News
MEND Hired To Kill Me – Jonathan …As Group Restates Support For Buhari
The Presidency yesterday alleged that members of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta made attempts to kill President Goodluck Jonathan on two occasions.
It said on the two instances, members of the group launched “murderous assaults” on places where the President was present.
The Presidency made the allegation in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, in which it warned the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.), to be weary of the group’s recent endorsement of his candidature.
Although the Presidency did not disclose when and where the two attempts were made on Jonathan’s life, it will be recalled that the group launched an attack near the Eagles Square venue of the nation’s 50th independence anniversary in 2010.
Jonathan and some visiting Heads of State were present when bombs were detonated near the venue.
Abati said the Presidency had noted with amusement, the vituperation against Jonathan by “the renegade faction” of the group headed by the convicted terrorist, Henry Okah, in a statement issued to endorse Buhari.
He said the latest assault on the President by Okah and his stooges did not come as a surprise, but rather an expected one.
The statement read in part, “While we thank all people of the Niger Delta, including the former militants whom MEND claims to represent, who have already disassociated themselves from the statement issued by the faceless Jomo Gbomo and reaffirmed their unflinching support for President Jonathan’s re-election, we will like to state that the latest assault on the President by Henry Okah and his stooges did not come as a surprise to us at all.
“It was very much to be expected, coming as it did from an individual and group who have never hidden their vengeful personal animosity against the President and who have even gone to the extent of launching murderous assaults on venues at which the President was present on two occasions,”it said.
Meanwhile, despite the criticisms trailing its endorsement of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Maj. Gen Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has insisted that it will support the APC flag bearer.
MEND had on Wednesday declared that it would support Buhari for presidential poll, alleging that President Goodluck Jonathan had not lived up to the expectation of Nigerians, a position that did not go down well with the Peoples Democratic Party and the Ijaw Youth Council.
The PDP, through its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, queried APC’s link with MEND, the IYC, through its Publicity Secretary, Eric Omare, reportedly described MEND as a ghost.But MEND, in a statement by its spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo, yesterday via e-mail, described Metuh’s position on its (MEND) support for Buhari as callous and irresponsible.
The Niger Delta militant group explained that the reaction of the PDP further confirmed its (MEND) views about Jonathan’s inept government.
MEND, however, pointed out that its endorsement of Buhari did not mean that it had any link with the APC, adding that contrary to Metuh’s view, it (MEND) had never been approached by the party.
It described Buhari as the man that would lead Nigeria out of its state of calamity in the hand of the current leadership.
It added, “MEND strongly denies any link with the All Progressives Congress and has never been approached for anything, at any point in time, by the party, as pettily alleged by Olisa Metuh.
“The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta stands strongly by our endorsement and full support of General Muhammadu Buhari as the man to lead the country out of its present calamitous state in the hands of Goodluck Jonathan.
“MEND finds it laughable the recent statement by Mr Eric Omare, the Publicity Secretary of a mere tribal assembly and political praise singers, known as the Ijaw Youth Council, stating that ‘MEND is a ghost’. We clearly understand their frustration at our stance as it obviously came as a shock to them.
“Nigerians should ask this man (Eric Omare) if he was referring to ‘ghosts’ when he lauded MEND for declaring a temporary ceasefire six months ago.”
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