News
INEC Set To Conduct Polls In 1,840 Units …Sends Materials To LGAs As Police Deploy 20,000 Men, 20 Gun Boats, Three Helicopters
Ahead of the December 10, 2016, rerun elections in Rivers State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the rerun election will hold in 1840 units in the state.
The resident electoral commissioner also said that, the rerun elections will hold in Eleme, Oyigbo, Gokana, Khana, Andoni, Etche, Bonny and Asari-Toru local government areas. The State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Elder Aniedi Ikoiwak, who said this during a courtesy call on him by the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), also said that it has commenced the movement of non-sensitive election materials to the respective local government areas.
Ikoiwak also said that the rerun polls will not hold in Tai Local Government was before the court.
He further said that, INEC has commenced the training of adhoc staff for the rerun polls, adding and voting will commenced simultaneously from 8am to 4pm.
Ikoiwak stressed the need for the various political parties to see the rerun elections as a family affairs, adding that, there was really no need to overheat the polity, since the various contestants were all indigenes of the state.
He also warned the media to desist from being used as instrument of destablisation.
Earlier, Chairman of the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Omoni Ayo Tamuno, had stressed the need for the commission to do the right thing by ensuring fair and free elections.
Ayo-Tamuno said that, the union was deeply concerned over the incessant harassment of Journalists during elections by suspected political thugs and security operatives, and urged the various political parties to restrain their overzealous supporters from harassing and assaulting Journalists during the rerun polls.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Kpotun Idris, says no fewer than 20 000 men, three helicopters and 20 gunboats would be deployed in Rivers State for the state and National Assembly rerun elections holding on Saturday.
Idris, who disclosed this, yesterday, said the police wanted to re-enact the examples on peaceful conduct of elections in Edo and Ondo where governorship polls recently held. “It is our responsibility to ensure a hitch free exercise and we would do our best to ensure a violence- free rerun elections to re-enact the Edo and Ondo examples”, he said while addressing officers and man of Kano State Police Command during a visit.
“We are happy with what happened in both Edo and Ondo states. We will be on ground with 20,000 men, three helicopters and 20 gunboats to ensure violence-free rerun elections”. Idris however warned that the police would be at liberty to defend themselves in the event of attacks. “The police are your friends, they would be there for you to ensure safety of life and property.
But I must warned however that we would not condon attacks on our men”. He announced the withdrawal of Mobile Police to guard VIPs, adding that a special protection unit would henceforth be deployed for civil purpose.
According to him, a reform would be implemented to assist serving and retired police officers. He added: “A special package to assist police widows is also in the offing”.
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