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Election Violence: Lloyd Sponsored Killing In Rivers -Witness …Commission Invites Army, Ojukaye To Appear May 15
The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ward 10 in Emouha Local Government Area of Rivers State, Mr Onyekachi Orji has alleged that the political thugs who killed some PDP supporters in the area during the March 9, 2019, gubernatorial election were hired by the former leader of the state House of Assembly, and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Chidi Lloyd, to assist him win elections in the area.
Onyekachi made this allegation when he appeared, yesterday, before the state Judicial Commission of Inquiry investigating the violence, killings and other related matters, which occurred during the February 23 and March 9, 2019 general election in the state to give his evidence at the ongoing sitting of the commission in Port Harcourt.
He told members of the commission at yesterday’s sitting that his brother, Chinwendu Orji and Joshua Silas, who were members of PDP from Wards 10 and 12 in Emouha LGA were killed on the eve of the gubernatorial election on their way back from Ubimini community.
Onyekachi averred that late Silas Joshua was the organising secretary of PDP and also the party’s agent for Unit 2 in Ward 12.
According to him, his late brother, Chinwendu Orji was a former member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the area, and later defected to the PDP before he was killed on the eve of the election.
He told the panellists how the former leader of the house confronted and threatened him prior to the said elections, insisting that there may not be any election across the three wards that make up the Ishimbam due to his alleged perception that some politicians in the area were ganging up against him to rubbish his political leadership across the clan.
The witness further told the panel that Wards 10, 11 and 12 make up Ishimbam, adding that Llyod had claimed to be the political leader of the area.
“When I was returning to my house from the RAC Centre, l saw some armed political thugs numbering about 70, at Amaechi farm by the road leading to Onuigbo.
“Not less than 30minutes I arrived my house I heard a call that my brother and a member of my party have been shot by these boys who converged at the farm road. We rushed to the scene, and met the two men dead and their party tags were removed”, he stated.
He said he identified the boys to be the former state House of Assembly leader because some of the boys accompanied the former house leader to a party rally in the area before the elections.
Onyekachi said his late brother and his colleague left their pregnant wives behind, and called for justice to be done on the matter in other to ameliorate the sufferings being faced by the two families as a result of the killing.
Meanwhile, the commission has invited Nigerian Army, Hon Ojukaye Flag-Amachree, among others, to appear before it on Wednesday to make their presentations and defense.
The Chairman of the panel, Justice Monima Danagogo gave the order while adjourning the sitting of the commission to Monday.
Our correspondent, who was at the commission’s sitting, reports that Dr Chidi Lloyd was absent and was not represented by any lawyer.
News
Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers
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
News
Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70
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.
News
Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition
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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