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Nigerians Condemn Ambassador Ajuru’s Murder
Condemnations have continued to trail the brutal assassination of Nigeria’s former ambassador to the Republic of Ukrain and Gabon, Chief Ignatius Ajuru.
Chief Ignatius Ajuru who hailed from Isiokpo in the Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State was cut down on Sunday by unknown gunmen at Obehie in the Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State on his way back to Port Harcourt after a condolence visit to the Imo State Governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim over the death of his mother. His orderly and the driver of the vehicle in which he was travelling sustained serious injuries and are receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital while Ajuru’s corpse had been deposited in a morgue.
Nigerians who spoke to The Tide on the issue described it as a big challenge to Nigeria’s security agencies.
According to them, it was high time Nigeria’s security organs showed the world that they have the capacity to contain criminality in the country.
Reacting to the incident, paramount ruler of Isiokpo community, HRM, King Blessing Wagor described the murder of the late envoy as a rude shock to the community and Rivers State at large.
King Wagor who spoke to The Tide at the residence of Chief Ajuru also announced the cancellation of the proposed Isiokpo Day celebration in deference of the slain politician.
Also reacting, the former chief medical director of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Professor Uriah Etawo described the assassination as a big shock to him and his family.
In his comments, the former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Professor Bedford Fubara also described the death as a big loss to the state.
Professor Fubara used the occasion to call on the security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of the act.
In his reaction, the Rivers state Islamic Leader, Alhaji Ahmed R T. Okiri who condemned the assassination, urged the government of Abia State to collaborate with its Rivers counterpart to check the rising wave of militancy at the Port Harcourt-Aba express road.
When The Tide visited his residence at Isiokpo everywhere was under lock and key but at one Chief Wobodo Amadi’s palace, sympathizers were seen trooping in and out while some expressed shock and disbelief at the gruesome murder. Some were weeping while others simply hissed.
Chief Wobodo Amadi who doubles as the chairman of Isiokpo Council of Chiefs spoke with deep sorrow and bitterness of heart. “It is true our brother is dead and his body has been removed from the scene of the incident. He is presently in a mortuary” Wobodo said.
The Nye Nwe Ali of Isiokpo, HRM, King Blessing Wagor Imenwo described the late Ajuru as a rare gem and a forthright political leader in Isiokpo. He said a condolence register has already been opened at his Port Harcourt residence.
Hon Adindu Chukwuigwe, a one-time Vice Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area described the death of Ajuru as shocking and unfortunate, saying Isiokpo, Ikwerre and Rivers State as a whole lost a top personality.
Prof. I. H. Ajuru was until his demise the chairman, governing council of the Rivers State University of Education, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt.
John Bibor/King Kingsley
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol