News
Flood Victim’s Death, Eviction …I’m Innocent, Says Ikuru
Rivers State Deputy Governor and Chairman, Rivers State Flood Relief Committee, Engr. Tele Ikuru, says he has no hand or knowledge of the circumstances leading to the death of one Mrs. Chidinma Maureen Lucky, as a result of alleged forceful eviction from the flood relief camp at Okwuzi in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of the State.
The Deputy Governor was reacting to a statement issued by Social Action, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) based in Port Harcourt, and carried in some online, national and local newspapers, alleging his involvement “in the forceful eviction and death of one Mrs. Chidinma Maureen Lucky, a HIV/AIDS positive woman and an indigene of Okwuzi in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of the State,” during the recent flood disaster.
According to his Press Secretary, Mr. Biobele Da-Wariboko, the Deputy Governor as Chairman of the State Flood Relief Committee, had no knowledge, directly or indirectly, in the purported eviction of the said HIV/AIDS flood victim from the camp along-side her children.
Contrary to Social Action’s position that the Deputy Governor visited the Okwuzi camp as a response to its report on the health condition of the deceased, Engr. Ikuru was on his normal routine visits to the camps when he visited the Okwuzi flood camp in the Ogba, Egbema, Ndoni Local Government Area of the State on Tuesday, November 6, 2012, where the campees complained of the presence of an HIV/AIDS infected person in the camp.
The Deputy Governor not only explained to them that neither the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) nor the Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV) is transmissible on physical contact but harped on the need to show care and concern to those infected or affected and why people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWAs) should be accommodated and he charged the health officials at the camp to ensure that every campee is adequately taken care of.
Engr. Tele Ikuru, did not at any time, directly or by proxy, verbally or by any other means, order the eviction of the said Mrs. Chidinma Maureen Lucky or anyone else out of the flood relief camps as alleged by Social Action.
Social Action failed to tell the public how they arrived at the HIV status of the deceased and what actions they took to bring her succour. They also failed to tell the public at what point and through what means the Deputy Governor ordered the eviction of the said AIDS patient. Was it during his visit to the camp or on a later date? And was it only Social Action that was present at the time the Deputy Governor gave such orders? The NGO also failed to explain what they aim to achieve by dragging the name, integrity, reputation and good office of the Deputy Governor into a matter that does not connect to him in any way,” the statement added.
According to the press secretary, Engr. Ikuru would not be so inhuman to order the eviction of the woman when it was under his watch to accommodate, take care and even provide medication for those who were sick irrespective of their social status at the various camps. It therefore becomes perplexing, the rational and premise Social Action is drawing its inference upon and what benefit the Deputy Governor would derive from the eviction of a person in such critical condition, having made adequate arrangement for health workers to take care of all flood victims.”
“It would interest Social Action and the general public to know that the camps set up by the Rivers State Government at the time they were operational were without any form of discrimination, neither was there any condition attached for admission in the areas affected by the flood disaster.” It is on record that the way and manner the Committee managed the camps and flood disaster necessitated the collaboration of Shelter Box, an international Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) based in the United Kingdom,” he said.
On their call for probe into the flood relief expenditure, the State Flood Relief Committee and the Deputy Governor graciously welcome any agency, civil society or any interest group that wants to probe the Committee’s accounts, records and expenditure, given the fact that all their activities were carried out in an accountable and transparent manner, and in strict compliance with due process.
“The Rivers State Flood Relief Committee therefore has nothing to hide. Its books and activities are always available for public scrutiny at anytime,” he declared.
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
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