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Rivers Committed To Strong Judicial System – Wike

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9 years ago

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Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State last Friday said that the State government was determined to strengthen the judicial system in promotion of good governance.
The governor made the assertion in Port Harcourt while handing over the Federal High Court complex constructed by his administration to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta.
Wike said the court complex was constructed in a bid to promote access to justice.
He said that part of the vision of the government in expanding the Federal High Court complex was to make the state a judicial hub in the South- South region.
Wike stressed that his administration had not only resolved to complete all abandoned court projects but to also initiate new ones to meet the demand for judicial services.
The governor lamented that in Nigeria the justice delivery system was pretentiously federal but manifestly unitary, saying “our quest for having the most modern and advanced court houses and justice system cannot be completely achieved if we limit our judicial transformation agenda only to state courts.
“This is part of the reason behind our inclusive and non-discriminatory policy trust of providing modern court buildings and necessary operational support to Federal Courts at enormous financial cost to Rivers tax payers,” Wike said.
He said that his government had decided to provide the Federal High Court to serve and advance public interest and not to satisfy any individual.
“Accordingly, we have fulfilled our duty as leaders who mean well for our country and its progress,” the governor added.
He, however, called on the Federal Government to ensure regular maintenance of the building.
Wike, who criticised what he called ‘witch-hunting‘ of some  judges, said the nation must find better ways of fighting judicial and other kinds of corruption within the framework of the rule of law.
In his remarks, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta said that the Federal High Court complex in Port Harcourt was the best to be constructed by a state government.
Auta lauded Wike for his commitment to the provision of relevant infrastructure for the Federal High Court.
The Chief Judge pledged that the court would dispense justice according to the law.
He stressed that following the official handing over of the complex, the court would start to use the facility on Monday, May 22, 2017.
The Chief Judge of the State, Justice Adama Iyaye-Laminkara, also expressed joy that the state government had provided facilities to increase access to justice.
Mr Emmanuel Aguma (SAN), the State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice,  commended the Wike administration for opening courts and promoting access to justice.
The former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Onueze Okocha, also  noted that the provision of the Federal High Court was a testimony to the increasing performance of Wike.
The Special Adviser on Special Projects to the Governor, Mr Dum Wite said the Complex had six courtrooms and exquisite judges’ chambers.

He said that the complex also had 12 holding cells, changing rooms for lawyers, exhibit rooms and a wide parking lot.

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Rivers

Residents Embrace MNCH Week Services In PH

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1 week ago

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June 17, 2026

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Antenatal care and immunization services recorded high patronage during the just-concluded Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week as residents in various communities across Port Harcourt took advantage of the free healthcare interventions.
The exercise, which was aimed at improving maternal and child well-being, attracted women, caregivers and children to different health facilities where a range of free healthcare services were provided.
Findings from selected health centres visited during the exercise showed encouraging participation by beneficiaries despite a few operational challenges experienced by health workers.
At Ozuboko Health Centre, the doctor in charge, Dr. Flag Amachree, said the facility recorded a good turnout throughout the exercise.
 The Tide  gathered that the team of immunization officers embarked on outreach immunization activities to schools to ensure that more children benefited from the programme.
She, however, identified inadequate supplies of deworming tablets as a challenge, noting that available stocks were being carefully managed to meet demands.
One of the beneficiaries, Emmanuella Edwin, who visited the facility for antenatal registration, expressed satisfaction with the services provided by the health workers.
She commended the staff for their dedication, professionalism and friendly disposition, adding that the registration process was stress-free and without any major challenge.
Similarly, Mrs. Esther Abbey said she registered for the free medical services offered during the healthcare week and described the process as smooth and simple.
She added that the programme also created an avenue for her daughter to benefit from immunization services through arrangements by her school.
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Philomena Ezekiel, said she was unable to access the service for her children after she was informed that a National Identification Number (NIN) was required before the test could be carried out.
At Amadi Health Centre, the Medical Officer in charge, Dr. Ebere Ikonwa, attributed the low turnout recorded at the facility to inadequate community mobilization, noting that no town crier was assigned to create awareness.
Despite the situation, she said the facility carried out outreach immunization services successfully and recorded significant patronage in antenatal care and immunization services.
By: Esuuk-Awaji Oyet, Princess Akinyemi
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NUJ Summit to Strengthen Media/Security Partnership, Tackle Misinformation

