News
Appointment Of Ogoni Reps For HYPREP’s GC, BoT Angers MOSOP
A faction of the umbrella body of the Ogoni people, the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) has condemned, in strong terms, the purported appointment of some Ogoni politicians as representatives to sit on the Governing Council and the Board of Trustees of Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Programme (HYPREP).
Reacting to the development, MOSOP, therefore, called on the Minister of Environment and all those involved to undo the anti-Ogoni appointments.
The faction, in a statement signed by its President, Prince Biira, last Friday, in Port Harcourt, “warned that failure to heed advice, the organization we would have no choice than to utilize all non-violent options to ensure justice for our people”.
The statement claimed that the appointment was reportedly done by the Minister of Environment in connivance with a notable APC politician of Rivers extraction.
According to the statement, “Reports available to us indicate that they are proposed to be secretly inaugurated by Abuja to prevent protests, which may stall the inauguration. MOSOP has, thus, warned that it will do everything lawful to resist the attempt to deprive her of the right to nominate Ogoni representatives as empowered by the HYPREP governing instrument”.
Biira said, “The lack of transparency and openness in the handling of the matter is not only suspicious and provocative but also immoral and unhelpful to the smooth operations of HYPREP and the progress of the Ogoni clean-up project. Coming at a time when our people and lovers of clean and healthy environment have lost confidence in the management of the project, the approach is no less an invitation avoidable conflict that would halt the clean-up exercise, which appears to be the intent of the architects.
“The condemnable lack of progress in the execution of the project over four years of implementation has been heavily linked to unwholesome politicization of HYPREP. We have it on good authority that certain politicians are eyeing remitted and expected revenues for the Ogoni environmental recovery exercise to assure the actualization of their 2023 political ambitions hence the attempt to plant their surrogates on the apex structures of HYPREP.
“The Ogoni clean-up exercise is an entirely environmental matter and not political. Therefore, politics must be completely removed from the project for it to record success, which is presently absent. Thus, politicians must look past the funds of the Ogoni project in the pursuit of their political dreams or be embarrassed by our people.”
“The attempt to create artificial divisions in MOSOP to enhance their devious plan to seize and manipulate HYPREP to their advantage, and frustrate effective monitoring and fencing of the agency has been roundly defeated by the matured approach of the leaders of the organization. And MOSOP is unanimously determined to frustrate moves at milking the HYPREP dry.
“Recognizing that MOSOP is the organization mandated by the Ogoni people to speak and act on its behalf; acknowledging that MOSOP is an internationally acclaimed champion of environmental justices for the Ogoni people and other minorities in Nigeria and beyond and knowing also of the powers conferred on the movement by the HYPREP governing gazette, the Federal Government contacted MOSOP to, and it nominated the immediate past Ogoni members of the top organs of HYPREP. And we have evidence to this fact.
“Besides the afore-stated, taking Article 4 (2) (j) and Article 7 (1) (f) of the HYPREP governing gazette together, one would be left in no doubt as to which authority in Ogoni is empowered to make nominations to the apex structures of the special purpose agency.”
By: Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
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
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