News
Gunmen Kill Monarch In Ahoada
A prominent traditional ruler, Eze Collins Alali, the Eze Emene Ekamini 1 of Igbu Orlukwor of Ekpeye Kingdom, has been allegedly assassinated in cold blood on his way to his country home in Oshigbokor community in Ahoada East Local Government Area, Rivers State.
The one-time President of Uzugbani Umu Egwele Ugbulu of Ekpeyeland was cruising home in his Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) to preside over several cases which he was handling in his palace when the gunmen struck last Friday, and assassinated him.
His wife, Mrs. Blessing Alali, who narrated the incident to The Tide, said that both of them arranged to travel to the village that eventful day, but providence saved her.
“He asked me to wait for him along the road so that he would pick me as he was driving from Ahoada. I could not exercise patience, because he had called me more than two times to wait for him but he did not come. I had to join motorcycle to Oshigbokor, and I told him to come behind,’’ the wife said.
The grief-stricken Mrs Alali said that about ten minutes after her arrival in the village, she had a phone call alerting her that her husband had been gunned down by three armed bandits.
According to Mrs. Alali, the unknown gunmen waylaid him along Okporowo Road, shot on the tyres of his Jeep, before raining several gun shots on him.
His first son, Henry Chinwute Alali, told The Tide, that one of his friends intimated him on phone that his father had been killed on his way home, and that he should rush to the scene.
He noted that his friend told him that the assailants shot sporadically into the air to scare away passersby, adding that the gunmen, who sang “Eze Alali na we kill am,” “Eze Alali na we kill am’’ , mounted on their motorbike and zoomed off, after singing for a few minutes.
Henry added that the body has been deposited at the morgue in Ahoada.
On his part, the Eze’s younger brother, Hon. Pedro Alali, threatened that those behind the gruesome murder of Eze Alali have no hiding place.
Pedro blamed the police for their lackadaisical attitude towards responding to distressed calls, arguing that if the police could not save lives anymore when people are in danger, government should allow the use of gun by individuals in order to protect themselves from sudden aggression.
Meanwhile, confidential sources have alleged that some persons who have been fingered in the assassination of the Eze, are already making desperate moves to relocate to stave off any reprisal attacks.
It would be recalled that in 2008, gunmen who were led by a youth from Oshiogbokor community were rounded off by residents of Ula-Ikata community, around Eze Alali’s country home.
On interrogation, they revealed clues to their future clandestine plans, asserting that they were dispatched to snuff life out of the paramount ruler or his wife.
As at the time of this latest incident, the case was yet to come to its logical conclusion, with all the accused persons allegedly let off the hook.
Eze Alali was reported to have escaped several fatal attacks; including many this year by strange faces.
However, the police in Ahoada, which confirmed the incident, said they have taken the corpse of the Eze to an undisclosed mortuary, and did not give further detail on their investigation of the matter.
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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