News
Rivers Judiciary Inaugurates VMS
Towards the actualisation of the establishment of the Rivers State Multi-Door Courthouse, the state Judiciary has inaugurated the Volunteer Mediator Scheme (VMS) to enhance access to justice by providing alternative mechanism to supplement litigation in the resolution of disputes in the state.
The Rivers State Multi-Door Courthouse (RSMDC) is a court-connected Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre which offers a range of Alternative Dispute Resolution process.
The mission of the RSMDC is to supplement the available resources for justice by providing enhanced, timely, and cost effective and user friendly access to justice.
The Rivers State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi while speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at the RSMDC Centre, State Judiciary Complex in Port Harcourt, yesterday, said the management of the state Judiciary has designed a 10-year strategic roadmap for the RSMDC in the state.
Justice Amadi said the 10-year roadmap was to ensure that the RSMDC does not witness regression, adding that many workshops and capacity training have been lined up next year to develop the manpower needs of the centre.
He announced that approval has been given for the centre to host its settlement week twice next year, adding that he would personally, with other judges, witness the celebration with a bid to know the level of successes and achievements.
According to him, the state multi-door courthouse has taken off on a fast lane, saying that most of the cases referred from the courts, have been settled, while some were also at the verge of conclusion.
“When I saw the application for the inauguration of the VMS, I immediately directed the acting director of the RSMDC to work out the modalities of how the programme will be. I am happy that the event has taken place”, he stated.
Also speaking, the RSMDC Acting Director, Barrister Victor Emeka Nweke said the advantages of settling disputes at the RSMDC include speedy and accurate dispute resolution, protection of privacy of parties, preservation of relationship of parties, reduction in financial costs of dispute resolution as well as amicable dispute resolution, among others.
Nweke said that Section 3(a)of the RSMDC Law provides that the centre has the powers to refer disputes from High Court of Rivers State, Magistrate Court, court of any other jurisdiction outside Rivers State, Federal High Court, private persons, corporations, public institutions for dispute resolution, adding that its powers were not limited by territorial jurisdiction unlike regular courts.
He used the opportunity to thank the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliation (ICMC) for its support to the state Judiciary, and urged other ADRs to come up with their beneficial schemes for collaboration with RSMDC, for overall interest of increasing access to justice in the state.
Earlier in his welcome address, the President of Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliation (ICMC), Agada John Elachi, said that the ICMC has acquired the reputation for being the foremost professional body of mediation practitioners in Nigeria, with more than two decades in the country.
He said it has trained and certified prospective candidates and encouraged organisations and institutions to adopt mediation and conciliation as primary mechanisms for addressing disputes.
Represented by Dr Ayibaemi Ken Fashola, Elachi, said the scheme has been designed to avail members practice opportunity and offer platforms for the speedy, cost effective and at-no-cost resolution of small claims and disputes for the business community and artisans as well as matters bordering on domestic disputes and interpersonal conflicts.
By: Akujobi Amadi
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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