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Aguma, A Shining Star, Rivers SEC Declares …Late AG Worked For Independent Judiciary …As Body Interred Amidst Prayers,Thanksgiving
Members of the Rivers State Executive Council have described the late Attorney-General of Rivers State, Hon Emmanuel Aguma (SAN) as a shining star who played a key role in the translation of the New Rivers Development Blueprint into reality.
In a Special Executive Council session chaired by Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, the council members stated that Aguma worked for the state with dedication and passion.
In his address, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike stated that the late Attorney-General served the state with passion and helped move the state forward.
He noted that the late Attorney-General of Rivers State was passionate about his duties and loved attaining great results for the state.
The governor said: “He had a great life of service and achievements. He ran a good race and served the state in a worthy manner”.
Wike noted that the sudden death of Hon Emmanuel Aguma hit the state so hard, but added that the state government must bear the painful loss.
The Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo said the passion and drive of the late Attorney-General of Rivers State entrenched the development processes attained by the state since 2015.
Rivers State Women Affairs Commissioner, Mrs Ukel Oyaghiri said the death of Emmanuel Aguma was a bitter pill to swallow, and described him as the best Attorney-General any state would wish for.
She said: “Emmanuel Aguma served Rivers State with zeal that never wavered. He was such an asset to the state”.
Commissioner for Sports, Hon Boma Iyaye said that the departed Attorney-General took him like a brother and guided him on the path of service.
Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Governor, Engr Chukwuemeka Woke said that Aguma was a defender of the rule of law who staked his life to promote constitutional governance.
Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Sir Kenneth Kobani said late Aguma showed uncommon brilliance and increased the depth of knowledge at the Rivers State Executive Council.
Head of Service of Rivers State, Mr Rufus Godwins said that the late Attorney-General of Rivers State acted like a cameo and left the stage when the ovation was loudest.
A guard of honour heralded the arrival of the late Attorney-General of Rivers State to the Executive Council Chamber.
He was received by the Rivers State Governor and his deputy.
Members of the Rivers State Executive Council paid their last respect to the late Attorney-General of Rivers State as his remains lay in state at the chambers.
Meanwhile, the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Adama Inyie Iyaye-Lamikanra has described the late Attorney General of Rivers State, Hon Emmanuel Aguma (SAN) as an outstanding professional who made valuable contributions for the independence of the Rivers State Judiciary.
In a ruling during a Special Valedictory Court Session in honour of the late Attorney General of Rivers State at the Rivers State High Court Complex, last Saturday, Justice Iyaye-Lamikanra said that the late Aguma worked hard for the Bar and Bench.
While noting that he was the first Honourable Attorney General of Rivers State to die in active service, she added that he was a shining example of the irrepressible Rivers spirit.
She said: “He was a shining example of the irrepressible Rivers spirit. He lived a life of service to Rivers State and Nigeria.
“He was an outstanding Honourable Attorney General who contributed to the independence of the Judiciary”.
The Rivers State Chief Judge emphasised that late Attorney General of Rivers State used his office to advance the welfare of judges and lawyers.
“He died when his services were most needed, leaving us with the need to search for another Emmanuel”, the Chief Judge declared.
The Chief Judge ruled that the late Attorney General of Rivers State be released to his family for burial.
In his remarks, President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr Paul Usoro (SAN) praised the departed Attorney General of Rivers State for combining professional practice and NBA activities.
Speaking on behalf of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Dr T. E. Osakpor (SAN) lauded Aguma for his commitment to ethical law practice.
Former NBA President, Chief Onueze Okocha (SAN), who spoke for the Body of Benchers said that Aguma was never found wanting in the discharge of professional responsibilities.
The Body of Attorney- Generals of Nigeria, represented by Sani Daudu said Aguma impacted positively on the legal profession.
Chairman of NBA, Port Harcourt Branch, Mr Sylvester Adama said the infrastructural contributions of Aguma to the Bar and Bench would remain evergreen.
The Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, attended the Valedictory Court session.
Moreso, despite the fact that the late Attorney-General of Rivers State, Emmanuel Chinwenwo Aguma’s sun set at noon, prominent Nigerians across political, social and economic divides gathered at the Saint Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, Port Harcourt for his solemn funeral service.
