News
Kidnapped Expatriates In Andoni Regain Freedom …RSHA Plans Laws To End Kidnapping, Rape, Female Circumcision
The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the release of the three Lebanese recently abducted by unknown gunmen along the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo Unity Road.
The expatriates are staff of Raffaul Construction Company Nigeria Limited, which is handling the construction of the multi-billion Naira road, linking the ancient city of Opobo and Andoni to the other local governments and the state capital by road for the first time in history.
The Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed this to The Tide in a text message in response to an enquiry.
Sources within Andoni, however, informed The Tide that the Lebanese were seen in the early hours of yesterday at the very spot where they were kidnapped almost two weeks ago.
Meanwhile, the Andoni Youth Coalition (AYC) has praised the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for his support towards the timely release of the kidnapped expatriates.
The National President of the coalition, Hon. Amon Ijong-Ama, who said this in a press briefing in Port Harcourt, yesterday, also commended the governor for not carrying out the threat to dethrone recognised Andoni traditional rulers or discontinue work on the Andoni section of the Unity Road.
He said that Andoni youths were happy over the development, stressing that the youths would cooperate with the government to ensure that contractors were not harassed by criminal elements in the area.
The youth leader also stressed the need for the state government to work with the traditional institution with a view to setting up vigilantes in the area.
He also advised criminal elements to leave Andoni in their own interest.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly has commenced deliberations to enact laws that would eliminate female circumcision, kidnapping and rape in the state.
The bills include, Rivers State Female Circumcision Abolition Amendment Bill 2019, Rivers State Violence Against Persons Prohibition Bill 2019, and the Rivers State Dehumanising and Harmful Practices Abolition Amendment Bill 2019.
The bill to end female circumcision, and violent against persons were private member bills presented by the Majority Leader, Hon. Martin Amaewhule of Obio/Akpor State Constituency, while that of dehumanising and harmful practices was initiated by Hon. Sam Ogeh of Emohua State Constituency.
In his submission, Amaewhule said the bill against female circumcision was intended to amend the Female Circumcision Abolition Law of 2001.
Throwing more light on the bills, Amaewhule noted that female circumcision or anyone engaging in the act would be liable to three years in prison, if convicted.
On his part, Ogeh submitted that the Rivers State Dehumanising and Harmful Practices Abolition Amendment Bill 2019 would repeal the principal law of 2003.
The bill provides that any person who commits, harm, carries out violence against a fellow citizen such as rape, shall be liable to five years imprisonment.
Any person who dehumanises anybody through the unleashing of deadly weapon, substance or object commits an offence liable to five years imprisonment, or a fine of N500, 000.
In addition, any person, who instills fear leading to physical injury, commits an offence, and if convicted, shall serve five years imprisonment or pay a fine of N200,000.
Thus, any person, who aids or counsels another person to commit the offence, would also be liable to one year imprisonment or pay a fine of N200,000.
John Bibor, Kevin Nengia & Lady Ogbulu
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