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RVHA Screens New Commissioners
L-R: Hon Josiah Olu, Hon. Chidi Lloyd, Speaker of the House, Rt Hon. Otelemaba, Amachree (middle sitting), Hon. Augustine Ngo (3rd right), Hon. Victor Amadi (2nd right) and Deputy Clerk, Mr. Lekie Dumnu, during the passage of the 2015 State Budget in Port Harcourt last Wednesday. Photo: Chris Monyanaga
The Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday screened two nominees, Mr Isobo Jack and Dr. ThankGod Ode sent by the state Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike amaechi for appointment as Commissioners.
The nominees are to fill vacant positions in the state executive council.
It would be recalled that Commissioner for Rural and Urban Development, Dr Danagogo and Commissioner for Housing, Hon Marshal Uwom resigned from their offices last year.
Also, the House of Assembly has ordered the Accountant- General of the state to restore with immediate effect the salary of the Auditor- General of Local Government, Mr. Gregory Chima Anyanwu.
The Speaker, Rt.Hon Otelemaba Dan Amachree gave the order after the House committee on judiciary had presented its reports on the motion on alleged date of retirement of the Auditor- General of local government, Mr Gregory Chima Anyanwu .
Dan-Amachree cautioned the Head of Service, Samuel Long john from taking actions that have the potentials of leading to conflict of functions between his office and any other government office.
While presenting the committee reports on the floor of the House, The Chairman of the committee, Hon Golden Chioma said the committee got briefs from the Secretary to the State Government, representative of the chairman Civil Service Commission, the Head of Service and the Auditor General of Local Governments.
Hon Chioma informed the House that the petitioner told the committee that he was due for retirement on 12th March, 2017 and not in 2011 due to his appointment as the Auditor General of local Governments signed by Hon Magnus Ngei Abe and late Chief A.E.Egobueze, the then secretary to the State Government and a former chairman of the civil service commission respectively.
The lawmaker explained that the Audit-General hinged his position on section 127(2) of the 1999 constitution (as amended), stressing that the fact that he was issued with a fresh appointment invalidated his previous service years.
The committee Chairman said during the submission of the state secretary to the state government, Mr.George Fiiye,his position was that once a serving employee of government is appointed into a higher public office by the Governor upon confirmation by the House of Assembly, the new appointment invalidates the previous one by the reason of the issuance of a fresh letter of appointment to him.
During the submission of the chairman of the Civil Service Commission, he frowned at the decision of the Head of Service, noting that he has no powers to retire or disengage staff.
Ngo Martins Yellowe who was represented by a commissioner, Akekue Melubari informed the committee that the Head of Service has no business retiring any civil servant since he did not recruit or appoint.
The House however recommended that the Accountant General should be directed to restore the salary of the Audit-General of Local Governments with immediate effect, cautioned the Head of Service and affirmed that the petition succeeded.
Hon Victoria Wobo Nyeche had in the 169 legislative day of the Assembly read a protest letter to the House written by the Auditor-General of the Local Government, Gregory Chima Anyanwu protesting that he was wrongly retired and the speaker thereafter committed the motion to committee.
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