News
Embrace Dialogue, MOSOP Urges Violent Agitators
The President of Movement for Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), Mr Legborsi Pyagbara, has urged violent agitators in the Niger Delta and other parts of the country to embrace dialogue.
Pyagbara made the appeal, yesterday at Bodo in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State at the launch of the Ogoni clean-up by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The MOSOP president said there was immense benefit in non-violent approach to making demands and resolving issues.
He explained that the non-violent approach of the Ogoni people in pressing for the clean-up and remediation of their polluted land had paid off.
“Environmental restoration of our land remains the central plank of the Ogoni struggle.
“To the Ogoni, therefore, this day (Thursday) is a historic moment. It is the beginning of our victory, our journey for justice has been recognised. Ogoni land and President Buhari, “Our strategy of non-violence has been vindicated with the flag-off of the clean-up, launched by the president,’’ Pyagbara said.
According to him, the exercise marks the triumph of non-violence to demanding for justice.
“It is on this note that we call on all those who are involved in violent agitation in the country to sheath their sword and embrace a non-violent and peaceful advocacy.
“This is very importance because the benefits of non-violence are immense,’’ he said.
The MOSOP president also appealed to government to always protect the rights of the citizens and avoid actions that would make them resort to violence.
“We also urge government to avoid acting in ways that tends to suggest that they only listen when there is violence,’’ Pyagbara said.
He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for fulfilling his promise of cleaning the Ogoni polluted land, and noted that the exercise was the culmination of long years of struggle and sacrifices.
“In the course of the struggle, over 2,000 souls were lost, communities decimated, a whole generation of leadership were wiped out and of course, thousands of our brothers fled into exile.
“In spite of all this, the Ogoni people have remained resilient and resolute.
“We have kept the faith with non-violence methodology and peaceful engagement and this has changed the course of our history as a people,’’ he said.
Speaking in the same vein, Sen. Magnus Abe, said the Ogoni people neither resorted to blowing up of oil pipelines nor kidnapping while the struggle lasted.
Abe said that by their non-violent posture, the Ogoni had set example which should be emulated by other agitators.
“We are the ones lighting the path that Nigeria will follow because from now on, when you blow up pipeline, everyone will know that you are destroying the environment.
“Our story started long ago, we have suffered failed promises but because of one man – President Buhari, in the leadership of Nigeria, the Ogoni story has changed for better,’’ Abe said.
He commended the president and others, who had identified with the Ogoni people in their effort to get justice, for their efforts.
The President of the Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers and Gbenemene of Tai kingdom, Godwin Giniwa, lauded Buhari for fulfilling his campaign promise.
“When I invited him to Ogoni land during the campaign, I was thinking that because he was looking for vote, he would promise and fail us but he didn’t fail us,’’ he said.
Giniwa advised political leaders to always fulfil their promises to gain the people’s confidence.
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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