News
Stop Arming Youth With Guns, RSG Warns Politicians
The Rivers State Government has appealed to politicians to stop the habit of aiding youth with arms as the 2015 general election draw near
The state Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi made this call during the flag-off ceremony of “Stop Kidnapping campaign” organized by the state police command at the police officers mess, Port Harcourt, over the weekend.
Governor Amaechi, who was represented at the occasion by his Deputy, Engr Tele Ikuru, said the danger inherent in such act was disastrous, adding that such habit pays no good to any one.
The state governor said that the interest of the society should be more paramount than any politician or individual interest, and urged the people to shun those politicians whose interest was to destroy what the society has achieved over the years because of their personal ambitions.
After the elections, the arms will be difficult to retrieve and those guns will turn back to you, he said.
He described the launch of the Stop Kidnapping campaign” in the state as very apt as it was coming at a time when the country and indeed, the state was facing the challenges of insecurity and other anti-social vices, such as kidnapping.
He recalled that the problem of kidnapping started with the introduction of the global system of mobile communication (GSM) in the country in 1999, adding that before the emergence of GSM, people hardly communicate easily.
‘The negative aspect of GSM to society is what we are experiencing today. If you kidnap somebody and you have no contact to reach the family, the business will not be juicy and interesting. You can be in Aba and talk to somebody in Port Harcourt, this is what makes it viable, he stated.
According to him, the only way to fight the menace and defeat it in the society will be through electronic devises, adding that kidnapping requires collaborative efforts of every body.
The state chief executive thanked the police and other security formations in the state for their services in ensuring peaceful cohesion in the state and the country at large, adding that he was optimistic that one day, those in the country’s leadership would recogise their services and take good care of them.
Amaechi used the opportunity to assure them of the state government ‘s determination to support the police and other security agencies to effectively carry out their responsibilities in the state.
Also speaking, the chairman of the occasion and Senator, representing Rivers East at the National Assembly, Senator George Sekibo, described kidnapping as a major challenge confronting the country, adding that all hands must join together to fight the menace in the state.
He stated that the safety of the society starts with every individual, adding that the society must rise up by being part of the solution.
Sekibo, who is the chairman, Senate Committee on Defence and Army, opined that the problem in winning the insurgency in the country was the people’s unwillingness to give information to security agencies.
“People are afraid to give information. We should be actively involved to be part of the fight against kidnapping, he said.
Earlier in his speech, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Tunde Ogunsakin stated that the kidnapping was affecting the economic fortunes of the state, adding that the command has reduced the crime rate to the barest minimum.
He opined that the launch of the campaign was borne out of the command’s commitment in fighting the crime in the state, and urged residents of the state to cooperate with the police.
in this regard through giving the police useful information.
Acting IGP, Suleiman Abba (left), addressing senior police officers in Abuja last Friday.With him are AIG Force Headquarters, Mr Dan Azumi Dona (middle) and AIG Intelligence Bureau, Mr Solomon Arase.
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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