News
How Amaechi Embezzled Proceeds From Sales Of Rivers Aircraft, Power Projects -Wike
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has accused the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, of embezzlement of proceeds from the sales of the state aircraft and power stations.
He has, meanwhile, offered to resign from office, if Amaechi can mention any federal project he has attracted to Rivers State as a minister since 2015.
Wike stated these at the formal defection of two former chairmen of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Dr. Davies Ikanya, and Hon. Igo Aguma, as well as other chieftains of the opposition to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Port Harcourt, last Saturday.
The governor explained that Amaechi, who was his predecessor, had claimed that he sold a Dash 8 aircraft purchased by former Governor, Dr. Peter Odili administration to Government of Cross River at the cost of $6million, but has failed to account for the proceeds of the transaction till date.
Similarly, the governor disclosed that through intelligence, the state government was able to trace a second aircraft belonging to the state government that was also purchased by the Odili-led administration to Germany, where Amaechi had clandestinely diverted it to in 2012.
Wike said Amaechi’s reign in office as governor was characterised by financial malfeasance.
To buttress this, the governor maintained that the $308million paid by Sahara Energy to acquire the state independent power projects was diverted by the minister.
In addition, he said that Amaechi had spent $39.9million of state funds on non-existent, Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte Hospital in Port Harcourt.
The governor, who cited several projects he attracted to Rivers State while he was minister of state for education under the President Goodluck Jonathan administration, challenged Amaechi to emulate him by reviving the moribund Port Harcourt seaports in order to create employment opportunities for Rivers’ youths.
Wike explained that but for his intervention, the former commissioner for urban and rural planning, Dr. Reason Onya, who recently defected to the APC, would have been charged for murder following his indictment by a judicial panel of inquiry that investigated a multi-storey building that collapsed in Port Harcourt, and claimed several lives in 2018.
In his remarks, the state PDP Chairman, Amb Desmond Akawor, said that the defection of Dr. Davies Ikanya, Hon Igo Aguma, and others marked the formal interment of the opposition party in Rivers State.
Narrating his reason for leaving the APC, which he founded in Rivers State, Dr. Davies Ikanya, explained that he could not, with good conscience, remain in a political party that was built on deception.
According to him, all the expectation that the APC would provide security, create employment opportunities and better life for Nigerians have turned out to be a mere mirage.
Ikanya, who remains the only elected chairman of the APC in Rivers State, said it was regrettable that the party has been hijacked by persons who place their personal interests far above the party.
He used the occasion to apologise to the governor and the people of Rivers State for introducing the APC to the state, which has been peacefully governed by the PDP since 1999.
On his part, the immediate past caretaker committee chairman of APC, Hon. Igo Aguma, accused Amaechi of brainwashing him and others to join the APC.
He called on the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, to immediately investigate the finances of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) between 2016 and 2019.
Aguma called for the prosecution of Amaechi for the mismanagement of over $317million allegedly spent on 1.5-kilometre now abandoned monorail.
APC chieftains who defected to PDP, along with the duo include Chief Ogbogbo Nnamdi; Hon. Isobo Jack (former caretaker chairman, APC); Barrister Paul Nwankwoala (former APC legal adviser); Hon. Faaye Franklin; Chief Andy Nweye (pioneer spokesperson of APC); Hon. Alamese Martins-Yellow; Hon. Ilamabo Mirila; Dr. Moore Oja-Chinda; Hon. Benibo Anabraba (former minority leader, Rivers State House of Assembly); Hon. Alphine Whyte; and Hon. Wisdom Wakama (former minority leader, Rivers State House of Assembly).
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