Rivers State Government has hinted of plans to review pensions to reflect the new wage increment in the state.

Commissioner for Finance, Dr Chamberlain Peterside gave the indication yesterday when he was summoned by Governor Chibuike Amaechi to answer questions posed by a retiree at the Town Hall meeting at Ogu Town in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of the state.

Peterside said, “this administration cherishes its senior citizens and the state is one of the few states that does not owe pensions.”

He explained that currently, the state expends about N800million to N900million monthly on pensions, saying that prior to the inception of the Amaechi-led administration, not less than N5billion was owed as pension liability, but that the government cleared the backlogs and started incorporating it into monthly payment of salaries.

The commissioner stated that government was ready to look at requests in making sure pensioners enjoy increments but that the delay stemmed from the Head of Service, “to index the increase” into pension payment.

This is not the first time Peterside has explained the situation, even at the Good Governance Forum a fortnight ago, he dispelled claims in some quarters that the state was shortchanging its retired personnel.

Meanwhile, as a fallout to the Town Hall meeting at Ogu, yesterday, Governor Amaechi has granted the sum of N100million to the Ogu/Bolo Local Government Council following the huge efforts made by the Maureen Tamuno-led administration to complement the state independent power project, by connecting communities with over 11 kilometres of national grid electricity.

Governor Amaechi while commending Mrs Tamuno, said, “she has done extremely well and we will support her”.

He also gave N50million to Oyigbo Local Government Council for the request made to complete the second phase of the Oyigbo International Market.

Amaechi, who gave account of his stewardship in Ogu/Bolo, stated that the government had completed two roads, built new model primary schools and health centres.

He promised to commence work on the new model secondary school by June but tasked the people to provide 21 hectares of land for the project.

Speaking earlier, Chairperson of the council, Mrs Maureen Tamuno, lauded the administration for the transformation in the area.

She said, “your firmness and commitment in leadership has wiped off all the tears in the faces of our people.”

Lagos State Commissionser for Information and Strategy, Mr Aderemi Ibirogba (left), with Head of Service, Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe at a news conference on the newly introduced Saturday work day in the Lagos Civil Service in Lagos, yesterday.

Rivers State Internal Revenue (IGR), has hit a landmark N9,591,046,990.43 in February, the highest so far in the history of the state, even as Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi Amaechi said in London that the state has started the repayment of the N120 billion loan it accessed from banks to speed up project implementation.

Governor Amaechi has expressed delight over the N9.5 billion generated in February, saying the state can exceed the amount with the current reforms in the sector.

As at January this year, the IGR was N6.2 billion, a far improvement from N2.5 billion made before the Amaechi administration assumed office in October, 2007.

Shortly after assuming office, the IGR slowly rose to an average of N5-6billion monthly and was boosted by the tax reforms of the new administration.

Excited with the new revenue statistics, Governor Amaechi through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr David Iyofor told pressmen yesterday that the state government is bent to surpass the landmark.

His words, “He is very happy with this figure of N9.5 billion for the month of February. Governor Amaechi is happy with what our partners in the tax project waa Skye Bank is doing with the state government in the tax project, and has urged them to continue on this path.

“He believes the state can do other than this figure of N9.5 billion, and has clearly told them to improve on it.”

The governor further asserted that the new IGR is a clear testimony of reforms in revenue generation in the state, adding that “with a robust tax reform policy, the state can do very well in internally generated revenue.”

He, therefore, urged Rivers people and corporate bodes to continue to support the Rivers State Board of Internal Revenue and the Skye Bank tax partners by promptly paying their taxes for sustainable growth and development of the state.

With a good and buoyant tax system, he believed that the government would be able to execute more developmental projects.

On the N120 billion loan repayment, Governor Amaechi said, “We pay the loan monthly; last month, we paid N6 billion to GTB out of the money we are owing them; this month we are thinking of paying N7 billion.”

“The government can do this because our Internally Generated Revenue Operation (IGRO) has improved significantly, so we are paying from it.

He explained that the loan was obtained as a “bridging finance” while the state was awaiting the monthly allocation from the Federal Government.

“If we continue to wait for the Federal Government to pay us our monthly allocation, we won’t be able to implement all our projects.

“So what we did was to take the loan and move ahead in our development drive and pay back from our IGRO and monthly allocation from the Federal government,” he explained.

The governor, who also spoke on increased investment in non oil sectors of agriculture and health, said the confidence of investors had been boosted following improvement and stability in the security situation in the state.

According to him, the development drive in the state had generated employment opportunities for the people and especially the youth graduating from our school system.

Amaechi said that the state had overcome its security challenges and had been de-listed from the non-travel destinations by the United States.

The governor said the hosting of the Nigeria-US Bi-National Commission in Port Harcourt last year was a sign of the progress made in stabilising the security situation.

“Investors are now allowed to come to the state; so you can see that security has really improved,” Amaechi said.

He added that a British firm was handling the on-going construction of a syringe factory in the state.

Meanwhile, Rivers State Board of Internal Revenue says it generated about N9.59 billion in the month of February, 2013, representing the highest monthly Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

The Executive Chairman of the state Board of Internal Revenue, Onene Osila Obele-Oshoko, who disclosed this at the weekend in a chat with newsmen in Port Harcourt, said the increase was the outcome of new strategies adopted by the board.

Felix Okogbule

L-R: Senate President David Mark, Governors Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers, Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun, Peter Obi of Anambra State and Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, at the Council of States meeting in Abuja, yesterday.

The new sewage treatment plant built by the Rivers State Government will help in boosting fertilizer and methane gas production, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sewage Matters, Dr. Ogu Emejum has revealed.

De. Emejum made the revelation at the weekend when he took newsmen led by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr David Iyofor round the facility, at Eagle Island, an outskirt of Port Harcourt.

He explained that the plant, when commissioned, will turn waste into fertilizer and methane gas for agriculture and domestic uses.

Dr Emejune stated,” About four years ago, the governor had a vision to have a sewage plant because of the issues of dumping sewage in the creeks and in gathers. You know when sewage in dumped indiscriminately, the issue of malaria and typhoid increases.”

He explained that the plant will process about 1,000 lubic metre of sewage per day or 20 truckloads of sewage daily, disclosing that talks have already begun with sewage contractor in the state in bringing their trucks to the facility for treatment.

The Governor’s aide while praising the vision of Rt. Hon Amaechi in building the plant, declared that,” the equity health benefit of that far outweighs the monetary value you get. So, that alone is a benefit to the community, to clean the environment in  a benefit to the community.”

Also speaking, Mr Iyofor said the pilot scheme in constructing the sewage treatment and processing plant in another sign that the governor gives priority to almost everything in his administration.

When the plant becomes fully operational, the quantity of fertilizer or gas, he said, will be of immense use to farmers and people of the state alike.

