Politics
Schools Inspection, Monitoring Bill Moves To Committee Stage
A bill seeking to establish an agency for the inspection and monitoring of schools in Rivers State has been committed to the committee stage of the House of Assembly.
The speaker of the Assembly, Rt Hon. Otelemaba Amachree who directed the House’ standing committee on Education to fine-tune the bill, also urged them to organise public hearing and invite stakeholders to make necessary inputs that would enhance the benefits of the proposed law. The speaker also told the committee to ensure that all the gray areas identified at the second reading were addressed and gave the committee three weeks to report back to the House for further action.
The lawmaker representing Obio/Akpor Constituency II, Hon Michael Okey Chinda, argued that the proposed seeks to go beyond public schools to certify private schools before admitting students to check standards.
Hon Chinda urged his colleagues not to undermine the bill because education is too important to be left in the hands of politicians and mediocre but the professional that would be in the agency will ensure that quality education is given to the students.
Others who supported the proposed law apart from the Leader, include Hon Augustine Ngo representing Abua/Odual and Chairman House Committee on Education, and Hon Victoria Nyeche representing Port Harcourt Constituency I. They noted that the need for proper inspection of schools would help to keep pace with the modern schools built by the present government.
The bill however, attracted opposition from Hon Victor Ihunwo representing Port Harcourt Constituency III, Hon Legborsi Nwidadah representing Khana Constituency I, Ibelema Okpokiri representing Okrika, Hon Ben Horsfall representing Asari Toru Constituency II and Hon Onari Brown Akuku Toru Constituency I.
In their separate submissions, the lawmakers described the proposed Agency as a duplication of function since an Inspectorate Division already exists in the Ministry of Education, positing that no law was needed for the ministry of education to perform like the commissioner is doing.
They further argued that duties will over lap and the efforts to check fiscal responsibility would be ridiculed by such law that would give room for corrupt tendencies.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has strongly rejected calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria seeking the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made on genocide.
The Fellowship described the demand as unjustified and a threat to constitutional freedoms.
In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN insisted that Prof Amupitan, like every Nigerian, has the constitutional right to express his views on matters of national concern, irrespective of the public office he occupies.
According to the PFN, the comments attributed to the INEC Chairman were made in his personal capacity and had no link whatsoever with his official responsibilities or electoral duties.
The Fellowship stressed that elections and electoral activities were not involved in the matter, arguing that there was no basis to connect the alleged comments to Prof Amupitan’s role as INEC Chairman.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a Nigerian, has the right to make comments on what he observes to be happening in the nation, regardless of his appointment or assignment,” the statement read.
The PFN said it condemned “in every ramification” the suggestion that the INEC Chairman should be removed from office on the basis of his personal views, warning against attempts to punish public officials for expressing opinions outside the scope of their official duties.
The Tide source reports that the Fellowship also cautioned against what it described as a growing tendency to interpret national issues through religious lenses, noting that such an approach only deepens divisions and undermines peaceful coexistence.
“We must resist the temptation of profiling or judging people based on their religious beliefs or positions. Prof. Amupitan has a right to bear his mind, and this should not be at the cost of his job,” the PFN added.
The PFN called on all stakeholders to exercise restraint, understanding and mutual respect in national discourse, particularly on sensitive issues.
It emphasised that unity and peace must remain paramount in addressing national challenges.
The Fellowship reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, justice and mutual respect, urging that these values guide public engagement and responses to issues affecting the country.
The Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Darlington Oji, has disclosed that about 15 Special Advisers to the governor were duly approved by the Rivers State House of Assembly before the current political crisis in the State.
Oji made the disclosure in a Television programme in Port Harcourt, recently, while reacting to issues surrounding appointments, the impeachment moves against the governor and his deputy, and allegations of financial mismanagement.
He clarified that the appointment of Special Advisers was carried out in strict compliance with constitutional provisions, and received the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, before the crisis began.
According to the Special Adviser, the appointments did not require any further screening, countering claims that the governor violated due process in constituting his advisory team.
On the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, Oji described the process as unfounded and lacking constitutional backing.
He said that several lawmakers who initially supported the impeachment move were now reconsidering their stance after discovering that the process had no legal basis.
Oji also attributed the impeachment plot to personal and political ambitions, saying it is not motivated by the interest or welfare of the people of Rivers State.
Speaking on the financial position of the State after the Emergency Rule, the Special Adviser disclosed that the governor met about ?600 billion in the state’s coffers upon assumption of office.
He explained that the availability of funds enabled the administration to continue governance smoothly without the need for a supplementary budget.
The governor’s aide also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement against the governor, and stressed that all allocations to lawmakers and constituency projects were transparently handled.
He maintained that the Fubara administration remained focused on development, stability, and good governance despite the political distractions in the State.
Oji expressed confidence that the impeachment moves would eventually be abandoned as legislators and the public become more informed, adding that the governor’s leadership has continued to reassure citizens and sustain political stability in the State.
King Onunwor
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