Governor Siminalayi Fubara has expressed optimism that Rivers State people, especially civil servants, will look back someday and realize how much difference his administration made in their lives.

Fubara stated this while reaffirming his government’s dedication to meeting its responsibilities to the citizens, safeguarding the state against those who aim to undermine governance, and promoting peace and stability within the region.

Naija News reports that these statements were made by Governor Fubara on Thursday at the Banquet Hall of Government House in Port Harcourt during the inauguration of the Emblem Appeal Fund, in anticipation of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day scheduled for January 15, 2025.

Fubara, who noted that his government is characterized by its focus on people-centric policies and initiatives, underscored significant advancements, including the recruitment of 2,000 professionals in the healthcare sector and the authorization of 1,000 new positions for the Universal Basic Education (UBE) and Post-Primary Schools Boards.

He also noted that the previously intended 10,000 civil service appointments have been put on hold to prioritize more strategic hiring for specialized roles.

“We have employed over 2,000 medical doctors, and we have also approved 1,000 teaching positions for UBE and Post-Primary Schools. We are focusing on professional cadre employment for the state’s growth,” Fubara stated.

The governor also discussed the state’s scholarship programs, highlighting that although the state government has not yet established its scholarship board, students at PAMO University of Medical Sciences and Wigwe University have already received scholarships.

“Rivers State Government has not yet started its scholarship program, but we have offered scholarships at PAMO and Wigwe Universities. When our internal scholarship board is activated, we will expand the opportunities for students,” the Rivers State Governor noted.

Governor Fubara further emphasized the government’s success in improving the welfare of civil servants in the state. He pointed to the increase in salaries, with civil servants now earning between N120,000 and N140,000, a significant improvement from the previous N70,000.

“The greatest joy for any government is to ensure the happiness of its people. Today, our civil servants are jubilating because their salaries have improved. They will remember this and recognize that this government made a difference in their lives,” he said.

On the Emblem Appeal Fund, Fubara reflected on the importance of honouring war veterans and their families, sharing a personal story about his late father, a military officer.

“This event is close to my heart because I am a dependent of a fallen hero. Every January, my mother would return from this event smiling, proud of the contribution my father made. We must support the survivors and families of our fallen heroes, as no amount of money can fully compensate for their sacrifice,” the Governor said.

He urged all to contribute to the cause, recognizing the sacrifices made by the nation’s military in protecting its sovereignty and unity.

The senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has lamented that Nigerians no longer have confidence in the country’s lawmakers.

Speaking on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ndume argued that the parliament has deviated from the people’s expectations.

The former Senate Chief Whip called for the protection of the legislature.

He said, “It is not about these reforms but I am concerned, that institution is supposed to be protected.

“Out of 109 of us, only 25 of us made it back to the Senate. It means we have lost the confidence of the people. Out of those that didn’t come back, almost all wanted to come back except for few that wanted to be governors.

“Instead of sticking to what is true and right, if you deviate for whatever reason will be tantamount to the confidence given to you by the people.”

Speaking on the uproar in the senate regarding the tax reform bills, Ndume described it as an ambush.

Naija News reports that there was a disturbance in the Senate on Wednesday after Ndume protested the entry of Zacch Adedeji, chair of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), into the red chamber.

Adedeji’s briefing was not outlined in the order paper of the upper legislative chamber, and that prompted Opeyemi Bamidele, majority leader, to move a motion for the suspension of the senate rules.

In response, while citing the rules of the senate, Ndume said visitors were not allowed into the red chamber to speak if the item was not listed on the order paper.

When asked if it was listed on the day’s proceedings during the interview, he said: “That is why I raised the matter. If not, why not?”

“Zacch and Taiwo Oyedele, brilliant guys, I respect them for their intellect but not the way they are doing this thing,” he added.

The Nigerian Army has warned against the use of social media to fuel insecurity in the country.

The commander of the Nigeria Army Cyber Warfare Command, Major General A.A. Ayanuga, gave the warning in Lokoja during the 38th edition of the Nigerian Army Social Media Seminar themed “Cultivating a Culture of Security Awareness Through Social Media.”

According to him, the reckless sharing of harmful messages, videos and voice notes through social media is jeopardising Nigeria’s peaceful coexistence.

"Social media has evolved into a powerful tool that profoundly influences the security landscape of societies worldwide. As we navigate the vast expanse of social media, we must recognise the transformative power.

“Social media has democratised information, connected us across borders, and provided unparalleled opportunities for self-expression. However, this freedom comes with immense responsibility and challenges such as misinformation and disinformation, cyberbullying, online harassment, hate speech and divisive rhetoric, impersonation and identity theft, with their effects on national security.

“It is critical to understand that misuse of social media to propagate damaging narratives has severe consequences for national security,” he said.

The Chief of Civil Military Affairs of the Nigerian Army, Major General N.C. Ugbo, who was represented by B.S. Keji, maintained that social media is a critical aspect of asymmetric warfare being fought in contemporary times.

He said: “The Nigerian Army recognises the importance of social media in shaping public perception and influencing national security. It presents an invaluable opportunity for those who recognise the transformative capabilities of social media to connect and collaborate.

"That is why we are here to explore ways to harness social media’s potential, counter misinformation, and promote national unity. As we delve into the world of social media, let us remember that our actions online have far-reaching consequences for national security. Therefore, we must use social media responsibly, preserving truth, respect, and national interest.”

In his address, the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, who was represented by the State Security Adviser, Commodore Jerry Omodara, argued that, as much as social media has the potential to be a force for good, its misuse cannot be ignored.

Continuing, he said: “We must acknowledge the ever-growing role social media plays in shaping perceptions, guiding public discourse, and driving action on important issues like national security.

"The same platforms that enable the rapid spread of life-saving information can also be harnessed to propagate falsehoods, fuel divisions, and escalate tensions. This, as we all know, can have dire consequences for the stability of our communities and our nation as a whole.

"Security awareness is a collective responsibility, one that requires constant engagement, education, and collaboration across all sectors of society. We must understand that social media is not just a space for personal interactions but a global stage for conversations that influence real-world outcomes.

” This makes it imperative for us to cultivate a culture of security awareness that equips our citizens, especially the youth, with the right knowledge to distinguish between fact and fiction, to recognise credible sources, and to understand their role in maintaining peace and security within their communities.”

Ndume said he taught in the polytechnic for 20 years before joining politics.

He spoke on Channels TV’s Politics Today while faulting those against his stance on President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills.

Ndume said people see him as ignorant because he wears Agbada.

The lawmaker said despite schooling in Nigeria and the United States, while two of his daughters are married to Yoruba men, some people still consider him ignorant.

He said: “I’m 65 years old. I schooled in Nigeria and in America. Because I’m wearing Agbada and because I’m from Borno State, some people call me ignorant. I taught in polytechnics for 20 years before I joined politics. I married two of my daughters to Yoruba men.”

On Thursday, there was an uproar and a shouting match on the floor of the Senate over the tax reform bills.

Ndume had kicked against the bills, identifying timing as one of the elements drawing antagonism to the proposed bills.

He said introducing such a bill at the moment was bad timing, noting the current perception of the present administration by the populace.