Rivers
Igbu Akoh Monarch Condemns Killing Of DPO …Wants Perpetrators To Face The Law
The Paramount Ruler/ Eze Igbu Akoh ll of Igbu Akoh Kingdom in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, HRM Eze Godspower Okorobia Okpagi, has condemned in strong terms the gruesome murder of the Divisional Police Officer ( DPO) of Ahoada Police Division, SP Bako Angbashim in Odiemudie Community in the local government.
SP Angbashim was last Friday murdered in cold blood in a gruesome and babaric manner by certain criminal elements, who are still at large, with the Governor of the State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, placing a N100million bounty on the head of the prime suspect and his criminal gang.
Reacting to the development, Eze Okpagi said in an interview that he was highly pained by the sad incident, as the slain DPO was deployed to Ekpeye land by the police hierarchy and the government to actually fight for the freedom of the people and liberate them from the vestiges of criminality and other social vices, which had ravaged the area since 2015.
He noted that the hoodlums, who hacked down the DPO had been having a field day in the area since 2015, under the care of the suspended Hon Cassidy Ikegbidi, who arrogated to himself the Eze Igbu Akoh ll paramountcy, contrary to the customs and traditions of the Ekpeye people.
The monarch affirmed that the deplorable security situation in Akoh Clan was so bad that cult boys had a free rein, as they presided over and decided family cases, misunderstandings between husbands and wives and land matters while the so-called Paramount Ruler of the Kingdom helplessly watched them.
“It is unfortunate for them to kill an innocent man, who had come to fight for our freedom. And because his actions were detrimental to their operations, they conspired and killed him. It is unacceptable. They butchered him like an animal. No reasonable and responsible government would tolerate that. Bako was sent to us by the government and he was doing a nice job, and cleansing the area before he met his untimely death. His murder is very very unfortunate”, he said.
Eze Okpagi thanked Governor Fubara for his prompt intervention, saying, all those involved in the dastardly act must be made to face the law.
“It should not end there. There should be no politics in this. This is because we are all human beings. Those responsible must face the law,” he said, conceding that the Odiemudie Community, where the DPO was killed is in one of the sub-clans in Igbu Akoh Kingdom.
“We live in the communities. We interact. We know what has been going on there. We had written series of petitions to the government. I personally wrote the Governor over the security threat to my life. And the death of SP Bako has affirmed all our fears,”he said.
It would be recalled that in the wake of the murder of the DPO, the Rivers State Government wielded the big stick, and promptly suspended indefinitely Hon Cassidy Ikegbidi, who before this time, had been entangled in series of litigations, challenging his claim to the Igbu Akoh chieftaincy stool.
Most recently, specifically, on June 5, 2023, the Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt, dismissed for lack of merit, an appeal he filed challenging an earlier judgment of March 14, 2018, given by the High Court in Ahoada, voiding his ascension to the throne of the Eze Igbu Akoh ll. The court ordered all the parties to submit themselves for an election as contained in the Ekpeye Bye-Law of 2010 on the Qualification and Procedure for the Election of an Eze Igbu in Ekpeye land.
Available records show that Hon Ikegbidi did not submit himself for an election as directed by the court and never participated in the election conducted by a duly constituted Electoral Commission, the basis for which the Court of Appeal dismissed his suit.
In spite of defying the High Court order of March14, 2018, even without any proof and evidence that Hon Ikegbidi has secured a stay of execution of the Appeal Court judgment of June 5, 2023, he has continued to parade himself as the Eze Igbu Akoh ll, contrary to the customs and traditions of the Ekpeye people.
Conversely, Eze Okpagi, who submitted himself for an election and won, as required by the Ekpeye Bye-Law and the Constitution of Akoh Communities was coronated on June 30, 2018, amid pomp and pageantry as the authentic Eze Igbu Akoh ll by the Igbu Akoh Owhor Holders and Akoh Council of Chiefs, under the auspices of His Imperial Majesty Eze Robinson O. Robinson of blessed memory.
It is also on record that the Ekpeye Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs had on May 1, 2018 withdrew chieftaincy titles conferred on Hon Ikegbidi for not following due process in ascension to the stool of Eze Igbu Akoh and for illegally coronating himself as Eze Igbu Akoh ll in the night, when Akoh people were yet to elect their Eze, among other offences and misconduct.
Again, Eze Okpagi, on June 21, 2018, had duly endorsed and signed, as the authentic Eze Igbu Akoh ll, a letter of appreciation by the people of Akoh under the auspices of Igbu Akoh Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs, thanking former Governor Nyesom Wike for upgrading the Eze Igbu Akoh stool to First Class chieftaincy status.
It is interesting to note that on August 1, 2023, the lawyers to Eze Okpagi petitioned the Rivers State Commissioner of Police and the Chairman of Ahoada East Local Government Council against the suspended Hon Cassidy Ikegbidi over acts of criminal intimidation and conducts capable of causing inter-communal war and breakdown of law and order in Igbu Akoh Kingdom.
The lawyers had also on August 18, 2023, written the Rivers State Government through the state Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, on the wrongful recognition of Hon Cassidy Ikegbidi as Eze Igbu Akoh Kingdom, and urged it to “suspend the certificate of recognition granted him by the state government as Eze Igbu Akoh as well as all the benefits he now receives from the state government by virtue of his mischievous misrepresentation of facts before the last administration”.
“Conversely, we appeal to you based on the foregoing to use your good offices to recommend to the Rivers State Government to grant recognition to our client as the authentic Eze Igbu Akoh by virtue of the judgment of the Court of Appeal”, the lawyers pleaded.
The Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII), His Majesty, King Prof. Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, Eze Gbakagbaka, has called on communication professionals to rise above routine narratives and become vanguards in rebuilding public trust in the face of Nigeria’s challenging economic realities.
The revered monarch made the charge while delivering the Chairman’s Opening Remarks at the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Rivers State Chapter, held in Port Harcourt, with the theme: “Refocusing Stakeholders’ Engagement and Public Trust in a Challenging Economy.”
The event, which drew leading figures in public communication, governance, and industry, witnessed presentations, keynote addresses and robust deliberations aimed at repositioning the PR profession to respond to national realities with innovation and integrity.
In his remarks, HM Eke commended the Rivers State Chapter of NIPR, led by Rev. Francis Asuk, for what he called its unwavering commitment to professionalism, knowledge-sharing, and continuous dialogue on issues affecting the nation’s social and institutional fabric.
He noted that the theme of the conference could not have been more appropriate, considering the current national climate where public confidence in institutions is at an all-time low, and economic uncertainties have strained relationships between stakeholders and the state.
“We are living in a season when trust has become a scarce commodity. Citizens are asking tough questions, and institutions are struggling to maintain credibility. In such a time, the role of the Public Relations professional becomes even more crucial”, he said.
The Eze Gbakagbaka, who is the Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, noted that Public Relations practitioners must understand their strategic role as mediators between the people and the truth, adding that the tools of their trade: honest communication, transparency, and empathy, must be wielded with renewed purpose and patriotism.
“You are the bridge between the people and the truth; between perception and reality. Your work determines whether society believes, doubts, or hopes again. Let this conference remind us that trust is not demanded, it is earned”, he urged.
He emphasized that the restoration of trust in both public and private sectors requires consistent, deliberate, and sincere stakeholder engagement.
According to him, when communication is driven by integrity, not propaganda, society will gradually find its voice and confidence once again.
“With transparent communication and genuine engagement, even in a difficult economy, confidence can be restored”, the monarch said, urging the delegates to see themselves not just as professionals, but as nation-builders with a moral obligation to influence public perception positively.
The Evo apex King, who is also a Fellow of the Institute, called on participants to approach the discussions with open minds and patriotic intent, stressing that every contribution must be geared towards rebuilding national cohesion and institutional trust.
“With a deep sense of honour and responsibility”, he declared, “I, His Majesty, King Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, JP, Eze Gbakagbaka, Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII) and Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, formally declare open the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Rivers State Chapter to the glory of God and for the good of our society.”