Commending the government for  siting the plant in their ?????? chairman of  the Eagle Island Community Development Committee (CDC), Prince Cyprian Tom-Ogbuji described the facility as an intervention scheme, to create employment and bring development and bring development to the people of the area.

Consequently, plans have beger to build another sewage treatment facility at Woji and Greater Port Harcourt site to accommodate the city’s swelling sewage generation

A cleric with the Foundation Faith Church in Rivers State, Rev. Lazarus Musa, has lent support for a pension scheme for past president and governors in the country.

Rev. Musa, who made public his support for the scheme during the 10th wedding anniversary of President Creative Foundation, a non-governmental organization, Pastor Edward Bonkat and his wife at Foundation Faith Church, Abuloma said such policy  would check public looting by public officials.

“It will provide a kind of security for past presidents and governors after service. It will make some of them who have the urge not to think of taking anything further from the treasury. It will made them to be more transparent,” Rev. Musa emphasised.

The Christian cleric, who from at the state of affairs in the country believed that governance would be improved if Christians vie for public offices, otherwise he argued that things would deteriorate.

Rev. Musa explained that prayers would not bring results unless faith was marched with action, observing that when once honest and God fearing leaders assume public positions, the country would be turned around positively.

Commenting more on the issue of transparency and accountability in governance, the cleric remarked, “I wish some of our politicians who have travelled out will come back and replicate what they see out there.”

Rev. Musa however, congratulated Pastor Bonkat and his wife for celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary and child dedication, saying marriage is an institution in which men and women should tolerate each other.

His words, “though for men and women staying in marriage is very hard, but the injunction from God is to be together. And there are some men who have the phony way of treating their wives; yes we know that women have phony behavior most of the time some of them talk too much and insult their husband, but the Bible said we should treat them with understanding”.

He harped on the need for couples to have teachable spirit which according to him is necessary for tolerance, and also called on young intending couples to think twice and pray before entering into marriage.

Also commending Pastor Bonkat and his wife representative of the wife, to the Rivers State Commissioner for Environment, Mrs Tammy Weli , counseled the couple to continue in love and sustain those ingredients that have kept them together in the last 10 years.

Pastor Bonkat in his remarks thanked God for His infinite mercies on him and family over the years despite several challenges.

Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has hinted of plans to convert the riverine community of Isaka in Okrika Local Government Area to a marine village.

Dropping the hint at a town hall meeting with the people of Okrika yesterday, Governor Amaechi also hinted of possible relocation of the community, saying the project would be based on availability of funds to the government.

Aside making the community a marine hub of the state, Rt. Hon. Amaechi said in the mean time, government would build a new landing jetty and install a generator to provide power to the people of the area.

He promised to construct a road in the community, and assured, “I will give the council money to construct a jetty,” and urged the chairman of the council, Barrister Tamuno Williams and the Community Development Chairman (CDC) to meet with him to discuss the new project.

The Rivers State governor while enumerating his achievements in Okrika Local Government, submitted that one of his biggest achievements in the area was security, recalling that prior to the inception of his administration, there was huge breakdown of law and order in the area.

“It occurred to me as a young man that if you don’t confront these young men, you will not hear anything about Rivers State,” he remarked.

He noted that his administration was bent on ensuring that the life of every human being counted, and warned those who would foment crisis again in the area to desist or face the full wrath of the law.

On education, he disclosed that about 136 indigenes from the area had benefitted from the government’s scholarship scheme, and promised that his administration was ready to sponsor any first class graduate to study further in any part of the world as far as such person was ready to lecture in any of the state’s tertiary institutions.

Reacting to requests for the shore protection of most of the communities in the area, Amaechi stated that government would carry out reclamation, adding that, “anywhere we sandfill, we will do shore protection”.

Earlier, Secretary to the State Government, Mr. George Feyii had said the town hall meeting was an opportunity for the people to interact with the government, assuring that views expressed by the people would help form government’s policies and programmes in the area.

In his address, chairman of the council, Barrister Tamuno Williams praised the governor for initiating the forum, as he enumerated some of the milestones of the council, including the construction of a mini bridge to connect the palace of the Amayanabo of Ogoloma, purchasing of refuse trucks, construction of Kalio-Ama road, among others.

Meanwhile, Governor Amaechi has ordered for an immediate installation of two water borehole sites with treatment plants as an emergency measure to cushion the difficulty Okrika people face in accessing potable water due to heavy oil pollution.

Amaechi, therefore, directed the Ministries of Health and Environment to work out measures to provide good water, while regretting that the state government pulled out of the water scheme in the area because the Federal Government had promised to do so.

The water scheme, he observed, was an interim measure as he stressed the need for the people to press on the Federal Government to fulfill its promise in solving the perennial water problem.

L-R: BBC Editor, Hausa Service, Nigeria, Bashir Sa'ad Abdullahi, Business Development Associate, Muhammed Abba, Business Development Manager, West Africa, Mr Stive Martins and Vice President Namadi Sambo, during a courtesy visit on the Vice President in Abuja last Tuesday.

Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon Chibuike Amaechi, says the ongoing reconciliatory forum being organised by the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) National Working Committee in different zones will rebuild the party.

Amaechi made the asertion while playing host to the party’s NEC led by the Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur in Government House yesterday in Port Harcourt.

He dismissed division in the party’s fold in Rivers State, saying, “ We are PDP. I have told my cabinet members that if you want to win elections, you must work in such a way that you will be popular both in and outside office’’.

The governor stated that the party was popular in the state due to the people-oriented programmes his administration was executing.

Amaechi told the party stalwarts that the only way to maintain popularity was to do what the people demand.

Earlier, Alhaji Tukur thanked Amaechi for his sterling leadership qualities and making the party proud in programme execution.

Tukur said, “ thank you for your leadership. Thank you for executing the provisions of the manifesto of our great party’’.

The PDP chairman intimated the governor that they were in the state for a reconciliatory meeting as they had concluded with those of the South-West and South- East.

“ We are here to undertake a reconciliation process, and we can see that none of them is ready to fight each other, and we are sure that whenever the party will contest elections, we can be sure that PDP will be returned in the South West,’’ Tukur stated.

Tukur sought  Governor Amaechi’s support in the quest to cement relationships among party members in the zone.

Shortly after the visit, the group proceeded to the Civic Centre for a town hall meeting comprising party faithfuls in the South-South.

Governor Amaechi welcomed the group to Port Harcourt, and expressed the hope that the party has a bright future.

Among governors that attended the forum include those of Delta and Akwa-Ibom States. While those of Cross River and Bayelsa were represented.

Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi (right), with former Governor of old Rivers State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff and wife, Josephine, during a golf tee-off in honour of the former governor in Port Harcourt, last saturday.

Governor Chibuike Amaechi returned from the United Kingdom (UK) last week after participating in the commonwealth observers’ day.

