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Kattey: Police Debunk N10m Ransom Demand

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Amidst rumours that kidnappers of Archbishop Ignatius Kattey are demanding for a N10million ransom for his release, the Rivers State police command says it is unaware of the purported demand.
The command’s spokesperson, Mrs Angela Agabe, who denied the rumour in a telephone interview with The Tide in  Port Harcourt  yesterday also said that no contact had been established with the kidnappers.
She said that men of the command were combing every nooks and crannies of the state in search of the kidnapped Bishop, adding that for now, no communication with the kidnappers has been made.
In her word, “our men are just coming  out from the mangrove but no contact yet”, she said.
Archbishop Ignatius Kattey, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion and Bishop, Diocese of Niger Delta North was kidnapped last Friday along the  Aleto bridge on the East-West Road in Eleme Local Government Area, and taken to unknown destination.
Meanwhile, the Diocesan Men’s Christian Association, Diocese of Niger Delta North says divine intervention is the only solution for the present circumstances.
In a prayer session to invoke divine intervention on the issue yesterday, the association wondered why unknown gunmen would lay their hands on a man of God.
The association’s chaplain, Rev Joshua Daminabo, the President of the association, Sir Chuks Boms and Acting Secretary, Mr Sampson Akani, who led the prayer sessions, reminded the abductors that their act was against God and His church.
They also reminded the abductors that no gate of wickedness or criminality could prevail against the church of God and Christian believers.
While describing the incident as unfortunate and insult to  God, the association appealed to all and sundry to remain prayerful for the safety and unconditional release of Kattey.
The men also prayed for the peace of the state and the nation as a whole even as they enjoined perpetrators of criminality to repent and seek the face of God.
Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said that Nigeria would overcome the threat of terrorism, and called on all faithfuls in the country to be prayerful.
Jonathan, who made the call in a Standing Committee Meeting organised by the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, in Yenagoa described terrorism as a challenge to nation building.
“We will win the war against terrorism; Nigeria is a loving country and no religion in the country preaches destruction of life and property.
“My administration will continue to secure citizens’ life and ensure that crime is curtailed,” Jonathan said.
In his address, Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa, said the programme in the state was a welcome development, and solicited for prayers for the country.
“I thank Nigerians for their prayers and support to government, I urge you to keep faith and contribute your quota in the transformation of the country.
“I must say that Bayelsa is a home for all, secure and safe; I urge all citizens in the country to embrace peace and love,” Dickson said.
In his remark, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, the Primate of Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, commended the president, saying that the church would continue to support the government.
Okoh said that the programme, which was tagged: “Put on the Whole Amour of God’’, was to strengthen the faith of Nigerians.
“We should put on the amour of God because His amour will always stand for us against every evil machination of the enemy,” Okoh said.

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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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