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Boko Haram: Military Chiefs Talk Tough In Rivers
As the Boko Haram insurgency continues to wreck havock the Northern parts of the country, heads of military formations in Rivers State have warned that there is no place for the sect in the state as they continue to evolve strategies to put the activities of the group in check.
This was the consensus view of all the service chiefs in the state who spoke at a one-day sensitization workshop organised by the Nigeria Police Force, Rivers State Command at the Police Officers’ Mess in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Speaking at the occasion, the state Commissioner of Police, Tunde Ogunsakin stated that the threat of the Boko Haram insurgents was shifting from the North to the Eastern part of the Country, adding that the recent development in operation of the sect makes it imperative for the command and other security out fits to put in place proactive measures that would prevent the attack in the state in future.
Ogunsakin said that the security operatives cannot be non-challant over the threat as the insurgents were moving on a high pedestal to unleash terror in every part of the country.
According to him, the Police in partnership with other security services in the state would do every thing humanly possible to ensure that Boko Haram had no base in the state.
“We are not unaware of the activities of the group. We need to have concerted efforts in place that would forstall any strike of the group here in the state.
We must be vigilant at all times, even in our working places, super markets, motor parks and even in our houses”, he stated.
The State Commissioner of Police urged the people to willingly give information to Police about any strange objects and happenings within their environment, adding that the responsibility of security is for everybody and not for security operatives alone.
He told the gathering that the Command was repositioning its strategies to ensure that police Personnel responded quickly to distress calls with a view to effectively nipping any crime in the bud as soon as it was reported.
He assured the people that the police would treat every information received with a high sense of confidentiality, adding that Boko Haram attack may not be possible as the police have taken all the necessary precautions in that regard.
Ogunsakin posited that the essence of the workshop, which was the fourth in the series, was to educate and inform the people as well as solicit their cooperation in the fight against crime, especially in the areas of information gathering.
The Tide reports that in their various speeches, the State Director, State Security Services (SSS), Mr. Abok Nyam, Brigade Commander, Nigerian Army, Bori Camp, Rivers State, Brig-Gen I.O. Uzamere, Airforce Commander, Air Commondore, Jekeno and Commander, NNS Pathfinder (NAVY), Comdr. Godwin Ochai thanked the Police for organizing such workshop, and described it is as timely, especially as it was coming on the heels of recent security challenges in the country.
The Military Chiefs said that information gathering was very important in achieving effective security in the society, adding that they are working in partnership with the Police to ensure crime free state, and abort any strike by Boko Haram in the state.
They assured of the protection of lifes and properties within the state, including Water ways, and urged people to give useful information to security operatives 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