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Speaker Commends Evo Bishop For Promoting Christendom …As Ordu Congratulates Martin Amaewhule On His Emergence As Speaker
The Bishop of Evo Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt Rev Innocent Uchechukwu Ordu, JP, the team of Clergy, members of the Diocesan Board and 2023 Synod Planning Committee, yesterday, paid a courtesy visit to the Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, to express their gratitude and appreciation for his continued support to the diocese.
The visit is part of the church’s efforts to thank and appreciate individuals who have played significant roles in the growth and development of the diocese.
The Bishop of Evo Diocese and the visitors expressed their joy on the news of Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule’s emergence as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
They acknowledged that his election as the Speaker was not merely due to his position as the highest-ranking member in the House, but a testament to his leadership qualities and dedication to public service.
The Bishop commended the Speaker for actively participating in the activities of the diocese and informed him of the upcoming Synod, scheduled to take place from August 2nd to August 6th, 2023, at St Philip’s Anglican church Oro Igwe District.
During the meeting, the Bishop shared that this year’s Synod will feature special talk sessions that will focus on issues such as politics, health, and gender.
According to him, the aim is to engage in meaningful discussions on these subjects and provide insights and understanding to the congregation. The Bishop stressed the importance of addressing these issues as part of the broader theme of the Synod, which is “Jesus, Unique in all the World.”
In his response, the Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, DSSRS expressed his gratitude for the Bishop’s commendation and the opportunity to be actively involved in the activities of the diocese. He acknowledged the importance of the Synod in promoting spiritual growth and addressing contemporary challenges faced by the church and society.
The Speaker assured the Bishop of his continued support and commitment to the success of the Synod. Rt. Hon. Amaewhule further pledged his participation and encouraged others to actively engage in the sessions of the Synod.
The Speaker extended his heartfelt condolences to the Bishop of Evo Diocese following the demise of Ven Chris Chukumati, a prominent figure within the diocese. “Ven Chris Chukumati’s passing has left a void in the diocese, and we express our sympathy to the family and the entire Diocesan community” he said.
The Bishop and clergymen offered prayer to the lawmaker and his family.
The Highpoint of the event was the presentation of the Holy Bible to Rt Hon Martin Amaewhule by the Bishop of Evo Diocese, Rt Rev. Innocent Ordu.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene