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BE PRUDENT, IBAS CHARGES 23 RIVERS LG ADMINISTRATORS
The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd), Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas, has charged the newly appointed Administrators of the 23 Local Government councils to be prudent in their financial dealings.
He also urged them to prioritise the well-being of the people and work assiduously to ensure that the benefits of good governance in the promotion of trust, sustainable development and peace is felt adequately.
Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas, gave the charge when he had a meeting with the appointed Administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas at Government House in Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He told them that he served Nigeria for over 40 years with an an unblemished record of service in the military and diplomatic corps, and was in retirement when the current appointment was made.
Vice Admiral (Rtd)Ibas said he accepted the offer to serve Nigeria and indeed Rivers people from a conviction that the best must always be given to ensure progress and achievement of the great potentials so cherished.
He said:” Since resuming this assignment, I have taken time to visit a few local government areas. Those visits have accorded me the opportunity to interact with local government civil servants and it is clear that I needed help with administering the entire State, which I am responsible for following Mr. President’s proclamation.
“And so I went about trying to identify a few individuals from which on the 7th of April 2025, I selected those seated here today as administrators of the 23 Local Government Areas.”
Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibas urged them to address their minds to the enormous responsibility of their office and assume duties knowing that the local government is the closest tier of government to the people.
He said it is the primary channel through which the government must necessarily touch the lives of the citizens in their homes, in their communities, and in their daily realities.
Specifically, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibas urged them to focus on issues of sanitation and environment management, primary healthcare, welfare and discipline of local government civil servants, primary education, and youth engagement, which will be used to access their performances in the coming weeks.
Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibas stated: “I expect you all to recognize this moment in history and rise to the occasion, as impartial leaders who will help me deliver on the mandate given to me by Mr president to restore peace and stability and work towards returning all democratic institutions in the State.
“Your selection to the important office is not by chance but a recognition of your capacity to lead, your commitment to service, and the trust reposed in you to bring governance closer to the people.
“Therefore, you bear the sacred responsibility, a duty to ensure that affairs of your respective councils are managed with the utmost care, respect, and unwavering dedication to the welfare of our people.”
Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibas noted that the expectations of the people are high, and they deserve to know that their leaders are honest, selfless, and devoted to building a better future for everybody.
He said it is for such expectation that they must be of good conduct, be fair, prioritize collaborations that will ensure effective policing of their various councils to enhance the safety of lives and properties.
Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibas emphasised: “Let me State it unequivocally clear here,this administration will not tolerate any form of recklessness, abuse office or misuse of public funds or trust. The resources allocated to our local government must be used strictly for the purposes intended. So that there might be accountability and value for money for every project executed, every policy implemented, and every kobo spent. The people of Rivers State deserve to see how their money is being used, and it is your duty to give proper account and value.
“To this end, we will work out the necessary modalities to monitor and ensure good compliance with the principles of due processes, transparency, and zero tolerance for financial recklessness across all local government councils,” he added.
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