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RVHA Summons LG Chairmen …Screens ONELGA Council Nominees
The Rivers State House of Assembly yesterday directed its committee on local government affairs to summon the 23 local government council chairmen, the Heads of Personnel Management (HPM) and the Treasurers to appear before it to throw more light on the issue of non-payment of severance benefits and other remunerations to past political office holders in their various council areas.
The directive followed a motion aimed at directing the state Joint Account Allocation Committee to deduct at source all severance benefits, remunerations and salaries payable to all past political office holders of the 23 local government councils in the state, brought before it by Hon. Ikuinyi Owaji Ibani.
Hon Igbani explained that the committee had received various memos and appeals from past political office holders over the non-payment of their severance benefits by their local government councils, adding that the refusal of the council chairmen to pay the affected political office-holders gave rise to the motion.
The lawmaker averred that the House Committee on local government affairs had on several occasions directed the local government chairmen to pay all debts owed former political office holders adding that such directives yielded no positive results.
According to the House Committee Chairman on Local Government Affairs, the severance benefits of past political office holders is statutorily provided for in section 3 and 4 of the State Public and Political Office Holders Salaries, Allowances and Fringe Benefits Law, No. 4, 2002.
He prayed among other things that the House should direct the state Joint Account and Allocation Committee (JAAC) to deduct at source all gratuity and severance benefits accruable to all past political office-holders in the affected local government councils and pay directly to the affected officers after confirmation of the status of debts as they affect each local government council. The payments would take effect from December, 2009.
Taking the lead during the debate, Hon Chioma Golden (Etche II) described the motion as a new year package for the former local government political office holders and urged his colleagues to give the motion the desired support.
In their various contributions, Hon Ogiri Henry (Abual/Odual), Hope Ikiriko (AWELGA), Chidi Lloyd (Omohua), Brown Onari (AkULGA I), Nwile Befil Charles (Khana) and Hon Jaja Tamunosisi Gogo (Opobo/Nkoro) commended the mover of the motion for his zeal and effort to bring succour to the plights of the past political offer holders in the third tiers of the government.
The lawmakers regretted that despite several directives given to the council chairmen in the state to pay the severance allowances owed to the past political officer holders in their various local government, the chairmen have continued to flaunt the directives.
The lawmakers however, urged the committee to attach a comprehensive financial statement showing the level of indebtedness as it affect each local government council adding that such financial statement would assist the House take final position on the matter.
Ruling on the matter, the speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tonye Harry urged the House Committee on Local Government Affairs to get an updated records owed to the past political officer holders across the 23 local government area in the state as well as to invite the council chairmen, treasurers and Heads of Personnel Management (HPM).
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Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers
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
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Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70
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.
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Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition
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
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