He delivered a speech in the forum on how he had to tackle poverty and empower the youths. Amaechi had used his success story in Rivers State to demonstrate government capability in transforming lives of young persons and giving them a future.

On returning from the London forum, Tuesday the Rivers State Chief Executive participated in the National Council of States meeting at Abuja. The council deliberated and approved presidential pardon to some prominent Nigerians, including former Bayelsa State Governor, Diepriye Alamieseigha among others on Thursday, the Governor proceeded to Okrika  Local Government Area for a Town Hall Meeting with the people of Wakrike. He enumerated the programmes, and policies implemented in the area, which include primary schools, health centres and roads.

Aside infrastructure, Governor Amaechi stated that his administration has also carried  out sandfilling and shore protection in some Okrika communities.

More importantly, he disclosed the need to provide water for the people of the area. Amaechi used the forum to explain why government pulled out from the real water scheme, recalling that the federal government had intervened, hence the state government opted out.

He, however, assured that in the interim the state government will resume the water scheme to avert epidemic, since the people of the area lack access to safe, potable water.

On Friday, the new Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mbu Mbu told Amaechi that he was on a familiarization tour with the cream of police officers in his team to rub minds with the state government on ways to enhance security in the state.

Later the same day, Governor Amaechi received the new Exco of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) led by its President, Femi Adesina who commended the Governor’s developmental strides.

Adesina, while canvassing support for Governor Amaechi as Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), said the guild “will gladly stand and support anybody who stands by the people.”

The NGE President further said of Governor Amaechi, “we have seen what your government does and more for the people,” assuring that the body would always stand by people-oriented leaders.

Responding, the Rivers State Governor decribed the guild as the voice of the voiceless,” you constitute the part of the elites who stand for conscience and are sort of speaking for the poor. You speak to make sure things are corrected.

On Saturday, Governor Amaechi was among dignitaries who celebrated the 70th  birthday of Rivers State first Military Governor and Amayanabo of Twon Brass, King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff.

The Rivers State Government threw a lavish party for King Spiff in Government House, as Governor Amaechi reiterated the administration’s plan to build a house for the former celebrated governor.”

While congratulating Commander (Rtd) Diete-Spiff, the Governor remarked, “I wish you a wonderful birthday. I wish and pray to be 70 years one day”…

On security, Governor Amaechi harped on the need for peace and reiterated the resolve of government to flush out miscreants who would want to break the fragile peace witnessed  in the area since he assumed office.

Governor Amaechi played host to the new state Commissioner of Police on Friday. Mr. Mbu Joseph Mbu had paid a courtesy visit to him at Government House.

When commending the police in the state for their efforts so far in combating crime, he urged the new state police to beef up efforts in checking the upsurge of crime in recent times.

“I must tell you that 80  per cent of those who commit crime in the state are arrested,” the Governor observed, “so I must commend your officers for that, but I’ am also aware that there is little upsurge in crime, and I think we must address it now.”

Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi, has joined thousands of dignitaries across the country to pour encomiums on the legacies of first Governor of old Rivers  State and Amanyanabo of Twon Brass, King Alfred Diete -Spiff  on his 70th birthday.

Speaking at a special birthday party held in honour of the former governor at Government House, last Saturday, Amaechi wished him more years ahead.

‘I wish you a wonderful birthday and I wish and pray to be 70 years like you”, Amaechi said.

Governor Amaechi, who gave a Jaguar SUC car to the ex-governor as birthday gift, also promised that the state government would build a house for him, if need be.

Secretary to the State Government, Mr George Feyii said King Diete-Spiff was worthy of celebration, while describing him as  a jovial and sociable person.

Prof. Otonti Nduka described the former governor as one who had made the most improvement in the lives of Rivers people.

Prof Nduka congratulated the former governor on attaining the biblical three-scores and one and commended him for the patience he displayed during his tenure as member of the state cabinet during the war.

Chairman of the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council, King Godwin Giniwa lauded the state government  for the honour done to Diete-Spiff, and recalled that he and the ex-governor had known themselves for over 50 years.

Publisher of the Hard Truth Newspaper, Mr Opunabo Inkoh-Tariah described Diete-Spiff as an icon and  an institution. “A man worthy of celebration”.

On his part, King Diete-Spiff expressed delight for the honour done to him, and thanked the people and government of Rivers State for sharing in the moment.

His words, “ It’s been a pleasant journey through life. I have met people, especially those who give you advice that may not be too pleasant.

“For you all, keep on doing what you are doing, insist to keep doing the right thing all the time. Your effort will amount to something,” he said.

Highlights of the occasion include special performance by the state Council of Arts and Culture a symphony led by Dr Wodi Williams, who read the former governor’s biography.

Former Deputy Governor, Sir Gabriel Toby oversaw the cutting of the birthday cake, while trophies were presented to winners of a golf tourney in honour of the king by the Port Harcourt Golf Club.

Rivers State Government may establish community trusts to check inter and intra-communal crisis stemming from quests to control resources in the rural areas.

Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Ms. Kadilo Brown dropped the hint yesterday while addressing protesting women from Umuebule in Etche Local Government Area in Government House, Port Harcourt.

Brown, who represented the governor, hinted that community trusts, when established, would protect communities from individuals who rip them off.

She stated that, “community trusts are there to defend the community, to ensure that all the things that were due the communities got to them. “Community trusts are not there to satisfy personal interests and needs and that is why we are going to look critically into the issues you have raised.”

Expressing solidarity with the women group, the permanent secretary said the ministry would invite the parties to ensure that matters raised were amicably resolved.

On the issues concerning security, she promised to liaise with the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that those detained, if wrongfully would be released.

She, therefore, commended them for their peaceful disposition despite the situation, while urging them to maintain the peace and never take laws into their hands since government has promised to intervene.

Earlier, leader of the group, Gloria Okere had called for government’s quick intervention, alleging that one Dan Njoku and his brother had been pocketing monies paid by oil firms to the community for compensation.

Okere fingered the police for compromising their duties in protecting the community, alleging that the police authorities connived with Njoku to arrest youths who had protested over the matter.

She lamented, “Save our lives from Dan Njoku and men of the state CID and SOS Police Unit. We the entire women and mothers in Umuebule in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State with tears and loud voice are calling on the entire public to save our lives from Dan Njoku”.

Among demands made by the women include the call to police, CID, to order the restriction of Njoku from exploiting the 56 oil wells as their private estate, adding,” our resources must be shared equitably and evenly distributed”.

Prof Otonti Nduka has been named the first chairman of the new Rivers State Education Quality Assurance Agency Board, alongside other major players in the education sector in the state.

Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs Ibim Semenitari announced the decision of council while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting yesterday in Government House, Port Harcourt.

She also disclosed plans by the State Government to set up the Garden City Private Equity Investment Corporation Law 2013, noting that the secretary to the State Government and Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the state were both mandated to work on the bill for onward presentation to the Assembly for deliberations and approval.

