PROVOST URGES STUDENT LEADERS ON INTELLECTUALISM

The Provost of the Rivers State College of Health Science and Technology (RIVCOHSTECH), Dr Nnanna Victor Onyekwere, has called on student leaders to provide leadership based on intellectualism and integrity.

Dr Onyekwere, who made this call when he inaugurated a new executive for the Students Union Government (SUG) of the institution for the 2009/2010 academic session in Port Harcourt, advised the new executive to balance their academics with the challenges of leadership.

The Provost, represented by his deputy, Pastor Pius Jeremiah, enjoined the students to be upright and live above board, saying “whatever you do leaves a footprint, learn the good part of life and prepare yourself for leadership”.

Also speaking, Dean, Student Affairs of the institution, Chief Adolphus Okachukwu, commended the Independent School Electoral Committee (ISEC) led by Jokine Chienyem Ogbu, 300-level, Dental Technology, for the success of the elections adjudged free, fair and peaceful and thanked the contestants for the maturity exhibited during the process.

According to him, it is the management’s policy to create conducive atmosphere for the students to freely choose their leaders, noting that the support of the students was critical to the success of the new leadership, urging the newly sworn-in executive to lead with an open heart and be accessible, transparent and honest in their dealings.

In his acceptance speech, the newly elected SUG President, Godswell Michael Binyen, a 200-level Health Information Management student of the institution, thanked the students for voting him into office and pledged to improve on the existing cordial relationship with the management while addressing the interest of his colleagues.

The new executive led by, has Uwitetu Faith Ozuzu (Vice-President), Kingsley Amadi Kingsley (General-Secretary), Chujor Juliet Owate (Assistant General-Secretary), Ikechukwu Akani (Financial Secretary) and Boma John Strongface (Treasurer).

Others are Minini Romeo (Public Relations Officer), Richard Amadi (Director of Welfare), Chivueze Echem (Director of Transport), Bennett Emughibula (Director of Sports), Dickson Owoh (Director of Socials) and Nwuche Mbuchi (Provost).

KIDNEY TREATMENT UNDERWAY IN RIVERS STATE

The health-care revolution of the Chibuike Amaechi-led administration in Rivers State will soon be expanded to include treatment of kidney diseases as experts in that field of medicine from the United Kingdom will soon arrive the State for this purpose.

This was disclosed by a consultant on kidney treatment and a son of the State, Dr Ibiwari Erekosima, in a chat with newsmen in Port Harcourt. 

Dr Erekosima, a 1988 graduate of the University of Port Harcourt and foremost kidney consultant in the United Kingdom, works with Hope Hospital Teaching Hospitals, Manchester, UK.  

The kidney expert said, against the backdrop of the subsistent level of kidney services and the resolve of the present administration to develop health-care in the State, his group is set to collaborate with the State Government in providing treatment for those with kidney problems.

According to him, a multipronged approach aimed at checkmating the disease has become necessary “or else in the nearest future it will go into epidemic proportions, a situation where one in every five adults will have the disease”.

The medical expert explained that the aim is to create a care pathway which will include establishing renal clinics for detection of kidney damage, surveillance of progress of treatment, administration of dialysis and transplant of kidneys.

Regretting the dearth of relevant data on the disease, Dr Erekosima stated that hospital based studies indicate an epidemic proportion of increase in renal diseases and called on the government to subsidize the cost of dialysis for kidney patients, saying dialysis is not sustainable anywhere in the developing world because of poverty”.

Noting that the training of medical personnel is critical to the success of the kidney programme, Dr Erekosima said “it is not enough to buy machines, they have to be maintained and supported to be useful,” adding that “doctors will be trained to do transplant, and when we do these it will begin to have impact on those that have the disease”.

He described diabetes and hypertension as “the commonest cause of kidney disease worldwide,” and lamented the level of ignorance regarding kidney diseases, saying “when you create awareness then you can identify those with organ damage from diabetes and hypertension and organ damage of their kidneys.

