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NGF Unveils Position On Insecurity, Killings
The Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) and Governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari has revealed the outcome of the governors meeting in Abuja, Wednesday night, clearly stating their position on the lingering security challenges and killings in some parts of the country.
Yari read the communique at the end of their meeting, which started at 8:00pm last Wednesday, and ended at 2.30am yesterday morning.
He said the meeting was called essentially to afford the governors the opportunity to make necessary inputs as to how best to secure the country and rid it of the lingering security challenges.
The resolution followed the recent mass killings in Jos, Plateau State, by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
The governors condemned, in strong terms, the attacks and called for the persecution of the perpetrators to serve as deterrent to others.
They also commiserated with the government and people of Plateau State even as they planned to pay a condolence visit to the troubled state, today.
The NGF chairman said, words, “We, the members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) at our meeting held today at the NGF Secretariat, Abuja deliberated on several issues and resolved as follows:
“The Forum strongly condemned recent attacks in Plateau State and the spate of insecurity in the country. Members commiserated with the government and people of Plateau and other states including victims who were caught in transit travelling to and from neighbouring states.
“Governors unanimously called for the prosecution of the perpetrators of the attacks and resolved to find a quick and common solution to the security crisis.
“The forum resolved to pay a condolence visit to Plateau State to commiserate with the government and people of the state.
“Governors noted with delight and thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President for their quick response and visit to Plateau State to show empathy to the people of the state. We equally commend Governor Simon Lalong for the way he handled the very sad situation.
“Governors resolved to hold a one-day meeting with the security chiefs to come up with a holistic solution to the country’s security situation.”
Meanwhile, members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) have resolved to meet with security chiefs to evolve a holistic solution to insecurity challenges confronting the country.
Chairman of the forum, Governor Abdul’aziz Yari of Zamfara, made this known while briefing newsmen after their meeting which ended in the early hours of yesterday in Abuja.
Yari said that the governors also condemned Sunday’s attacks in Plateau State, and called for the prosecution of the perpetrators.
“The forum strongly condemned recent attacks in Plateau State and the spate of insecurity in the country.
“Members commiserated with the government and people of Plateau and other states, including victims who were caught in transit travelling to and from neighbouring states.
“Governors unanimously called for the prosecution of the perpetrators of the attacks and resolved to find a quick and common solution to the security crises.
“The forum resolved to pay a condolence visit to Plateau State to commiserate with the government and people of the state.’’
According to Yari, the governors commended President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-President Yemi Osinbanjo for their quick response and visit to Plateau, to sympathise with the people of the state.
He equally commended Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau for the way he handled the situation.
Yari added that the governors would continue to engage with the Federal Government, leadership of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and other relevant agencies to safeguard Nigeria’s energy security.
“We will continue to engage with the Federal Government, the leadership of NNPC, Director of Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), the NCS, and other security agencies to curb hoarding, diversion, smuggling and illegal hike in ex-depot or retail pump price, to safeguard Nigeria’s energy security,’’ he said.
He also reiterated the resolution of the governors to implement the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) supply and distribution monitoring system in each state.
Yari explained that the concern of the governors was not majorly on subsidies but to know the actual number of litres being exported or imported daily.
“The governors acknowledged the importance of broadband deployment for both economic development and revenue generation.
“The governors also pledged to work closely with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and infrastructure companies to remove the impediments to broadband deployment, including unifying right of way charges and addressing multiple regulations and multiple taxation,’’ Yari said.
The forum received briefing on “Energy Security and Cross-Border Leakages; effects on Remittances to the Federation Account’’ by the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr Maikanti Baru, and the Director of Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Henry Ikem Obi.
Baru, according Yari, was represented by the Chief Executive, Downstream, NNPC, while Mr Idris Abdulraham, Team Leader, Terminal Operation, DPR, stood in for Obi.
The forum also received presentations from the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, on broadband deployment in Nigeria.
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