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Kidnap: Rivers PDP Chieftains Regain Freedom
National President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC),Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar (middle) with National President of NUPPPPROW Comrade. Danjuma Papa Kunini (left) and representative of the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Mr, D, Monyei, during the 14th National Quadrennial Delegates Conference, recently. Photo: Nwiueh Donatus Ken
There was jubilation yesterday as three members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, including a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon Chinyere Igwe, abducted in Port Harcourt last week regained their freedom.
The other two stalwarts kidnapped by the hoodlums are Allwell Ihunwo and Ikechi Chindah.
The Tide gathered that the three were released to their families yesterday.
Sources hinted that Ihunwo was released in the early hours yesterday while Chindah, who is the PDP chairman in the Port Harcourt Local Government Area and, Igwe were released in the evening.
Sources hinted that after the release of Ihunwo, the abductors demanded for ransom money before the release of Igwe and Chindah.
Although it was not immediately clear if any ransom was paid to the kidnappers for their release.
When contacted, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr Johnson Tunde Ogunsakin confirmed that the three men had been released.
Ogunsakin, who refused to comment further, said he was in a meeting and will give details later.
It would be recalled that the three PDP chieftains were kidnapped ten days ago at Eagle Island area of Port Harcourt.
It was learnt that party faithful and well wishers were visiting the houses of the three men who also live in the same neighbourhood.
Meanwhile, the police in Enugu State yesterday announced they have arrested two more suspects allegedly involved in the abduction of two students of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT).
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, DSP Ebere Amaraizu, the police named the suspects as Julius Kama and Emmanuel Joseph.
The statement quoted both suspects as claiming to be students of ESUT, adding that Kama and Joseph said they belonged to the departments of Mechanical Engineering and Political Science respectively.
It said that the suspects were arrested at Pioneer Avenue, Independence Layout, Enugu, following tracking and monitoring by the police.
It said that the command had earlier nabbed one of the gang members, Ngeneoke Chinugo, of Ituku, during a rescue mission of the victims.
The police said it also nabbed one Okezie Ifeanyi of Ohuhu, Umuahia, who claimed to be a 200-level student of the Department of Administration and Planning, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki.
The statement said Okezie was arrested on March 5 at Ishiagu junction on the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway while in possession of two locally-made double-barrel pistols, and five cartridges.
It said that a notorious armed robbery suspect, Ozoemena Nnamdi, was also nabbed on March 4 at the top land axis of Awkunanaw, following a tip-off.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene
