News
Kattey Reconciles Amaechi, Omehia
Archbishop of Niger Delta Province and Bishop of Niger Delta
North, Most Rev.Ignatius Kattey yesterday ended the political turmoil between
gubernatorial candidate of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in 2011
elections, Sir. Celestine Omehia and Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon.
Chibuike Amaechi.
Bishop Kattey during the thanksgiving service in honour
of the new President of Nigeria Bar
Association (NBA), Okey Wali, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), urged Omehia
and Amaechi to embrace and shake hands, ending over six years of political
differences.
The Anglican bishop, who conducted the reconciliation in the
glare of the congregation at Anglican Church of Pentecost, Rumuoalagu, charged
them to throw personal differences overboard and see themselves as brothers
before God.
He said, “today, I charge two of you, Amaechi and Omehia, to
see yourselves as brothers, forgive each other and reconcile before God.’’
Kattey during his sermon charged Governor Amaechi to ensure
that all ongoing projects in the state were completed before leaving office,
including the Monorail.
He stated that there was need for government to give closer
attention to bad roads leading to Eleme as over 200 companies are abode in the
local government are.
The Anglican priest while condemning the killing of
Christians in the North by Islamic fundamental group, Boko Haram, urged Amaechi
to use his position as chairman of governor forum to bring lasting peace in
that part of the country.
On his part, Governor Amaechi said he has no choice but to
reconcile with Omehia.
His words,”I have no choice reconciling with Celestine
Omehia, I became Governor by the Grace of God and I have been told by the
church priests that worship with me if I refuse reconciliation that is the day
I will begin to fall. The church priests also told me that, what you get by
prayer, you sustain by prayer’’.
He continued,”If God has not impacted in your life, God has
impacted in my life, even one of the Psalms today said. You should seek the
face of God in prayer, but if God has not answered you then, you have to pray
very well.’’
Amaechi congratulated Barrister Wali on his election as
President of NBA, and assured him of continuous support from the state
government.
He assured that his administration will complete the
Monorail Project before 2014, adding that the state government has completed
all internal roads in Port Harcourt Township.
The Rivers State governor revealed that about N7billion has
been earmarked to maintain all roads in the D-Line, Diobu and Borokiri axis of
the city.
“I have one interest and that is the interest of the Rivers
people, they have to be patient with us and we assure them of putting things
right. ‘’
The governor also revealed plans to set up an Economic
Development Agency by 2013, that would give loans to Rivers State indigenes, to
invest and create employment opportunities for the unemployed in the state.
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