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FG Launches Citizens-Police Dialogue
As part of its commitment to implement recommendations of reports on #EndSARS protests and other governance issues, the Federal Government, yesterday, launched the Citizens-Police Dialogue series to rebuild trust between the Nigerian Police and the citizens.
Launching the scheme in Abuja as part of the ongoing Open Government Partnership (OGP) Week, the Minister of State Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, said the aim of hosting the stakeholders’ dialogue, which will be held in the 6 geo-political zones of the country was to rebuild trust between the police and citizens in a manner that would make every one of us safe.
He said the dialogue was a confirmation of President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to implement Open Government ideals and willingness to sustain his resolve to improve relations between citizens and the police.
The dialogue was a weeklong exercise of exchanging ideas and commitment in pursuance of the Open Government Partnership principles.
It consists of the representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, the Police Service Commission, Civil Society partners, and citizens.
The Open Government Week is a week set aside globally for Open Government doers, leaders, and thinkers from around the world to come together to share ideas, discuss solutions, and commit to new levels of citizen participation in government.
This year’s Open Government Week theme focused on how to renew or rebuild governments, institutions, and societies that are transparent, accountable, participatory, and inclusive.
The Nigeria Open Government Partnership National Steering Committee is focusing on two critical areas of our National Action Plan – Beneficial Ownership Transparency and Civic Space.
While pledging the federal government’s commitment to work with all relevant stakeholders on hosting the dialogue in other parts of the country, he called on every Nigerian to actively join the process of rebuilding trust and building back a better Nigeria Police Force that works for all.
In his remarks, the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, said the force is doing its best to improve its relations with the citizens.
According to him, the police require more than the government’s support to restore peace in the country.
On whether there is a breakdown of communication between the management and ranks and file on the dismantling of roadblocks, he said there has never being a gap between the police management and ranks and file.
He, however, admitted that in every organization, there must be miscreants.
On his part, representative of the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Anthony Ojukwu, said the commission as an advisory body that performs oversight function had concluded an investigation on the recent #EndSARS protests and made detailed recommendations to the government.
He also said that the commission was instrumental to the disbandment of SARS by the Federal Government and is at the vanguard of ongoing state-wide investigation on human rights abuse by SARS in the 36 states of the federation, including the FCT.
The Executive Coordinator of CLEEN Foundation, Dr. Benson Olugbuo, blamed the collapse of the citizen and police relation on lack of inter-agency relation.
It will be recalled that early last year, President Muhammadu Buhari approved the implementation of Nigeria’s second National Action Plan which made extensive commitments around citizens’ engagement in governance as well as recommendations on #EndSARS protest.
Some of the recommendations include: Passage of the Bill for an Act to repeal the Police Service Commission Act and Enact the Police Service Commission Bill, 2020; National Human Rights Commission (NHRC); National Orientation Agency (NOA) and their Non-State Actors partners to hold a quarterly zonal ‘Citizen-Police Dialogue; joint PSC/CSO led quarterly select police station visitation to ascertain the condition of the station, adherence to Standard Operating Procedure and conditions of suspects held in the station among others.
Following the approval, the National Steering Committee also approved the extension of the implementation period of Nigeria’s second National Action Plan by one year, to allow stakeholders to review existing commitments with a view to revising earlier commitments to reflect the government’s responses to Covid-19, the #EndSARS protests and other governance issues.
The approval followed the extension of the implementation period of existing action plans by the OGP global community which took cognizance of the devastating effect of the pandemic on economies and allowed member countries to as well as revising existing commitments to reflect governments’ responses to issues necessitated by the pandemic and other current issues.
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