The medical consultant condemned the habit of buying drugs off the counter and using herbal medicines, warning that “such could be toxic to their health” and urged the government to set up a viable data collection system which is critical to monitoring of reduction in incidence of kidney failures.

ELECTORAL REFORMS: Electoral bodies should be non-partisan - Don

Undue interference and imposition of candidates by those in authority during elections have been described as having negative impact on the electoral process and hindering the growth of democracy in the country.  

This was the position of the Provost of the Rivers State College of Health Science and Technology (RIVCOHSTECH), Dr Nnanna Vincent Onyekwere, while speaking with newsmen shortly after elections were held into positions in the executive of the Students Union Government (SUG) of the institution in Port Harcourt.  

Dr Onyekwere decried the imposition of candidates by those in authority, saying such actions create unnecessary problems in the polity and urged election officials to be forthright and resist the temptation to favour one candidate above others.

Expressing optimism that elections can be free and fair where there is no interference by the electoral bodies, he noted that for elections to be conducted in an atmosphere of peace the umpires have to be non-partisan.

“The electorates are the most important people in an election…they should be carried along in the process,” the academic don stated and called on the management of tertiary institutions to “stand on the truth because that is what will take away all the tension”.

At the end of the elections, Godswell Binyen, a 200 level student of Environmental Health Technology emerged President polling 399 votes ahead of Goodnews Opurum, 200 level, Health Information Management, and Chukwundah Mac-Charlie, 200 level, Community Health, who polled 326 and 281 votes respectively in the voting process adjudged by many students as free, fair and transparent.

Also elected into the executive are Uwitetu Faith Ozuzu (Vice President), Kingsley Amadi (General Secretary), Chujor Juliet Owate (Assistant General Secretary), Akani Ikechukwu (Financial Secretary), Boma Strongface John (Treasurer), Richard Amadi (Director of Welfare), Minini Romeo (Public Relations Officer), Chivueze Echem (Director of Transport), Emughibula Bennett (Director of Sports), Owoh Dickson Owoh (Director of Socials) and Mbuchi Nwuche (Provost).   

NEPAD PLEDGES INCREASED FOOD PRODUCTIVITY IN RIVERS STATE

The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) has expressed its commitment to increase food productivity by revitalizing the agricultural sector in Rivers State.

SA to the Governor and State Coordinator of NEPAD, Dr Tex Wariboko, who stated this in a chat with newsmen, said NEPAD is working on involving all sectors of society in farming with a view to implementing its agricultural action plan by engaging necessary skills and expertise in food production. 

Dr Wariboko explained that to bridge the unemployment gap youths would be encouraged to engage in agriculture and stressed the need to train a new generation of farmers by teaching young people new methods and ways of farming thus creating viable means of generating revenue.

The NEPAD Coordinator said the body is currently working on its action plans in Infrastructural Development, Capacity Building for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs), Agriculture, Education and Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and creating partnerships and synergies to involve all sectors of society in raising the living standards of the people.

He disclosed that NEPAD is also dealing with climate change and pollution as captured in its environmental action plan, stressing that the effects of climate change is impacting negatively on the agricultural sector.

Calling on the Federal Government to address the negative impact of oil exploration in the Niger Delta region, Dr Wariboko said “because we earn for the whole country and because we bear the brunt of the consequences of oil exploration, the Federal Government needs to pay special attention to the region,” and “provide incentives to discourage the ex-militants from returning to the creeks”. 

He revealed that NEPAD will establish integrated farms in the 3 senatorial districts of the State and engage about 15,000 youths in agriculture, adding that his agency is partnering with the State Social Rehabilitation Committee to reintegrate and rehabilitate the ex-militants. 

“NEPAD’s agenda,” he said “is the grassroots,” and disclosed that the body aims to avert political interference by involving all stakeholders in its programmes.

He enjoined the citizens to stand up for their rights and insist on the kind of leadership they desire by casting and ensuring their votes count in the 2011 elections, urging the Federal Government to urgently review the electoral laws to ensure credible elections in 2011.

