*Rivers: ALGON Disowns Planned Protest By NASS Members Loyal To Wike, Former LG Chairmen*

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Rivers State Chapter, has distanced itself from a planned protest by former local government chairmen, state and National Assembly members loyal to the F.C.T Minister, Nyesom Wike, against the Police presence in the 23 local government councils across the state.

In a statement signed by Hon. Ichemati Ezebunwo, Chairman, and Alabota Anengi Barasua, Secretary, ALGON Rivers State Chapter, the association described the planned protest as a “calculated attempt” by “enemies of the state” to cause mayhem and paint the state in a bad light.

“We support the police decision to take control and protect all local government council secretariats until further directives on the matter,” the statement read.

“We are not in any way linked to the planned protest, which is detrimental to the progress and well-being of the people of the state.”

The association accused the organisers of the protest of trying to take advantage of the guise of protest to cause chaos and destabilize governance in the state.

“Should there be a breakdown of law and order as a result of the planned protest, the organizers and their sponsors should be held responsible,” the statement warned.

ALGON Rivers State Chapter thanked the people of Rivers State for their continued support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his administration, which is delivering the enviable dividends of democracy to the people of Rivers State.

“We call on all law-abiding citizens of our dear state to disregard this planned protest and go about their lawful businesses,” the statement concluded.

Union Bank Advocates for Environmental Restoration; Commemorates World Environment Day

Lagos, Nigeria—Union Bank, one of Nigeria’s foremost financial institutions, has reemphasised the need to preserve and restore the global habitat through sustainable environmental practices. This clarion call was made during an event organised in partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation to commemorate this year’s World Environment Day.

The program, held on June 5th, 2024, at the Lekki Conservation Centre in Lagos State, brought together various stakeholders, including environmental rights activists, international partner agencies, corporate institutions, government agencies, and students of select secondary schools, to deliberate and engage in activities marking World Environment Day.

One of the main events on the day was a tree-planting exercise involving various participants and stakeholder representatives. The tree-planting activity was in keeping with this year’s celebration theme, “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience,” advocating for the rejuvenation and revitalisation of land devastated by deforestation, erosion, and desertification globally and in Nigeria in particular.

Speaking during the program, Patricia Iwhewhe, Head of Citizenship and Sustainability at Union Bank, echoed the importance of preserving our environment. According to her:

“Land degradation and erosion are not things stakeholders and policymakers can afford to ignore or gloss over. We all must get involved in helping restore and reclaim parts of our environment badly impacted by deforestation and desertification. Union Bank, as a sustainability champion committed to the preservation of our dear planet, appreciates and recognises the responsibility we have as humanity to look after our environment. We will continue to support and participate in programs dedicated to protecting and enriching our precious habitat”.

Stakeholders like the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) have also been invaluable partners in progress and are at the forefront of helping to preserve and protect nature and its resources. This has served to not only improve the quality of human life but also to sustain present and future generations. NCF’s advocacy over the decades has positively impacted and influenced Nigeria’s environmental policy. Union Bank will continue to be a dependable ally in supporting this noble cause of environmental preservation.
Union Bank, through its diverse range of projects and interventions, has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to bequeathing a safer, healthier, and more sustainable environment. The bank’s tangible contributions serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring a brighter and more sustainable future for all.

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