They decried the situation that promotes wholesale exportation of the barrels of crude oil produced in the country with the refine products eventually imported for local consumption. The result visible over the years is the stifling of operations of the four refineries in the country built to refine the crude oil produced from the daily exploration activities.

The lawmakers noted that the prevailing structure takes away from the people and economically disempowered them. Only a few individuals who find their ways into government feast on the general good of the people and enrich themselves. If the situation continues unabated, it would not be the mere denial of access to basic comfort of life by the people but a general breakdown of law and order.

They also stated the present composition hampers the actualisation of any holistic economic growth of the country. They expressed nostalgia at the abysmal situation of the provision of portable water, good roads, competitive economic activities and electricity supply in a country endowed with so much resource that can afford basic comfort to every Nigerian.

They linked the situation to the growing dissatisfaction among the people. They are evident in activities of such groups like the MEND and Boko Haram. They are marked with reckless killings and bombing of strategic public places and oil installations that threaten national security.

The lawmakers were speaking at the installation of Raymond Nge. He is the twenty- sixth president of the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Central District 9 140 for the two thousand and eleven two thousand and twelve rotary year. At the occasion, Senator Ngige received the awards of Paul Harris Fellow and Excellence in governance. It was in recognition of his distinguished record of selfless public service as well as serving humanity with resources at his disposals.

Senator Abe represented Rives State Governor Chibuike Amaechi as the special guest of honour at the occasion. Magnus Abe noted that the award given to senator Ngige had placed on him a demand to offer greater service for the good of society. Senator Abe observed the enthusiasm expressed by Rotarians to honour Senator Ngige proved that they undertook a thorough background check on him before considering him suitable for the award.

He opined that while senator Ngige and others well meaning individuals do their best to improve living condition for the Nigerian poor, the present structure of Nigeria must change to make it a productive country in order to create functional wealth for the teeming population.


Senator Ngige said the Paul Harris fellow award bestowed on him was a proof that there were people in the society who observed the smallest effort made by individuals for the good of the people. He urged political representatives to put the welfare of the people first. That would encourage them to create equal opportunities for all and sundry.

Senator Ngige commended Rotary championing community project in the health sector and assured that as a medical practitioner in the senate, he would pursue health related issues especially in the area of malaria eradication, polio, and free medical treatment for the pregnant women and children under five years.

Dr. Raymond Nge said he and his team would be guided by this year’s theme of the rotary international of ‘Reach within and embrace humanity’ in steering the affairs of rotary club of Port Harcourt central. According to him, his tenure would increase the presence of the club in the state.

He would execute projects that have direct bearing on the people like sinking boreholes in two selected rural communities, equipping two selected schools’ libraries, sustaining the micro-credit schemes started by previous administrations, organising medical outreaches, supporting the physically challenged and provide public education on refuge disposal, de-worming and HIV/AIDS to students and members of the public.

The outgoing president, Lizzy Oba noted the support accorded her by members of the club during her tenure to record the successes and pledged continued support to the new administration.

The chair, induction planning committee, Johnbosco Onunkwo expressed delight for the success of the ceremony that had successfully marked the changes of leadership baton in the club.

The occasion witnessed the induction of new members into the club. Some honorary members of the rotary club of Port Harcourt central as well as directors of the board were inducted.