News
Commissions Of Inquiry Promise Fairness To All …Hold Inaugural Sitting In PH
The Chairman of the Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry investigating the violence, killing and other related matters which occurred during the February 23 and March 9, 2019 general election in the state, Justice Monima Danagogo says the commission was not constituted to witch-hunt anybody but was a fact-finding mission.
Danagogo stated this during the inaugural sitting of the commission at the State Judiciary Complex in Port Harcourt, yesterday, which heralded the official take-off of the commission.
He said that the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike set up the commission in accordance with the state Inquiry Laws Section 2 Sub-Section 1 of Rivers State, 1999, to among other things, “investigate the remote and immediate causes of the violence, killings and other related acts/matters which occurred during the February 23 and March 9, 2019 general election in the state.
It was also set up to identify the sponsors and perpetrators of the various acts of violence and killings in the state.
The commission was also mandated to identify the victims of the violence, including those killed during the said elections, and identify the motives, if any, behind the said violence, killings and other related acts/matters in the said elections as a way to make appropriate recommendations to the government in other to forestall the repeat of such, among others.
According to him, the commission was handed down with 10 terms of reference by the state governor and was expected to submit its report after 30 days from the first day of the panel’s sitting.
“In the cause of our work, we have called for submission of memorandum from all interested parties through both print and electronic media”, he stated.
Danagogo restated that the commission was not a regular court and would not on a mission to witch hunt any person or group of persons, adding that during the sitting, the panel would obtain its evidence through oral evidence presentations from witnesses as well as those who submitted their memo to the commission.
He assured that the commission would give all the parties equal time to present their facts, and called on all to cooperate with the commission to enable it deliver the mandate given to it.
Also speaking, Corlins C. Ikeh, representing NBA, Port Harcourt branch, Mr. Grale B. Amadi (Esq) and the Officer In-Charge, Legal, Rivers State Police Command, Monday Binebo, in their separate speeches, promised to work with the panel to enable them succeed in their assignment.
Other members of the judicial commission including Frank Fubara, Esq, Dr. Obelebra Adebiyi, Monsignor Pius Kii and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, who also doubles as the Secretary of the commission, Mr Paulinus Nsirim as well as Chidi Boniface Eke, Esq, counsel to the commission were all present during the inaugural sitting of the commission.
In a related devrlopment, the Rivers State Judicial Commission Inquiry investigating the invasion and attack on the state judiciary complex, last year, has promised to give fair hearing to all interested parties invited by the commission.
The five-man committee Chaired by Justice Simeon C. Amadi, was inaugurated by the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, to among other things, unravel the circumstances that led to the violent invasion and attack on the state judiciary and destruction of public properties which occurred at the complex on May 11, 2018.
The commission has 14 terms of reference and is expected to submit its reports to the state government 30 days from its first sitting.
Speaking at the inaugural sitting, yesterday, the Chairman of the five-man investigative panel, Justice Simeon C. Amadi said the commission would not be biased but would accord every party or parties equal opportunities to make their presentations, adding that the commission was not a regular court but on a fact finding mission.
Amadi, while reading out the terms of reference given to the panel, said they include, “to ascertain and identify the immediate and remote causes of and/or the motives behind the violent invasion and attack on the state judiciary and destruction of public properties which occurred at the state Judiciary Complex at the stated dates.
“Identify the persons who participated in, masterminded, counselled or procured others to participate in the violent attack, disruption of activities of the state judiciary and destruction of public properties which occurred at the state Judiciary Complex, Port Harcourt on 11th day of May, 2018.
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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