News
Saraki, Dogara Assure On Transparency
The Senate yesterday, said it would be more transparent in its activities and discourage unnecessary travels by members and committees.
President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, stated this in an address to welcome the senators from the Christmas and New Year recess.
According to him, it is time for the senate to work in the interest of Nigerians.
“Our vision is to substantially enhance the economic wellbeing, liberty and safety of our people.
“It is my earnest hope that the period of recess has afforded us more opportunity to reflect on this enormous task as we now enter into the business end of delivering on our agenda.
“Distinguished colleagues, 2016 must be the year of transparency and delivery.
“We must demonstrate to the Nigerian people who put us in office that we are working in their interest to ensure a progressive and inclusive national development plan.
“The overarching objective of our agenda remains to work with the executive arm to find solution to economic stagnation, wastefulness, discrimination, unemployment, insecurity, corruption and impunity,” he said.
Saraki charged committees and members to sit up, attend meetings and carry out functions of oversight with more dexterity “but without spending so much”.
He said that the senate would remain resolute in its bid to curb all unnecessary expenditure, especially while carrying out its oversight function.
He recalled that before the end-of-year recess, Ad Hoc Committee on Constitutional Review was constituted, and therefore urged the committee to brace up to the assignment.
He urged the senators to carry out their functions without bias.
“With limited resources, we cannot afford wastages. We cannot do it alone, we need everyone’s cooperation, especially on information and we will play our part.
“It is on this balance of efficacy and accountability that I wish the Senate to be judged in 2016.
The Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, yesterday called for early passage of the 2016 Appropriation Bill to ensure its timely implementation.
Dogara made the appeal while welcoming lawmakers from the Christmas and New Year break at the resumption of plenary.
“Crucial duties beckon as we resume; the 2016 Appropriation Bill deserves expeditious consideration on our part so as to facilitate early commencement of its implementation.
“Besides, you are very much aware we had introduced an unprecedented number of Bills with 130 Bills introduced in one day into the legislative mill.
“At our last sitting of 2015, I had stated that a well crafted budget is in vain without efficient and diligent implementation,’’ he said.
According to Dogara, it means then that we must not only do our part by giving Nigerians a budget that meets the new vision, spirit and aspirations, but be determined through the instrumentality of oversight.
According to him, since job creation is one of the fundamental policies of the APC administration, we cannot treat job losses lightly.
“As true representatives of the people, we owe it a duty to make haste and whether we make haste slowly or we slowly make haste, we must hasten those long nights of despair into a glorious morning.
“I have no doubt honourable colleagues that we shall rise in unity as has been the tradition of this honourable House, to surmount these challenges without any display of partisanship,’’ he said.
News
NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam
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.
News
Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence
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.
News
Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027
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.
-
Maritime5 days agoCustoms Deploys Seven Patrol Vessels, Boost Waterway Anti-smuggling
-
Sports5 days agoFinancial Issues Stall Chelle’s Eagles Contract Talks
-
Sports5 days agoNFF mourns ex-Eagles striker Eneramo
-
Sports5 days agoEuropean Giants Circle For Osimhen
-
Sports5 days ago
Four Private Clubs Gain Promotion To NPFL
-
Sports5 days agoW/Cup Qualifier: Flamingos In Impressive Opener
-
Sports5 days agoTennis Event Boosts Grassroots Development Push
-
Sports5 days agoChelle Confirms Financial Issues in Eagles Contract Discussion
