News
Group Flays IAUOE’s Cover Up On Arrest Of Sex Abuse Suspect
A human rights group in Rivers State, the Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign (CBRPAC), has accused the authorities of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUOE), Rumuolumeni, of shielding a senior security officer of the university, Mr Mgbechi Wekwe, who allegedly abducted and defiled a 16-year-old girl in Aluu community on January 13, 2021, from submitting himself for prosecution.
The group insisted that it was the duty of the institution to hand over the wanted staff to the police for interrogation and prosecution, without further delay.
In a statement signed by its Coordinator, Prince Wiro, the group expressed worry that over a week after the Aluu Divisional Police Headquarters wrote to the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof Ozo-Mekuri Ndimele, about the incident, the school authorities were yet to hand over the suspect to the police.
Wiro said the group was disturbed that the security personnel who has not been handed over to the police for investigation has been coming to work and taking refuge in the institution despite the weight of the allegation against him.
The group condemned the action of the school management for protecting the suspect even though it was clearly aware of and briefed over the incident.
According to the group, all efforts by the police to arrest the suspect, aside from writing to the vice chancellor, were being frustrated by seeming lack of cooperation on the part of the institution.
“The most disturbing aspect is that the suspect reportedly called the mother of the alleged rape survivor two days ago, and boasted that the school will not hand him over to the police as he enjoys the protection and love of some highly placed individuals in the university, and the chief security officer in particular.
“We call on the Visitor to the school and Governor of Rivers State Chief Nyesom Wike, the state Ministries of Education, Women Affairs and Social Welfare, and the general public to prevail on the university to hand over the suspect to the police”, the statement stated.
The group threatened to commence series of legitimate actions which may include peaceful protest to the university, if its management fails to hand over the suspect to the police on or before January 31, 2021.
When contacted on the development, the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Ms Ngozi Okiridu, declined to comment on the matter.
Meanwhile, the mother of the 16-year-old alleged rape survivor, Mrs Kindness Edwin, accused Wekwe of abducting and defiling her daughter over her (mother’s) refusal to marry the 60-year-old security man.
In an interview with The Tide, Mrs Edwin Kindness, who is a widow, said Wekwe asked her hand in marriage, which she refused, adding that the accused was no longer comfortable with her decision to opt out of the marriage proposal.
Edwin alleged that the man threatened to kill her for opting out of the marriage deal, and accused her daughter of being the reason she opted out of the marriage deal.
She alleged that on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, Wekwe, in company of some boys, abducted her daughter at gunpoint in front of her workplace at Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area at about 6:00pm and took her to Rumuakunde, Emohua LGA, where she was defiled.
Edwin said she only saw her daughter on Friday, January 15, 2021, two days after the incident.
The widow said she made complaints to the police after her daughter told her what transpired.
Edwin called on well-meaning Nigerians to help her get justice.
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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