The solemn funeral service marked by prayers and transitional hymns was formally kick-started by the heart-touching reading of the late Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice’s biography by his daughter, Miss Onyi Aguma, who stated that alongside her mother, Mrs Inime Aguma , they sang a hymn that ushered Aguma into the presence of God.
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi , Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, Gombe State Governor, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Gabriel Emmanuel honoured the Attorney-General of Rivers State with their presence.
Also present were former Rivers State Governors, Peter Odili, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and Celestine Ngozichim Omehia.
Former Senate President, Iyorchia Ayu, former Imo State Governor, Achike Udenwa, Senator Magnus Abe, National and State Assembly members were at the church to comfort members of the bereaved Aguma family.
In a sermon, Archbishop of Anglican Province of Niger Delta, Most Rev. Tunde Adeleye urged all Nigerians to work towards living according to the desires of God in order to inherit eternal life.
Adeleye prayed God to comfort the leaders of Rivers State, the family of Aguma and forestall such a painful untimely death.
In a funeral oration, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike noted that the late Attorney-General of Rivers State was instrumental to the massive infrastructural development in the state Judiciary and the Bar.
He announced that the Rivers State Government would re-name the Judges’ Quarters after the late Attorney-General of Rivers State when the facility was completed.
Wike thanked the Aguma family for giving the late Emmanuel Aguma (SAN) to the state for unparalleled service.
He stated that the state government would not forget the Aguma family.
The governor informed that to cement the relationship, the wife of late Attorney-General of Rivers State would be drafted into the Rivers State Executive Council.
He said: “The late Attorney-General of Rivers State was strong willed and he was loyal to the core. He was a man with character.
“His death is very painful. His service to the state will never be in vain. Having made sacrifices, the State will continue to honour him”.
Earlier on Saturday, the corpse of the late Attorney-General of Rivers State was taken to the hall of Orogbum Community, Rebisi in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area where chiefs and leaders paid tribute to him and repeatedly fired traditional canons.
President General of Orogbum Community Council, Pastor Theophilus Akugbo said Aguma was a peace maker who brokered peace within Ogbum-Nu-Abali community over disputed land issue that threatened the peace of the area.
The remains were also taken to his family residence where family chiefs and elders paid their respects at the Obiri Oro-Ede.
The remains of the late Attorney-General of Rivers State, Emmanuel Chinwenwo Aguma (SAN) were laid to rest at his family home at Orogbum after graveside prayers and benediction.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration will ensure the delivery of developmental projects and the prevalence of peace in all parts of Rivers State.
The Governor emphasized that the achievement of these lofty ideals can only occur through the unwavering contributions of all Rivers stakeholders.
Speaking during the commissioning of the 10.7-kilometre Egbeda–Omerelu Road constructed by his administration, the governor said Rivers State can only move forward when its people choose unity over division.
He assured Rivers people that development projects would reach every part of the State but cautioned that progress cannot thrive where conflict persists.
Reflecting on the project, Governor Fubara recalled that the road was a promise he made during the inauguration of the first phase about a year ago.
“We made a promise that we were going to do this project, and today I am happy that the government has fulfilled that promise made to Emohua people, Egbeda community and Omerelu people,” he said.
He noted that the essence of governance is service to the people, adding that responding to their needs is a core responsibility of any administration.
“We decided to do this because you know where we are coming from, and if we don’t tell our story, many won’t know what we are doing. Even in the face of tribulations, we have remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We will continue to serve our people with respect and honour,” he affirmed.
Governor Fubara also reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to back all groups working towards securing the President’s victory in 2027.
Giving technical details of the project, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, explained that the contract was awarded on October 27, 2024, to Messrs Johnson Roadworks Limited.
He said the road links communities in Emohua and Ikwerre LGAs and shortens travel time for motorists commuting from Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Omoku through Egbeda to Owerri in Imo State.
He added that the infrastructure features a 12-metre clearing width and an 8-metre asphalt surface, comprising a 50mm binder course and a 40mm wearing course. It is complemented by 24 kilometres of drainage channels with a 1.05m² cross-sectional capacity to ensure durability and efficient water flow.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, described the road as a crucial link for surrounding communities, significantly easing movement for residents.
