News
DSP’s Extradition: IYC Faults UK’s Request
The umbrella body of Ijaw youth, Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide (IYC), says the request by the British government for the extradition of former Governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, to the United Kingdom to face alleged money laundering charges is politically-motivated.
The IYC said though the request was issued by the UK, the action is politically motivated and instigated by the Muhammadu Buhari administration while the UK is being used as a subterfuge.
The group, in a statement, yesterday by its spokesman, Eric Omare, said the suspicious request from the Government of United Kingdom and the immediate justification by lawyer, Prof. Itse Sagay, showed a clandestine plan to arrest and jail Alamieyeseigha over his open criticism of the present administration.
The IYC said, “The real brains behind the extradition request are some key players in the Nigerian government, who want Alamieyesegha to be punished because of his recent statement on his ordeal in the past and because of Alamieyesegha’s consistent opposition to the ruling party.”
“The IYC also condemned the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-Corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay, for justifying the extradition request by the UK government.
“It amounts to professional misconduct for Sagay, who was one of Alamieyeseigha’s lawyers during his arrest and subsequent trial in Nigeria to now be acting as Adviser to the federal government on same matter.
“Nigerians would recall that Sagay fell out with his old time friend and benefactor, Chief Gani Fawehinmi because of the arrest of Alamieyesegha in London.”
“Also, when Chief James Ibori was sentenced in London, he condemned the sentence for being excessive.
“Now same Sagay is singing a new song. We make bold to state that Prof. Sagay’s conduct is not only unprofessional but he also lacks consistency and integrity. Prof. Sagay is nothing but a man who speaks from any side of his mouth and no useful advice can come from a committee headed by such an inconsistent character.
“The IYC warn the government of the United Kingdom to desist from being used and interfering in the internal affairs of Nigeria.”
It said the excessive interference of the UK and the United States governments in the internal affairs of Nigeria is deliberately designed to cause crisis in Nigeria.
The group said such development would result in double jeopardy for Alamieyesegha to be extradited to the UK to face trial having been tried and convicted of the same offences in Nigeria for which the UK government is requesting his extradition.
It said the people of Niger Delta would no longer accept the continued persecution by the Buhari-led Federal Government.
Meanwhile, the IYC described as a “disappointment”, the list of ministers announced by President Muhammad Buhari, saying they are made up of recycled politicians.
The IYC said, “Contrary to the impression created by Buhari’s government that the ministers would be agents of change and mainly distinguished technocrats, we are disappointed that most of the persons nominated by Buhari are recycled politicians and mostly disgruntled former members of the PDP.
“We are most disappointed that persons with allegations of corruption pending before anti-graft agencies and are under investigation were nominated.
“This is an obvious compromise on the anti-corruption war and confirmation of the allegation that the Buhari’s anti-graft war is selective.”
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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