News
NCSU Backs Fubara, Urges Police To Vacate Council Secretariats
The Nigeria Civil Service Union(NCSU) has thrown its weight behind the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara over current events in the 23 local government areas in the State, following the expiration of the tenure of elected council chairmen and councillors on June 17, 2024.
It would be recalled that Governor Fubara had directed Heads of Local Administration to take charge of the councils, and subsequently announced the appointment of caretaker committees to run the affairs of the councils in the interim.But in a dramatic twist, the police barricaded the gates of the councils, thereby barring both the caretaker committees and workers from accessing the council secretariats.
Following this development, the NCSU said the actions taken by Governor Fubara to fill the void created by the expiration of the tenure of the former council chairmen and councillors were in order, since nature abhors a vacuum, and called on the police to vacate the council secretariats, without further delay.
The Rivers State Chairman of NCSU, Comrade Chukwuka Richman Osumah, who gave this indication in an interview in Port Harcourt, said Governor Fubara acted in good faith by not allowing a vacuum at the councils, and advised the former council chairmen and councillors to take the decision in good faith, since their tenure as elected officers of the councils had elapsed, as provided in the Constitution, in order to allow peace, law and order to prevail in the State.
Osumah noted that the former council chairmen in particular ought to have known, as people of good conscience, that they were not going to stay beyond one day in office after the expiration of their tenure, instead of banking on a non-existent extension of their tenure by the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly, saying the former council chairmen were supposed to be true democrats and not the other way round.
He further indicated that the former council chairmen had no moral justification for going to the council secretariats during a public holiday to challenge or contest the decision of the Governor, adding that those of them who visited the councils last Tuesday were supposed to be held responsible for any breakdown of law and order in some of the councils.
While suing for peace, Osumah said the people of the State should give Governor Fubara all the support he needs to weather the current political storm, in order to continue to pilot the affairs of the State unhindered, reiterating that the Governor is fully in charge of governance in the State in spite of distractions.
The labour leader, however, regretted the recent loss of lives and property during clashes in Omuma Local Government Area, and called on all Rivers people, particularly the former council chairmen to give peace a chance.
While denouncing those calling for a state of emergency to be declared in the State, Osumah said such calls are made in bad faith by those who do not mean well for the State, insisting that the calls are unwarranted because the State has continued to enjoy unprecedented and unparalleled peace that has encouraged businesses and investments to thrive and flourish in the State, describing those making the calls as enemies of the State.
He said he was lending his voice to that of the organised labour in the State to call on the Inspector General of Police to immediately lift the siege placed on the local government secretariats across the State by ordering his men to vacate the councils without further delay, to enable council workers gain access to their duty posts.
He said the current siege on the councils by the police is an ill wind that does nobody any good, as it has effectively deprived the people the dividends of democracy which the Fubara administration has been providing to the people within the past one year, saying the governor needs all the support and concentration he could muster to continue to provide good governance to the people.
The labour leader urged civil servants in the State to continue to rally round Governor Fubara and his administration to continue with the good work of giving workers’ welfare top priority.
While commending Governor Fubara for the successful celebration of his one year in office, with commissioning and flag-off of numerous projects, Osumah noted that attempt to truncate the peace of the State by political gladiators is an attempt to truncate the opportunity and determination of the present administration to give governance a human face.
He also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be wary of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike over the lingering political crisis in Rivers State, and call him to order, as he is remotely stoking the flame that is burning in the State.
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
-
News9 hours agoFG Begins Trial Of Over 600 Terrorism Suspects
-
News9 hours agoNigeria Won’t Surrender Any Territory To Criminals -Tinubu
-
Niger Delta6 hours agoWarri Airport Manager Disputes Air Peace Bird Strike Claim
-
Rivers6 hours ago79th IAUE Inaugural Lecture: Prof Anero Advoctes Tuition-Free Education For Children
-
News9 hours agoRivers Judges Commence Annual Vacation, July 20
-
News9 hours agoRSG Reaffirms Commitment To Women’s Empowerment
-
News9 hours agoNDLEA Nets N6.15bn From Hotel, Seized Assets Auction
-
Politics5 hours ago2027: Tinubu’s Projects Give APC Edge In South East – Yilwatda