The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Rivers Assembly

  • Rivers Assembly not sealed off

    The rumour that made the rounds during the May Day celebration yesterday in Port Harcourt that the Rivers State House of Assembly has been sealed off allegedly by the Felix Obuah-led group has been discovered to be a ruse.

    Our reporter visited the Assembly complex yesterday and saw that the gate was not sealed off.

    Being a public holiday, only one side of the gate was closed with the usual routine security checks of visitors.

    Addressing workers at the Isaac Boro Park, Governor Rotimi Amaechi called on the people to reflect on the status of Nigeria as a nation, in view of the security challenges, political tension, unemployment, embezzlement among other problems plaguing the country.

    Amaechi, who was represented by Deputy Governor Tele Ikuru, congratulated the workers for being the engine room of the nation’s government and the economy.

    He reminded members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) that his administration has kept faith with promises it made on inception of office.

    It was gathered that the governor could not attend the rally because he travelled abroad with the Vice President, Namadi Sambo.

    The NLC Chairman, Chris Oruge, in a paper entitled: “100 years of Nationhood Development”, demanded an improved welfare package for workers.

    Oruge also demanded adequate training, exposure and promotion, prompt payment of salaries, allowances and emoluments, prompt payment of pensions and other retirement benefits.

    Labour also demanded the rebuilding of state secretariat for the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) which the state government pulled down since 2011 with a promise to rebuild it.

  • Rivers Assembly passes vote-of-confidence in Amaechi

    The Rivers State House of Assembly yesterday passed a vote-of-confidence in Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

    The motion was signed by 26 of the 36 members, who were at plenary.

    It was presented by House Leader, Chidi Lloyd, who held that the lawmakers’ stance became imperative, following the perceived recent antagonism targeted at the governor.

    The House voted in favour of a special session to be held with Amaechi to enable lawmakers express the confidence vote.

    Several lawmakers, who signed the motion, affirmed that the governor has done well in the governance and development of the state.

    Amaechi has also been praised by the leadership of a group, Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide, for his sterling leadership and enormous achievements in the state.

    Its President-General, Prof. Augustine Onyeozu, spoke when the group visited the governor in Port Harcourt.

    He said: “The fact is that your performance and achievements are superlative and excellent.

    “You have brought pride and honour to us. We are indeed very proud of you.

    “We will further urge you to ensure that in all your conduct and activities in government you give every ethnic group a sense of belonging.”

    The group urged the governor to disregard negative comments from people who misinterpret his policies.

    It urged him to remain focused, courageous and objective to deliver on his mandate.

    “Your Excellency, in recent times, we have observed the misinterpretations being given to some of your actions.

    “As your parents, we know you keep your words and that you mean what you say.

    “In our clime unfortunately, not many appreciate being told the truth and very many prefer those who deceive them.

    “Remain focused, courageous and objective in all your undertakings.

    “We want to assure you that Ikwerre people will stand by you in any and all actions you may take to uphold the spirit and letters of the oath of office you swore to.”