News
Southern Monarchs Converge In PH Back Unity, Stability Amid 2027 Signals
In a moment that blended political foresight with cultural reverence, Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has called on traditional rulers across Southern Nigeria to rise as custodians of unity, peace, and regional advancement.
Speaking at the gathering of Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers’ Council in Port Harcourt recently, the governor did not mince words as he threw his weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second- term ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
With a tone that resonated beyond politics into philosophy and faith, Fubara declared: “In football, no coach changes a winning team.
What Nigeria needs now is continuity, stability, and sustainable leadership”.
Addressing the royal fathers- widely regarded as the conscience of their communities- Fubara charged them to become living symbols of unity across the South-South, South-East, and South-West regions.
Drawing from Scripture, the governor likened regional cooperation to divine instruction:
“The Bible says in Psalms 133:1- “Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity”.
This is the kind of unity we must now embrace as a region”.
He stressed that beyond political affiliations and ethnic differences, Southern Nigeria must speak with one voice to attract development, secure peace, and strenghten its influence in national affairs.
Governor Fubara described President Tinubu as a reform-driven leader, whose administration has laid the groundwork for economic recovery and national transformation.
“There is a time to plant and a time to build. Nigeria is in a building season”, he said, referencing Ecclesiastes 3:1. “We must not abandon the process midway.”
He pointed to ongoing infrastructural strides and policy reforms under the Federal Government, insisting that continuity would ensure that these initiatives mature into tangible benefits for Nigerians.
The governor further emphasized the scared responsibility of traditional rulers, describing them as pillars ordained to guide society at the grassroots.
“You are the light of your communities”, he said, echoing Matthew 5:24. “Where there is confusion, you must bring clarity; where there is division, you must restore peace”.
He noted that their influence remains critical in conflict resolution, youth engagement, and preserving cultural heritage, especially at a time when Nigeria faces complex socio- political challenges.
The meeting which drew monarchs from across the 17 Southern states, served as more than a ceremonial convergence- it became a strategic forum for shaping the future of the region.
Observers described the atmosphere as one of renewed commitment, with traditional rulers seen as key partners in governance and nation- building.
Fubara assured the monarchs of his administration’s commitment to sustaining peace in Rivers State, noting that development can only thrive in an atmosphere of stability.
“Except the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain”, he added, citing Psalms 127:1.
“We must build together- with wisdom, unity, and faith”.
Political watchers say the governor’s endorsement of Tinubu carries significant weight, particularly in the South-South, where political alignments are gradually taking shape ahead of 2027.
His message, analysts argue, is not just about elections- but about direction, continuity, and shared destiny.
Governor Fubara’s charge to Southern monarchs-and their endorsements of President Tinubu- has set the tone for what may become defining political narrative in the journey to 2027
Responding on behalf of the Council, Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers’ Council and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi delivered a profound remarks rooted in unity, cultural identity, and divine responsibility.
The revered monarch from Ile-Ife, Osun State commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the good people of Rivers State for hosting what he described as “a historic convergence of royal fathers at a critical time in our national journey”.
He stressed that the strength of Southern Nigeria lies in its diversity, warning against disunity.
“From the creeks of the Niger Delta to the forests of the South-West and the hills of the South-East, we are one people bound by history and destiny. Division is a luxury we cannot afford”.
The Ooni of Ife acknowledged the importance of leadership continuity, but emphasized that good governance must remain the ultimate benchmark.
“Leadership is a scared trust”, he said.
“As Luke 12:48 reminds us, “To whom much is given, much is also expected. “Our leaders must justify the confidence of the people through justice, equity, and service”.
“We are not in competition with government; we are partners in progress. The throne and the state must work hand in hand for the peace and prosperity of our people”.
The Ooni also reflected on the moral burden placed on traditional rulers: “We must not only wear the crown. Our voices must calm tensions, resolve conflicts and guide our people toward righteousness”.
He referenced Psalms 133:1: “Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity”, adding that unity remains the strongest currency for regional advancement.
The meeting ended with far-reaching resolutions that reflect both cultural commitment and political direction.
