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Dame Jonathan, Mark, Others Hail Senator Sekibo
The First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan, has described the Senator representing Rivers East Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Army and Defence, Senator George Thompson Sekibo as a true man of honour and a philanthropist, “truly illustrious, humane and humble” who has used his political positions and privileges to share in the burden of the poor both in his Ogu community and Rivers State.
Dame Jonathan who made the remarks during the civic reception and conferment of chieftaincy title of Igo Alabo on Senator George Sekibo by the chiefs and people of Ogu Kingdom in Ogu Town last Saturday said Sekibo had in his quest to add value to life and affect humanity around him, successfully secured for his people projects that are endearing.
The First Lady who was represented at the occasion by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Millennium Development Goals, Dr. (Mrs) Precious Gbeneol said the career progression of Sekibo especially in politics was not surprising and urged “all men everywhere to emulate the virtues of this great son of Rivers State.”
She remarked that the unprecedented crowd that graced the occasion was an attestation of the fact that the Senator had represented his people creditably, stressing that “the lesson from this is simply that we must all strive in our little capacities, to live a life of service to God and humanity.”
While urging Sekibo to reciprocate the honour done him by resolving to do more for the people, Dame Jonathan expressed delight that he had discovered the secret of making God’s blessings his lifestyle through gratitude.
Also speaking, the Senate President, Senator David Mark described Sekibo as a consummate lawmaker who had distinguished himself as one of the leading lights of the Senate, going by his incisive and thought-provoking contributions on the floor of the Senate.
Mark, represented at the occasion by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education, Senator Uche Chukwumerije said Sekibo had earned the respect of his colleagues by his sheer brilliance and knowledge of the law which he had often displayed when contributing to debates in the National Assembly, stressing that “he firmly uses the law as a pair of binoculars by which he addresses issues on the floor of the Senate.”
According to him, his contributions are anchored on the truth, as he does not see issues from sectional perspective but weighs their merits and demerits before making his contributions.
“All his contributions on the floor are original and thought-provoking,” he said, and urged the Senator to soar high like the Eagle (Igo) and catapult Ogu community to greater heights in the leadership of Rivers State and Nigeria because, according to him, “to whom much is given, much is expected.”
On his part, the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshall O. O. Petrin described Sekibo as somebody with outstanding leadership qualities who has the mind to make things happen, noting that as Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Army and Defence, Sekibo had been supportive of everything the Military was doing. He said he was convinced that in any committee he (Sekibo) found himself, he would be up and doing.
The chairman of the occasion and Chairman of Okrika Divisional Council of Cheifs, Chief Wisdom Nimi Adoki in his opening remarks lauded Sekibo for his lifestyle and accomplishments, saying, Ogu people had honoured their very best, a true and worthy son.
Adoki said the conferment of the Igo Alabo title on Sekibo was not only a milestone for the Ogu Kingdom but for the Senator’s towering personality whom he noted had been making his people proud by his selfless and dedicated service to mankind, saying, the legacies he had so far left behind would be admired by all.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs, Chief E. M. Ibiorika-Kalaowi Perefi described Sekibo as a grassroots mobiliser and a friend to widows and the needy in his senatorial district and beyond, saying, the prayers of the widows, orphans and the less-privileged had accelerated his political advancement.
According to him, the Senator had through his untiring efforts attracted several developmental projects including sand reclamation to Ogu community, stressing that he was being honoured by the people because of his sound representation, doggedness and patriotic zeal.
In his sermon titled, ‘the Reward of Diligence’ during the inter-denominational thanksgiving service at St. Martin’s Anglican Church, Ogu, the Bishop of Okrika Diocese, Bishop T. R. Abere reeled out the accomplishments of Sekibo, saying, “he is a diligent servant,” who has been carrying everybody along and touching positively the lives of widows, the aged and indigent students among others.
In his response, Senator George Sekibo thanked the chiefs, the people of Ogu, security agencies, his constituents and all those who graced the occasion, saying, he was greatly humbled by the honour done him.
