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With All Fiasco, RSG Tackles IGP …Police Restrict Movement From Midnight
Rivers State Governor , Chief Nyesom Wike, has told the Inspector General of Police , Ibrahim Idris that the surreptitious withdrawal of his Chief Security Officer has exposed his life to danger.
This is as the governor asked the Inspector General of Police to transfer the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations , Steven Hasso and the Commander of Special Anti-Robbery Squad ( SARS), Akin Fakorede for deliberately compromising the security of Rivers State because of partisan reasons .
Speaking when he granted audience to the Inspector-General of Police , Ibrahim Idris yesterday at Government House , Port Harcourt , Governor Wike regretted that without consultation , the Inspector General of Police took sides with an overtly Assistant Commissioner of Police , Steven Hasso who attempted to invade Government House with APC supporters.
The governor said that he was shocked by the inaccurate statement released by the Office of the Inspector General of Police that his Chief Security Officer was withdrawn for misconduct .
He informed the Inspector-General of that contrary to his claim that his Chief Security Officer was withdrawn for misconduct , the Chief Security Officer only stopped Steven Hasso and APC hired crowd from invading Government House , Port Harcourt .
“The moment you touch my Chief Security Officer , you are telling me that you are ready for me. As I sit here, I am empty, I have no protection .
“When people start to embarrass the governor , take his Chief Security Officer without information , it is completely wrong . What you have done is the highest disrespect to the office to the Office of the Governor .
“I am pleading with you, my life is very important . I will not take any Chief Security Officer you bring to me that I don’t know . This is a matter of security and protection , it is not what you do with levity”.
The governor warned the Inspector-General of Police against politicising the security of the rerun elections , because after the election there will still be governance.
He told the Police High Command that the people of Rivers State will support an unbiased police force, but warned that the people will resist any attempt to use security agencies for untoward electoral action.
He said: “If the police wants free and fair elections , the police will get free and fair elections “ .
Governor Wike berated the police for declaring a state-wide curfew without consultation with the Rivers State Security Council .
He reminded the Inspector General of Police that he has written several letters to his office without reply . He informed him that the State SARS Commander , Mr Akin Fakorede has been indicted for distributing SARS uniforms to APC thugs.
Earlier , the Inspector General of Police , Ibrahim Idris said that he was in the state to ensure that the election was peaceful .
He urged the people of Rivers State to support the Security agencies to deliver peaceful polls.
Speaking on behalf of other security agencies, the Commanding Officer, 2 Brigade, Nigeria Army Port Harcourt, Brig-General, Hassan Amusu lauded the IGP for the visit adding that the visit would strengthen them to effectively deliver the mandate of peaceful elections in the state.
He assured that they were fully prepared and ready for the elections even as he used the opportunity to warn trouble makers to stay away from the state during the election.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Police Command has announced the restriction of movement from Mid night Friday even as it increased the number of its personnel from 25 thousand to 28 thousand personnel to ensure security during the Saturday re run elections in Rivers State.
The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG),Josua Habila who stated this on Wednesday during an interactive forum organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the election, noted that the restriction and additional personnel deployed to the state was to give credit to the process.
Habila also announced that his men have been mandated to arrest any person with money above N5,000.00 within any polling booth, assuring that the police, this time, is determined to abort anything that would disrupt the Saturday rerun elections.
The DIG explained that the police is not working for anybody or political party but rather to protect the electorates, INEC officials and ensure a peaceful atmosphere for the elections on Saturday.
While explaining the level of strategies in place to ensure that the state is peaceful during and after the elections, the Police boss said additional three thousand police men have been added to make the number of personnel 28,000 with the men on ground, adding the police has also provided 350 petrol vans that will be manned by armed police, including Gun boat and two helicopters.
He said the police is not driving the process of the election, but they have been charged and mandated to ensure the security of the elections and ensure that electorates exercise their civic rights and franchise without intimidations.
He regretted that it has been difficult in the past for the people to exercise their civic responsibilities, adding that the police will no long tolerate such any more, hence it is all out to protect the system.
Habila also hinted that the commissioner of Police in the Neighboring states would ensure that persons are not out or in to Rivers State from Friday midnight, adding at least 20 Commissioners of Police are in the state to ensure that the election is peaceful.
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