FG SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR N’DELTA DEV - AZAIKI

The Federal Government has been urged to take responsibility for the development of the Niger Delta region by refunding funds spent on infrastructure in the area.

Former Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government and Coordinator of the National Think-Tank, Professor Steve Azaiki, stated this when he accompanied the Rivers State Deputy Governor on an inspection of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo Unity Road projects yesterday.

Expressing delight on the pace of work on the project, Prof. Azaiki, who is also a Visiting Fellow of the Institute of Petroleum Studies, University of Port Harcourt, said “The Federal Government should take responsibility for the development of the Niger Delta region and refund the monies spent on road projects in the area.”

Commending the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and his deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru, for the development initiatives ongoing in the State, Prof. Azaiki, who is also the country President of the World Environmental Movement for Africa (WEMFA), Nigeria, urged the people of the State to support the present administration in its efforts at bringing the dividends of democracy to the people.

“I want to commend the Rivers State Governor and his deputy for the development initiatives they have embarked upon. Projects of this nature answer the question of the development of the Niger Delta region and what the governors in the region are doing with the allocation given to them” he said and urged the government to ensure development spreads to the rural areas.

 

Responding, the Rivers State Deputy Governor, Engr. Tele Ikuru, reiterated the State Government’s determination deliver on its promises and uplift the living standards of the people by completing the project.

Impressed by the present state of the project in which the Ebukuma Bridge on the Andoni axis is almost completed while the Opobo axis is within the precincts of Kalaibiama community, the State Deputy Governor explained that despite challenges faced by the construction firm, Rivigo JV Nigeria Limited, the road will soon begin to serve the needs of the Andoni and Opobo communities.

Speaking, the site manager, Mr. Leyira Kamanu, assured on the quality of the project, saying “the job is being done according to specifications and the bridges are expected to have a life span of 100 years,” adding that the road spanning 37 kilometers and covering 17 communities is expected to be completed on or before 2011.  

BONNY TRAVELERS SOON TO GO BY AIRCONDITIONED BOATS, MONORAIL …as Tolofari lists achievements in Transport sector

Travelers to Bonny Island and other riverine communities in Rivers State would soon enjoy the luxury of traveling in state-of-the-art boats, fully air-conditioned or by monorail system, the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has said.

The Governor, who said this at the 2^nd State Transport Summit in Port Harcourt, with the theme “Transport Sector Reform” organized by the State Ministry of Transport, said government is desirous of laying a proper foundation for an integrated transportation scheme in the state.

He stated that apart from improving land transportation with the introduction of monorail system, water transportation would equally be given a boost as new water taxi boats equipped with air conditioners have been acquired for the purpose.

Earlier, the State Commissioner for Transport, Mr. George Tolofari, has said that the transport system in the State has seen a transformation due to the strident efforts of his ministry aimed at alleviating the suffering of the masses as a result of the ban on commercial motorcycles.

He disclosed that his ministry adopted the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model and entered into joint venture with Skye Bank Plc in the building of new and modern bus shelters with lay-byes.

Noting that 56 bus shelters with lay-byes have been completed, and over 106 buses are plying on Port Harcourt roads, the former member, representing Bonny Local Government Area in the State House of Assembly, added that the State Government and Skye Bank have also introduced 200 taxis into the sector to ease transportation in the city.

According to the Commissioner, the 2^nd Rivers State Transport Summit is aimed at creating a platform for the Ministry to evaluate the reform in the transport sector and chart the way forward.

In a paper delivered at the summit, titled “The Emerging Role of Women in Commercial Transportation Prospect and Challenges”, the wife of the State Governor, Dame Judith Amaechi, said the ESI lady cabbies scheme is aimed at creating participation of female taxi drivers and generating regular income for the women.

She said the initiative of the lady cabbies scheme by her NGO, has broken the barriers of male dominated profession of commercial transportation in the state.

Rivers son presents US Purple Heart award to Gov Amaechi

An illustrious son of Rivers State and United States Marine Sergeant (Dr) Ledum Dennis Ndaanee, today formally presented his Purple Heart award to the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, at Government House, Port Harcourt. 

