News
‘N69bn Fraud Not Linked To Jonathan’s Campaign’
The former chairman of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF, Dr. Ngozi Olejeme has said her invitation and detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC over allegation of N69b fraud has nothing to do with former President Goodluck Jonathan campaign finance committee.
In a reaction to her detention, Dr. Olojeme stated that contrary to media reports that she was arrested, she willingly submitted herself before the commission to clear the wrong allegations made against her.
In the statement yesterday by her media aide, Stanley Imoko, Olojeme disclosed that the allegations which led to her detention has nothing to do with former President Goodluck Jonathan campaign finance committee as alleged, but about where she worked as part time chairman of NSITF.
Imoko said in the statement that contrary to EFCC allegation, no money was traced to the account of Dr Ngozi Olejeme neither was any money given to the Jonathan campaign organisation or the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP by her.
Part of the statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to erroneous media reports about the circumstance surrounding the issues Dr Ngozi Olejeme is currently having with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
“While we recognise the constitutional right of the media to inform the public, we are inclined to set the records straight by stating what has transpired so far between Dr. Ngozi Olejeme and the EFCC.
“Olejeme who was declared wanted three months ago by EFCC for alleged diversion of several billions of Naira in NSITF where she was a part time Chairman during the last administration turned herself in voluntarily to EFCC on Monday the 18th of December, 2017 in order to clear her name which the alleged story of diversion tried to smear, the statement said.
“ Olejeme was appointed a part time chairman of the agency when the agency was moribund and comatose, having been divested of its core responsibility of managing pension funds of Nigerian workers by the New Reform Pension Act of 2004 .
“ Olejeme’s dexterity saw the enactment of a new law by the National Assembly that gave some responsibilities ( like social scheme compensation for employees who suffer injury or death in the course of their duties) to the agency and which resurrected the agency back to life.
“The agency that had only two functional offices when she was appointed witnessed a tremendous growth both in offices across the length and breadth of Nigeria and personnel from 80 employees to about 7000 by the time she exited from the board.
Mr Imoko insisted that Dr. Olejeme was at NSITF as part time chairman and putting extra effort to grow the agency which made it a toast today, she was unaware that the management of the agency were busy diverting some of the monies of the agency to themselves.
“Dr. Olejeme got to know about this when she was declared wanted by EFCC for alleged diversion of several billions of Naira by her and the management.
“More shocking to her was the conspiracy of some of the management staff of the agency to heap all their nefarious activities on her head while she was away on the demonic understanding that she may not come back to defend herself, having known of her health challenge while abroad, Imoko said.
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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