Commenting further on the new Education Quality Assurance Agency Board, Mrs Semenitari stated that Prof Orubite Okorosoye is to be the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the board which also includes Chief Moses Adiela of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and one Moses Baranwi of the Rivers State Polytechnic.

She emphasised that the new board will strengthen the monitoring and evaluation of the education system saying, “don’t forget that His Excellency, the Governor has consistently said education goes beyond infrastructure, and so the point of this board is to be able to perform the role of a monitoring agency that will be inspecting schools and making sure that teachers not only stick to curriculum, but also are available at the schools and giving the children quality education,” she added.

Also, the council deliberated and approved the Education Summit to be held between 25th and 26th of March. The theme of the summit is, “Enhancing Sustainable Development in Education and will be chaired by Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka.

Commenting on the derelict condition of the state-owned museum in the secretariat complex, Mrs Semenitari submitted that is not the focus of government for now due to other priority sectors stressing, “the governor has said specifically that we would have to focus on certain things as an administration our key areas of focus have been stated. So for 2013 budget that is not the area of focus.”

As the world ended the observation of World Glaucoma Week last week, study has shown that not less than 4.5 million Nigerians suffer from the incurable eye disease.

The revelation was made by Head of Department of Opthalmology in the state-owned Braithwaite Specialist Memorial Hospital (BSMH), in Port Harcourt, Dr Godswill Pepple, in a media chat.

Dr Pepple stated that aside cataract, glaucoma is the second highest cause of blindness in the world and in Nigeria as well, warning that it affects the blacks more than the whites.

The opthalmologist, who stated that glaucoma leads to gradual loss of vision, described the eye disease as “a silent thief of vision,” since most times, it doesn’t come with any symptoms.

In few cases, however, he explained that the eye disease comes along with severe headache due to increased blood flow in the eyes and leads to nausea and blurred vision.

With the increased blood flow in the eyes, he stated that the optic nerves are damaged gradually, thereby making it difficult for those affected to see properly.

He also pointed out that those with short sight problems are more susceptible to develop glaucoma, and therefore called for regular eye checks by those above 40 years of age.

Dr Pepple further stated that, “it’s a very serious eye devastation. In BSMH we have treatment if one is registered in the free medical. It’s free even the drugs is free.”

The eye expert while calling for early detection of the disease, assured that when once the symptoms are diagnosed early, it is easy to either halt or eliminate the malaise. “The treatment for glaucoma is to preserve the remaining vision, but it cannot bring back the one that is lost,” he said.

While lamenting that over 80 per cent of the populace have not heard about the eye disease, Dr Pepple called for increased enlightenment campaigns, and warned those who resort to self medication by using urine, water and steroid eye drops to desist or face permanent damage to their eyes.

Excited with the huge developmental strides of the Governor Chibuike Amaechi-led administration in three European countries, Finland, Austria and Norway have expressed their desire to partner the state in education , energy and commerce.

Ambassadors of the three European countries to Nigeria made this known when they paid a courtesy visit to Governor Chibuike Amaechi last Tuesday in Government, Port Harcourt.

They expressed their desire to commence cooperation in the three sectors, which they believe, would boost multinational relations between Nigeria and their respective countries.

Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs Riita Korpivaara remarked that education held huge potentials through which her country could provide support, “ we plan to visit the University of Port Harcourt to discuss education development in Rivers State and how our countries could partner with the state in the field of education, which is an area that is dear to me and to my country, Finnish”, she said.

On trade and commence, Mrs Korpivaara said more areas had to be exploited considering the fact that some of her country’s companies had established in Rivers State. “We are interested, especially in offshore business, energy and education which I already mentioned and I’am very glad that we have this opportunity now to come and see with our own eyes’, she said.

The Finnish envoy also indicated that the delegation while in the state would meet with Shell and visit the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, non-governmental organisations to discuss environmental protection matters.

On his part, Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Rolf Ree lauded Amaechi’s administration for utilising state resources to develop education, adding that as the centre of oil industry in Nigeria, he was impressed, ‘to see how Port Harcourt is developing and using the resources of the oil industry to expand”.

Besides that, he noted that his country had benefited hugely from oil exploration in the country hence it would like to meet with representatives of environmental rights groups to explore areas of understanding.

In the same vein, Austrian Ambassador, Mr Joachim Oppinger expressed his country’s willingness to commence bilateral relations with Rivers State to develop the education sector.

Said Oppinger, “I see there is great investment in education going on, we just spoke about that in Rivers State and I think at the end of the day even a country which has such potentials in raw material, the real raw material in any country is the brain and I see that there is a stronger investment in the brain here”.

In his response, Governor Amaechi thanked the ambassadors for their visit, and assured that the Rivers State Government would partner with them in the area of education.

The governor observed that security has greatly improved which is responsible for the relocation of many oil companies headquarters back to the state, while blaming insecurity to poverty.

Amaechi said the state government is working hard in creating a social environment that caters for the wellbeing of everybody, and that agriculture provides a ready tool to check the menace of unemployment.

He used the visit to make appeal for more opportunities for Rivers State indigenes sent on scholarship in European countries.

‘I have already briefed you that we send about 300 children every year to United Kingdom and Canada and that we have tried to exploit the free opportunity in Germany, that we were able to send only 15, then we tried to exploit the one in Brazil when the Ambassador spoke to us, out of the 50 chances, they gave us, we were able to send only six.

Last week the Government House was full of activities.  Sunday set the tone of a busy week with Governor Chibuike Amaechi receiving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee on a reconciliatory town hall meeting in Port Harcourt.

Amaechi, while playing host to the National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, said the state will still be largely PDP, while lauding the reconciliation meeting as welcome, since it will reconstruct and rebuild the party.

“We are in PDP, I have told my cabinet members that if we want to win election, we must work in such a way that the people are happy with us. Currently, we are popular in Rivers State, we have to maintain our popularity while in office and thereafter, and the only way to maintain that popularity is to continue to do what we are doing now, putting the people first”, Amaechi said.

Both Tukur and Amaechi later proceeded to the Civic Centre  where the party had a town hall meeting with party faithful.  Governor Uduaghan of Delta State and Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom were present at the forum, while Governor Liyel Imoke and Bayelsa Governor, Seriake Dickson sent their representatives.

Proceeding to Abuja on Monday for National Council of State meeting, Governor Amaechi delegated State Commissioner for Agriculture, Emma Chindah to represent him at the 38th Annual Conference and 40th Anniversary of the Nigerian Society for Animal Production (NSAP) held in the State University of Science and Technology (RSUST).

Amaechi who spoke through Chindah tasked NSAP on evolving practical ways of achieving sustainable development in animal production.

