, and commended him for appointing the former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Edison Ehie as Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, describing the gesture as a befitting reward for loyalty, steadfastness and hard work, and urged the new Chief of Staff to bring his wealth of experience to bear on his new position.
Osumah also used the opportunity to appeal to the Governor to approve the payment of the N35,000 oil subsidy salary award across the board to civil servants, as approved by the Federal Government, as well as give priority attention to the welfare of workers, as promised by his administration, including the resuscitation of civil servants’ housing and car loans; and the complete renovation and facelift of the State Secretariat Complex.
He said he is optimistic that the Governor would be the first to implement a new minimum wage for the workers as soon as it is agreed and approved by the Federal Government.
Donatus Ebi
Niger Delta
RSNC Head Charges NAOMEW On Professionalism, Effective Service Delivery

The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages

The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.
Rivers
Rivers NYCN Wants Sokubo For Second Term
National Youth Council of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter, under the dynamic leadership of Amb. Ambrose Sopuruchukwu Okpor, has called on the result-oriented National President, Amb. Sokubo Saraigbe Sokubo, to re-contest.
This call stems from the overwhelming confidence reposed in him by Nigerian youths, based on his outstanding track record, charismatic leadership, and unwavering commitment to youth development.
This was contained in a statement made available to news men, yesterday.
Amb. Akpor explained that under the leadership of Amb. Sokubo the NYCN has experienced unprecedented progress in youth empowerment, advocacy, and national unity.
“I want to say that Amb. Sokubo’s ability to maintain harmony, sustainable peace, and foster an inclusive atmosphere within the youth leadership structure is a testament to his visionary and tactical approach to leadership.
“The Rivers State Chapter, with other progressive and stakeholders, believes he is best positioned to continue piloting the affairs of the Council towards greater heights”,he said.
The youth council chairman in the State further appeal to Sokubo to answer this noble call to serve once again, for the sake of continuity, growth, and the collective aspirations of Nigerian youths across the country.