News
Court Strikes Out Case Against Rivers LG Boss, 4 Others
A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday, struck out a suit brought against the Chairman Caretaker Committee, Etche Local Government Area of the state, Hon Charles Anyanwu and four other members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) by the Nigerian police for lack of jurisdiction.
The accused persons were however rearrested by a detachment of armed policemen, who stormed the court immediately the judge struck out the case.
Charles Anyanwu and the others were arraigned on a one-count charge of unlawful possession of one pump-action rifle in suit No PHC/PH/42C/2015 before Justice Lambo Akambi
The prosecuting police officer, DSP Paul Idenyenmm, O/C legal prosecution, State CID, Port Harcourt told the court that the accused, Charles Anyanwu aged 44, on the 7th day of February, 2015, at Ulakwo, Etche in Port Harcourt judicial division of Federal High Court, did unlawfully have in possession, one pump action rifle which is a prohibited fire arm without license.
The prosecution alleged that the accused committed an offence punishable under section 27(7) of firm arms Act cap F28 laws of the federation of Nigeria 2004.
The defence counsel led by B.E .I Nwofor (SAN) and other 14 counsels in their submission, opposed the charge brought by the prosecution on the ground that the section quoted does not exist in law, and as such, can not be heard by the court.
The Senior Advocate told the court that section 27 of the firearms Act cap F28 does not have up to sub-section 7, rather it stopped at subsection 5.
He, therefore urged the court to strike out the matter as lacking in merit and defective, and queried the jurisdiction of the court to hear such matter.
The prosecuting counsel led by D Deinwigwe (SAN), however, did not oppose the argument of the defence counsel on the defect of the charge brought against the accused before the court.
The prosecution later applied to the court for the withdrawal of the charge which the court granted.
The trial judge, Justice Lambo Akanbi, after hearing the submission of both the prosecuting counsel and the defence upheld the arguments of the defence counsel, and struck out the charge for lack of merit and jurisdiction.
Other accused persons arraigned along side, Hon Charles Anyanwu, include Hon Tony Gboms, Alhaji Onurukwe, Prince Adiele Sam Wobo, Bestman Amadi and Boch Nsirim.
Meanwhile, an Elder statesman and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Prince Emma Anyanwu has been allegedly dragged to a juju shrine in Ahoada East LGA of the state by his elder son, Hon Charles Anyanwu.
Hon Charles Anyanwu is the chairman, Caretaker Committee (CTC) for Etche Local Government Area and also the first son of the elder statesman.
The Tide learnt that the trouble between the CTC chairman and his father was the former’s membership with the All Progressive Congress (APC).
The Tide further learnt that Charles Anyanwu dragged his father to the shrine for allegedly by hiring thugs to destroy the fence and building under construction situate along Ulakwo (I) road.
The Tide also learnt that prince Emma Anyanwu had last year ordered some thugs to de-roof a building belonging to his son for allegedly hoisting APC flags and banners in his compound. It was gathered that it was such provocation that prompted Charles to buy a property outside the compound to erect his own building in the community, which was also destroyed by unknown thugs allegedly hired by his father.
A source, who spoke to The Tide, on condition of anonymity said that Prince Emma Anyanwu became angry upon hearing from a messenger that he has been summoned to appear before the shrine on a date yet to be decided.
According to him, the messenger of the shrine also told him not to enter into the disputed building until the matter was decided and resolved amicably.
However, Prince Emma Anyanwu, not satisfied with the development to save his reputation and image before his political associates, reported the matter to the state police command, which immediately swung into action, and arrested the CTC chairman his first son.
The source blamed the development on political intolerance and lack of maturity among the political class in the state and the nation at large.
Family members of victims of 2014 Nigeria Immigration recruitment tragedy who got automatic employment from President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja, last Friday. Photo: NAN
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo