News
Rivers Orders Inquiry Into B-Dere, K-Dere Clashes
Rivers State Government is to set up a Judicial commission of inquiry into the Inter-communal clashes between B-Dere and K-Dere communities in Gokana Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi announced this yesterday at the inter-denominational thanksgiving service held at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Diobu Port Harcourt, as part of activities marking the third anniversary of his administration.
Governor Amaechi who decried the incessant killings and destruction of properties said government would implement whatever would be the outcome of the white paper to forestall a re-occurrence of the urgly incident.
The governor gave an assurance that there would be no rigging in the forthcoming general elections in Rivers State, and appealed to the people to register when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) commences its registration exercise, to boost the political strength of the state.
“The only way we can bargain in Abuja is if we have two million voting strength, we can say give us what we want or we keep back our votes”, the Governor declared, as he emphasised that the exercise might last for only two weeks.
The State Chief Executive who explained that voters registration was part of the people’s obligation to government, said parents must show evidence of registration before their children could be admitted into the model primary and secondary schools, as well as other social services.
He also appealed to the people to embrace the social services contributory levy, explaining that Government decided to ask for the levy, not because it has no money, but to ensure sustainability and maintenance of the model schools and free health services.
Governor Amaechi noted that some of the decisions his administration had taken may have been harsh, but stated that such decisions were taken in the overall interest of the state.
“In course of governing, I know I may have hurt a lot of people, but consider, if we did not demolish people’s houses, we would not have been able to expand most of our roads”, he said, and apologised to such people.
The Governor emphasized that development projects ought to be sited according to need, not as a result of political considerations, urging the people not to politicise issues of development.
Governor Amaechi used the occasion to express appreciation to the legislative and judicial arms of government, members of his cabinet, the clergy and the people of the state for their support, which he said had enabled him to succeed these past three years, and called for continuous prayers of the church.
In his sermon, the Arch Bishop, Niger Delta Province and Bishop of Niger Delta North Diocess, Most Rev. Ignatius Kattey urged the governor to remain steadfast in prayer the way he started, pointing out that he has so far demystified the office of the governor.
Bishop Kattey pointed out that the past three years of Governor Amaechi’s administration had been glorious to the state, as there had been improvement in security and infrastructural development, adding that, Governor Amaechi should not forget that as a leader people must continue to criticise Him.
The first lesson of the service was read by Governor Chibuike Amaechi while the Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Tonye Harry read the second.
The Service featured special prayers for the Governor and his family, the state and the country as well as special renditions and thanksgivings.
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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