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Rivers CJ Laments High Number Of Inmates In PHCC …Releases Additional 22
The Rivers State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, has expressed worry over a report indicating that the state correctional centre had the highest number of inmates among others in West African region.
The Port Harcourt Maximum Correctional Centre currently has about 3,385 inmates serving various jail terms as well as awaiting trial.
Amadi expressed dismay that such report does not speak good for the Judiciary in the state, adding that the impression suggests that the Judiciary was only interested in remanding and sending people to custody.
To this end, he said more concerted efforts would be put in place to ensure that such unpleasant report about the state Judiciary was corrected, adding that the Judiciary in the state, in collaboration with other critical stakeholders in justice administration, would work together to reduce the number of inmates serving at the various correctional centres across the state.
Amadi made this assertion during the goal delivery exercise at the Port Harcourt Maximum Correctional Centre, last Tuesday, where 22 inmates, in addition to the earlier 184 inmates were granted pardon and discharged from their offences.
This gesture was part of activities marking the 2022/2023 Legal Year celebrations as well as to decongest the correctional centres.
The state chief judge explained that he was empowered by Section 34, Rules 1,2,3 of State Criminal Justice Administration and Section 1of Criminal Relief and Justice consideration to grant and release inmates from the correctional centre, adding that the purpose for the days business was to release those inmates who have been in custody for over nine years and above, without any information filed against them or having any records their court proceedings within the years under consideration.
According to him, “He set up a committee comprising officials from the correctional centre, the police and Judiciary to go through the various records and found out those inmates who have been in custody between 9,10 years and above without their case taken to court. Some of them have no record to show how they manage to come here.
“Let the officials of correctional centre try to keep records of their inmates. From now, going on, I will issue a circular asking the magistrates, judges to always send a notice to the correctional centre whenever a case is struck out so that they can release such inmates immediately from their custody.
“Those who have stayed nine years above have no business being here”, he stated.
The CJ said the exercise has achieved the purposes for which those with no case file of inmates, and assured that before the Christmas celebrations, there would be more goal delivery exercise to continue from where he stop.
Amadi thanked the officials of the centre for their cooperation given to the committee set up for the goal delivery exercise that helped in providing the needed information for the released inmates.
He used the opportunity to appeal to police to proper investigation before charging suspect to court, adding that will help the judiciary to speed up trials.
“We will do all human possible to ensure decongestion of the custody in the state,those who have nothing to do here are released,why those meant for here we stay.
In his goodwill message,the state Controller of Correctional Centre, Mr Felix Lawrence, expressed appreciation for the goal delivery,adding that the exercise has reduced tension in the custody.
By: Amadi Akujobi
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