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Amaechi Condoles With Dame Jonathan …Urges Communal Peace
The Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi has condoled the wife of the President, Dame Patience Jonathan over the sudden death of her mother, in a ghastly motor accident in Rivers State.
In a statement signed on behalf of the Rivers State Government, Governor Amaechi said, ‘it is with utmost shock and sadness that we have received the news of the death of your dear mother, confidant and cherished companion Madam Charity Iwari Oba.
“No doubt the demise of a loved one leaves us feeling hollow and alone. Yet in the midst of our pain we must not forget that we are Christians and therefore should not mourn like those without hope”.
“It is our firm belief that our beloved Sisi has gone to a better place. Her charity and faith remain a hallmark not just in Oba-ama and Okrika but everywhere she lived”.
“Her ever open arms and warm hospitality cannot be forgotten and remain as always a beacon of hope and candle light that all who love her can cling unto”.
“On behalf of my wife Judith, the Government and people of Rivers State I want to assure you of our prayers and steadfast support at this very trying time., as we trust our ever faithful God to grant you and the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss”, the statement said.
Wife of Rivers State Governor, Dame Judith Amaechi on Friday paid a condolence visit to the King Perekule’s residence of the late Charity Oba, mother of First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan.
Mrs Amaechi who was accompanied by the state Deputy Governor, Engr. Tele Ikuru and top government functionaries and their spouses earlier received Dame Patience Jonathan at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa.
Dame Patience cut short her foreign trip to visit the Rivers State, following the death of her mother in a ghastly motor accident on the East-West road.
The governor’s wife in her condolence message described late Mrs Charity Obah as a woman who has made appreciable contributions to the development of the nation.
“On behalf of women of Rivers State and my family, I mourn your painful demise, your death occurred when your contributions to national development is really needed”.
She prayed God Almighty to grant the Obah family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has charged communities in the state to respect mutual co-existence and promote good neighbourliness to complement government peace initiative.
Governor Amaechi stated this when the Rumurukani Ekinigbo community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area paid him a solidarity visit at Government House, Port Harcourt.
Governor Amaechi who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Chief Tony Okocha said only peaceful co-existence among communities can drive rapid development of the people. He added that communities have major role to play in actualizing government peace initiative.
Governor Amaechi stated that all policy of government were geared towards protecting the interest of communities and to attract more investors to the state.
“Communities are instrument of change and dependable partners in our effort to deliver our electoral promises to our people, we must continue to respect each other”.
He said the Rumuigbo community has demonstrated its assurance to the government as partners in our collective effort to make Rivers State an investors heaven.
In his speech, Chairman of the Community, Azunde Nyege said the community was pleased with the state governor for appointing one of their sons to an enviable position in the land.
Mr Nyege who also assured the governor that their son and the Chief of Staff, Government House, Sir Tony Okocha will not abuse the confidence reposed in him, described him as a tested leader of men and materials.
The community also charged Governor Amaechi to remain focused and courageous despite the teething challenges facing the state and commended him on the developmental initiatives in various sectors of the economy.
Highpoint of the visit was the presentation of an award of meritorious service to Sir Tony Okocha who was also installed with the title “Eze Enwa Gbanu of Rumurukani I”, meaning the Moon that illuminates the state’s community.
The event was attended by Chairmen of Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor and Ogu/Bolo who commended the Rumurukani community for their support to Governor Amaechi.
The Hausa Community in Rivers State has dissociated itself from media reports credited to one MaiwadaAdamu that the Arewa Community in Rivers State has appointed Alhaji Musa Saidu as the acting SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt, following the inability of the former SarkinHausawa, Alhaji Isa Madaki to carry out his functions.
MaidawaAdamu, who is also the spokesman of the Arewa Initiative for Peaceful Co-existence, had briefed journalists on the change, but in a swift reaction, the Office of Alhaji Isa Madaki, has come out to say that the only recognised body which has the powers to appoint the SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt is the Council of SarkinHausawa in PortHarcourt headed by Alhaji Isa Madaki.
The statement also said Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki is the only recognisedSarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, adding that his appointment follows the proclamation and endorsement by the council members of SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The statement further called on the general public and all authorities concerned to give Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki maximum co-operation and support,as he discharges his duties as SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt.
The Suspended Rivers State Commissioner for health, Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, has described as baseless allegations in some quarters that she was responsible for the purported disruption of the Nigerian First Lady’s empowerment program in Port Harcourt.
