News
Non-Indigenes Part Of Rivers -Wike …Explains Role In Foiled Judge’s Arrest
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has acknowledged the huge contributions made by non-indigenes since the state was created 49 years ago.
Speaking when he played host to Indigenes Without Borders (IWB) led by their National President, Hon Chukwuemeka Onowu at Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday, Wike said the dichotomy between non-indigenes and indigenes was gradually phasing away because of the contributions they have made over the years.
“The state is made up of those who do business in the state and those who stay in the state…and it has been the policy of this administration to always involve non-indigenes because they pay their taxes and contribute to the development of the state.”
Against this backdrop, he averred that all persons who reside and do business in the state have equal participation in the government and development of the state.
He assured them that they will be included in the committee that will organize the state’s 50 years anniversary next year, noting “Rivers State is great today because you contributed.”
The governor noted that non-indigenes play a critical role in the politics of the state because of their population.
Wike explained that he took a deliberate decision to always accommodate non-indigenes in the local government caretaker committees to give them a sense of belonging.
“I commend the non-indigenes for standing by me during the election despite the negative propaganda by the opposition. I thank you for closing your ears to the concocted lies of the opposition.
“Now that the food is ready, non-indigenes are entitled to the benefit of their support. They will always benefit from good governance in this state”.
On his part, the National President of Indigenes Without Borders, Hon Chukwuemeka Onowu, commended Governor Nyesom Wike for ensuring that non-indigenes in the state benefit directly from projects and programmes of his administration.
He said, “they claimed during the campaign that Wike would chase away non-indigenes from the state. Today, the truth is out, and their false propaganda has been exposed.
“Non-indigenes have never had it so good in Rivers State. Today, we have a chief judge, a Commissioner, Caretaker Committee members, senior aides to the governor, and our members have benefitted from the empowerment programmes to traders and artisans.”
He said that the Wike administration has been demonstrated fairness and love in all her dealings with non-indigenes since 2015.
As a mark of their appreciation, the Indigenes Without Borders, chaired by Hon Emeka Onowu, presented an award of excellence to Governor Wike for his superlative performance.
Meanwhile, Governor Nyesom Wike has defended why he and other top state officials intervened in the attempt by the Directorate of State Services (DSS) to arrest a Federal High Court judge in the state.
He told members of Indigenes Without Borders, who visited him, yesterday, in Government House, Port Harcourt that, “I did not prevent anybody from doing their duty but as the chief security officer, I would not watch people cause insecurity. If you are genuine, you should not take odd hours to arrest somebody. I am not supporting any judge who is corrupt, but I believe we should do things in line with due process.”
Wike dismissed the blackmail and propaganda against him over the incident, and warned that attempt to rig the rerun elections will be resisted by the people.
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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