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Avoid Partisan Politics, Amaechi Tells Military
Rivers State Governor and Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has appealed to the country’s military not to be involved in partisan politics.
He enjoined them to remain neutral and not take sides in the current struggle by politicians for 2015, stressing that any such involvement would have serious consequences for the country.
Amaechi, however, thanked the military for remaining neutral, asking God to bless them for their decision not to take sides in the country’s current politics.
He also called on the Nigerian police to remain neutral in the current political situation in the country.
Governor Amaechi spoke while addressing legionnaires and representatives of service chiefs in the state for the 2014 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day celebration which emblem appeal launching took place on Tuesday at the Alfred Diette Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt.
Amaechi said, “The greatest source of unity in a country is the military and you have suffered enough to fight for the unity of this country. I will say to you the Nigerian Military, don’t be involved in Nigerian politics. Nigeria is too complicated for the military to be involved in politics.
“Nigeria, as we are here, we have so many tribes. I tell people, I’m not Ijaw, I’m Ikwerre. There are people who are from Ijaw, there are Hausas, there are Yorubas, there are Isokos, there are Fulanis. We are too many that if the military gets involved in Nigerian politics, the consequences will be too much. Currently, we thank all of you for remaining neutral and God will bless you for remaining neutral.
“In the same manner, we will enjoin Nigerian police to remain neutral because the consequences of taking sides will be too much. 2015 is a watershed for the country. All of us seated here must contribute to peace in Nigeria”.
He acknowledged the military’s contributions to unity and nation building, and urged them not to allow such contributions collapse in the current political debate.
“I will say to you today that all of you, both serving and retired, in one way or the other contributed to the unity of Nigeria, and you cannot afford to allow that unity to go. I have a very faint idea of what the civil war looked like because I was born in 1965. My children do not have any idea whatsoever of what the civil war looked like, and I don’t want them to have any idea at all God will not allow us to get involved in such situation where they will have ideas”, Amaechi said.
He noted that the country is too big and too blessed to fail in leadership and not sufficiently meet the people’s needs.
He also disproved claims that he is in politics to aspire to become president in the next elections, explaining that his singular aim was to work with other Nigerians to take the country where it should be.
“For me, I will join you to preach peace. You will see us fighting politically. The reason why we are fighting politically is because Nigeria is too big and too rich to remain the way we are. If anybody tells you that we are not too big and too rich, the person is lying. We are too big and too rich not to be able to provide education for our children. We are too big and too rich not to be able to provide health for our children.
“For our mothers, individuals continue from year to year to put money in their pockets. They say, I’m fighting because I want to be president, I’ve never told anybody I want to be president. I am fighting just one cause: can we change the course of Nigeria? If the Naval officers were here, they would tell you about a ship that is directionless. We can’t continue that way. I’m not saying the president is doing well or not doing well. I’m talking about the entire political class”.
Accordingly, he called on all well-meaning Nigerians to join the race for a better Nigeria, and commented on the extent of progress Nigeria’s neighbour, Ghana had made at the country’s expense.
Amaechi lamented the absence of good leadership and of security, water, power, health and other essential needs of the Nigerian people.
Governor Amaechi, at the event, was decorated by the state Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, King (Col.) Philemon Chinda Omunakwe (rtd).
Earlier, the state Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, King Philemon Omunakwe had thanked Governor Amaechi for identifying with the legionnaires of the state.
He noted the contributions made by the military to ensure the country’s survival and unity, and appealed to government at all levels to appreciate the sacrifice of the country’s fallen heroes and take care of their loved ones.
At the 2014 Emblem Appeal launching were state legionnaires, representatives of service chiefs, including the state Commissioner of Police, Mbu Joseph Mbu.
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