Dr Oreh, who said this in a statement personally signed by her and a copy made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt also described the allegation as a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers
According to Dr Oreh, “they are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord”
In her words,”the allegations levelled against me, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, regarding the supposed disruption of the First Lady’s empowerment programme on Friday 2nd May, 2025, are entirely unfounded, completely false, and a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers and conflict entrepreneurs.
“They are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord.”
The suspended commissioner challenged those behind the allegation, especially the Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation to show proof of its assertion adding “It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I challenge the “Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation” (assuming such a body really exists) to provide tangible proof to support their assertions.
“It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I have neither sponsored nor will sponsor any activities aimed at embarrassing or disrupting the activities of the administration appointed by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to oversee the affairs of Rivers State following his declaration of a state of emergency on Tuesday, 18th March, 2025, and have rather spent the time of my suspension from office focused on other endeavours and my doctoral studies.
“I reaffirm my commitment to working tirelessly for the progress and development of Rivers State.
“Furthermore, I believe that it is crucial for all stakeholders to promote a culture of truth, integrity, and respect in public discourse.
“Unsubstantiated wild claims undermine trust and hinder constructive engagement, and this is not what the state needs at this difficult and delicate time.
“I urge everyone to focus on issues that unite us and foster a positive, solution-driven dialogue for the betterment of our State, and urge everyone to work together to build a brighter future for Rivers State, grounded in truth, transparency, and collective effort,”she said.
By: John Bibor
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has called on key regulators, asset owners and other stakeholders to continue to support the agency toward the goal of remediating the Ogoni environment and restoring the livelihoods of the people and building structures for peace.
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who made the call during the Project’s first quarter meeting with regulators, asset owners and stakeholders in Port Harcourt, urged the stakeholders to remain resolute in supporting HYPREP’s work.
“We particularly expect each regulatory agency and asset owner to deepen their involvement and continue to provide strategic support to the project”, he said, stressing that the quarterly meeting platform remains instrumental in providing a structural avenue for regulators, asset owners, and implementation partners to offer feedback to HYPREP on project performance and deliberate on ideas that move the project forward, as well as strengthen collaboration, deepen synergy and reinforce collective responsibility.
Zabbey disclosed that the socio-economic study of Ogoni has started, as HYPREP has contacted the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organisation(WHO) to commence in the next quarter a three-year human health biomonitoring in Ogoniland.
He noted that work on several fronts of the cleanup project is progressing steadily, adding that as key project partners, the insights and shared experience of the regulators and asset owners have always enriched HYPREP’s operations.
He said the policy thrust of HYPREP for 2025 is clear, as the Project is intensifying efforts to complete within stated timelines, the various ongoing projects, including remediation works and mangrove restoration, potable water facilities, the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, the Ogoni Power Project, Ogoni Specialist Hospital, and Buan Cottage Hospital, among others.
Zabbey, however, announced that HYPREP would commence new set of shoreline cleanup, mangrove restoration and livelihood projects, to sustain the momentum of implementing the Ogoni cleanup, adding that the agency would also conduct detailed site characterisation of the high-risk complex sites, leading to remediation works at the sites.
He noted that HYPREP’s collaboration with Rivers State Ministries of Health, Power and Environment, and civil society organisations remains vital, stressing that the technical and administrative support of all relevant government agencies and funding partners is indispensable in helping HYPREP overcome operational bottlenecks, especially those encountered in interfacing with host communities.
He further indicated that “the people of Ogoni and the nation are looking to us with hope and expectation, and expect tangible results from the remediation initiative”, assuring the participants that the Project Coordination Office is committed to delivering positive results.
“We must, therefore, continue to work with diligence, transparency, and a renewed sense of purpose”, he declared, saying, “ the completion and commissioning of projects this year must reflect not only our technical ability but also our collective commitment to environmental sustainability and sustainable development in Ogoni.”
During the interactive session, the Project Coordinator briefed the participants on the progress made so far by HYPREP to conclude the distribution of starter packs to the 5,000 Ogoni trainees, and called on contractors who had already collected huge chunk of money for the project, to deliver without further delay.
In all, the regulators, asset owners and stakeholders commended HYPREP for the good works it is doing, and urged it to do more.
The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency(NOSDRA) was represented at the event by Deputy Director, Oil Field Assessment, Dr Abam Komommo Omini, while Dr Vincent Nwachukwu, Director of Medical Services, represented the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
The Rivers State Ministries of Water Resources, Power and Environment were represented by Dr Bealo Brownson; Engr K. J. Osele; and Mr James Ordu respectively, while the Society for Women and Youth Affairs (SWAYA); and the Stakeholder Democracy Network(SDN); among other civil society organisations were also at the event.
By: Donatus Ebi