The award was handed to him in November, 2007 by former United States President, George H.W. Bush.

Making the presentation, Marine Sgt. Ledum Ndaanee, who described the award as an honour to the people of Nigeria and Rivers State in particular, said he was overwhelmed representing the country in the US Marine Corps.

“I decided to come home and present this award to my State Governor. It’s really an honour serving in the US Marine Corps and I feel overwhelmed representing my country, Nigeria and the people of Rivers State in particular,” he declared.

Ndaanee, a machine gunner who survived an explosion during the Iraq encounter with the US, noted that Nigeria had brave and best brains in the United States, saying “I am proud of my country, especially Rivers State.”

Receiving the award on behalf of the Governor, his deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru, commended the recipient, Ledum Ndaanee for bridging honour to the people of Rivers State in particular and Nigeria in general.

“I congratulate you for making us proud in the United States where many think that we cannot excel in anything,” Ikuru said, adding, “that a son of Rivers State is a hero in the US is great”.

In an interview with newsmen shortly after the ceremony, Sgt. Ledum Ndaanee, who hails from Luekue Town in Khana Local Government of the State said he joined the US Marine Corps in September, 2004.

According to him, the award was presented to the dead and the wounded, pointing out that he was the only living and the first African to be so honoured by the US Government.

“I consider myself lucky and I thank God for being alive to receive the Purple Heart, the highest US military award to war heroes”.

He advised Nigerian youths to have faith in God as there are windows of opportunity awaiting them, saying “I never knew I would be where I am today”.

SEMINITARI, DAWARI GEORGE, 4 OTHERS SWORN IN AS RIVERS COMMISSIONERS

Mrs. Ibim Seminitari, award winning seasoned female journalist and communications expert, and Dr Dawari George, immediate past chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Rivers State, were among six new Commissioners sworn-in yesterday by Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Governor of Rivers State at Government House, Port Harcourt.

Sworn in with Mrs. Ibim Seminetari, who until her new appointment was the Publisher of the weekly magazine, Business Eye, and Dr. Dawari George,  are four former Commissioners who were in the last dissolved cabinet, Felix Nweke, of Youth, Joseph Poroma, Social Welfare and Rehabiliattion, Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, Special Duties, and Marshal Uwom, Housing, respectively.

The Governor Amaechi charged them to render selfless services and be transparent in their dealings with the people.

“The only reason why you were appointed is for service, and it must not conflict with any other interest”, Governor Amaechi said, and explained that government office is not a place where people come to share money but to deliver services. Use public money for public purposes not for private use”, he declared.

According to him, “the state lacks basic infrastructure, therefore we all require concerted efforts to develop it. It is not time for funfair, but time to serve, and make the people of Rivers State happy”, the Governor said.

The State Chief Executive said the state has the potentials to be a model in the country and urged the new Commissioners to discharge their duties creditably.

He warned that he would not hesitate to remove any one found wanting in the discharge of his duties, emphasizing that they should not give him the opportunity to dissolve the cabinet another time.

Governor Amaechi cautioned the Commissioners to make open the processes of contract awards to the public, and maintain an open door policy to enable the people have access to their offices.

One of the Commissioners, Mrs Ibim Seminetari, who spoke with newsmen after the swearing-in, said her vision is in line with the commitment of the State Governor to ensure the development and progress of the state.

This brings the number of Commissioners in the state to 26.

MRS. AMAECHI CHARGES LGA CHAIRPERSONS ON RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Wife of Rivers State Governor Dame Judith Amaechi has charged wives of Chairmen of the twenty three local government areas to initiate sustainable programmes capable of eradicating poverty among the rural populace.

Dame Judith Amaechi stated this during a meeting with wives of Chairmen of the twenty three local government areas c of Rivers State at government house Port Harcourt.

According to a statement by Dike Bekwele, her media assistant, Mrs. Amaechi stated that the improvised situation among the rural populace is very worrisome adding that the government programmes would be a success if it impact positively on the lives of the people.

