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PDP Blasts F-SARS Over Gberegbe’s Murder …Says Killer Won’t Go Unpunished
The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has described as heartless, callous, awful to the ear and unimaginably conscienceless the testimony of the Commander of the Federal Anti-Special Robbery Squad (F-SARS), ACP Akin Fakorede concerning the dastardly killing of a lecturer with Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori and former chairman of the polytechnic’s branch of the Association of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ACSUP), Dr. Ferry Gberegbe, during the March 9, Governorship and state House of Assembly election in Rivers State.
The PDP while reacting to Mr. Fakorede’s testimony before the Joint House of Representatives Committee on Army, Human Rights, Justice and Police Affairs in Port Harcourt, Rivers State said that for Fakorede to deny involvement and responsibility for the barbaric act, which he allegedly personally masterminded on the day of the election, has cast a big question mark not only on his mental health but also on his very essence as a human being.
Reminding Fakorede that the perpetrators of the dastardly act would pay a costly prize, the PDP said more satanic and unforgiving was the unrepentant stance of the police officer when he alluded that the late academic and father of four was a victim of his own plot.
Still suspicious of Fakorede’s mental health condition, the PDP noted with dismay the incongruity and inconsistency in the F-SARS chief’s testimony when he alleged that the bullets that silenced Gberegbe were pumped through the nuzzles of the guns of his friends, and not from those of his foes or security operatives as widely reported.
The PDP wondered what Fakorede went to Bori, headquarters of Khana Local Government Area, and election results collation centre to do on the 10th of March, 2019, and how he got all the information he put up as a defence, and dismissed all his testimonies as deliberate evasion of the point at issue through attempts to obstruct the path of the investigation.
Insisting that Fakorede has questions to answer if such occurrences and inglorious disservice by the police personnel as witnessed during the Governorship election in Rivers State were to be checkmated, the PDP regretted that valuable assets like the person of late Gberegbe should be lost through the instrumentality of worthless elements whose only contribution to the society was to maim and kill for their political paymasters.
Asking the House of Representatives Committee to dismiss Fakorede’s testimonies on grounds of lacking in merit, inconsistency and self contradictory, the PDP said the blood-tasty and trigger-happy F-SARS commander was only trying to make two sorrows out of one to justify his brute rascality.
The PDP wondered how many unarmed and innocent persons they may have killed, and later lied against while dancing naked on their graves, like in the case of Dr. Ferry Gberegbe.
“Even at death, we still hold Dr. Gberegbe in very high esteem not only on account of his academic attainment but also in recognition of his standing up against injustice and laying down his life for the nation’s democracy to survive.
“We duff our hat for Dr. Gberegbe and pray that his spirit will not rest until all those who had a hand in his untimely death are brought to book no matter how highly placed. Dr. Gberegbe was never a cultist and could not have been one, was a friend of many and was only on lawful election duty on that fateful day when his life was cut short by hell-bent anti-democratic elements led by Akin Fakorede”, the PDP declared, praying that those behind his gruesome murder and their families never find peace.
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