News
Sekibo Empathises With Aluu 4 Parents, UNIPORT VC
The Senator representing Rivers East Senatorial District,
Chief Thompson Sekibo has condoled the Vice Chancellor of the University of
Port Harcourt, Prof Joseph Ajienka over the brutal killing of four students of
the institution.
Sekibo, who also visited the parents of two of the slain
students in Port Harcourt, said he received the news of the gruesome killing
with shock.
The Senator, who visited authorities of the University
Friday described the killing as satanic, barbaric and painful, insisting that
the law must take its course to unravel the circumstances surrounding the
brutal murder.
While condemning the manner the students were subjected to
jungle justice under the present civilized setting, Senator Sekibo commended
the university authority, security agents and the governor of the state, Rt Hon
Rotimi Amaechi for bringing the situation under control and stopping academic
activities in the university to forestall further crises.
“After watching it on screen, one can’t believe that this
kind of thing can happen considering the efforts of the governor on security of
the state’, he said, and advised community leaders to assess the type of people
living around them.
The lawmaker, however, cautioned students against reprisal
attacks on the community and to allow the law take its course.
Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Joseph Ajienka, had
earlier told the visiting Senator that for over 30 years, the institution had
maintained cordial relationship with its host communities, noting that such
ugly development had never happened before.
He said the murder of the four students in Aluu, a community
barely three kilometers away from the institution had affected the psyche of
the university.
Prof Ajienka revealed that the fourth victim who was not
identified earlier (Tekena Elkanah has however been identified as a certificate
student in the Faculty of Education of the institution.
He commended Senator Sekibo for his show of concern, and
Nigerians for their outpouring of emotion, and urged security agencies to do
everything possible to ensure that those behind the dastardly act were brought
to book.
Earlier in the day, Senator Sekibo had paid condolence visit
to parents of Mike Lloyd Toku and Friday Elkanah.
The mother of Mike Lloyd Toku, Mrs Toku Mike had accused the
police of trying to cover up their role during the ugly incident.
Mrs Mike said evidence abound that policemen were present
while the innocent students were being murdered, saying instead of making
reasonable effort to save them, the police watched idly while the students were
gruesomely killed.
Meanwhile, Aluu community in Rivers State, where four
students of University of Port Harcourt were gruesomely murdered on October 5,
2012, has absolved itself from killing the students at Omuokiri village, Aluu.
The community blamed non-indigenes residing at Aluu for the dastardly act.
Addressing a press conference at Obiri Aluu last weekend,
the community’s apex socio-cultural body, Ogbakor Aluu said unlike the rumours making the rounds, the Aluu community does not have
a vigilante group which was reportedly accused of killing the students.
The community’s spokesman, Mr Gashion Benson told newsmen
that Aluu has no vigilante group.
Goodluck Ukwe & Chris Oluoh
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