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Rivers @ 50: CJ Frees 49 PH Prison Inmates
The Rivers State Chief Judge, Justice Adanma Inyie Iyaye-Laminkara, has freed 49 inmates awaiting trial for various offences at the Federal Prisons, in Port Harcourt.
Speaking during the gaol delivery exercise at the Port Harcourt Maximum Prison, yesterday, Justice Iyaye-Laminkara said, the exercise was part of the activities marking the state’s Golden Jubilee celebration.
She stated that the Golden Jubilee celebration has now brought relief to awaiting trial inmates as they are part of the Rivers society, explaining that the inmates should partake and share in the joy of the state’s Golden Jubilee celebration.
According to her, the Jubilee dated back to biblical era, where people in bondage were granted liberty, adding that the concept of this years’ gaol delivery exercise was commemoration of the Golden Jubilee celebrations in the state.
“Rivers State is 50 years old (Golden Jubilee), having been created in May, 1967. This gaol delivery is a special one, it is done to mark the Golden Jubilee celebrations in Rivers State”, she added.
Iyaye-Laminkara averred that she acted based on the powers conferred on her by the Special Provisions Act Cap 40, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, which empowers the chief judge of the state to carry out yearly or quarterly gaol delivery exercise.
The state chief judge expressed hope that the state governor will exercise his executive powers on prerogative mercy under the Constitution to release from prison custody, those inmates who may not be covered within her powers as a result of the offences for which they are standing trial.
She promised that the exercise would be conducted periodically as part of efforts at decongesting the prison, and added that the courts were not to blame for the congestion of prisons, but rather the society.
She called for the construction of modern prisons across the country, adding that prisons should be places of reformation, and not locations for intensive hardship.
The number one state Judiciary officer urged the freed inmates to be of good behaviour, and work for the betterment of the society rather than constituting a problem to the society, adding that they may not be lucky again, should they return to the prison.
“Do not go back to the society to commit crime; you may not be lucky like this again. Go home and repent, contribute to making the society better”, she added.
Earlier in his speech, the Deputy Controller of Prisons, Port Harcourt Prison, Mr. Loveday H. Omu, who represented the Controller General of Prisons, said the Port Harcourt Prison was currently housing 3,981 inmates, out of which 3,493 are awaiting trial persons (ATPs).
He appealed for consideration to be given to those qualified and outright releases granted so as to reduce the huge number of inmates in the prison, adding that such gesture would help to decongest the prison.
Our correspondent reports that consideration were given to those inmates who are on bail since 2010, 2012, and 2016, and could not perfect their bail conditions, as well as those with critical mental and health challenges.
The exercise continues, today.
News
Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers
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
News
Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70
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.
News
Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition
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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