Publishers in Rivers State under the aegis of Independent Newspaper Publishers Association of Rivers State (RIVPA) have bemoaned the current fuel crisis and poor monetary policy of the Federal Government which has led to untold hardship in Rivers State and other states in the country.

RIVPA came out with this position via a communique jointly signed by its Chairman, Gloria Boma Harry, and General Secretary, Augustine Tanee, after a Congress meeting on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at the association’s Secretariat in Port Harcourt.

The association expressed concern at the decision of the Federal Government to introduce a monetary policy during the tail end of its current administration, opining that despite the gains the monetary policy might record, the negative effect on citizens has diminished whatever good motives the Federal Government might have.

It urged the President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government and the Central Bank to take urgent steps to cushion the effects of the monetary policy on citizens who are in very pitiable situations. 

RIVPA also frowned at the continuous scarcity of Petroleum products in the Country, particularly in Rivers State, wondering why the government has turned a blind eye to the lingering scarcity which has diversely affected the operations of businesses.

It said the dual problem of scarcity of money and Petroleum products, faced by citizens could trigger mental and physical stress leading to increased rates of crime and insecurity.

RIVPA further urged the Federal Government to swing into action in a bid to curb the monster that the dual headed situation could produce.

Similarly, the Association noted that advert rates and the cover price of Newspapers published in Rivers State would increase by 25% to match current economic realities.

While the Association expressed regrets at the decision to increase the cover price of Newspapers in the State, from February 22nd.

RIVPA stated that the decision was taken after due consideration, mindful of what citizens are already faced with but had to make the decision to enable its members remain in business.

In attendance at the congress meeting were the publishers of Africa Update Newspaper; Gloria Boma Harry, National Network; Jerry Needam, Today’s Topnews; Ngo Martyns-Yellowe, Weekly Watch; Augustine Tanee, Eastern Delta Times; Joe Johnson, Forerunner; John Amaowoh, Rivers Messenger; Success Ekine, Beacon; Godwin Amakiri, Independent Monitor; Ifeanyi Evans Osi, Momentum; Blaise Elumezie, Plain Truth; Emmanuel Kanayo, Verite; Florence Jose Pere, Notable Outcome; Iheanyi Ezinwo, and The Peoples Herald; Abraham Dukuma.