News
Amaechi, Ijaw Leaders Mourn INC President
Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi has described as sad and painful the sudden death of the President of Ijaw National Congress (INC), Senator Tari Sekibo.
A statement by Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. David Iyofor, said the late Sekibo a medical doctor was a great Nigerian and a Rivers son, whose commitment to the Ijaw nation and the country was commendable.
“Tari Sekibo was a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a great son of Rivers State. His election as the President of the INC further established his disposition as a leader, loved by his people”, the governor said.
Amaechi who condoled with the family of the deceased and the entire Ijaw nation urged them to draw strength from the fact that Sekibo was an accomplished leader and elder statesman.
He prayed God to grant the family of Sen. Sekibo peace in their time of sorrow.
Ijaws in the Eastern part of the Niger Delta described the sudden death of the INC President, Senator Sekibo as a great loss to the Ijaw nation.
A cross section of Ijaw elders who spoke to The Tide on the issue said, the death had created ugly vacuum as far as the leadership of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) was concerned.
To Prof Atuboyedia Obianime, a former President of Ijaw National Congress INC), the death of Senator Tari Sekibo was a great loss to Ijaw nation and Nigeria at large.
Prof. Obianime described the late Sekibo as a highly achieved man with a lot of experience and contributed so much in service of the society.
President Goodluck Jonathan had expressed sadness over the sudden death of the President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Chief Tari Sekibo.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President extended his condolences to Chief Sekibo’s family, the people of his hometown, Okrika, the leadership of the INC and all Ijaw people.
The President believed that Chief Sekibo, who brought immense sagacity, maturity and years of political experience to his leadership of the INC following his election as its President last May, would be greatly missed by the Ijaws and all lovers of peaceful co-existence and national unity.
The senator representing Rivers East Senatorial District, Senator George Thompson Sekibo described the incident as very shocking, and that the late INC leader was an elder statesman and public servant of inestimable value whose contribution to the state, the Ijaw people and Nigeria are worthy of note.
He recalled that the deceased represented his people effectively in the Second Republic as a member of the House of Representatives and later as a Senator and said that the political class will miss his wise counsel.
The Bayelsa state government declared three-day mourning in honour of the late President of the Ijaw National Congress.
Governor Seriake Dickson described his death as sudden and a loss not only to Ijaw nation but Nigeria as a whole noting his wealth of experience and contribution to the development of Ijaw nation.
Dickson in a statement signed by the State Commissioner of Information, Deacon Markson Fefegha directed that all state flags in public buildings and places across the State be flown at half mast for three days, beginning from Tuesday, 19th of November 2013.
Also, Chairman, Okrika Divisional Council of Chiefs, Chief Wisdom Nemi Adoki said the loss was unquantifiable to Okrika and the entire Ijaw nation.
“It is at terrible loss to us as a people. We feel terribly sad that such a national figure who had served the country meritoriously would die in such circumstances”.
Chief Adoki said that the late INC President who was also a former Chairman of Okrika Divisional Council of Chiefs was able to unite the different factions of the Chiefs in Okrika as well as ensure stability in the Ijaw National Congress (INC), noting that Senator Tari Sekibo would be missed greatly not just by the Ijaws in Rivers State, but the entire Nigerian nation.
Chris Oluoh
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