The royal fathers agreed to strengthen inter- regional cooperation and present a united front on issues affecting Southern Nigeria. They reaffirmed the role of traditional rulers as critical partners in governance, peace-building, and grassroots mobilization; though, not formally political, the council signaled emerging consensus around leadership continuity and regional influence in national politics, pledged to intensify efforts in conflict resolution, community dialogue, and grassroots stability.
Other prominent monarchs present echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing unity, development, and need for moral leadership in governance.
Observers note that the Port Harcourt meeting was not merely ceremonial, but a strategic convergence of tradition and power, where cultural authority intersected with political reality. As the gathering came to a climax, one message stood clear- echoing both scripture and statecraft: “Where there is unity, there is strength, and where there righteous leadership, there is peace”.
In a nation navigating complex political currents, the voices of traditional rulers- anchored in history and moral authority- may yet prove decisive in shaping the road to 2027 and beyond.
By: Bethel Toby
News
Rivers DPOs Receive Awards For Outstanding Performance In Crime Prevention …As Students, Media Group Honour CSP Worgu, CSP Yusuf
Two Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in Rivers State have been honoured by separate groups for their contributions to security, crime prevention and improved community-police relations in their respective areas of responsibility.
The beneficiaries are the DPO of Afam Police Division, CSP Endurance Worgu and his counterpart at Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf.
CSP Worgu was honoured by a group of students under the aegis of Rivers State Graduate Students Associations for what they described as his commitment and outstanding performance in the discharge of his duties.
The students, led by Chidi John Enyie, Esq. said CSP Worgu was selected based on his track record and status as one of the longest-serving young DPOs of Rivers State origin.
According to the group, CSP Worgu has made significant contributions to the protection of lives and property in the area since assuming office following the #EndSARS period.
The students said they were particularly impressed by the improvement in community-police relations under his leadership, noting that professionalism had remained a key feature of his service.
Enyie represented by Comrade Briggs Soku, said the students community was pleased to identify with a Rivers indigene who had distinguished himself in the police force.
He said the students considered it necessary to encourage and celebrate CSP Worgu because of his achievements as a young Rivers man excelling in a profession that many people from the state were often reluctant to join.
Receiving the award at his office in Afam, CSP Worgu expressed gratitude to God and the students for finding him worthy of the honour.
The DPO said the recognition had boosted his morale and encouraged him to sustain his efforts towards maintaining peace and security in the area.
He said he least expected the honour, particularly because it came from the students, adding that the recognition would further motivate him to serve the people better.
CSP Worgu assured residents of Afam that the police would sustain the existing peace in the area.
He appealed to members of the public to support the police by providing credible and timely information, stressing that useful information from residents would make the job of security personnel easier.
Meanwhile, the Ikwerre/Etche Media Association has also honoured the DPO of Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf, for his efforts in tackling criminal activities in the area.
The media group presented the award following the swift tracking and arrest of five suspected kidnappers who had allegedly terrorised residents of the Kom-Kom axis and other parts of Oyigbo.
The group commended CSP Bello for what it described as his determined efforts to restore confidence and security in the affected communities, particularly Kom-Kom and Obeama.
According to the group, the arrest of the suspects demonstrated the DPO’s commitment to tackling criminality and safeguarding residents.
The media association said residents had received the development with relief, noting that the police action had sent a strong message to criminal elements operating in the area.
Responding, CSP Yusuf appreciated the group for the recognition and reaffirmed that there would be no room for criminality in Oyigbo.
He also commended the media for its role in disseminating credible information to the public, saying the media had remained supportive of the police in the fight against crime.
CSP Yusuf warned criminal elements operating in Oyigbo to leave the area or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.
He assured residents that the police would continue to pursue criminals and work to dismantle their hideouts, regardless of where they might be operating.
News
College Of Bishops Endorses Tinubu, APC Candidates For 2027 Polls
The 5000 Achievers Christian Forum and Colleges of Bishops, Archbishops and Apostles, a Christian interdenominational organisation, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State for the 2027 general elections.
International President of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, disclosed this during the ordination and consecration of three new Bishops, as well as an award ceremony held in Port Harcourt.
Aroh said the performance of the APC-led Federal Government had endeared the party to the organisation, prompting the forum to declare its support for President Tinubu and other APC candidates in Rivers State.
