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Senator Wants Service Chiefs Sacked Over Killings
The senator representing Lagos West, Sen Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, has urged the Federal Government to sack all the service chiefs and heads of security in the country, noting that President Muhammadu Buhari needs fresh ideas from fresh minds to stop incessant killings in the country.
He said this in respite to an Order 42 cited by Sen Suleiman Asonya Adokwe, representing Nasarawa South Senatorial District.
Adokwe, who drew the attention of the Senate to the crisis in the Southern district of Nasarawa State by armed militia, said that the armed militia are occupying four out of five LGA’s in the above stated district.
“Several dead bodies and wounded individuals were found as a result of the crisis”, he said.
Reacting on the order presented by Adokwe, Senator Philip Gynkau said, “This act is barbaric. This is disheartening, seeing people killed. Some people have been identified as the killers. We cannot fold our hands and do nothing about it. We should urge the Federal Government to face up to these people.
Senator Dino Melaye said, “I am disturbed that month after month, we are still talking about security infrastructure. If people keep dying, who are we reviving the economy for? We want to see a working security programme.”
Senator Marafa Kabir said, “Even if the herdsmen are the ones killing fellow Hausas, we should give them the names they deserve and not identify them by religion or tribe as this causes division. Let the Federal Government stand up to these people.”
Senator Emmanule Bwacha said, “People are dying in their numbers, judgement is waiting for everybody if we don’t take this matter seriously.”
Senator Ben Murray-Bruce said, “There is a complete failure in leadership. Some bandits use weapons from the army, navy to attack civilians. I am worried about the security of our nation and our people.
“With the way we are conducting ourselves, it is guaranteed that democracy will not survive. Pay attention to Nigeria”, the senator added.
“We are getting tired of rising up to observe a minute silence for lost lives. These killings have to end, we need to end these crises,” Senator James Manager said.
According to Senator Yusuf Yusuf, “The Chamber passes resolutions; these resolutions were passed to agencies and yet no response. A criminal is a criminal and should be treated as such, irrespective of religion.”
For Senator Sam Anyanwu, “The Government has failed. Measures have to be taken to protect the common man. So many AK47’s have been used to kill Nigerians. Why don’t we withdraw these guns from whoever has them in their possession. The Security Chiefs should apply the same measures irrespective of religion.”
Senator Oluremi Tinubu said, “I commiserate with all those who have lost their loved ones. All service chiefs and heads of security should be sacked and let new people be brought in. The President needs fresh ideas, from fresh minds.”
Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, said, “We send our condolence to Sen. Adokwe, his people and all others who lost their loved ones in the killings. We should not be ashamed to ask for help from other countries. We should resolve the security issue in the country; we are representatives of the people.
“The prime purpose of government is to protect lives and property of its citizens. We will never be tired of speaking on this until it stops. We are united in condemning the killings after all the contributions made,” Ekweremadu added.
After the senators’ contributions, the Senate resolved to: Observe a minute silence in honour of 32 lives lost so far; urge Mr. President to direct the armed forces and other security operatives to come to the aid of the citizens and restore normalcy all over the country; mandate the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on the review of the security infrastructure in the country to investigate the matter, and also threatened to shut down if the rampaging herdsman were not tamed as quickly as possible.
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