Erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party, nPDP and critical stakeholder of the APC in the South-South region, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze has congratulated the Rivers State Chapter of the Correspondents Chapel as the group marks this year’s edition of her annual program.

In a statement made available to media houses in Port Harcourt, the party Chief said he is deeply humbled and appreciative of the invitation extended to him by the group to attend the annual week-long get-together of members of the group holding at the Ministry of Justice, Port Harcourt.

The significance of that all-important meeting to the journalism profession, Eze said, is huge as it affords Journalists the opportunity to meet, interact and advance their knowledge on the wave of new trends and adopting innovative modes of operation to meet global standards and advance society.

Regretting his unavoidable absence, the party Chief said the company of seasoned professionals from whom he had learned, would have definitely afforded him the rare opportunity to share new experiences and learn fascinating new ways of handling tougher situations and accomplishing higher tasks, but begged to be absent for circumstances beyond his control and sincerely apologized for any inconvenience his absence may cause.

He expressed happiness that the Honourable Commissioner of Information, Mr. Paulinus Nsirim, would be in attendance and for that fact, appealed to him and Mr. Kelvin Ebiri, who is the official Spokesperson of His Excellency, Governor Nyesom Wike, to plead with his friend, Governor Wike to improve on the great edifice of a Secretariat that his predecessor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi built and donated to the NUJ which all Journalists in Rivers State now enjoy, by donating a bus both to the NUJ and this great Chapel to assist them as they travel round the State to do their best in assessing situations and informing the people accordingly.

He also urged members of the Chapel and Journalists all over the country to downplay biassed reports and do their best in shaping the Rivers State and Nigeria of our dreams by always ensuring balanced reportage that covers government opinions and the criticisms from the opposition political parties.

In the same vein, Eze commended Dr. Dakuku Peterside, Prof. Henry Ugboma, Chief Chris Finebone, Barr. Eli Sogbeye, Dr. Jackson Omenazu, Chief O. J. Akiri, Amb. Oji Ngofa and of course, Lady Oby Ndukwu, for occasionally bringing to the notice of the Governor some of his shortcomings in governing the State in order for him to give out his best to enable us have the State of our dream.

“The Governor must desist from seeing some of us as enemies of his government, rather as partners in building an ideal State for Rivers State and her people.”

He assured of his relentless commitment in offering help to the Rivers State Government to enable them give the State the best they can offer at the moment but assure the State that come 2023 when we take over the Brick House, Pensioners, Civil Servants, Journalists, Students and entire State will once again rejoice for the type of people oriented governance that we will offer to the State aimed mainly at recreating the State of our dream..

Reminiscing his cordial relationship with members of the Chapel, Eze recalled with profound happiness how he arrived the State in 2007 and was rallied round and supported by some members of the chapel to present a viable opposition to the then PDP Government in the State. “The fact remains that without your love and assistance, there would not have been a way that I will be the well known Chief Eze C. Eze, I am today.”

“Let me then use this opportunity to thank most profoundly, Chief Sampson Akanimo, whose relationship with me in the media space dates back to 1985, when I led University of Calabar to win the maiden edition of the NFA/PEPESI COLA Football Tournament organized for all Higher Institutions in Nigeria in 1986.

The impact made by the following in my journey to Rivers state cannot be downplayed:- Joe Ezuma (old Soldier), Daniel Abia of Independent, Ibanga Isine, Akasike Chukwudi, Kelvin Ebiri, my outstanding Queen of the Media, Pastor Mrs. Ann Godwin whom I refer to as an Angel before she taught of becoming a Pastor, and Clarice Azuatalam. I cannot forget the fearful Mike of NAN and my brother Anayo Onu, Bola Ogundele, Big Man Umunah then with Independent, Great Jimitota Onoyume of Vanguard, Aham Ogbu of ThisDay, late George Onah, late John Ogbedu of Tribune etc.

Latecomers like Prof. Ignatius Nwachukwu, Ernest Chinwo, Giant Gentle Akase Terver, my sister Amaka, Amaechi Okonkwo and many others I cannot recall their names in this short piece are also appreciated.

Permit me to recall the donations of computers and other Media Accessories made to this great Chapel when I held sway as the Media Consultant to Prince Tonye Princewill which have strengthened the bond between us.”

“In demonstration of my love for the Chapel, please accept my little undisclosed fund to show my support for this year’s program while wishing all members of the Chapel the best in the ongoing program.

Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year in advance.”