18th December, 2023
By Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt
Joseph Johnson, Rivers’ Commissioner for Information and Communications has advised Political Godfathers in the State who want to model after the political dynasty of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to follow his positive principles of allowing his loyalists in elected positions to lead the people without bringing them down.
Johson spoke when he represented Governor Siminalayi Fubara at aDinner Night organised on Friday as part of the Correspondents’Chapel of the 2023 annual Week of Rivers NUJ.
The Commissioner commended journalists for their neutrality in the report of the current “Political Saga” in Rivers state.
Commenting further on the ongoing crisis, Johnson said: “Those who are copying President Bola Tinubu style should also copy the case of former Governor Ambode in Lagos. When Tinubu did not want Ambode to return as Governor of Lagos, he kept quiet and allowed him to govern Lagos but only waited patiently for him to seek the party ticket for his second tenure, and it was denied him. So if you want to copy, try and copy well.”
The Spokesperson of the Rivers State Government pointed out that the political hurdles Fubara is facing are part of the burden of leadership.
Johnson said despite the political hurdles, Fubara the people of Rivers state have shown their support which was seen at the flag off of 20,000 housing units at Mbodo, Aluu in Ikwerre Local Government Area, on Friday 15th December 2023.
He noted that the event was like a political rally where a large crowd of people trooped to cheer the Governor despite the ongoing political crisis and mass resignations of Commissioners.
He assured that the Governor is not a very loud person but believes in “Talk and do and is very strong-willed and focused on delivering the mandate to his people”
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Jossy Nkwocha, Head Corporate Communication, Indorama Petrochemical & Fertilizer Group), who is also a veteran journalist applauded the Correspondents’Chapel for their neutrality in the current political power tussle in Rivers state.
He also commended the chapel for the choice of theme for this year’s programme, which is centralised on Entrepreneurs and investment in Rivers state.
In a welcome speech, Amaechi Okonkwo, Chairman of Correspondents’ Chapel, expressed appreciation to individuals and corporate bodies who lend support annually to the chapel and enabled it to organise the year’s annual Week.
He said the focus of this year’s theme is aimed at exposing investment opportunities for potential entrepreneurs in the State and the role the Media could play.
Highlights of the occasion include the presentation of awards to a few corporate bodies and individuals whose activities have impacted positively in the advancement of the Journalism practice in the state.
Photo Caption:
1)
Joseph Johnson Commissioner for Information and Communitions represented Governor Siminalayi Fubara at the Dinner Night of Correspondent’s Chapel of NUJ Rivers State.
2) Jossy Nkwocha,Head,Corporate Communications, Indoroma Petrochemical and Fertilizer Company.
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