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Legislature, Judiciary Synergy, Key To Our Success -RSG

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The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike says the existing robust relationship between the three arms of government in the state was creating a very good environment for Rivers people to enjoy democratic dividends.
The governor made the assertion shortly after inspecting the progress of the ongoing civil construction works at the official residential quarters of lawmakers of the Rivers State House of Assembly in Port Harcourt, last Friday.
Wike said every arm of government in the state knows, understands and performs its role without interference.
Such independence, he pointed out, has engendered a good work environment for each other to perform their duties.
“So, for us in the state, we believe in the autonomy of each of the arms of government. At the same time, we believe that working together for the interest of the state is better. Autonomy does not mean that each arm of government will begin to antagonise the others.
“If they do that, then at the end of the day, it is the state that will lose. Working in harmony, independently and cooperatively, will bring a lot of benefits to the people.”
Wike stated that it was the posture that has helped his administration to continue to deliver on its mandate, in terms of projects’ delivery and provision of services, to Rivers’ people.
“Frankly speaking, it would have been difficult if we do not have a good, robust relationship between the three arms of government. Yes, we are independent but we work cooperatively to see that the state moves forward.
“If we have the relationship that is not good with the Legislature, then how would they have passed the budget for the Executive to implement?”
Speaking about the legislators’ quarters, Wike stressed that the project is executed deliberately in order to provide the lawmakers and their families a befitting residence.
Wike said his administration has already built similar facility for the Judiciary with almost all the judicial officers in the state having their own accommodation.
“Having done that, we also felt, the second arm of government, which is the Legislature, should also have their own residence. It will be where they can put their heads together; their families can stay and have a good environment where they can work.
“This is four (4) bedroom duplex of 32 units meant for every member of the state House of Assembly. We have 32 constituencies, which means we have 32 members of the House of Assembly.”
The governor, who expressed his delight over the quality of work done already by the contractor, Lubrik Construction Company, said he expects them to handover the completed project to the state government in December, 2021, for commissioning by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
Wike, who was accompanied by Senator Lee Maeba and Senator Sam Anyanwu, explained that the Legislature deserves the best because they represent the people directly.
According to him, the Legislature is as important as the other arms of government, particularly because they do not conclude their work without having a direct input of the people before passing any law.
“You cannot say that such arm of government that directly represents the people should not have a befitting accommodation.”
Wike also noted the amount of jobs the project has provided for youths in the state.
The governor, who also spoke with the workers, encouraged them to be committed to their work and maintain cordial relationship with the management of the company.
“Look at the number of people who are working here. Assuming we don’t have this kind of project. This is one particular project but look at the number of people that are being employed, and then, multiply it with the number of projects going on simultaneously in the state, that will tell you the number of persons who are being employed in the state.”

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NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam

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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.

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Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence

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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.

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Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027

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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.

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