He said, “we are happy to share with you some of our strides in the area of economic development which agriculture cannot be removed from.  We believe that we can develop infrastructure to the best extent that we can do to stimulate our economy”.

Governor Amaechi presided over the State Executive Council meeting on Tuesday on returning from Abuja.  The meeting which sat for about six hours decided and announced the appointment of Prof. Otonti Nduka as the first Chairman of the State Education Quality Assurance Agency Board.

Also discussed and approved by the Exco is the Education Summit to be held on 25th and 26th of March and the body also announced the plan to set up the Garden City Private Equity Investment Corporation Law of 2013.

With the announcement of the Garden City Private Equity Investment Corporation, the State Executive Council directed the Secretary to the State Government and Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General to work on the law to be forwarded to the House of Assembly for approval.

The Governor on rising from the Exco meeting proceeded immediately to receive three Scandinavian envoys from Norway, Finland and Austria.

The Ambassadors expressed their desire to enter into multilateral agreements with Rivers State in the areas of education, commerce and energy, Mrs Riita Korpivaara of Finland said, “we plan to visit the University of Port Harcourt to discuss education development in Rivers State and how our countries could partner with Rivers State in the field of education which is an area that is especially dear to me and my country, Finland”.

On Wednesday, Governor Amaechi played host to Committee on Finance, led by its Chairman, Senator Ahmed Makarfi.

The State Governor used the visit to demand for a new revenue sharing formula in the country, arguing that the current revenue sharing formula does not give states fair share of the country’s revenue and urged the National Assembly to amend the constitution.

Aside asking for a better revenue formula, Amaechi decried the poor use and tariff in the Port Harcourt and Onne Ports. “Ordinarily you should expect people from Anambra, Imo, Abia State  to import through Port Harcourt, than import through Lagos.  So, we will be glad if you can either investigate or find a way to appeal to those who collect those monies to please try and pity the Rivers people”.

On hearing the death of Nigeria’s literary icon, Prof Achebe on Thursday, Governor Amaechi through his Chief Press Secretary, David Iyofor sent condolence messages to the family.

The Chairman of Nigeria Governor’s Forum (NGF) who presided over a meeting of the body (NGF) on Thursday made public results of study of Polio eradication in the various states.

Amaechi also on Thursday received the state share of certificate in the disbanded Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) alongside other states.

Lamenting the demise of Prof. Achebe in a statement on Friday, the governors said, “As the nation mourns this irreparable loss, I pray that God grants his family the strength to bear this great loss and to all of us”.

In fulfilment of his quest to boost manpower in Rivers State education sector, Governor Chibuike Amaechi has ordered the state Ministry of Education to issue employment letters to those who have scaled through the 13,000 teachers recruitment exercise.

Amaechi issued the directive at the 3rd State Education Summit held last Monday in Port Harcourt, saying that already the government had put the necessary platform to ensure quality and efficiency in the sector.

He noted that the recently established Education Quality Assurance Agency would ensure regular supervision and set standards.

The governor, however, condemned the politicisation of education, saying, “we should not politicise education. There is no room for politisation of education. Nothing like, see what I have achieved; I have built 500 schools, clap for me, give me more votes; that is not what education is all about. It is not a thing that anybody should gain votes from. It is a thing that is the right of every Nigerian’’.

Primary education remains the foundation for good education, he said, explaining that his administration had redesigned primary education with appropriate curriculum content and qualified teachers to deliver the best.

However, responding to some of the presentations at the event, Amaechi defended government policies, especially in promoting the free education scheme.

Amaechi asserted that the new model schools were for the rich and the poor, adding that his background spurred him to pursue free education even at government expense to ensure that every citizen has equal opportunities.

He used the forum to explain why most of the new schools were contracted to be managed by foreign firms because of inefficiency by the local managers.

Defending the decline in school enrolment in some bigger schools, Amaechi said that was the result of locating the new model schools mostly in the congested areas.

“Government policy is to build schools near to these areas to reduce pressure and we provide free education in all the schools”, he said.

On how the schools would be sustained, he said, “we will put a law in place and collect more taxes since most Nigerians do not want to fund education”.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the 3rd Education Forum and Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka has attributed the rot in Nigerian universities to poor primary education.

Said Soyinka, “If you don’t have a good university for learning, it doesn’t have idea of what brilliant professors in the world, if the atmosphere is rotten, you will just produce animals from universities and that is why I am very happy to be here to be part of any effort at all to resuscitate what our universities are and what they should be.’’

Keynote speaker, Prof. Ayo Banjo corroborated Soyinka’s views, and called for effective supervision and constant retraining and good salary package for teachers.

In her address earlier, Commissioner for Education, Dame Alice Nemi had noted that the summit, was the third, and was aimed at proffering measures to strengthen the reforms so far implemented by the state government.

In another development, the Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi has in Port Harcourt accused the managements of schools of derailing the progress of public schools in the state.

Amaechi said that headmasters, teachers and auxiliary staff were ruining the state government’s effort in the development of primary and secondary education.

The governor spoke at a two-day education conference, entitled, “Enhancing Sustainable Development in Education’’.

He said that the state government had established primary and secondary schools equipped with modern facilities across the state.

Amaechi said the government had stopped payment of tuition fees by pupils and provided books, sandals and bags for school children as part of efforts to provide free education in the state.

He said headmasters and teachers were in the habit of collecting tuition and examination fees from pupils after government ordered a stop to such payments.

“Rivers Government will not politicise education and will never tolerate any person or group, who is working contrary to our efforts of providing free education to every child in the state.

“As part of our commitment towards improving education in the state; henceforth any teacher who indulges in business activities in place of teaching pupils will be severely sanctioned,” the governor warned.

He said that the state government had set up a quality assurance unit charged with the responsibility of monitoring and inspecting primary and secondary schools in the state.

The governor expressed optimism that the quality assurance law would reduce corruption and teachers’ negligence to duty in primary and secondary schools in the state.

He called on the participants to deliberate on issues that would help government produce better policies that would improve education.

In his remark, Prof. Wole Soyinka, a Noble Laureate, acknowledged a slight improvement in the country’s education sector but called for drastic measures to revolutionise it to compete favourably with standards in other countries.

Soyinka said that inadequate funding of universities was negatively affecting programmes in producing quality graduates in the country.

“It doesn’t matter if you have brilliant professors in universities because if the environment is not conducive for learning we will continue to produce uneducated graduates,” he cautioned.

Soyinka said that the conference provided an opportunity for experts in the education sector to produce recommendations aimed toward improving educational standard in the country.

Meanwhile,  The Rivers State Government will carry out a recertification and redistribution of teachers once it concludes the recruitment of new 13,000 teachers next month.

Chief Executive Officer and Director of the newly established Rivers State Education Quality Assurance Agency, Prof. Okorosaye Orubite gave the hint while presenting a paper,”Education in Rivers State 2008-2013: An Overview ,’’ at the just concluded 3rd Rivers Education Summit held yesterday in Government House, Port Harcourt.

