News
Edo Police Nab 50 Hoodlums …DIG Reads Riot Act In Lagos
Edo State Commissioner of Police David Omojola has confirmed the arrest of more than 50 suspects in connection with the alleged violence and looting during the protest against the removal of fuel subsidy in the state.
Omojola told newsmen in Benin on Wednesday, that investigation into the violence would continue, but that commercial activities in the city had returned to normal.
According to reports, more markets, business centres and petrol stations had opened for business.
However, government offices and banks remain closed, but vehicular traffic and movement of people had improved.
Meanwhile the Movement for Democracy and Justice (MDJ) has appealed to the Federal Government to create an avenue for dialogue with the organised labour to bring an end to the ongoing industrial crisis.
Labour and civil society organisations began a nationwide strike on Monday following the removal of petrol subsidy by the Federal Government on January 1.
Mr Patrick Emiantor, National Secretary of the party, made the appeal yesterday in Abuja, in an interview with newsmen.
Emiantor said the protest had taken a new dimension in some parts of the country, and cautioned that the situation might degenerate into total breakdown of law and order.
“We are worried and our fear is that by the time the strike is allowed for too long, the present situation may degenerate into violence.”
The party scribe further advised government to implement the withdrawal of the subsidy in stages to ensure that Nigerians did not suffer untold hardship.
According to Emiantor, Nigerians are not used to extreme hardship and the implementation of this kind of policy must be in stages to cushion the pains of the removal of the subsidy.
“The government meant well for the people by initiating this policy but we are still advising that the policy can still prevail if the government will be able to shift ground for now.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), `A’ Department, Mr Azubuko Udah, said yesterday in Lagos that the police would not fail to enforce the law on anyone found threatening the rights of fellow Nigerians.
In an interview with newsmen, Udah warned that anyone caught setting up bonfires on the roads and causing violence would be arrested.
He, however, noted that no one had been arrested for such offences since the commencement of the protests on Monday.
Udah said he had been in the South-West to monitor the protests since Monday, adding that he had been to other states in the geo-political zone and that he was satisfied with the performance of the police.
The DIG also commended Labour leaders and other protesters for conducting themselves responsibly.
Udah, however, called on parents to warn their children and wards against violence to avoid dire consequences.
The DIG also warned police officers and men against reckless use of firearms, saying, “a Policeman is only allowed to use firearm when his life or the lives of others are being threatened.”
Udah, however, warned members of the public against any action that would compel the police to use firearms, stressing that all officers had been briefed on what was expected of them during crises.
The DIG noted that the ongoing protests against the subsidy removal posed a big challenge to the police.
He, however, assured members of the public of adequate security, throughout the period.
On the alleged killing in Lagos on Monday, he said that investigation was still ongoing.
The DIG urged the people not to panic over the alleged threat by the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) to attack people from a part of the country.
Udah said that the police authorities were already aware of the speculation and had made special security arrangements accordingly.
He, however, advised the people concerned “to be security conscious and to report to the police every strange movement around them.’’
According to reports, the DIG had a closed-door meeting with Commissioners of Police in all the formations in Lagos State, as well as the AIG (Zone 2), to review the protest.
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