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Govt Denies Boko Haram’s Presence In Rivers …As IPSA Training Begins, Today
Th Rivers State Government has debunked the claim by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika that fundamentalist Islamic Sect Boko Haram is spreading to some states including the Rivers State.
The Chief of Staff, Government House, Chief Tony Okocha disclosed this to newsmen while reacting to news report credited to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika that the sect has spread its activities to Rivers State.
The Army boss in a presentation he made before the 20-member Joint Committee on National Security and Intelligence and Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters set up to investigate the alleged extra judicial killings of eight persons who were suspected of being members of Boko Haram members in the Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja said he has convincing intelligence that Boko Haram operate in the state.
Okocha stated that it was untrue that Boko Haram has spread its activities to Rivers State adding that there is no evidence to show the presence of the sect in the state.
He said such report was a ploy to heighten military operations in the state ahead of the general election in the state.
According to him, “despite lapses on the Rivers State Police Command, to curtail increase in criminal activities as a result of its dereliction of duty and involvement in partisan politics, the state is yet to receive any report of Boko Haram’s activities in any part of the state.
He urged the Military Formation to make its finding public and not to jeopardize the relative peace in the state.
Chief Okocha equally enjoined the investing public to disregard any negative report capable of classifying the state as a security risk or operational base of Boko Haram Sect.
Meanwhile, as part of government effort on the implementation of International Public Sector Accounting Standard (IPSAS) for Rivers State, a two week training programme for Heads of Accounts in Government, Parastatals and agencies will begin on Monday December 2nd and Friday December 13th 2013.
This is another noble step by the administration of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to entrench accountability in public service.
The Commissioner of Finance Dr. Chamberlain Peterside said that IPSAS focuses on the accounting, auditing and financial reporting needs of national, states and local government and related agencies.
According to him, IPSAS emphasises the role of technology in accounting and budgeting as well as helps to improve financial reporting, transparency whilst delivering the dividends of democratic government.
Addressing newsmen in his office recently, Peterside reiterated the tremendous benefits of this training programme towards a seamless transition to accrual method of accounting based on international best practices in Rivers State.
He appealed to nominated attendees and participants to prepare for the training as scheduled with the first batch starting on December 2nd to December 6th while the second batch will be from December 9th 13th at Tinapa Resort in Cross River state.
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