Rivers

NCSU Salutes Fubara Over Supreme Court Victory

Published

2 years ago

February 2, 2024

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

Rivers

Microbiologists Inaugurates New Exco, Chart New Course In Dev

Published

1 day ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Nigerian Society for Microbiology (NSM) has strengthened its regional footprint with the inauguration of the executive members of its South-South Zonal Chapter, tasking them with championing the pivotal role of microbiologists in national development.

At a virtual inaugural meeting held recently, the National President of NSM, Prof. S. A. Ado, formally ushered in the new leadership team, describing the chapter’s take-off as both strategic and long overdue for a region of immense ecological and economic importance.

The newly appointed executives are Prof. Nedie P. Akani, who is the Zonal Coordinator (Rivers State University); Dr. Anwuli U. Osadebe, Zonal Secretary (University of Port Harcourt); Dr. Tonye Sampson, Treasurer/Financial Secretary (Rivers State University); and Prof. Elijah Ohimain, Public Relations Officer (Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa State).

In his welcome remarks, Ado congratulated the team and pledged the full backing of the National Executive Council (NEC), commending the swift coordination that culminated in the chapter’s inauguration.

He urged the executives to prioritise unity and professional mobilisation across the vast South-South region, noting that effective organisation would be critical to achieving impact.

Echoing this position, the National Secretary, Prof. Sunday Awe, and the National Business Manager, Prof. C. J. Ogugbue, reaffirmed NEC’s support and underscored the weight of responsibility before the new zonal leadership.

They acknowledged the geographic spread and diversity of the zone, but expressed confidence in the capacity of the Coordinator to provide purposeful leadership.

Ogugbue, in particular, highlighted the multidisciplinary scope of microbiology and its growing relevance in pollution control, environmental remediation, biodiversity conservation, agricultural productivity, coastal ecosystem protection and the development of a sustainable blue economy.

He stressed that the South-South Chapter must serve as a hub of scientific leadership, given the region’s environmental sensitivities and economic assets.

In her inaugural address, the Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Nedie Patience Akani, described the formal launch of the chapter as “a dream come true” for microbiologists in the region who had long anticipated a structured platform for collaboration and professional advancement.

Akani said the new executive was fully aware of its mandate and committed to repositioning microbiology as a driver of innovation and problem-solving in the South-South.

According to her, the Chapter will focus on mobilising practitioners to register with the society and participate actively in its programmes, ensuring timely payment of dues, organising annual symposia and workshops, appointing state representatives, and maintaining regular reporting to the NEC.

She emphasised that beyond administrative coordination, the executive would work to amplify the voice of microbiologists in addressing regional challenges, particularly in environmental management and sustainable development.

“We are committed to serving the society and advancing microbiology in the South-South zone,” she said, and expressed appreciation to the national leadership for its trust and for enabling the inauguration to hold virtually.

With the new executive now in place, stakeholders say the South-South Zonal Chapter is poised to galvanise professionals across the region and deepen the impact of microbiological research and practice in shaping public health, environmental sustainability and economic resilience.

Rivers

IAUE VC Warns Against High Price In Textbook Sales

Published

1 day ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Vice Chancellor (VC) of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Prof Okechuku Onuchuku, has directed students to report any lecturer who sells textbooks above ?5,000 to the institution’s Quality Assurance Department.

This, he said, is part of decisive steps to protect students from exploitation and uphold ethical standards on campus.

Onuchuku made made this known following students’ growing lamentation over the high cost of textbooks in the Campus recently.

The VC warned that compelling students to purchase textbooks at inflated prices is not the policy of the university and will not be condoned under any circumstance.

He stressed that while academic authorship is encouraged, monetising compulsory materials beyond the approved ?5,000 benchmark undermines access to education.

According to him, any lecturer found violating the directive should be promptly reported for investigation and appropriate sanctions.

He assured students that management remains committed to creating a fair academic environment where learning is not hindered by undue financial pressure.

The IAUE helmsman described the directive as part of a broader reform agenda aimed at sanitizing the academic system and strengthening institutional accountability.

He reiterated that the Quality Assurance Department has been empowered to handle such complaints with confidentiality and diligence.

Professor Onuchuku has consistently championed discipline, transparency and integrity since assuming leadership of the university.

His administration has repeatedly cautioned staff against academic fraud, sharp practices and conduct capable of tarnishing the institution’s image.

Under his stewardship, the university secured approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to mount fourteen new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, significantly expanding its academic frontiers and reinforcing its relevance in Nigeria’s higher education landscape.

In a bid to promote academic excellence, the Vice Chancellor also introduced incentives targeted at high-performing students, including free internet access for those with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 and above.

The initiative, according to a statement from the Public Relations Unit of the university, is designed to strengthen research culture and reward diligence.

By: King Onunwor

Rivers

Hon Worlu Expresses Concern Over Tragic Incidents In PHALGA … Assures On Safety, Security

Published

1 day ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Gift Worlu, has expressed deep concern over the unfortunate incidents that led to the loss of lives in parts of the LGA.

A statement the Chairman personally signed, weekend, said the incidents occurred in Rumuokpoku, Rumuola and at the Rumuokwurusi Oil Mill Market, causing apprehension among residents.

The OBALGA Council boss described the development as regrettable and assured residents that security agencies are fully on top of the situation.

He disclosed that some arrests have already been made in connection with the incidents, with efforts ongoing to ensure that the suspects are prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The Chairman urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that there is no cause for panic.

He called for sustained collaboration between security agencies and community leaders to curb the negative trend and restore normalcy in the affected areas.

Dr. Worlu commended security operatives and community stakeholders for their swift response and commitment to maintaining peace and order.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the local government to safeguarding lives and property across the LGA.

The Chairman encouraged residents of Obio/Akpor to continue with their lawful businesses without fear, and assured that the government will continue to take all necessary measures to strengthen security and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to families who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate events, and also prayed for the repose of the departed souls and comfort for the bereaved families during this difficult period.

By: King Onunwor