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NUPENG, IPMAN Suspend Strike, As RSG Intervenes

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The leadership of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) have suspended their planned strike in Rivers State over the seizure of trucks belonging to members of the unions by the personnel of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army.
To this end, the unions have ordered immediate lifting and sale of petroleum products in the state, following a peace meeting brokered by the Rivers State Government and a subsequent agreement reached with the military authorities of 6 Division, Bori Camp, yesterday morning.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, Dr. Peter Medee, told newsmen, that the agreement was brokered in the early hours of yesterday thereby putting an end to the proposed strike by the petroleum marketers.
It would be recalled that the petroleum marketers had raised the alarm over what they described as incessant seizure of their trucks by operatives of the Nigerian Army.
Their complaint was contained in a joint statement by IPMAN Chairman in Rivers State, Obele Ngei Chu and the Chairman of the Licensed Petrol Station Owners (LIPSO) in Rivers State, Sunny Nkpe.
Both Chu and Nkpe had accused the Army of arresting their men and impounding their trucks, noting that over 14 trucks loaded with petroleum products were in the custody of the Army, just as they threatened to withdraw their services from Monday (yesterday) if their trucks were not released by midnight.
But Medee said after a meeting with the various unions and a separate meeting with the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division of the Nigerian Army; the latter agreed to release the trucks.
“This morning (Monday), we have been able to reach an agreement with NUPENG, Tanker Drivers Association (TDA), IPMAN, LIPSO and all other unions that were involved in this disagreement. As I speak with you now, I am right in the midst of another meeting that we convened this morning, and the strike has been called off.
“And every station owner and every activity of their related sector have been asked to go ahead. The national leadership of NUPENG spoke with me this morning that they have been able to talk to their members and that the strike will no longer hold.
“I am here now with some key leadership of the unions in the state. I am here with the chairman of IPMAN in the state. I am also here with the zonal chairman of the tanker drivers and we have agreed in principle to suspend the strike.
“That is because last night (Sunday), after our meeting, we had another meeting with the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, who has graciously agreed to release all the trucks that were in dispute to me to hand over to them, and also, all other matters that relate to their grievances have already been addressed.
“So, I can tell you now that we are happy and Rivers people need to be happy because they have a governor, who is determined to ensure that everything that is done in Rivers State will go on smoothly. We have the capacity to resolve all the differences, and that is what the state government has done this morning,” the commissioner stated.
Asked if this will put an end to the continued harassment of the unions by the men in uniform, Medee said, “You know before now, the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources was not manned. The Task Force on Petroleum Products has been dissolved by the governor. So, we are trying to do everything to ensure that everybody is on the same page.
“So, the lapses and the gaps that were created was a situation where the critical sector under this ministry was not properly coordinated. So, within the period, a lot issues and challenges cropped up. And that is what we have been trying to solve one after the other for the past four weeks.
“So, I can assure you that the issue that has to do with the Task Force of Rivers State, we are talking with the other organs of the state government and all other differences have completely been resolved today.
“But as I speak with you, the problem they have with the security agencies, last night, we had a late meeting with the GOC, 6 Division, the director of State Security Service (SSS) and all the team leaders of the security agencies. We were able to come to an understanding.

 

Dennis Naku

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Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers

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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

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Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70

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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.

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Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition

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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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