He said the forum would support all APC candidates in the state during the 2027 elections and urged Nigerians to vote for the party.
Aroh, who is also the General Overseer of Caring Peoples Church, Port Harcourt, charged the newly consecrated Bishops to see their new positions as a great responsibility and dedicate themselves to the advancement of the kingdom of God.
He cautioned them against conduct capable of bringing their offices into disrepute, stressing that their activities would be closely watched by members of the public.
“As Bishops, the eyes of the public are on your activities. You must therefore conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of your calling,” he said.
Also speaking, the International Coordinator of the forum, Bishop Saint Robinson, urged the newly consecrated Bishops to work diligently towards winning souls for the kingdom of God.
Robinson, who was the guest speaker at the event, stressed that the activities of Bishops must at all times be guided by godly principles.
He also called on members of the church to support and cooperate with the newly consecrated Bishops in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The Secretary of the College, Apostle Elizabeth Ayadi Abaye, said the organisation was established to advance the kingdom of God and promote spiritual development.
According to her, the forum has organised several crusades, conferences, prayer meetings, ordinations, consecrations, enthronements, empowerment programmes and other spiritual development activities across the country as part of efforts to win souls for Christ.
Abaye said the organisation has members across the world and disclosed that more programmes had been scheduled to promote the spiritual development and wellbeing of humanity.
The three Bishops consecrated at the ceremony were Prince Alban Chike, Testimony Omenihu Shedrach and Prince Ifemena.
Among those honoured at the event were the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Abali Community, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Manuchimso Prince Lemmy Wopara, and Clifford Oko Jaja, Coordinator of the 5,000 House-to-House for President Tinubu.
By: John Bibor
News
Police Arrest Fake Soldier, Others For Armed Robbery, Kidnapping
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 49-year-old suspected fake soldier, Andrew Atausi, and several other suspects in connection with various criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, one-chance robbery and the alleged murder of police officers.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this in Port Harcourt, recently during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, where he said the arrests formed part of the operational achievements recorded by the Command between June and August 2026.
Adepoju said Atausi was arrested on August 10 by police operatives along Ada George, Port Harcourt, while dressed in military uniform and driving a Toyota Hilux painted in Army colours.
The Commissioner said investigation revealed that Atausi was not a member of the Armed Forces, adding that he was suspected to be a serial car snatcher, with three suspected stolen vehicles recovered from him.
He said the recovered vehicles included three Toyota Hilux vehicles without registration numbers and a Toyota Corona Premio with registration number BNY 380 ES, noting that the chassis and engine numbers of the vehicles had allegedly been tampered with.
Adepoju added that an axe and military accoutrements were also recovered from Atausi, as investigation continued into the circumstances surrounding the vehicles and other items recovered from him.
On the June 29 attack on police officers at Aluu Division, the Commissioner said three members of the gang allegedly responsible for the incident had been arrested by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU-AKU.
The suspects, identified as Maduabuchi Emeka, 34, alleged gang leader; Doctor Chinedu Owhor, 42, and Kamachi Joe, 28, alleged armourer, reportedly led operatives to their hideout at Omagwa where two AK-47 rifles stolen during the attack were recovered.
Adepoju recalled that two police officers were killed during the Aluu attack, while others were wounded and one officer had his leg amputated, stressing that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fourth suspect.
On kidnapping, the Commissioner said five members of a suspected kidnapping syndicate were arrested in Oyigbo Local Government Area, adding that they allegedly confessed to operations in Kom-Kom, Railway, Obeama and Afam communities.
He said two other suspects from the same network, Anele Ogbogu, 35, alleged to be the gang’s armourer, and Kenneth Eke, 38, were arrested on July 27, with one AK-47 rifle and one SMG rifle recovered.
The Commissioner further disclosed the arrest of suspects in connection with alleged firearm offences, armed robbery, cultism and one-chance robbery, with firearms, ammunition and other exhibits recovered during the operations.
Adepoju assured residents that the Command would sustain intelligence-led, proactive and community-oriented policing in collaboration with other security agencies, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information that would assist the police in combating crime across Rivers State.
By; King Onunwor
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