He praised the governor for demonstrating continuity and consolidation and prayed for God’s strength to enable him to achieve even more for the people.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers State remains the best investment destination for investors in the oil and gas sector.
Governor Fubara stated that since the economic development of Rivers State is closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry, his administration has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government and host communities to protect natural assets in the sector.
The Governor stated this during the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he pointed out that since the economy of Nigeria relies substantially on the oil and gas sector, his administration will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ramp up production.
“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90% of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State, home to numerous national and multinational oil and gas companies, is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40% of the country’s revenue.
“?Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry. That is why, since the beginning of this administration, we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets in collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders, and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.
“Furthermore, we have established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State as part of a strategic plan to stimulate our economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of our citizens.
“We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he stressed.?
Governor Fubara affirmed that Nigerian-funded companies can only succeed and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic prosperity when challenges that limit the nation are effectively tackled, and expressed his administration’s stand to support indigenous organisations such as the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation.
Declaring the roundtable open, the Governor assured the Nigerian-Owned companies in the oil and gas sector, that “we are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State.”
The Founder of the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation, Mr Emeka ugwu-Ozu, disclosed that the summit, held only in an oil and gas producing place, is a forum for all in the industry to brainstorm and suggest best practices for local players.
“This roundtable discussion takes place in only oil and gas producing states, and it is intentional. And that is to make sure that sooner, it becomes like what we say is the equivalent of Houston in the United States of America.
“I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he said.
Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Fubara, has lauded the commitment, solidarity and pivotal role of women in promoting peace and enterprise development in Rivers State.
Lady Fubara spoke at the second edition of ‘Women Converge,’ a special programme organized by Rivers Women Unite for Sim, an NGO, at the main bowl of the Alfred Diete-Spiff Sports Complex in Port Harcourt, last Thursday.
She said women in the state had tremendously impacted the state positively through their prayers, careers, contributions to the home fronts, and expressed appreciation to Rivers women, for their unwavering support to her husband, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State, while urging them to continue to pray for the state.
“Once again, let me use this occasion to thank Rivers women for their support both in prayers and solidarity with me and my family. You have been wonderful. I can’t reward all that you do, but God in heaven who sees in secret will surely reward you openly.
“Truly today, marks another milestone in our effort to shape the society for good and lending our support for the sustenance of peace and development of Rivers State in particular and Nigeria at large. Without doubt, the prayers of our women avails much in every situation.
“Let me enjoin our women to remain prayerful because God is ever ready to answer our prayers. In all that we do, we must not forget the hand of God and often seek Him for direction and help. You have always been steadfast and I urge you not to relent, and together we will move our society forward. Whatever you do, putting your trust in God will certainly succeed”.
The Rivers State first Lady described the theme of the event, “Women in An Evolving World” as apt and, deeply reflective of the very essence of actions and strategies that women adopt to navigate the new world order.
She noted that despite the complexities of managing the home front and the constraints of economic realities, women had demonstrated formidable strength and resilience to confront the odds of life.
“This Converge underscores the resilience of our women to succeed no matter the odds, especially with absolute faith in God and determination for greater accomplishments.”
“Whether in the industry, business, agriculture, public service or even in politics, they have always shown strong determination to adapt and to accomplish like others.
“Our natural state notwithstanding our focus has always been to reach for the sky like every other person and as Rivers women we have always been pacesetters.
The Keynote Speaker, Pastor Eno Jerry Eze, described women as the foundation of every society, noting that the development of every society depends on the strength of womanhood.
In their good will messages, notable Rivers women who attended the event expressed optimism over the prospects of sustainable peace and development in Rivers State, and reiterated their support for the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Some dignitaries that attended the event include former Commissioner for Environment in Rivers State, Prof Roseline Konya; foremost activist, Ann Kio Briggs; wife of the former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr Mrs Christie Toby; President of the Port Harcourt Chambers of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture, PHACCIMA, Dr Chinyere Nwoga; Pastor Ene Secondus, among others.
Highlights of the event were ministrations, cutting of cake and special prayers for Rivers State.
