Okolobi Gist Specials

  RESIDENCY TRAINING: GOV FUBARA PAYS OVER N300M GRANT IN TWO YEARS FOR 389 DOCTORS •Sets New Record In Healthcare Funding  Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved the release of over N300million as grant to 389 medical doctors in the State Civil Service who are on residency training. The released fund will cover two consecutive years - 2023-2024 -  Residency Training Grant requirements with payments ranging from N800,000 to N900,000 per resident doctor for each year. A total of 215 resident doctors received the funding for the year 2023, while 174 resident doctors have so far received the training grant in 2024 in the State. With this milestone, the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara has set a new record in the healthcare funding as residency training grant has only been paid twice in the past 16 years, with the last paid in 2018. By this strategic action, Governor Fubara, has recommitted the resolve of his administration towards en...

  NATIONWIDE PROTEST: LIFE'LL BE BETTER AFTER THIS PHASE OF HARDSHIP - GOV FUBARA  •Urges Protesters To Be Peaceful •Warns Against Hijack By Hired Thugs Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reassured of sustaining the implementation of policies and programmes that will continue to make living better by the day for all residents in the State. The Governor acknowledged the realities of the current harsh economic conditions that have necessitated the nationwide protest, but insisted that it will be for a short time, given the commitment of President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to secure a better future for all Nigerians. Governor Fubara gave the assurance at the gates of Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday when he addressed a group of youths on #EndBadGovernance protest, who came to register their complaints over the growing economic hardship in the country.  The Rivers State governor thanked the youths for being peaceful with their pro...

 REACTIVATE ALL BLOCKED LINES, NCC ORDERS TELECOS Telecommunications operators in Nigeria are now ordered to restore all blocked phone lines, immediately. The Nigerian Communications Commission,NCC, gave the directive in a statement made public on Monday. It was signed by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka. In the statement, NCC noted that those lines were reported blocked due to non-linkage of National Identification Numbers to SIM cards. NCC said the directive was in response to the widespread disruption caused by the blockages. It insisted that there is need to always prioritise the conveniences of the consumers. “The consumer is our priority; therefore, considering the challenges the blockages have caused, the Commission has directed all operators to reactivate all lines that were disconnected over the weekend, in view of the short time available for consumers to undertake the verification of their NINs with their SIMs." Many telecommunicat...

  President Bola Tinubu says he does not owe any cabal compensation as he spent his fortune pursuing his presidential ambition during the last election. The President, who received a delegation of Islamic leaders led by Sheikh Bala Lau, at the State House on Thursday, July 15, said his victory at the polls was purely by divine intervention. The President dismissed claims that he is being controlled by some ‘’cabal’’ to make some of the economic reforms his administration embarks on. “I have no cabal. I have no sponsors. The money I spent on the elections was my personal fortune. At some point, the odds were against me; banks were locked. But Allah, the Almighty God, said I will be the President. Mine is to now follow the leading and teaching of the Almighty God. One of the most potent elements of defence is a good conscience. It is also a defence against corruption. What should be uppermost in our minds is the future of our children. We have a lot to teach them on what ...

  Understanding the Difference Between National Assembly, House of Representatives, and Senate in Nigeria  In Nigeria, the political landscape is governed by a multi-layered legislative framework comprising the National Assembly, the House of Representatives, and the Senate. Each plays a crucial role in the governance and legislative processes of the country, but they serve distinct functions that are essential to Nigeria's democratic structure. What is the National Assembly? The National Assembly stands as the highest legislative body in Nigeria, vested with the authority to make laws for the Federation. It consists of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. This bicameral structure ensures representation from both federal and state levels, allowing for comprehensive legislative oversight and decision-making. The Senate: Core Functions and Responsibilities The Senate represents the upper chamber of the National Assembly, embodying a pivotal role in Nigeria'...

  NIGERIAN N70,000 MINIMUM WAGE PASSED BY SENATE, HOUSE OF REPS IN RECORD TIME  On Tuesday, the Nigerian Senate and House of Representatives passed the new minimum wage bill. The bill is raising the country’s minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000. It was passed Within an hour by both chambers. The bill was forwarded by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to them. It was presented and passed first reading, and  second reading where it was debated based on general principles before the third reading. The debate was led by Opeyemi Bamidele who is the majority leader of the senate. He said the N70,000 was agreed upon by all the parties after negotiations. He said: “This is part of the federal government’s short term measure to mitigate the situation in the country." The Chip Whip, Tahir Monguno said there is a need to review the minimum wage to align with economic realities. “The review of the minimum wage used to be after every five years. It is now every three ...

 AMEAEHULE LED FACTION OF RIVERS ASSEMBLY WARNS RIVERS RESIDENTS NOT TO HAVE DEALINGS WITH THOSE MASQUERADING AS LG CARETAKER COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN AND MEMBERS  The Rivers State House of Assembly at its 7th Legislative Sitting of the Second Session of the Tenth Assembly, Monday,  deliberated on a statement by the House Leader, Hon. Major Jack, wherein he drew the attention of the House to the illegal activities of some persons in the State, masquerading as Chairmen and members of Caretaker Committees. These individuals the Leader said go about imposing and collecting fees, levies and rates  from unsuspecting members of the public, in breach of the recent Supreme Court judgement, and the provisions of the Rivers State Local Government (Amendment)Law, 2023 that prohibit Caretaker Committees in whatever guise or nomenclature. Debating on the statement by the House Leader, Members condemned and berated those they described as impostors, and warned all banks, tradit...