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1 week ago

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June 17, 2026

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The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is set to convene a two-day National Security Summit in Abuja aimed at strengthening collaboration between the media and security agencies in advancing national stability, public trust and sustainable development.
The summit, scheduled to hold on June 18 and 19, 2026, will bring together key actors in governance, security and the media sector to deliberate on pathways for improved engagement in addressing contemporary national security concerns.
Themed, “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building”, the gathering is expected to serve as a strategic platform for dialogue on responsible information management and enhanced institutional cooperation.
Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Comrade Abimbola Oyetunde, who disclosed this in a statement, said the initiative was conceived as a high-level engagement to deepen understanding between journalists and security operatives in safeguarding the country.
She explained that the summit would provide opportunities for critical conversations on crisis communication, information sharing, conflict reporting and strengthening citizens’ confidence in public institutions.
According to the statement, the event will attract senior government officials, heads of security agencies, media executives, editors, civil society groups and other stakeholders drawn from across the country.
According to the organizers, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, will attend as Special Guests of Honour.
The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, is expected to deliver the keynote address, while the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, will host the summit.
Also expected to chair the occasion is the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
The statement noted that the summit comes at a critical period when Nigeria continues to confront evolving security challenges, growing concerns over misinformation and heightened public anxiety over national issues.
It emphasized that structured engagement between the media and security institutions has become imperative in improving crisis communication, reducing panic, combating fake news, and ensuring the dissemination of timely, accurate and responsible information.
Participants at the summit are expected to examine issues such as responsible reporting of security operations and conflict situations, access to credible information and official briefings, management of sensitive information and the safety of journalists covering security-related assignments.
Other areas of focus include countering disinformation, propaganda and hate speech, as well as building mutual trust and professional respect between journalists and security personnel.
The summit will also feature goodwill messages, panel discussions, breakout sessions, experience-sharing by frontline reporters, and interactive engagements with security chiefs before concluding with the adoption of a communiqué and an action framework to guide future collaboration.
The NUJ restated its commitment to press freedom, ethical journalism and promoting national peace, security and democratic governance.
By: King Onunwor
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Anaka Community Seeks Development, Unity  … Advocates Devine Guidance In 2027 Leadership Selection

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1 week ago

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June 17, 2026

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The Paramount Ruler of Anaka Community in Akpor Clan, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, HRH. Eze  Marcus Oriji, has reiterated the kingdom’s commitment to unity, development, and peaceful coexistence among its people.
HRH Oriji, who spoke through his son, Alloy Marcus, in an interview with newsmen in the community, said the community is committed to peace.
 He described Anaka as a community known for peace and unity, noting that the kingdom continues to attract visitors and residents because of its welcoming nature.
According to him, while the leadership of the kingdom has recorded progress in various fronts, several challenges still remain.
Anaka Community, he continued, has faced developmental challenges similar to those confronting many communities across the country.
He identified the provision of key infrastructure, including a modern market, schools, healthcare facilities, and a police station, as critical areas requiring attention to enhance the growth and development of the kingdom.
On concerns raised by residents over the poor condition of the road linking St. John’s to Ogbogoro, Eze Marcus commended the Rivers State Government under the leadership of the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara,ii for commencing work on the Ring Road project, which he described as a significant development for the area.
Marcus explained that Anaka Kingdom stands to benefit from the project and appealed to the government to accelerate construction efforts, particularly on sections connecting St. John’s and other adjoining communities, to ease traffic congestion and improve accessibility.
Expressing optimism about the project’s completion, he said improved road infrastructure would not only enhance movement within the area, but also attract investors, businesses, and visitors to the kingdom.
Commenting on the 2027 general elections, Eze Alloy Marcus called for divine guidance in the selection of leaders, stressing the need for God-fearing individuals who would govern with integrity and commitment to national development.
He also advised young people to shun electoral violence and resist being used by politicians for unlawful activities such as ballot box snatching and election-related disturbances.
He urged youths to play constructive roles in strengthening democracy by supporting free, fair, and peaceful elections.
The royal representative emphasized that sustainable development, improved infrastructure, and peaceful democratic processes remain essential for the continued progress of Anaka Kingdom and Rivers State as a whole.
By: Azubuike Chiwendu, Akpelu Godspower
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