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Obuah Condemns SARS Over Ogoni Killings
The Chairman, Rivers State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bro. Felix Obuah says he was seriously disturbed by the continued lawless activities of operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in the state under the command of CSP Akin Fakorede.
Obuah, while condemning last Saturday’s killing of three innocent Ogoni youths in Luebe community in Nyor-Khana district of Khana Local Government Area of the state, said the operations of SARS have become a source of anguish to the people of Rivers State, wondering why since the deployment of the current Commander of the squad, Akin Fakorede to the state, these lawless and unprofessional operations have continued unabated with impunity.
The PDP chairman expressed worry that rather than protecting lives and property of Rivers people, the SARS, led by Fakorede has taken pride in destroying lives, causing pains to the people, turning to armed robbers, constituting nuisance on roads, acting as political thugs and armed gang to the All Progressives Congress (APC), and therefore, constituting a security threat to the nation’s democracy and peace in Rivers State.
“It is quite pathetic and painful that lives of these three young men and many more have just been cut short by operatives of the SARS, who reportedly were on illegal oil bunkering business in that Ogoni community, as they were seen escorting illegally refined crude oil to the point of sale, where they (the SARS operatives) were to be paid huge amount of money for the oil deal”, Obuah noted.
He further said this incident was as worrisome as that which took place almost simultaneously same Saturday, in which another team of SARS operatives, attached to the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, led by Fakorede, attacked the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, while on inspection tour of projects in Port Harcourt, insisting that “This trend must stop”.
Reiterating his earlier unequivocal call for the removal of the Rivers SARS Commander, Akin Fakorede, Obuah observed that no civilized society allows this kind of security threat untamed, stressing that President Muhammadu Buhari must match his words with action in his claim of being the president ‘for everybody and for nobody’.
“President Buhari needs to save lives of Rivers people and our dear governor from Fakorede, his paymasters and killer squad”, the PDP chairman emphasized.
Obuah also commiserated with the people of Ogoni, the Luebe community and families of the three unjustly murdered youths, assuring them that justice must prevail in the matter.
He further called on the state Commissioner of Police, Zaki Ahmed and the Police High Command to ensure perpetrators of these dastardly acts are arrested and prosecuted accordingly, saying that failure to the needful would worsen the already battered image of the police under the present inspector general as the worst in the world.
Meanwhile, following the brutal murder of the three Ogoni youths by operatives of SARS, last Saturday, in Luebe, community leaders and women have called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the state SARS Commander, CSP Akin Fakorede over allegations that the squad operates a bunkering syndicate to defraud Nigeria.
They also insisted that the bunkering activities of SARS in the area have impacted negatively on the Luebe environment, and challenged relevant authorities to urgently tame the scourge.
The community leaders, who listed the names of the three murdered youths to include, Bariledum Ndag, EwonuBari LeBari, and Neebee Baah, said the three were only serving the community and nation by working to prevent illegal oil bunkering in to area.
“On Friday night, the SARS operatives working with bunkering criminals attempted to move stolen petroleum products to Oyigbo Local Government Area. When they were challenged by the youth, they opened fire on the boys, killing three and injuring 15 others.
“The mass murder led to protests, as women and youth trooped out to call for justice. Despite this gruesome murder of innocent youth, the Rivers State SARS Commander, Akin Fakorede in company of APC leaders stormed Bori, seeking that the case be swept under the carpet.
“However, the police area commander in Bori insisted on releasing the names of the SARS bunkering syndicate to community leaders who have petitioned relevant authorities, calling for justice,” the community told newsmen, last Monday.
By: Susan Serekara-Nwikhana.
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo