News
Emulate Gowon, Wike Urges The Youth …Harps On Religious Tolerance
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has challenged the Youth of Nigeria to take a cue from the humble and patriotic lifestyle of the former Head of State, Gen. Dr. YakubuGowon and work for the peace and unity of the country.
Governor Wike stated this during a one Day National Prayer Rally in Port Harcourt, tagged Nigeria Prays, South-South Zone, with the theme “When a Nation Travails.”
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. (Mrs.) Ipalibo Harry Banigo, thanked the Chairman and Convener of Nigeria Prays, Dr. Yakubu Gowon for sustaining the vision of a united Nigeria and holding regular prayer sessions for the stability and prosperity of the Nation for 19 year’s running.
He described Nigeria as a nation covenanted to God and expressed optimism that Nigeria would come out stronger as a country from its onerous challenges.
According to the Governor, the hosting of the programme in Port Harcourt, would bring about spiritual rebirth in the State and advised the people not to lose faith in the efficacy of prayer.
“Today you have stepped your feet in Rivers State and I know there will be a spiritual shake up in heaven over our State. Light and liberty will prevail over Rivers State.” He asserted
Chief Wike cited the importance of corporate intercession by Believers during the build up to 2015 General elections when there were negative predictions over Nigeria’s corporate existence.
The State Chief Executive thanked the body of ‘Nigeria Prays’ and the former Head of State for finding Rivers State worthy to host the South-South zonal rally and assured him that Rivers people will continue to pray for him until he fulfills his vision for the country.
Chairman, Nigeria Prays, Gen Dr. Yakubu Gowon said the essence of the programme was to intercede for leaders at all levels of Government, including the stability, unity and end to the incessant terrorist bombing in the North East.
“We should confess our transgressions and forgive one another irrespective of ethnic and religious background. Let us continue in the faith and seek for peace and tranquility.” Gowon declared.
In his sermon, the General Oversea of Glorious Covenant Church, Bishop Samuel Akinola, advised Christians to be steadfast and faithful to attract God’s blessings.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the National Secretary, ‘Nigeria Prays’, Evang. Austin Kemie said the Ministry is a non–denominational and non-partisan prayer network borne out of genuine concern for God’s intervention and transformation of the nation.
Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Affairs, Bishop Winston T. Iwo said the present administration is considering changing the annual carnival festivity which was used to showcase masquerades and all kinds of idols in the State and replaced it with Rivers Praise and Choral Night slated to hold on the 19th of December this year at the renamed Gen. Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia Port Harcourt on the December 19, 2015.
He therefore urged Christian Organisations of all denominations and the good people of Rivers State to attend the programme.
The event featured inauguration of Rev. Winston T. Iwo, Special Adviser to the Governor of Rivers State on Religious Affairs and General Oversea of Grace Covenant Church and the presiding Bishop of Glorious Covenant Church, Bishop Samuel Akinola as Patrons of Nigeria Prays, Rivers State Chapter.
High point of the event was symbolic intercession session by representatives of the various ethnic groups, Professional bodies, Leaders at all levels of Government, Security Agencies, Institutions and Children.
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has declared that people should be tolerant of each other’s religion.
Governor Wike made the statement yesterday at the Government House, Port Harcourt, while addressing the Regional Eck Spiritual Aide, Mr. Ifeatu John Areh and his entourage who paid him a courtesy visit.
“What is important for us, as a government, is religious tolerance. Your religion should preach about peace, unity and how to live in harmony. This is the essence of religion. Religion is a personal thing. “Governor Wike said.
Governor Wike who was thankful to Eckankar Nigeria for choosing to organize the African conference in Port Harcourt remarked that Rivers state will gain positive publicity because its current image an insecure place will be dispelled.
“It is not easy for a city to host an entire continent. Government will benefit from this event. We are supposed to lobby people to come to our state, but you have decided to come on your own. We are really appreciative of that”, Governor Wike said.
The State Chief Executive also described Eckankar as a religion that preaches discipline among its followers.
Governor Wike who remarked that wastage of public funds is bad and good governance is about making the people happy said that his administration will do everything to attract investors to the state and finish projects that will benefit Rivers people even if they were initiated by previous administrations.
He also said his administration would do everything to partner with groups that would move Rivers state forward.
Speaking earlier, the Regional Eck Spiritual Aide, Head of Eckankar in Nigeria, Mr. Ifeatu John, who lauded Governor Wike’s infrastructural developmental efforts said the African seminar is meant to be informed and teach about Eckankar.
He said that the recent rally of where over 800 eckists marched through the streets of Port Harcourt distributing flyers was an awareness exercise to portray Rivers state and its inhabitants as a peaceful, accommodating and loving people.
Also speaking, Anne Archer Butcher, the ECK African Seminar guest speaker, said the seminar will be centered around her new bestselling book, titled, “INNER GUIDANCE A DIVINE BIRTHRIGHT” which is really about the promoting the teachings of Eckankar.
Anne Butcher emphasized that all religions are important and people who are seeking God should be honored and respected because all human beings are one.
According to her “our responsibility is to reach the divine spirit so that we may become worthy vehicles of love and harmony. I understand this is a mission you hold dear to bring love, harmony, peace and happiness to the people of Rivers state.” She informed Governor Wike.
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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