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…Akunyili, Amaechi, Others React
Stand up against criminals, pay no ransom,” an elated Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili, told Nigerians yesterday following the release of the journalists who were kidnapped on July 11.
Akunyili told newsmen that payment of ransom had encouraged kidnapping which has now become an industry.
“I just feel so happy that our brothers are safe and no one succumbed to the threat of the kidnappers who are criminals that go about torturing people emotionally,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has appealed to security operatives to ensure that anyone rescued or freed by kidnappers is debriefed to understand the sociological profile of those involved.
Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi stated this yesterday at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa during a brief reception in honour of the kidnapped journalists that were rescued early in the day.
Governor Amaechi who was represented by his Acting Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Blessing Wikina, said debriefing would enable them know the thought pattern and how they communicate to tackle the problem.
The Governor explained that if they debrief those who had borne victims, the security agencies would gradually be able to compile a profile on how to deal with the situation.
Governor Amaechi thanked God for the safe rescue of the kidnapped journalists who are to be reunited with their families, but expressed sadness that in spite of several appeals to those involved in criminal act of hostage taking, such unwholesome practice was going on.
He commended the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and other security agencies for freeing the journalists unhurt and urged the victims not to allow what happened to deter them from rendering their services to society and humanity.
The State Chief Executive noted that security matters were collective issues which should not be left in the hands of one person or state government and provided the journalists with a charted air craft Topbrass Aviation Ltd with registration number ZS-SME to convey them to Lagos.
Responding on behalf of the rescued kidnappers, the Chairman, Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mr. Wahab Oba said they did not really have much to say but to thank God for His mercy on them throughout the one week they were held hostage.
Mr. Oba also expressed gratitude to President Goodluck Jonathan for the concern shown over their kidnap, especially in the speech he made during his visit to Akwa Ibom State as well as the government and people of Abia State whom he said were wonderful to them and the Rivers State Governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi whom he described as a press friendly governor for arranging a chartered flight to take them to Lagos.
The Nigeria Police was not left out as he acknowledged the consistency and aggressiveness with which they hunted their kidnappers and hinted that “throughout the seven days we stayed with our captors, we did not stay in a place for four hours because of the way the police was chasing them”.
Mr. Oba was equally happy with journalists for the solidarity they demonstrated through the way they reported the incident which according to him made even the families of the kidnappers to be on them to effect their release because there could be trouble on the land.
“In his reaction, the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Mr Gbenga Adefaye recommended that a harsh example be made of deviants to put an end to kidnapping.
“We hope government will put an end to these incidents of kidnap that embarrasses us all and makes Nigeria look like an uncharted jungle.
“We hope the President will take a strong step on security and reassure everyone that Nigeria is a safe place peopled by decent citizens.
“We also hope that journalists will not be afraid to perform their duties, as enshrined in the Constitution,” Adefaye remarked.
The National Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Leman Shuaibu, said Nigerians should resolve to make the recent episode, the last of kidnap saga in the country.
He told newsmen that it was time the nation got rid of the menace of such despicable and embarrassing act.
“For the first time, the nation stood up against an irresponsible act, but this kidnapping should be the last that would occur in this country,” he declared.
The NUJ president called on government to use all the arsenals at its disposal to flush out criminals that had taken over, especially in Obingwa Local Government Area of the south eastern Nigeria.
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