The Rivers State government said the delay in the completion of some portion of the East-West Road has become a dead-trap and a nightmare among motorists using the road.
The commissioner for Information, Mrs. Ibim Seminitari made the remark during a press briefing at Ministry of Information Auditorium, Secretariat, Port Harcourt on 17th September, 2012.
Mrs. Seminitari stated that right now some portions of the road are like death traps to the road users. She pointed out that the Akpajo-Elelenwo axis is now impassable.
The commissioner commented that the state government had earlier sent a delegation to the Minister of Niger Delta, Chief Godspower Orubebe on the way forward for the deplorable condition of the Akpajo-Elelenwo section of the East-West Road.
The Information Commissioner told journalists that the state Deputy Governor Engr. Tele Ikuru led the delegation and it was fruitful as the federal government has agreed to include that section of the road in the ongoing East-West Road construction contract.
On the re-appointment of Prof. Barineme Fakae as Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology Nkpolu, Port Harcourt, the Commissioner stated that Prof. Fakae is only appointed for now on acting capacity, after other processes for the appointment of Vice Chancellor for the institution was compromised by those who were supposed to be pace-setters.
She explained that those who were involved in the selection process actually nominated themselves, a situation that lacked credibility. Mrs. Ibim restated the state government commitment on putting RSUST on world educational map, but pointed out that the reason for re-appointing Prof. Fakae was because of his tall record within the time he occupied the Vice Chancellorship position of the institution.
She posited that within the period under review the institution moved from the position of 76th to 19th as announced by the National Universities Commission, a record that was impossible for UST some years ago.
Another great achievement of Prof. Fakae she said is the introduction of on-line exams and the Information and Communication Technology, I.C.T as other universities have started copying from them.
Mrs. Seminitari told journalists that the law allows for the re-appointment of Prof. Fakae for the period of three years and right now he is still in the acting capacity, this was the position before ASUU went on strike.
On the collapse of Eliozu Bridge in Port Harcourt, she said some parts of the bridge will be closed down to avoid casualties, while appealing to motorists to be patient, as major repairs will be done immediately as government will re-design and re-contract out the bridge, the commissioner said..
She warned people building illegally without consulting the Greater Port Harcourt City to desist from them before their building will be demolished.
Nobody should build at illegal place she posited.###
Pius Dukor
