News
Dissolve LGSC Board, Others, RVHA Tells Wike
The Rivers State House of Assembly yesterday recommended the dissolution of the Local Government Service Commission and Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission even as the Local Government Service Commission shunned the lawmakers’ invitation to appear before it to defend allegations of abuse of due process in recruitment and promotion of staff.
The Assembly took the decision alleging that the two Commissions’ boards were not capable of administering the offices.
They alleged that the two commissions were involved in official misconduct, illegal employment and rapid promotion of some favoured staff.
The lawmakers had in their previous sitting hinted the Chairman and members of the Commission to appear before them yesterday, but were shocked to realise that the members of the Local Government Service Commission did not honour the invitation.
While deliberating on the issue, the Leader of the House, Hon. Martins Amaewhule said it was obvious that members of the Commission have shown serious act of negligence in their action.
He said their action in not honouring the invitation amounted to misconduct, adding that they conducted their activities contrary to the oath of office they swore to.
According to him, “a situation where the commission will begin to employ staff outside known law without following due process is unacceptable.
“The Commission employed and promoted the same person within two years to five grade levels. It is not acceptable and the House should do something about it”, he said.
He disclosed that the petition shows that the commission embarked on illegal transfer, employment, promotion and withholding of facts.
Amaewhule said it was clear that the board lacked the capacity to administer the commission and has become a tool of victimisation.
“Civil servants, local government staff were victimised, demoted and transferred illegally without following due process.
We will not fold our hands and refuse to take decisions because they were not here. If we do that, then we are not doing justice to the people we are representing”, he said.
Members who spoke on the issue include, Hon. Jones Ogbonda representing Port Harcourt 1 and Hon. Farah Dagogo. They suggested that the House should issue warrant of arrest to members of the Commission to appear before it.
Hon. Ogbonda, in his contribution, expressed sadness that the commission, which was set up by law and appeared on the floor of the chamber for confirmation could ignore the same House by choosing not to honour her invitation.
According to him, “It beats my imagination that members of a commission set up by law and that appeared before the floor for confirmation could slight the same House by choosing not to honour the invitation of the House”.
The lawmaker noted that the House has done what it ought to do by extending invitation to members of the commission, stressing that fair hearing does not mean that one must be heard, but that opportunity was given to be heard.
He, however, noted that under section 129 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the House has powers to issue warrant of arrest but will not plead for that now, as he urged other members to support the dissolution of the commission’s board.
On its part, the House said it was obvious that the Commission engaged in illegal recruitment of staff and irregular promotion of staff.
Hon. Awaewhule noted that a junior staff was promoted two times in a year ahead of his superiors.
“It is obvious that members of the commission conducted themselves in a manner that does not befit them to continue to remain in office”.
While giving his ruling, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ikuinyi Ibani said that it was obvious that the House’s view was that the commission be dissolved.
Meanwhile, the Rivers House of Assembly, on Wednesday, screened and approved nominees for the state’s Civil Service Commission, Judicial Service Commission and State Independent Electoral Commission.
The Speaker of the House, Mr Ikuinyi Ibani, made this known at the plenary of the House in Port Harcourt.
Ibani said that the names of the nominees, as submitted by Governor Nyesom Wike, were screened and found to be qualified and experienced to handle the affairs of the state.
“The candidates are experienced through their curriculum vitae and their past records of service. They should be approved as members of the commissions.
“We have heard from their answers to various questions asked them by this House and we believe that they will serve the interest of the state and not their own interest if appointed.’’
Hon. Martins Amaewhule (PDP- Obio/Akpor Constituency 1), supported the approval of the nominees, saying that those nominated for the Judicial Service Commission were qualified and experienced to serve.
Amaewhule said that the candidates screened to serve the state should know that they were nominated to stand for justice.
He also said that they would be removed if they derailed from their assignments.
Hon. Uwaji Nathaniel (PDP- Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Constituency 11), said that the nominees for the State Electoral Commission were not of questionable character and should be approved by the House to serve the state.
The House unanimously approved all the nominees for the various commissions.
The nominees for the State Judicial Service Commission are Prof. Nsirim Nduka, Mr Osima Ginah, Mrs Assa Nwinia and Mr Friday Abigo.
The nominees for the State Civil Service Commission are Chief Oris Onyiri, Chief Mike Elechi, Mr Godspower Nwogu, Mr Tony Philmore and Mrs Sotonye Fulton.
Those for the State Independent Electoral Commission are Dr Chimaroke Mgbah, Mr Kombo Johnson, Dr. Ebirien Fubara, Dr A. Nwaido and Retired Justice U.I Uriri.
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
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