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Ohanaeze Declares War On Erring Herdsmen In South East Zone
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has declared war against any erring pastoralists caught up trespassing from one Community to another by cattle Conveyance by foot in the south east geopolitical zone.
The group made this known in a press statement signed by its President general, Maziokechukwuisiguzoro and forwarded to newsmen yesterday.
Ohanaeze, however, called on the leadership of the indigenous people of Biafra, IPOB, to tender an unreserved apology to the governors of the south east geopolitical zone for unwarranted attacks.
The statement reads in part: “We observed that the resolutions of the expanded meeting of South East Governors and Security Agents and Stakeholders in Enugu over the weekend, are timely response to deal decisively on the issues of insecurity brewing from suspected activities of Herdsmen and checkmating other forms of criminalities being perpetuated under the guise of Cattle movement from one Community to another Community resulting to destruction of farm crops, raping igbo mothers and daughters, kidnapping through murderous Herdsmen nefarious activities.
“Igbo Youths will now deal decisively any erring pastoralists caught up trespassing from one Community to another by cattle Conveyance by foot, and Urge Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria to educate their members of the consequences and implications of being caught, Urge the Youths to handover to security agents any pastoralists caught.
“South East Governors had been absolved and vindicated of any involvement in the last operation Python Dance(s) by the security agents, this put to an end the suspicion brewing in some quarters alleged by IPOB, which had threatened the peaceful atmosphere of the South East, now that South East Governors are cleared by Security Agents, IPOB should openly or secretly apologize to the South East Governors and change tactics in their modus operandi for peaceful co existences.
“We equally Urge the newly inaugurated South East Security Committee led Maj. Gen Abel Obi Umahi, to engage the existing neighborhood watch across 95 LGAs of South East and return the dreaded bakassi vigilante groups to compliment the effort of security agents who may compromise when dealing with issues bothering on Herdsmen/farmers clash because of tribal sentiments.
“We Urge the South East Governors to interface with President Muhammadu Buhari during their proposed Visit to him and Security chiefs on issues of his unfulfilled 2015 electoral promise of revamping the Enugu coal mine, which had been moribund for the past 46 Year nows, the implementation of the approval of rehabilitation of some Federal Roads in the South East by the last Federal Executive Council, especially Expansion/dualization of Aba-ikotekpene-CalabarRoad, Abaomege/ Ugep road, Umuahia-ikot Expene Road, Owerri/Umuahia Express Road, Ideato/Okigwe Road, and speedy completion of Enugu pH Express Road(especially Aba-Ph axis), Completion of Onitsha/Enugu Express Road,2nd Niger Bridge, and issues uncleared on insecurity in the region.
“We will not entertain any flimsy excuse from Ministry of Aviation on the re-opening of Akanuibiam Enugu Airport by December which is under renovation, We Urge the Hon Minister of Aviation Senator Hadi Abubakar to upgrade the facilities in the Airport to meet up with the standard of an international Airport with night landing facilities, as it will be a legacy Project of President Muhammadu Buhari under his ministry to see that night activities resume in Enugu Airport during the re-opening of Enugu Airport by first week of December, so that international flights that uses night landing facilities can convey Igbos retuning for Christmas vacation to connect to Enugu from any part of the World. We thank the South Governors and Security Agents and FAAN for the palliative and security measures to easy out inconvenience and makes route safe from Mbakwe Airport Owerri,” they stated.
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