News
Kula Threatens Shell, Chevron Operations
Kula Community in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, has threatened to shut down both Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and Chevron Nigeria Limited oil and gas operations in the area, if the companies further delay the inauguration and implementation of the new Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) earlier agreed on before the state government.
The people made their position known in a communiqué signed by the paramount ruler of Kula kingdom, King Kroma H Eleki and his council of chiefs at the community’s general meeting held last Tuesday at King Sara Square in Kula.
The communiqué noted that SPDC allegedly truncated the GMoU signed in 2005, using excuses such as death of some chiefs in Kula, who were members and signatories to the GMoU board as a ploy to evade implementation of the agreement.
The communiqué alleged that SPDC also denied the community access to the sum of N371.0 million in the community project account paid in 2007 following the GMoU agreement.
The communiqué further stated that several attempts by the community and the state government to inaugurate a new Community Development Board (CDB) constituted early this year to replace the former board, whose many members are dead have been allegedly thwarted by SPDC officials for selfish reasons.
The people of Kula also extended their reasons for wanting to shut down the company’s operations to the abandoned N3.8billion land reclamation/shore protection project awarded by Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to Berwick Nigeria Limited in 2009.
The communiqué revealed that the company handling the project mobilised to site in 2010, but could not do anything and finally abandoned the project and pulled out of the site without reasons.
The community also said it was aggrieved over the internal road projects awarded by NDDC to O.K Sokariari and Sons Company Limited and Shell’s hostility against Kula.
The community said that it had resolved to shut down four flow stations, two gas injection and booster plants in the community operated by SPDC and Chevron.
However, the community in the communiqué, faulted insinuations in some quarters in the state that there were 14 autonomous communities with paramount rulers in Kula kingdom.
According to the communiqué made available to The Tide, the paramount ruler of Kula kingdom and the entire community have never at anywhere agreed that families in the kingdom should be recognised as autonomous communities and neither the heads of the families were at anywhere or time appointed or elected or coronated as chiefs or paramount rulers of the purported 14 communities.
“we, the people of Kula community use this opportunity to call on the public to disregard the purported 14 communities as claimed by a faction, which does not mean well for the community, but wanted to use the medium for their selfish interest”, the communiqué stated.
The meeting which was witnessed by officials of the State Security Service (SSS) and other security agencies was however peaceful and well attended by all sons and daughters of the community.
The paramount ruler, King Eleki used the opportunity to pledge his readiness to work relentlessly with his councils of chiefs to ensure that peace reigned in the kingdom for development to thrive.
Enoch Epelle
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