Jonathan Speaks At Bayelsa Education Summit, Feb 7 – :::…The Tide News Online:::…

Former President Goodluck Jonathan would deliver the keynote address at Bayelsa Education Summit billed to hold between Monday, February 7 and Thursday, February 10.The state Commissioner for Education, Hon Gentle Emelah, who disclosed this in a press conference, over the weekend, to announce the education summit, stated that Jonathan being an educationist was expected to share useful strategies that would lead to the development of the education sector in the state.According to him, the summit conceptualised as the “Cradle of the New Bayelsa Education Sector” is to produce forward looking ideas and vision for the next 15 years in a relatable education policy.Emelah, who disclosed that 25 years after creation of the state, there are 547 primary schools, 195 secondary schools and nine tertiary institutions in the state funded and supervised by the Ministry of Education, said two inspection tours undertaken by the ministry highlighted teething problems besetting the education sector in Bayelsa.While noting that the state government was able to achieve accreditation for all programmes in the various tertiary institutions, he listed infrastructural needs, availability of quality teachers, general enrolment numbers in schools and transition rates from primary to secondary schools as factors that can shape policy enactment for the education sector.Emelah explained that the state government had built new secondary schools and made commitment to build one technical school in each local government area.In spite of the laudable achievements recorded by the administration of Governor Douye Diri in the education sector, the commissioner noted that strategies of government requires overhauling, especially in the face of shift to Technical and Vocational Education and Training( TVET) and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math(STEM).“It, however, now clear that the substructure of the educational sector which lies in the plans, policies for pedagogical engagement and strategies of government would require proper evaluation and overhauling to meet with the needs of society as we gradually approach the half of the 21st Century.“As society places more emphasis on both soft and hard skills and science and technology to drive both work and existence, it is imperative also for educational focus to shift to more of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and other modern approaches at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels to ensure the provision and sustenance of the quality of education that meets global standards,” he said.Emelah pointed out that the paradigm shift in focus would greatly require the expertise of individuals, educationists, and civil society organizations, and called for collaboration and partnership towards achieving the desired goal.

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No fewer than 1,597 valid applicants across all 23 local government areas would from tomorrow jostle for spots as ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) goes into Physical/Credentials Screening of candidates under Rivers State Command.The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Friday Eboka, who disclosed this in a statement, last Saturday in Port Harcourt, advised Rivers applicants to report to the Alfred Diete-Spiff Civic Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt between tomorrow and February 9, 2022 for the physical/credential screening exercise.In the statement signed by the Spokesperson, Rivers Command, DSP Grace Iringe-Koko, Eboka urged candidates to come along with their National Identity Number (NIN) Slips, original and duplicate of relevant credentials, including print-out of application profile page, completed guarantor’s form, white T-shirts and shorts (Knickers).“They are also required to come along with recent passport photographs, two white flat files, and wear their facemask as the exercise will be carried out in strict compliance with COVID-19 prevention protocols”, the statement emphasised.“The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, Eboka Friday is hereby wishing all the shortlisted applicants, a successful screening exercise, and has further assured the general public that the statutory entry requirements into the Force as clearly stated in the Police Act and Regulations, will be followed accordingly.“The commissioner of police further noted that a total of 1,597 valid applications were received via the online registration exercise from across the 23 local government areas in Rivers State.“The commissioner is hereby urging the shortlisted applicants to conduct themselves in an orderly manner and avoid acts capable of undermining the exercise – noting that the exercise is absolutely free.“Candidates are scheduled to appear at the venue of the screening at 0800hrs daily on the date indicated against their local governments”, the statement added.beginning with Abua/Odual and closing with TAI LGAs in alphabetical order.According to the statement, candidates from Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East and Ahoada-West would take their turns on Tuesday, February 1, 2022; while those from Akuku-Toru, Andoni and Asari-Toru would be attended on Wednesday, February 2, 2022.It added that candidates from Bonny, Degema and Eleme would be screened on Thursday, February 3, 2022; just as candidates from Emohua, Etche and Gokana would slog it out on Friday, February 4, 2022.For those from Ikwerre, Khana and Obio/Akpor, they would be attended to on Saturday, February 5, 2022; while candidates from Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Ogu/Bolo and Okrika would be screened on Monday, February 7, 2022.The Rivers police boss also invited those from Omuma, Opobo/Nkoro and Oyigbo to compete for placement on Tuesday, February 8, 2022; while applicants from Port Harcourt and Tai would take their turns on Wednesday, February 9, 2022.

