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Igboh Chiefs Council Averts Crisis Over Fake History
The Igboh Agwuru Asa Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, has averted a crisis that erupted following the presentation of a fake history by one of its members, Chief Ishmael Nweke, the OnyeIshi-Ala Chokota.
The said Onye-Ishi Ala Chokota , was said to have formulated a fake history that annexed some communities outside his community Chokota
Based on the forged history, he created new villages, new chiefs and presented same to the Rivers state government seeking elevation of his position to that of a second class traditional ruler without the knowledge and concen of Igboh Kingdom Council of traditional rulers and chiefs.
This development, according to the council sparked up reactions from the affected communities but for a swift intervention of the Igbo traditional rulers council.
Narrating the development to our correspondent, the Legal Adviser to the council and Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee, set up to investigation the matter, Eze Elijah Okere, said the committee looked into the matter and because the OnyeIshi-Ala Chokota, Eze Ishmael Nweke, could not defend himself of the allegations, he has been suspended while an actingOchimbaChokota was appointed.
The disciplinary committee chairman said the council appealed to the people of Umuebulu and Ikwerrengwo communities who were aggreived for being fraudulently annexed to Chokota, to remain calm as justice was being made.
He stated that the chief behind the false history, Eze Ishmael, has retraced his step and rendered apology to the traditional rulers council of Igboh Kingdom as he could not defend himself of the allegations
“Few other chiefs who were deceived into signing the illegal document sent to the state government, have also apologised and payed fines levied on them”, he stated.
A letter dated 22nd July, 2019 and address to the Governor of Rivers State, retracting the controversial memo to the state government said: “ I wish to retract the said memo and to state here that the language, composition and style is of no effect and actions sort in the said letter should be discountenanced “.
In his letter of apology forwarded to the Royal Majesty of Igboh Kingdom, King Samuel Amaechi, theEze Ishmael Nweke, prayed for forgiveness and pledged to be of good behaviour.
The letter said: “In addition to the oral apology I made earlier, I write to further apologise to my highly revered Monarch, HRM King Dr SamuelAmaechiOnyeIshiAgwuruIgboh Kingdom.
“I regret the inconsistencies and irregularities in the said memo under reference and sincerely pledge to refrain from taking such step again without your knowledge and concent”.
The OnyeIshiAgwuru of Igboh Kingdom, HRM, King Samuel Amaechi, who confirmed the above said the council was lenient to give the said Ishmael Nweke suspension of three months stressing that the punishment by the law was more than that.
He warnd other members of the council from either acting beyond their powers or involving in any such actions that could undermine peaceful coexistence in the kingdom.
He added that the council appointed Eze Elijah Okere to take over as the Acting Paramount ruler of Chokota.
Chris Oluoh
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