He also thanked Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi who was represented at the occasion by the State Commissioner for Employment and Empowerment, Dr. Ipalibo Harry for all the support given to him at the critical periods of the 2011 general elections and his re-run election.
Sekibo particularly thanked security agencies for ensuring that his kidnapped wife was released, and expressed delight that the abductors of his wife had been arrested.
According to him, the kidnap and safe rescue of his wife had overshadowed his electoral victory for which reason he thanked God for His goodness to him and his family.
Donatus Ebi
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have foiled attempts by drug trafficking syndicates to smuggle illicit substances concealed in carton walls, winter jackets, and body cream containers through Murtala Muhammed International Airport and a Lagos-based courier firm.
The agency said two consignments bound for Italy were intercepted at the Lagos airport, leading to the arrest of suspects linked to the shipments.
In a statement released yesterday, the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said one of the suspects, 37-year-old Friday Ehianuka, was intercepted on Friday, March 20, 2026, while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Rome, Italy.
The statement partly read, “Two of the consignments heading to Italy were to be moved through the Lagos airport where two suspects linked to the shipments were promptly arrested.
“One of them, 37-year-old Friday Ehianuka, was going to Rome, Italy on Friday, March 20, 2026, when he was intercepted while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight with 2,698 pills of tramadol 225mg concealed in containers of skin-lightening body cream, all packed in the suspect’s luggage.
“In his statement, Ehianuka, who is a resident of Milan, confirmed that he was to be paid a negotiated fee in Euros if he had succeeded in trafficking the consignment to Italy.”
In another operation on Wednesday, March 18, Babafemi said NDLEA officers at the departure hall intercepted another passenger, Christian Agbonhese, attempting to board a Lufthansa flight to Milan.
A search of his luggage uncovered 23,150 pills of tramadol 225mg, 4,000 tablets of tapentadol 250mg, and 1,320 pills of tramadol 100mg concealed in two large winter jackets.
“No fewer than 23,150 pills of tramadol 225mg; 4,000 tablets of tapentadol 250mg; and 1,320 pills of tramadol 100mg, all concealed in two large winter jackets, bringing the total number of opioids recovered from him to 28,470 pills. The 38-year-old Agbonhese is also a resident of Milan,” the statement added.
In a separate operation at a courier firm in Lagos, Babafemi said NDLEA officers on Monday, March 16, intercepted two parcels of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis weighing 1kg, hidden in a carton shipped from the United States.
“Also thwarted was an attempt to export 158 grams of methamphetamine concealed in the walls of a carton to New Zealand,” he said.
In Kano State, operatives arrested Abdulkadir Mamuda, 35, with 102.5kg of skunk at Dan-Tsalle, while another suspect, Uche Johnson Festus, 47, was nabbed at Naibawa Gabas with 95.5kg of the same substance.
Babafemi said the agency also recovered 21,737 bottles of codeine-based syrup during a raid at Otto, Ijora area of Lagos on Wednesday, March 18, adding that two suspects, Chidiebere Anigbogu and Paul Nwagbara, were arrested the same day on the Third Mainland Bridge while conveying 8,380 bottles of the syrup.
In Edo State, operatives recovered 97.5kg of skunk from the residence of Akeem Idde, 37, in Ojah, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area on March 16.
In the FCT, officers intercepted a commercial bus along the Gwagwalada Expressway on March 18, recovering 91,840 pills of tramadol hidden in body compartments of the vehicle. The driver, Aminu Ali, 27, was arrested.
In Oyo State, a suspect, Bankole Bari, was on Tuesday, March 17, arrested at Oke-Oyan, Ibarapa LGA, with 71.2kg of skunk, which he smuggled into Nigeria from Benin Republic through the Oyan River.
In a similar development, “Not less than 586,000 pills of tramadol and Exol-5 were recovered by NDLEA operatives from Lawal Anas, 28, along Kaduna-Zaria Highway, Kaduna, on Tuesday, March 17, while 7,290 tablets of tramadol 225mg were seized from Musa Shuaibu, 22, at the same location on Friday, March 20,” Babafemi said.
