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Etche Legislative Leader Escapes Assassination …Accuses Council Boss Of Ordering CSO, Thugs To Vandalise Her Car …I’ve No Hand In Her Attack -ELGA Boss
The political supremacy in Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-controlled Etche Local Government Council took a new dimension, last Monday, as the Leader of the Legislative Assembly, Hon Cynthia Nweke, escaped alleged assassination attempt on her life at Okehi, the council headquarters.
Nweke is a loyalist of a chieftain of the party, Allwell Onyesoh.
The incident, an eyewitness account said, occurred at mid-day, causing great panic and pandemonium within and around Etche LG Council Secretariat, as passers-by and staff of the council who came to work on that fateful day were seen scampering for safety.
The Tide learnt that the incident happened at the gate of the council secretariat, when the leader and some of her aides were going back to Port Harcourt after the screening of the supervisory councillors which was an official duty she and her colleagues came to the council to perform before she was attacked.
The list of the supervisors was submitted to the Legislative Assembly by the Chairman, Hon Obinna Anyanwu for confirmation and approval.
It was gathered that the councillors had been successfully sworn-in before the incident occurred.
According to an eyewitness, trouble started when the leader, who is a female, took the mace and put it into her car and was driving back to Port Harcourt after the day’s legislative business.
It was learnt that the move to take the mace along was part of an agreement with other councillors to ensure the safety of the mace in the Legislative Assembly building which was undergoing reconstruction.
But unknown to her, some thugs allegedly led by the Chief Security Officer to the council chairman, popularly called Shino, had laid ambush on her.
The source further said that immediately they sighted her vehicle coming toward the council gate, the thugs locked the gate and stopped her from leaving the council premises.
However, in an attempt to inquire what the problem was, she was rebuffed and the CSO and the array of thugs pounced on her; tore her clothes and smashed her car rear windscreen and window glasses.
The Tide gathered that video and pictures of the incident had gone viral on social media platforms since Monday with various calls on the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, to immediately wade in with a view to resolving the crisis bedevilling the council’s leadership in the state.
Some of the stakeholders have also urged the governor to ensure that the to inhuman treatment meted out to the leader of the Legislative Assembly was remedied and appropriate sanctions slammed on those behind the barbaric act.
When contacted on phone, the Leader of Etche Legislative Assembly, Hon Cynthia Nweke, accused the council chairman of masterminding the act, adding that she had put up a call to the chairman while the CSO and his thugs were harassing her, and the chairman promised to call the CSO to maintain the peace.
She lamented that the chairman never did.
She alleged that the CSO beat her up and tore her clothes, leaving her half-naked, adding that she took the house’s mace in order to protect it because the council secretariat was undergoing renovation.
“It was agreement with my colleagues that I should go home with the mace. There was no problem between me and the chairman. We screened all the candidates he submitted to the house, though I had before the time raised some points of observation on the submission of the list that the names should be spread across other communities rather than bringing person or persons from the same place where a councillor comes from because we shall soon go for election. We settled the matter, and we screened the candidates. So, why should CSO strip me half-naked, and uptill this moment, my chairman has not called me.
“I have reported the matter at Okehi Police Division and FIDA for necessary action”, she stated.
In his reaction, the council Chairman, Hon Obinnna Anyanwu denied sending anybody to beat the leader of the Legislative Assembly, adding that the council’s CSO only went to rescue her from the hands of her colleagues who were fighting her for carrying the mace to her private residence.
By: Amadi Akujobi
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
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.
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