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Rivers Probe: Commission Summons Ex-Agric Boss, 12 Others
The Justice George O. Omereji led Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry investigating the immediate past administration in the state has threatened to issue warrant of arrest against former Agriculture Commissioner and 12 former Care-taker Committee Chairmen (CTC) who served under the past administration to force them to appear before it today at 9am.
By the close of sitting yesterday, the commission issued fresh summons to compel the former officers to comply with its order.
The former Care-taker Committee Chairmen invited to appear at today’s sitting include, Hon. Mnaeichenbo C. Tende (Ogu/Bolo), Uche Felix Naaeke, (Oyigbo), Kadilo Kabari, (Gokana) Oji Ngofa, (Eleme), Barr. Nnamdi Wuche, (Phalga), and Nlemaa Agabe for Tai LGA.
Others are Hon. Mene Lenyie Derek (Khana) Ojukaye Flag Amachree (Asalga), Ikegbidi Cassidy Okpara (Ahoada East), Charles Anyanwu (Etche), Ibigoni Daddy Pokima (Degema), as well as Hon. Austin Ahiamadu for Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local Government Area of the state.
The invitation was part of resolutions reached by the panel at the end of yesterday’s sitting which was adjourned due to the inability of the former Agriculture Commissioner to honour an earlier invitation by the commission.
The invited persons are expected to appear before the panel and give evidence and produce relevant documents in respect to the disbursement of N4 billion Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme funds from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) through secured the state Ministry of Agriculture by the last administration.
Speaking during the inaugural session of the commission held at the auditorium of the state Judiciary complex in Port Harcourt, Monday, the Chairman of the Commission Justice George O. Omereji stated that the commission was a fact-finding body and was not a court of law and would not witch-hunt any body adding that that the commission’s activities would be based on the memoranda submitted by the parties.
Justice Omereji promised that the commission shall uphold the principle of fair hearing and give equal opportunities to all concerned persons to state their cases as well as tender relevant documents that shall assist the commission in its assessment.
According to him “person (s) mentioned in the memoranda shall be put on notice and granted audience to respond. The commission recognizes the right of the parties to engage legal practitioners of their choice. The commission is not bound by the strict rules of evidence but shall add procedures that will ensure fairness to all the parties”, he stated.
Justice Omereji, who is a serving Judge at the State Judiciary said that the recommendations of the commission would be advisory and would be at the discretion of the state government, even as he sued for co-operation among all.
Earlier in their separate submissions during their appearance at the commission on Monday, the Permanent Secretary, state Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs O.I. Okoye and the Director, Planning Research and Statistics Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Chijioke Grant Amadi explained that 380 mother Co-operatives across the 23 local Government of the states benefited from the Agric grant from the CBN.
They told the panel that the N4 billion Agric grant was segmented in various order adding that only N2.932 billion was paid to the beneficiaries.
Giving the break down on how the money was disbursed during the past administration, the Permanent Secretary said N2.932 billion was paid to the Co-operatives, N.1bn was paid for OMUDA Development Company and bank charges, while the balance of N989 million was outstanding in the account meant for four fish farms at Opobo/Nkoro, Andoni, Ubima and Degema and has not been paid.
They told the committee that due process was followed in the disbursement of the loan as most beneficiaries were farmers in the state adding that committee was set up to monitor the disbursement and reported to the then Commissioner for Agriculture.
They stated that they were not part of those who generated the names of the beneficiaries adding that it was the former Agric boss that gave such approval. In her own submission, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Commerce, Mrs Cordelia M. Peterside however told the panel that her Ministry could only account for 342 Cooperatives out of the 380, but promised to furnish the panel with further details within one week.
The disbursement or use by the State Ministry of Agriculture of the sum of N4 billion Agricultural Credit Guarantee scheme fund is among the areas the panel of inquiry is investigating on the activities of the past administration as empowered by Governor Nyesom Wike.
Akujobi Amadi
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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