In Taraba State, officers intercepted Aliyu Adamu, 26, along the Takum-Jalingo Highway with 77,660 capsules of tramadol, while in Adamawa State, six suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure of 82.8kg of tramadol in a truck in Yola.
The suspects include Ramatu Aliyu, Jungudo Abdullahi, Najid Abdullahi, Musa Mohammed, Usman Abdulrahim, and Musa Mohammed.
The agency said its commands across the country also intensified War Against Drug Abuse sensitisation campaigns in schools, worship centres, and communities during the week.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers of the MMIA, DOGI, Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Edo, Oyo, FCT, Taraba, and Adamawa commands for the arrests and seizures, urging them to sustain the balanced approach to drug control efforts.
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RSG Applauds FRSC, NDLEA For Enhancing Security In Rivers …As NDLEA Pushes For Drug Tests In Schools, NYSC Camps
The Rivers State Government has commended the dedication and collaboration of federal government agencies in sustaining security in the State.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the State Commander of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), CN Bature Dawa, in Port Harcourt, last week, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, said Governor Siminalayi Fubara appreciates the strong synergy between the agencies in promoting his administration’s vision of peace, prosperity and progress in the State.
Wokoma urged residents to remain law-abiding, noting that respect for the law is essential for good governance and sustainable development in all parts of the state.
He stated that the governor has remained committed to initiatives that promote peace and social order, stressing that the administration will continue to support programmes of federal agencies aimed at strengthening security and public safety.
“Our governor is committed to peace, progress and prosperity in Rivers State. I therefore encourage all residents, especially young people who are often targeted by those involved in drug abuse, to stay away from drugs, crime and reckless driving,” he said.
In his remarks, the State NDLEA boss, Dawa, disclosed that the agency has arrested 39 suspects in the state from December 2025 to date, including 16 new cases currently under investigation.
He explained that the NDLEA, through its Drug Demand Reduction and Drug Supply Control Units, has intensified efforts to curb the spread of illicit drugs and ensure offenders are brought to justice.
Dawa also called on parents and guardians to closely monitor their children, while urging hotel owners and managers to remain vigilant and prevent their facilities from being used for drug-related activities.
He further advocated the introduction of drug integrity tests in schools and within the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme as part of measures to discourage drug abuse among young people.
In a related development, Dr Wokoma received the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), CC Inyang Umoh, during a courtesy visit, and urged residents to abide by road safety laws and drive in consideration of other road users.
In his remarks, the FRSC boss expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the continuous support to the Corps.
Muslims in Rivers State have commended Governor Siminialayi Fubara for his dedication and commitment to the development of the state.
They also lauded the governor for promoting peaceful co-existence among various religious groups in the state.
Vice President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs ,Alhaji Nasil Awhelegbe Uhor, gave the commendation last Friday during the Eid-el Fitri prayer to mark the end of Ramadan fasting period, at the Port Harcourt Central Mosque, Niger Street, Port Harcourt.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the prayer, Alhaji Uhor said Governor Fubara has shown exemplary leadership in the affairs of the state.
Uhor who is the leader of the South South Muslim Ummah of Nigeria, called on Muslims to remain committed to the ideal of peace and fear of the Almighty Allah.
According to the Rivers State Islamic leader, the message is for Muslims to imbibe and allow the lessons of Ramadan to sink into their lives and shape their ways of doing things.
He urged Muslims to imbibe the culture of love and respect for one another.
“My message is that all Muslims should imbibe and allow the lessons of Ramadan to sink with them,” he advised.
Uhor stressed the need for Muslims and all Nigerians to remain patriotic, while avoiding all forms of anti-social behaviours.
He also called on the political leaders to put the country first, stressing that there is no need for Nigerians to continue to wallow in abject poverty when the country is so rich with natural resources.
Also speaking, the Chief Imam of Rivers State, Alhaji Ibrahim S Yalo, urged Muslims to fear God, and speak the truth always.
According to him, time has come for Nigerians to cultivate the habit of peaceful coexistence, speak the truth and be each others keeper.
“Nigerians own a duty to ensure peace, live together in fear of God and speak the truth always,” he said.
By: John Bibor