“The poverty situation within the rural community requires urgent and drastic action, we must tackle it on all fronts, and bring government to the door steps of the rural dwellers”.

The Rivers Governor’s wife who recently empowered women through public transportation challenged the chairpersons to initiate similar programmes that have capacity of sustaining rural economy of the people.

“Please it is on record that we have ladies driving cabs, while some have become entrepreneurs after our soap making training programmes. You can replicate this effort in your locality or initiate suitable programmes that can sustain the economy of the people”.

The governor’s wife said she wants the rural dwellers to benefit in the ESI Lady cabbies, because most female drivers today have become economically independent and can cater for their family.

“I have directed that some forms for the ESI lady cabbies be distributed at the rural areas to enable them benefit from it. Please it must not be politicized, let the qualified and capable hands benefit, while I charge you to initiate your ideas in this regard and complement your husbands effort”.

The governor’s wife warned that she will not support chairpersons who are insensitive to the plight of the rural populace.

TEARS, TRIBUTES AS BONNY MONARCH BURIES COUSIN

It was a gale of tears and tributes as the remains of Princess Catherine Secondus Pepple was laid to rest at Bonny Island in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State at the weekend.

Late Princess Catherine Secondus Pepple is cousin to the Amanyanabo of Bonny Kingdom, HRM King Edward William Dappa-Pepple, who is also the immediate past Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers.

Commiserating with the Amanyanabo of Bonny, the immediate past Leader of the Bonny Youth Federatiion (BYF), Mr. Ibifubara Willie-Pepple, commended the sterling qualities of the late Princess, saying she was a woman of strong character while she was alive.

Mr. Willie-Pepple, who is also the Chairman of the Rivers State Movement for Good Governance, a civil society organization, said Princess Secondus Pepple epitomized the ideals of womanhood and described her as a woman who fought for what she believed in.

He prayed the Lord to give the King and the people of Bonny community the fortitude to bear the great loss and for the repose of the soul of the deceased.

On his part, the Chief and Head of Jumbo Major House of Bonny, Chief Horace Oko-Jumbo, said the Jumbo community deeply regrets the loss the Amanyanabo has suffered through the death of his cousin, Princess Kate Secondus Pepple, and prays that God would imbue him and the royal family with at this trying moment of grief.

Speaking, the Chairman, Bonny Council of Chiefs, Chief Reginald Abbey-Hart, prayed God to accept the soul of late Princess Catherine Secondus Pepple, saying she was a woman of truth who stood for the truth during her lifetime.

Chief Abbey-Hart, who is also the Chief and Head of Hart Major House of Bonny, described the late Princess as a good person, adding that she was full of knowledge of Bonny history, tradition and culture.

The funeral ceremony was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life including top government functionaries, captains of industry, the traditional institution and members of the royal family.