The plan was further endorsed by stakeholders in a communique at the end of the summit.

Prof. Orubite submitted that the redistribution of teachers will commence once the new teachers have been absorbed, “there will be redistribution in terms of numbers and subjects’’ he said.

Explaining the essence of the exercise he stated that studies have revealed that there is imbalance of teachers ratio in the urban centres to the rural areas, hence the exercise is geared at balancing the equation and also ensuring quality teaching staff.

He also hinted on the re-introduction of transfer certificates, pointing out that the current situation does not allow for adequate record keeping in schools

Consequently, stakeholders have advocated for the review of curricullum of the two tertiary institutions namely Rivers State University of Science and Technology and Ignatius Ajuru University of Education in tandem with the new policy on education.

The curricullum they stressed should be in line with the one prescribed by the Nigerian Education Research and Development Commission(NERDC), further calling for the incorporation of faith- based organisations in the orientation of students.

In a communique released and read by the Commissioner for Education, Dame Alice Nemi after the two-day summit, the participants rooted for an educational sector that provides for those with special needs by giving opportunities to all irrespective of class or background.

They also advocated for the eradication of all forms of learning disparities based on gender or class adding, “ the summit is to review what has been happening in the sector since 2008, and to find ways of sustaining and consolidating these achievements so far, as well as expanding areas not yet covered.’’

L-R: Rivers State Deputy Governor, Engr Tele Ikuru, Governor Chibuike Amaechi, Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Odein Ajumogobia, during the Education Summit in Port Harcourt, yesterday

The Ogonis comprising four local government areas in Rivers State yesterday pledged their unflinching support to the Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi led administration.

They made public their stand during a solidarity visit to the governor at Government House, Port Harcourt. They were led by Chairman of Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council and Ogoni Traditional Rulers Council, King Godwin Giniwa.

Chief Giniwa who made the introductory speech before handing over to Justice Peter Akere (rtd) who read the address of the group said the visit was to pledge support to the governor and thank him for all he had done for the Ogoni people, and his outstanding achievements after his second term elections.

Justice Akere had in the address commended the governor for the appointment of Ogoni sons and daughters into sensitive government positions, noting that so far, the governor had not sidelined them in governance.

Against this backdrop coupled with the numerous projects sited in Ogoni land, Justice Akere declared, “we have therefore come to re-iterate that the Ogoni Ethnic Nationalities have resolved to support and stand by Your Excellency in your pursuit to bring development to Rivers State and Ogoni and resist all attempts to short-change the people of Rivers State and Ogoni.’’

According to the Ogoni spokesman, the mandate given to Governor Amaechi in 2011 elections is “ uncontestable, incontrovertible and irrevocable’’ adding that, “ it is for this reason that Ogoni Ethnic Nationalities are awakened by current developments in the polity of this nation to challenge the efficacy and sustainability of the mandate of people of Rivers State and resist all attempts to short-change the people of Rivers State and Ogoni.’’

As part of efforts towards ensuring stable power supply in Rivers State, the state government has completed 26 power substations across the state.

Governor Chibuike Amaechi who disclosed this yesterday during the first quarterly open governance forum organised by the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt, said that the government was building 180-megawatt power station at Afam in Oyigbo Local Government Area.

The governor, who expressed delight over the improvement of power supply in the state, also said that a town hall meeting on power would be held before the end of April after which prepaid meters would be sold to households in the state.

Governor Amaechi said that the government had put into  an escrow account the sum of N500million for free medical treatment at the Kelsey Harrison Hospital, Port Harcourt, but noted that free treatment in the hospital would be based on evidence of tax payment.

He also said that  120 health centres had been completed and  fully furnished, while the Dental Hospital, Port Harcourt was being run by foreigners.

The state Chief Executive further said that the administration was targeting the commissioning of 250 model primary schools in  250 days while the model secondary school at Saakpenwa, headquarters of Tai Local Government Area would soon be commissioned.

In a similar development, the government has restated its commitment towards the  completion of all projects in the state.

The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Levi Gogo Charles, who said this during the forum, said that between 2008 and 2012, the government made remarkable improvement in execution of project.

Giving details of the breakdown in capital projects execution, Mr Charles said that the state recorded 72.61 per cent in 2008 which earned it a grade A mark, adding that this was followed by a slight reduction of 51.62 per cent in 2009.

The commissioner further said that 2010 and 2011 saw a tremendous improvement of 75.14 and 98.23 per cent, respectively, while the government witnessed reduction in project performance in 2012 at 73.84 per cent.

He said that the government was focused on ensuring that every on-going project was completed, stressing that the state was open to constructive criticisms that would help the  government to fine-tune those areas that are not doing well.

Meanwhile Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has called on the European Union, African Development Bank and World Bank to support the state’s quest in the provision of affordable and sustainable water following the blueprint so far laid by his admninistration to provide water to the people.

He reminded the development partners at a forum on Rivers State Water Development Conference last Wednesday in Port Harcourt, that already, the state had meet the requirement for a loan to drive the sector.

In the view of the governor, “ further delay may lead to more deaths’ as a result of what he called rising water borne diseases.

Governor Amaechi said his administration’s rural and urban water schemes would provide potable water, stressing that clean and sustainable water was essential for the well-being of the people.

He disclosed that he had directed the state Commissioner for Water Resources and Rural Development, Ms. Patricia Simon-Hart, to put together a list of  all water projects in the state and start to make them work.

In her address, the state Commissioner for Water Resources and Rural Development, Ms Patricia Simon-Hart disclosed that the State Government had resolved to reform the state’s water sector in order to offer sound water governance and deliver efficient service to the people.

“In Rivers State, we have made a decision to reform the water sector to ensure that we provide sound water governance and strengthen the institutions to deliver services effectively. The most significant progress made in this process, which started in 2009 is the formulation of the Rivers State Water Policy document, its subsequent passage by the State Executive Council and the signing of the Water Sector Development bill into law by Governor Amaechi”.

In the keynote address, Minister of Water Resources, Mrs Sarah Reng Ochekpe, represented by Ononye Beredugo, said the Federal Ministry of Water Resources would support the Rivers State water development initiative and provide leadership, direction and coordination for the initiative, saying, water was central to national development, that is why the President Goodluck Jonathan administration places importance on the sector”.

It would be recalled that theme of the state Water Development Conference is, “Improving Service  Delivery through better water cooperation.

In a related development, Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, says his administration will continue to listen to the voice of the people in order to ensure transparency, good governance and accountability in its efforts at developing the state.

Governor Amaechi said this yesterday during the first Open Governance Forum with civil society groups organised by the state Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.

Represented by his Deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru, the governor stated that, “we will continue talking with the people. We will continue to listen to our people,” reiterating that his administration would not renege on its vision and promise to render quality service delivery and accountable stewardship to the people of the state, adding that “all the projects done so far by the government are all aimed at touching the lives of the people”.