At a post conference courtesy call at the instance of the Eze Gbakagbaka, the President of the Association, Dr. Ike Neliaku, described the Kung as an astute Fellow who is determined to add colour to the Institute regardless of any odds.
Also, the Council Member, Pastor Palunius Nsirim, who corroborated the President’s position, noted that His Majesty’s recognition was something valid given his contributions to the growth of the association.
“We value your presence with us. We will continue to benefit from your wise counsel. We won’t take your support for granted”, he said.
Climax of the visit was the decoration of Dr. Neliaku by the Evo apex King as a Honorary citizen of the Kingdom.
By: King Onunwor
The Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited has called on Africans to take a more proactive role in shaping the continent’s energy future, urging them to move beyond being mere raw material suppliers to becoming key players in the global LNG market.
Speaking at the Africa Energy Week (AEW) 2025 in South Africa, NLNG’s Deputy Managing Director, Olakunle Osobu, emphasized that Africa has the resources, position, and ambition to double its share of the global LNG market within the next decade.
With Africa having over 850 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, Osobu noted that Nigeria, as the continent’s LNG pioneer, has a duty to lead.
He cited the NLNG Train 7 expansion project, which will increase the company’s capacity from 22 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 30 MTPA, as a demonstration of sustained leadership.
Osobu stated that emerging LNG frontiers across the continent represent over 45 MTPA of potential new supply, which could raise Africa’s LNG output from 70 MTPA to 120 MTPA by 2035, consolidating the continent’s standing as a global LNG hub.
He, however, warned that competitiveness, financing, and domestic responsibility remain significant challenges for Africa’s LNG industry.
Osobu stressed the need for Africa’s LNG journey to balance supplying the world reliably, catalysing African industrialisation, and demonstrating sustainability in line with global decarbonisation goals.
The Africa Energy Week 2025, organised by the African Energy Chamber, brought together policymakers, investors, and industry leaders to shape Africa’s energy future.
By: Tonye Nria-Dappa
The management of Daewoo Engineering and Construction Nigeria limited, a multinational construction company currently working on the NLNG Train 7 in Bonny Island, Rivers State, has restated its commitment to transperancy and accountability in tax administration.
The company, which said this in a press release made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt, also clarified that the conflict over the issue of tax deduction at the site has been resolved in collaboration with the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service (RIRS).
According to the release signed by the Community Affairs and Security Manager of the company, Benard Ewubare, the clarification has become necessary inview of recent misunderstandings regarding tax deduction and clearance certificate.
The company added that the resolution was in line with the review carried out by the RIRS.
According to the release, “Daewoo Engineering and Construction Nigeria Limited (DECN) hereby announces that all matters concerning tax deductions at the NLNG Train 7 Project site have been fully clarified and conclusively resolved in cooperation with the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service (RIRS).
“Following recent misunderstandings regarding tax deductions and clearance certificates, DECN requested the RIRS to review and verify the company’s overall tax compliance.
“During the official review process, the RIRS confirmed the following key points”, the release stated.
It also said All Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) and Tax Clearance Certificates (TCCs) issued to DECN personnel are authentic, valid, and duly issued by the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service while, DECN’s tax deductions, remittances, and filings have been accurately and transparently executed in full compliance with Nigerian tax laws.
The company further added that there are no longer outstanding tax liabilities, discrepancies, or irregularities associated with it.
It further said that, “To ensure continued transparency and prevent future misunderstandings, DECN also conducted a short simulation demonstrating how employees can independently verify their tax information through the RIRS online platform.
“This practical step further reinforced confidence among workers and stakeholders regarding the company’s compliance and accountability.
“DECN extends its sincere appreciation to the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service, the Bonny Local Government Council, the Welders and Fitters Association, the media, and all stakeholders for their cooperation and support throughout this process.
“The company reaffirms that the tax matter has been completely resolved, confirming DECN’s strong commitment to transparency, due process, and sound corporate governance.
“DECN remains dedicated to maintaining a compliant, trustworthy, and productive working environment as it continues the successful delivery of the NLNG Train 7 Project”, it said.
By: John Bibor
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