By: Amadi Akujobi

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Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has said that the ongoing dispute between the state and the Federal Government over the legitimate authority to impose and collect Value Added Taxes (VAT) has enormous constitutional implications that should be addressed succinctly.Wike made the assertion at the book presentation titled: “Contemporary Essays on Law & Practice”, in honour of retired Justice Anwuri Chikere of the Federal High Court, in Port Harcourt, last Friday.The Rivers State governor said the entire country was waiting for the speedy resolution of the VAT dispute that was now at the Supreme Court.The governor stated that in reality, the Judiciary remains the ultimate guardian of the nation’s Constitution.According to him, the Judiciary is the protector of the rule of law and the guarantor of the constitutional rights and freedoms of the people, which should play out in the VAT dispute.“While the entire country is waiting for its speedy resolution in the national interest, the Supreme Court of Nigeria remains lethargic in hearing this very important matter, thereby unjustifiably aiding the Federal Government to continue to enforce its illegal and oppressive VAT policy on the polity.”Wike also pointed out that judicial independence was truncated when judges were subjected to summary trials and preconceived indictments by an all-powerful quasi-judicial agency on the promptings of persons or parties with vested interest in the outcome of the litigation processes.He noted with dismay that the National Judicial Council (NJC) was becoming willing tool to intimidate judges who were simply discharging their constitutional duties.By doing so, he said, the National Judicial Council (NJC) may be joining the league of unholy forces now assailing the independence and reputation of judicial officers across the country.“My candid opinion is that the National Judicial Council must thread with utmost caution in matters of judicial complaints and discipline lest it wittingly or unwittingly turns itself into another bully to be feared rather than being respected in its roles as both the headmaster and guardian angel of the nation’s Judiciary.”Wike emphasised that the Judiciary was the exclusive authority through which all persons, authorities and agencies were subjected to the precepts and dictates of the Constitution and ordinary laws of the nation, even if it was exclusively enacted by the Legislature.The governor said no nation can be seen and reckoned with to be free, fair and just without a strong, independent and functional Judiciary.He also observed that no democracy can survive, flourish and deliver social and economic progress without a courageous, efficient and effective Judiciary.Wike, therefore, urged judicial officers to relive the time when the nation’s Judiciary was truly independent, manned by men and women of courage who were publicly trusted to deliver justice fairly and equally to everyone.“There was also a time when our judges were respected the world over for their independence, courage and credibility.“Again, time was when decisions from Nigerian courts were widely accepted and celebrated across the world as timeless models of judicial precedents.“But today, what is your candid assessment of the character and integrity of our country’s Judiciary, which is becoming more confusing and painfully contradictory.”Speaking further, Wike pointed to the concern that ranges from case backlogs, poor case management and rampant delays in the administration of justice that have seriously eroded public confidence in the Judiciary and its capacity to deliver justice to ordinary citizens.“There are also serious concerns about the apparent lack of courage among several judges and the declining quality of judgements from our courts at all levels.“Having succumbed to fear, intimidation and blackmail, most of our judges are being compelled to tailor their judgments toward the wishes and desires of powerful political interests.”Wike, however, commended the few judicial officers who were keeping hope alive with their extra-ordinary courage.He said their exemplary fidelity to the rule of law and strong determination to ensure that justice was not only done, but seen to have been done in matters that come before them, depict that all hope is not lost.Acknowledging the fulsome years of meritorious judicial service of Justice Chikere, Wike said, as a judge, the celebrant demonstrated absolute independence of mind.Wike also noted that Justice Chikere exhibited excellent judicial temperaments of being calm always, courteous and compassionate towards everyone, including her colleagues, lawyers and litigants in or outside the office.Earlier, Wike had attended the Valedictory Court Session at the Federal High in Port Harcourt organised in honour of Justice Chikere.Speaking at that event, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, represented by Justice Binta Nyanko, noted that Justice Chikere served the Judiciary meritoriously from the bench for 19 years with her health and integrity intact.Justice Tsoho said keeping pace with a long judicial career in Nigeria was no mean task, saying that Justice Chikere weathered the adversities and challenges successfully.“As we gather to celebrate this outstanding judicial officer for her years of impressive service to the nation, the occasion evidently climaxes the fame attribute that excellence and selfless service are virtues worthy of emulation.“Hon. Justice Chikere is notably calm and collected, and is much like a mother to many colleagues. As a Christian, she is fervently adherent to the tenets of Christ, especially, love for humanity. She has been remarkably humble, peaceful, friendly, humane, honest, generous, incorruptible and hardworking.”On his part, the Rivers State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor, SAN, said the highly rewarding and fulfilling career of the celebrant started on January 17, 1986, when she was employed into the Rivers State Civil Service as State Counsel 11.He said, with dint of hard work, Justice Chikere enjoyed impressive career progression to become acting director of Civil Litigation on July 14, 1998, before taking up the duties of a bencher at the Federal High Court.“My Noble Lord distinguished herself on the bench by her brilliant rulings and judgements, firm control of her proceedings, and fairness to legal practitioners and litigants who appeared before her. My Noble Lord is known to be fearless and courageous judge who dispensed justice without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.”President of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Olumide Apata, represented by the Port Harcourt Branch Chairman of NBA, Prince Nyekwere, described Justice Chikere as a quintessential and consummate judge, who without indulging in frivolities, discharged her duties fairly and retired without blemish on her service records.Speaking on behalf of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), former President of Nigeria Bar Association, O. C. J. Okocha, acknowledged that Justice Chikere was reputed to be diligent, hardworking and fearless in her dedication to judicial functions with untainted record.In her response, Justice Anwuri Chikere said her sojourn at the federal Judiciary made her a better person.She expressed gratitude to the former state Governor, Dr. Peter Odili, who was accompanied by his wife, Justice Mary Odili of the Supreme Court, for allowing her to be transferred from the State Judicial Civil Service to the Federal Judicial Service, and to her husband, a member of the House of Representatives, Hon Ken Chikere, for the many encouragements he gave that helped her to become a successful judicial officer at the bench.

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The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed claims by the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr Chidi Lloyd, that the abandoned mortuary at the General Hospital, Eleme-Alimini was being used by a syndicate as dumping ground for corpses of dead kidnap victims.A statement signed by the state Acting Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Grace Iringe-Koko, last Saturday, said that the allegations were a figment of the imagination of the LG chairman.Iringe-Koko said that report of a preliminary investigation conducted by the police shows that the LG chairman was misinformed of the goings-on at the hospital.The full statement reads, “The attention of the Rivers State Police Command has been drawn to a viral video of a mortuary purportedly being run by a kidnap syndicate for the preservation of victims who died in their custody.“Preliminary investigation revealed that a mortuary actually exists in the premises of General Hospital Elele-Alimini, owned by the state government, which has however been abandoned and now moribund following which the staff were all laid off over ten years ago.“However, some mortuary attendants decided to stay back to attend to the corpses that were in the morgue to avoid an epidemic outbreak.“Mr. Okachi Wali met at the premises is a casual staff of the mortuary, who is still rendering his services.“Suffice to say, the morgue is not being run by a kidnap syndicate as portrayed.“The command, therefore, calls on the good people of the state to go about their lawful duties and report any suspicious development to the authorities”, the statement added.

By: Amadi Akujobi