Governor Amaechi, who is the chairman, Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), stressed the need for strategic collaboration with the civil society organisations in ensuring the sustainability of the various people-oriented projects across the State, explaining that the government had created an enabling environment for investors to come and invest in the state.

Earlier, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, had said that the first Open Governance Forum, with the theme “Your Right To Be Heard” is in line with the government’s  transparency agenda, pointing out that it was aimed at giving civil society organizations the opportunity to ask questions and have first hand information on the policies and projects of the Governor Amaechi-led government, maintaining that the forum would be holding on a quarterly basis.

Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs Ibim Semenitari, with Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr Richard Ofuru, during the Open Governance Forum with civil society organisations in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Last week was full of activities for Governor Chibuike  Amaechi in Government House. On return from Abuja at the weekend, the governor opened the 3rd Rivers State Education Summit in Port Harcourt.

He spoke passionately about the efforts made by his administration at improving education at all levels. Amaechi who described education as an essential tool for development cautioned against politicising  this all important sector.

The governor said primary education is the foundation for good education, explaining that his administration redesigned primary education with appropriate curriculum, content and qualified teachers to deliver the best.

Amaechi who spoke at the conference in the company  of Prof. Wole Soyinka, Prof Banjo and  Prof Nimi Briggs, including other prominent  stakeholders in the health sector further  directed the Ministry  of Education to issue appointment  letters to applicants who have scaled through the teacher’s recruitment exercise.

On Tuesday, Governor Amaechi took a brief time off from the two-day education forum to conduct some projects inspection. He visited the Ogbogoro and Eliparanwo roads.

While calling for patience from the people, Rt.  Hon. Amaechi assured of government quest to ensure that the roads are built and delivered.

At Eliparanwo, he said, “Everybody must be patient, now we  are taking our time to build storm water drainage on the left side of the road which is sub-surface, on the right you have covered drains”.

On the Ogbogoro axis, Amaechi remarked, “We are rebuilding completely. We see these roads as new roads because there were  no drainages. You can see the drainage, they  are sub-surface  drains”. Same Tuesday, Governor Amaechi received Ogonis who paid a solidarity visit to him in Government House and led by chairman of Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM, King Godwin Ginwa.

The people made known their commitment to support the administration of Governor Chibuike Amaechi’, “Your Excellency  in 2011 elections, the people of Ogoni ethnic nationality delivered an overwhelming vote towards your re-election as the Executive Governor of Rivers State”, declared Justice  Peter Akere (rtd), who read the  group’s address.

They expressed pride over the governor’s  continued transparent, selfless and courageous  determination to speak the truth at all times, and commended his achievements so far in the state.

The Governor played host to the Minister of Niger  Delta, Chief Godsday  Orubebe on Wednesday. Chief Orubebe told Amaechi that the Federal Government had approved the setting up of a council on the Niger Delta to allow various stakeholders meet at least once every year to discuss mind-boggling issues of the region.

The minister also intimated Rt. Hon. Amaechi of the level of work on the East-West Road starting that, “Your Excellency by 2010, we came to realize that, the road is having 42 bridges, spanning from 70 metres to 850 metres. But we  have 786 culvert and have completed 37 out of the 42 bridges”.

On his part, Amaechi opined that the Niger Delta Master Plan  would be a signature  project that may promote speedy  development and progress in the Niger Delta, adding “I must say that, you and I are from the Niger Delta, this is the best chance  that we have. We can never have this kind of opportunity again… We can’t complain and we can’t afford to fail”.

Rt. Hon. Amaechi, declared open the Rivers State Water Conference on Wednesday and tasked development  partners -  the World Bank, African Development Bank and European Union to release the loan, to enable the government  carryout the  new state water project.

On Friday, he attended  the Civil Society Forum where he enumerated the success of his administration.  Most especially, he  noted that apart from executing developmental projects, the administration has  pushed up internally generated revenue from 2.5 billion to about N6 billion monthly.

Governor Amaechi believed that a  robust  internally generated   revenue will help drive development and instill transparent governance.

Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, says the quest of his administration is to boost internally generated revenue, promote transparency and accountability in government.

He made the assertion last Thursday at the Open Governance Forum organised by the state Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.

Against this backdrop, he promised that his administration would continue to drive the internal revenue base up to a level that the state would become economically viable, drive development without recourse to allocations.

Meanwhile, the state has expended about N380 billion on infrastructure development from a total of N584 billion target on projects ranging from roads, bridges and shore protection.

State Commissioner for Works, Chief Victor Giadom gave the figures last Thursday in Port Harcourt , stating that over 112 projects had been delivered in different parts of the state.

With over five bridges constructed, he promised that very soon Ada-Ada George, Nkpogu and Okporo Roads would be delivered before the end of the year.

On Agriculture, the Commissioner for Agriculture,  Hon. Emma Chinda disclosed that the state fish farm projects sited in Buguma, Ubima,Andoni, Opobo would raise the state fish production to 5,000 tons a year.

Around the Ogoni axis, he said, the state planned to develop a 10,000 ton palm estate to support the Risonpalm which has currently employed over 5,000 people since it was privatised.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari said the forum was organised to strengthen and deepen the town hall meetings by the governor.

Street hawkers and traders who flout government’s orders are to spend three months behind bars following a directive by an inter-ministerial forum for the setting-up of a special Magistrate Court to try defaulters in Rivers State.

Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs Ibim Semenitari gave the indication yesterday while briefing newsmen on the outcome of an inter-ministerial forum meeting in Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Worried by the swelling street trading and begging across parts of the state, she disclosed that the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice had been mandated to liaise with the Chief Judge of the state to designate a special Magistrate Court to prosecute offenders.

Against this backdrop, she stated that the state Sanitation Authority has been directed to ensure “that the laws of Rivers State which prescribed a three month penalty on street trading and street begging is enforced.”

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Inter-Ministerial Forum has congratulated Governor Chibuike Amaechi for winning the prestigious  ‘Vanguard Personality of the Year’ award.

She said, “ the forum noted with great delight the tremendous work going on in the primary, secondary and tertiary education sub sectors. The forum also noted the tremendous work going on in the health sector, the infrastructure, human and capital development of the state economy and therefore congratulated Governor Amaechi for putting the needs of Rivers people first”.

The forum further lauded the governor for consistently providing leadership in ensuring that the dividends of democracy are delivered to the people of the state.

Meanwhile, an outbreak of filariasis (lymphatic) ordinarily called Filaria, a medical condition that results in swelling of the foot and  genital has been reported in Andoni and Opobo/Nkoro axis of the state.

This is coming barely two weeks after measles outbreak was reported to have struck parts of Akuku-Toru, Etche and Obio/Akpor local government areas of the state.

