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Rivers APC Alleges Plot To Transfer CP …Hails Amaechi Over Security Award
Chairman, Senate Committee on Security and Intelligence, Senator Mohammed Magoro (left), receiving copies of White Paper on the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Alakyo killings in Lafia, recently.
The All Progressives Congress (APC), Rivers State Chapter, has raised the alarm over alleged plans by the Presidency to transfer the State Commissioner of Police, Tunde Ogunsakin, just at a time he is beginning to settle down in the State.
“We are reliably informed that arrangements have been concluded by the Presidency and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to redeploy Ogunsakin barley three months after his transfer to Rivers State just because he has refused to play their deadly politics since he assumed office and instead demonstrated that he is a core Police Officer.
“We will like to reiterate that we resist the transfer of Ogunsakin through every legal means available to us. We need peace in Rivers State and the current commissioner of police has demonstrated that he is thorough police officer and we are okay with his efforts to sustain the peace in Rivers State.
“We don’t need another Mbu an obvious PDP member in Rivers State to take us back to the terrible route we only survived by the grace of God”, APC State Chairman, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, said in a statement issued in Port Harcourt yesterday.
APC in the statement commended Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi on the extra mile his administration has gone to drastically improve the security situation in the state and congratulated him for winning the 2014 Best Governor on Security in Nigeria Award by the organisers of the Nigeria Security Profile Award (NISPA).
“This is an award well deserved considering Governor Amaechi’s giant strides in the area of security,” Rivers APC said.
The party recalled that as at the time Amaechi assumed office as governor in 2007, the state capital, Port Harcourt, was a war zone where only the fittest survived.
According to APC, “The Port Harcourt that Amaechi inherited was more like a jungle where the fittest determined the fate of lesser animals. The once glamorous city was ranked among the four most dangerous cities in the world as at that time.
“The human resources unit of New York-based Marsh & McLennan Cos. had ranked Port Harcourt with Baghdad, Yemen’s capital of Sana’a and Khartoum in Sudan, as the world’s most dangerous cities.
“Going by the ranking published by Bloomberg, Port Harcourt ranked with Baghdad as one of the world’s most dangerous cities for foreign workers as criminal gangs and militia groups seeking greater control of energy revenue stepped up attacks.
“For Amaechi to have rescued Rivers State from the menace of militancy demonstrates that he is a leader ahead of his peers, so NISPA is well justified to bestow this award on a well deserved recipient.”
APC advised the Federal Government to humbly understudy Amaechi and borrow from his methods and tactics so as to check the frightening rate of insecurity in the country.
As explained by the party, “To achieve the peace in Rivers State, Amaechi apart from motivating the security organs in the State also ensured that they are properly trained and have the best modern security gadgets with which to do their work. As a result, throughout the year 2012 there was no single kidnapping or armed attack in any part of Rivers State.
“For the administration of President Jonathan to demonstrate its disdain for the peace in Rivers State, Joseph Mbu and misguided Nyesom Wike, the supervising minister of education, were unleashed on the state to ensure that Port Harcourt is taken back to its pre-2007 era when it was ranked as one of the deadliest cities to stay, but we thank God for giving Amaechi the wisdom to handle the situation and for sending Ogunsakin to correct the mess created by Mbu.”
Rivers APC appealed to the Jonathan administration to swallow its pride and listen to Governor Amaechi and others who have proffered workable solutions to the worsening menace of Boko Haram.
“The Boko Haram insurgency is worsening by the day because of the blatant refusal by the visionless leadership at the centre to learn from Amaechi.
“They have continued to portray themselves as confused lots, with the President and his wife fighting for recognition over who is fighting the menace of Boko Haram by setting up two different Committees on the same issue,” Rivers APC said.
It recalled that Governor Amaechi had during the event instituting Port Harcourt as the World Book Capital for 2014 identified education and vigorous promotion of agriculture as the sure way to tackle the Boko Haram challenge and enhance security in Nigeria.
Rivers APC also advised the Federal Government to listen to the wise counsel of people like Amaechi on the issue of State Policing. According to the party, “As Amaechi recently did point out, most states are spending a lot of money improving the police which are not under their control. States can use the same resources to fund their own police. Only those with something to hide are afraid of State Police.”
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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