News
IAUE Suspends Varsity Don Over Comments On VC’s Kidnap
Participants at the annual workshop for members of Association of Financial Analysts of Nigeria (AFAN) in Dutse recently
More controversy is trailing the kidnap and eventual release of the Vice Chancellor of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni near Port Harcourt, Professor Rosemund Green-Osahogulu.
A Port Harcourt-based local tabloid in its July 20-28 edition had quoted Professor Joshua Dele Osahogulu as saying that the kidnap was not only faked, but intended to defraud the University.
But hours later, the management of the Institution convened a meeting which queried Professor J. Osahogulu over the reported comments, which the professor denied.
A press release signed by the Head of Public Relations Unit of the university, Ngozi Okiridu further said, that the estranged professor did not only deny the statements credited to him in the newspaper, but also said he had never granted any press interview.
The release also stated that sequel to Professor Osahogulu’s reply, management invited him to a meeting in which he admitted the contents of the said publication, but attributed it to his state of mind at the time.
Consequently, “management found the conduct of Professor Osahogulu scandalous, disgraceful and prejudicial to the integrity of the office of the Vice Chancellor and the reputation of the university”.
Following this development, The Tide learnt that Professor Osahogulu has been placed on three months suspension, while investigation into other issues raised in the publication is on-going.
This perceived hastiness in suspending Professor Osahogulu has since raised more dust as the institution’s branch of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) picked hole in it.
In an exclusive interview, Chairman of ASUU in the university, Dr. Ugochukwu K. Agi, unequivocally stated that his response was based only on enquires made by journalists regarding the said publication, but adding that the action taken by the management was too hasty because due process was not followed.
“The news has already filtered out (through the publication), so, our reaction to that is that, we are not against the University authority taking disciplinary action against airing staff because there has to be sanity in the system.
“But we thought that between when the report came out and when the man (Prof. Osahogulu) was invited to defend himself in a meeting, the time was too short, and he was not thoroughly investigated. So, we feel that the suspension was too hasty,” he said.
Agi also pointed out that other names were mentioned in the said publication but that these names are included in the action taken by the management.
“The position of the ASUU, therefore, is for the management to reverse its decision on the suspension and follow due process to investigate everybody mentioned in the report before taking any disciplinary action on whoever is found wanting”, he said.
“That way, justice would have been done not only for now but for posterity and sanity in this our university would have been restored”, Agi said.
When contacted via telephone, a seemingly beleaguered Professor Osahogulu lamented his innocence and incapacitation over making an official statement with the approval from the university authority.
He, however, stated that the he has prepared a rejoinder but was waiting for approval by the University’s authority.
Without due clearance with the university’s management board, I cannot seek redress in a court of law. I cannot face the press, and I cannot even freely talk about this case to my colleagues on campus”, Osahogulu said.
Sogbeba Dokubo
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
-
Niger Delta18 hours agoWarri Airport Manager Disputes Air Peace Bird Strike Claim
-
News21 hours agoNigeria Won’t Surrender Any Territory To Criminals -Tinubu
-
News21 hours agoFG Begins Trial Of Over 600 Terrorism Suspects
-
Rivers18 hours ago79th IAUE Inaugural Lecture: Prof Anero Advoctes Tuition-Free Education For Children
-
Politics18 hours agoParties’ Deregistration: How Justice Lifu Overruled Appeal Court Justices
-
Politics18 hours agoADC: Okonkwo Rejects Amaechi As Presidential Running Mate, Withdraws Support
-
Politics19 hours ago
2027: Rivers PFN To Mobilise 600,000 Votes
-
Politics18 hours ago2027: Tinubu’s Projects Give APC Edge In South East – Yilwatda