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Election Violence: RSG Seeks Compensation, Sanction Against Security Officers …Gberegbe’s Father Calls For Justice …Army Staged Coup Against Rivers -Wike
The Rivers State Government has called for disciplinary action against erring security officers found culpable in the violence and killings that rocked the February 23 Presidential and National Assembly and March 9 gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections in the state.
This formed part of the submissions made by the state government during the two-day public sitting of the Joint House of Representatives Committee on the Army, Police, Justice and Human Rights in Port Harcourt, on the violence and killings that engulfed the state during the just-concluded elections.
The committee was set up following a motion by Hon Kingsley Chinda, representing Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency on the floor of the House, penultimate week, over the murder Dr. Ferry Gberegbe and Ibisaki Amachree, among others.
Speaking through Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the state, Dr Zacheaus Adangor, the governor, among other prayers, sought for the immediate redeployment of the General Officer Commanding 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen Jamil Sarham, payment of compensation by the Army to families of those killed and unlawfully arrested during the elections.
From figures made available to The Tide, about 13 persons were killed in Akuku-Toru as 23 sustained injuries, while in Ahoada-West, about 30 persons were arrested and manhandled, just as in Andoni, five were detained.
Similarly, Tai had 11 persons detained while in Opobo/Nkoro, 15 persons, including the state Commissioner for Education, Dr. Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja were also illegally detained.
Meanwhile, Gogo-Jaja and Peoples Democratic Party stalwart in Asari-Toru, Chief Pawariso Horsfall have recalled the trauma and abuse they suffered in the hands of the Army before and during the general election.
Gogo-Jaja explained that his house was ransacked, as his wife and children suffered psychological trauma, while his visitors were manhandled on March 7.
Though he was released after questioning on suspicion of harbouring criminals at his home, he alleged that he lost valuables, including N1.5million.
On the hand, Horsfall narrated how his house was vandalised by suspected soldiers who claimed they were searching for criminals.
He narrated how one Captain Balarabe led soldiers who stormed his house at about 1.30am and another Supol Abu, who led a police team to search his home thereafter.
However, the Army authorities have denied involvement in the alleged acts.
Representative of the Nigerian Army during the committee’s sitting, Brig-Gen Felix Omogui, maintained that the Army complied with clearly spelt out rules of engagement.
Omogui said, “On the alleged murder of Mrs Amachree, it’s laughable that we will kill a law-abiding citizen”, as he added, there were cases of unknown soldiers, “we had so many cases and arrested many of them.”
However, the House of Representatives Committee investigating killings and violence during the general election in Rivers State has sued for peace and healing in the state.
The Chairman of the committee, Hon. Rimande Kwenum, who made the prayer, yesterday, as the committee rounded up its public hearing in Port Harcourt, said the panel was set up to avert such violence in the future and ensure healing in the state.
He frowned at the way security agencies conducted themselves but said there was need for preventing such in the future, as he called on the political class to mend fences.
The same view was expressed by Hon. Kingsley Chinda, representing Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency in the House, and who moved the motion for the committee’s investigation.
Chinda held that the elections in Rivers State were more of a battle field with F-SARS and Army being major actors.
He argued that the action of both the Army and police was unconstitutional, and therefore, the panel was set to straighten the system to avert future occurrence.
“I will continue to raise issues that border on the sanctity of the nation…It’s only truth that can heal wound, but if we sweep truth under the carpet, it can aggravate the situation”, he further submitted.
Meanwhile, the father of murdered lecturer and Ogoni youth leader, Dr Ferry Gberegbe, during the just-concluded guber and House of Assembly elections, yesterday, prayed for justice over his son’s death.
Mr. Conduct Gberigbe while praying the House of Representatives Committee on the Army, Police Affairs, Justice and Human Rights during a two-day public hearing on the violence and killings in Rivers State during the general election, stressed that those who killed his son should be brought to book.
The former police officer, who came with pictures of late son as a teenager, shed tears as he recalled the closeness he shared with late Dr. Gberegbe.
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