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Kula Chiefs Call For Monarch’s Sack

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The crisis in the oil rich Kula community in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, has taken a new twist as chiefs and stakeholders in the community have called for the immediate dethronement of the Amanyanabo of the kingdom, HRM, King Kroma Eleki.

Speaking to newsmen in Port Harcourt at the weekend, some stakeholders and traditional rulers in Kula community accused the monarch of holding the community to ransom through abuse of power and called on the state governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to strip him of his title in the interest of peace in the area.

A stakeholder, Alapuye Igkikis, accused the Kula monarch of breaching the existing agreement in the election of compound leaders in Kula, which he said, was based on nomination and election for a tenure of two years.

He said the monarch imposed his cronies on the community to stay beyond the stipulated tenure of two years contrary to the existing order.

Igbikis, a former compound leader in the community stated that the various compounds and traditional rulers in Kula had resolved and written to the local government to the acting chairman to intervene in the matter after which the acting chairman of AKULGA, Hon Stanley Benibo called for a  meeting inviting all compound leaders and traditional rulers in Kula, but the Amanyanabo refused to attend.

He said it led to the decision of the acting local government chairman to dissolve existing structures in Kula in the area.

Also speaking, another traditional ruler in the community, Chief David Emineye-Orlu II, attributed the festering crisis in Kula to abuse of power by the monarch.

Chief Orlu, the immediate past secretary of Kula  Council of Chiefs, said the deliberate absence of the monarch from the meeting called by the council authorities was an indictment on the monarch over security breach.

He appealed to the  state  governor to remove him from office and save Kula from drifting into anarchy.

When contacted, the Acting  Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, Hon Stanley Benibo, said the dissolution of the existing structures  in Kula, was based on wide consultations with the community to avert security breach allegedly perpetrated by the monarch and his cronies.

He noted  that various council chairmen in AKULGA, had alerted the Rivers State Government of the abuse of power by the Kula monarch but the royal father was adamant to the voices of the people.

The acting chairman said he would not renege in his role as the chief security officer of the council and condone anarchy and lawlessness in the area.

He further accused the monarch of embezzling N35million meant for 40 housing unit allocated to Kula by the Ministry of Niger Delta and sponsorship of cult activities which resulted in the arrest of the monarch in a case that is pending at the State Investigation Burean (SIB).

It would be recalled that the Kula monarch had in a press conference, accused the acting chairman of AKULGA of high handedness in the dissolution of existing structure in Kula, which he said was his prerogative as a royal father.

The Kula monarch also described the decision of the acting chairman AKULGA as  “provocative and devised to erode his traditional powers”.

 

Taneh Beemene

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Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers

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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

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Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70

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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.

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Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition

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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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