The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs Ibim Semenitari, who briefed newsmen in Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday after the monthly inter-ministerial meeting, said already, measures have been put in place by the Health Ministry to isolate those infected and ensure effective treatment.

She, therefore, called on residents to sleep under the widely distributed insecticide treated nets to prevent mosquitoes bites, which transmits the disease.

Lymphatic filariasis is caused by Anopheles mosquitoes when a person is infected, the larvae move into the lymphatic cells and develop into adult worms, and may persist for years.

Signs and symptoms include Edema with thickening of the skin, a classical symptom of elephantiasis. The arms, valva, breast  and scrotum or genital area can swell above its normal size.

Mrs Semenitari acknowledged a fresh attack of Lassa Fever in the state, but noted  that the state was among the few states in the country that aggressively tackled the menace last year, and therefore, dispelled fears that the deadly diseases could spread.

On this, the Commissioner said government has beefed-up immunization, but however, frowned at the attitude of some churches which prevent their members from getting immunized”. We ask residents to avail themselves of the opportunity to immunize their wards, so we can save our population from childhood diseases, she added.

R-L: National Deputy Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Amaopusenibo (Dr) Sam Sam Jaja, member, House of Representatives, Hon Dakuku Peterside, Mayor of Port Harcourt, Chimbiko Akarolo and Vice Chairman, Opobo/Nkoro LGA, Patrick Alapuberesika, at the instatllation of chairman of Opobo/Nkoro LGA, Maclean Bethel Uranta as Head Senibo Okomogbara Group of Houses at Queen’s Town, Opobo Kingdom, last Friday

Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon Chibuike Amaechi has a way of holding the public spell bound during public outings. His blunt nature stuns his listeners and at the same time leaves them giggling in admiration.

At the Town Hall Meeting he held with the people of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area two weeks ago in Omoku, he threw up one of those his nagic wands.

Just as he was about ending his speech, he switched to the issue of security. Some youths who were standing opposite the podium attracted the eyes of the governor.

As if a light bulb had been lit on him, he summoned 10 youths to volunteer to assist security agencies in fishing out the hoodlums who have been unleashing terror in the area.

He threw a bait to them.. A youth had during the question and answer session asked why youth bodies were disbanded by government in the area. In his usual manner, the governor sought for a give-and- take scenario. He told them that he would only lift the ban if the youths would conduct themselves, while reminding them of the insecurity occasioned by incessant kidnappings in the area.

Initially when he made the call, few youths came forward, and then suddenly many of them surged to the podium and the governor quickly called on the Chief of Staff, Government House, Chief Tony Okocha to take down their names for further arrangement.

In the early part of his speech, he reminded the people of the area how government intervened to check the menace. According to Amaechi, prior to this time, many rich men fled the area, “then there were kidnapping everyday but when government and police came in, Chiboy was arrested and respite came.”

He recalled that it was after the arrest of Chiboy and other notorious criminals that peace and security returned to the place.

But he expressed worry that” they have started again. They attacked the mother of one of my Commissioners and almost killed her.”

To assure the people that he was bent on rooting out the criminals from the area, Rt. Hon Amaechi declared, “The only responsibility in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that the governor has is the responsibility he swears to an oath that I will secure lives and properties, that is my responsibility to you. I promise you as I stand; they have changed the Commissioner of Police, so there is a new one. We will go and sit with him, we will review what we have done in the past and we will give them all the necessary support, all the necessary support he needs to restore law and order in ONELGA.”

Amaechi was prompted by the reaction of the crowd to the welcome speech made by the Council Chairman, Hon. Raymond Nwokocha.

Nwokocha had said, “In the area of security, we have been able to tackle youth restiveness and criminality through the cooperation of the SSS, JTF, traditional rulers and chiefs. The problem of cultism, kidnapping, robbery and gansterism have been brought to its lowest ebb through to its lowest ebb this arrangement.”

The crowd murmured. The chairman however, expressed another concern that posed threat to the people of the area. He told Governor Amaechi that “the people of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area are faced with onerous devastation arising from the unlawful and indiscriminate grazing and wanton destruction unleashed by the Fulani herdsmen in the area.”

Hon. Nwokocha lamented that the matter was becoming an issue of urgent public importance as most women have been raped in their farms while crops and farmlands have been devastated. He, therefore, appealed to the             governor to come “to our rescue as we don’t intend to engage them in reprisal attack in order not to incite tribal killings as already done in the Northern states.”

Governor Amaechi defended the chairman saying the responsibility of ensuring security rest with the police, and pleaded for time in order for government to tackle the menace.

The situation has worsened in the last months with over four lecturers taken hostage from the Federal Government Technical College of Education. The teachers and students of the institution were forced to march down to government house in January to present their plight.

Governor told the crowd that security was the business of all. He called on parents to ensure that their wards are properly monitored and tasked leaders most especially the traditional rulers in the community to evolve stringent security measures.

Shortly after his assurance on security, the governor went on to enunciate the achievements of his administration in the area.

“You know, I promised to tell you the truth all the time. So here, out of six, five primary health care centres have been completed and in use. So here, we have done 90 percent,” he said.

On education, the Rivers State Chief Executive stated that he has disbursed funds to the

State Ministry of Education to complete all Model Primary Schools under construction.

The schools include Community Primary School, Ndoni, Community Primary School

Obiede-Erema; State Schcol, Obrikorn; St Stephens Primary Shool, Omoku among others.

Governor Amaechi promised to build a Model Secondary School in the area once a land was provided by the council for the project, and hinted of plans to set up an agricultural scheme to boost employment.

During the question and answer session a traditional title holder from the area, who

-gave his name as Chief Titus Egunerikoha engaged the governor over what he called

lack of “human capital development” in the state.

After few minutes of debate, Amaechi dismised Egunerikoha’s view based on the

government’s huge investment in education. The governor believed that there was no better human capital development than education.

The rot in Okwuzi General Hospital and Egbema Grammar School was brought to the notice of the governor by Engr. Nelson Nekweri. Reacting to the issue Rt. Hon Amaechi said government cannot repair all, but assured that the planned Senatorial Zonal Hospitals would address the shortfall in heath centres.

The governor also assured of completing the Ndoni Shore protection project and complete all internal roads in Omoku Town.

“Just give us one month, you will see activities on the roads,” he said.

Member representing the area in the State House of Assembly, Hon Lucky Odili in his closing remarks revealed that already a parcel of land for the new Model Secondary School has been made available, while describing the governor’s visit as a relief to an aching heart.

“We wish that you can continue to come like this because the people love you”, he added.

Earlier in his address, Chairman of the Council appraised the Town Hall meeting, saying, “ indeed, His Excellency’s vision of periodically fraternizing with the people of Rivers State aimed at acquainting the people with policies and programmes of government, as well as identifying their pressing needs is highly appreciated.”