NULGE, HEALTH WORKERS CLASH OVER N4M

The stage seems set for a showdown between the 23 Local Government Councils in Rivers State and the State chapter of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) on the one hand and the State chapter of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria over the embezzlement of about N4 million belonging to health workers in Rivers State. 
Reports reaching enigmareports reveal that due to perceived marginalization and lack of adequate representation of their interests in NULGE, health workers in the country under the aegis of Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) sought leave of the Nigeria Industrial Arbitration Court (NIC) to unionize health workers in the 774 local government councils in Nigeria and be independent of NULGE. 
The Industrial Court granted this leave through its verdict in the suit No. NIC/19/95. NULGE would have none of that and challenged the verdict but the court reaffirmed its stand on the issue in suit No. NIC/9/2001. The matter later went to the Supreme Court where the apex court upheld the decision of the industrial court and also ruled that community health practitioners under the aegis of the Association of Community Health Practitioners of Nigeria be part of the MHWUN in suit No. SC/210/2005.  
During this time the check-off dues deducted at source from the salaries of health workers by the local government councils and paid into the coffers of NULGE was ordered to be held in a suspense account pending the determination of the various litigations on the issue. 
On the strength of the Supreme Court verdict the Rivers State chapter of the Medical and Health Workers Union requested the retirement of the check-off dues including the arrears into the union’s accounts but was rebuffed. The arrears so far amount to N332,131,345.00 being check-off dues for the period between June 2001 and December 2008 for the 23 local government councils and N25,548,565.00 for the period between January and July 2009 bringing the total sum to N357,679,910.00. 
Consequent upon this the health workers sought the intervention of the State Government in the matter. 
A reliable source, who prefers anonymity, said the Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, through the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ken Chikere, upon the advice of the Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Chief Ephraim Owoh-Etete, directed the council chairmen to abide by and implement the decision of the apex court and release the accrued check-off dues to the health workers union in their respective councils. 
Contrary to expectations that this directive would have been complied with and the issue long concluded, the health workers’ union was yet to see the check-off dues instantly raising questions as to why the said monies have allegedly not been released. 
In a reaction to this development, the Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Chief Ephraim Owoh-Etete, in a letter dated 8^th April, 2009 and signed on his behalf by one Barr. R.R. West, directed the council chairmen, through their heads of local government administration, to “implement the decision of the (Supreme) Court and (the) directive of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Rivers State,” warning that “you will be personally held responsible for failure to implement the directive of His Excellency.” 
Furthermore, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Magnus Abe, through a letter signed on his behalf by one Sir Joe Akpa and dated 17^th July, 2009, advised all parties in the issue to “please abide by the advice of the Hon. Attorney General in order to maintain and ensure peace and industrial harmony…across the State.” 
Worried by this recalcitrant attitude of the council chairmen and NULGE on the issue, some aggrieved health workers have threatened to drag the State branches of the Association of Chairmen of Local Governments in Nigeria (ALGON), and NULGE to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Code of Conduct Tribunal, saying “this is a case of barefaced fraud involving funds belonging to us.”

ACF TASKS POLITICIANS ON PEACE IN NIGER DELTA

Efforts by the President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua administration to foster peace in the Niger Delta region and thus bring about sustainable development in the area needs the support of politicians in the region, the Arewa Consultative Forum has said.

Coordinator of the forum in Rivers and Bayelsa States, Alhaji Musa Saidu, who stated this a chat with newsmen in Port Harcourt, expressed appreciation for the efforts of the federal government and the Rivers State Government to bring peace to the troubled region.

Decrying activities of unscrupulous politicians whom he accused of benefiting from the crisis in the region and thus worked surreptitiously and fervently to undermine the success of the amnesty programme, he expressed optimism that the issue of militancy will be resolved.

Alhaji Saidu debunked rumours about the insincerity of Governor Chibuike Amaechi regarding the amnesty programme, saying politicians who were not comfortable with the aftermath of the amnesty programme were behind such rumours.

“People are saying Ateke will not surrender his arms, and Governor Amaechi is not sincere, but I want to say that all that is false. All those accusing Amaechi and carrying such rumours are liars. They are politicians who are afraid that if Ateke exposes his sponsors they will be implicated,” he said adding “instead of providing jobs, they provided guns, now they are afraid”.

Calling on the government to “initiate policies that will alleviate the suffering of the masses,” the ACF chieftain said “the amnesty will work when there is sincerity and justice,” and commended the Governor Amaechi administration for its achievements in education and health and security.

“Amaechi is a Governor that has tried, God brought him to do good in Rivers State but he needs support. Amaechi has brought peace in Rivers State,” he stressed, urging politicians to allow the will of the people to prevail in the forthcoming 2011 election, saying “2011 will be a very tough year but only politicians who have performed will be re-elected”.

On the ASUU strike, Alhaji Saidu called on the federal government and striking lecturers to put the interest of the poor masses first and amicably resolve the issue.

“The interest of the poor masses should be considered. The children of the politicians are schooling abroad so it does not affect them. They should see to it that the issue is amicably resolved,” the ACF chieftain said.