News
Groups To Petition Buhari Over Late Rivers Mechanic
A non-government organization, Extra Steps Initiative (ESI) has said it would petition President Muhammadu Buhari over what it called the poor handling of the circumstances surrounding the death of a mechanic, Chima Ikwunado, and the alleged torture of the Ikoku Four by operatives of the Eagle Crack Team of the Rivers State Police Command.
Similarly, a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has advised the police to give a copy of the autopsy report conducted on the late mechanic to his family’s lawyer on or before March 10, in their own interest.
Justice J.K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt gave the advice, yesterday, when lawyer to Chima Ikwunado’s family, Princess Chinyere Lawrence reported to the court that the police were yet to give her the report days after it was released by the pathologist.
Justice Omotosho said failure by the police to comply would be seen as if they have something to hide; just as he adjourned the matter to March 10, for hearing.
The suit was instituted by the Civil Society Coalition based in Port Harcourt.
Speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt, yesterday, the Executive Director of the Extra Steps Initiative, Eugene Abels, disclosed that the move follows the continued delay by the police to prosecute those indicted in the matter and the move by the Commissioner of Police, Mustapha Dandaura to attempt to settle a ‘capital offence’ out of court.
Abels noted with dismay that a similar matter that occurred in Sagamu, Ogun State, could receive speedy intervention, leading to the dismissal of the police officer involved, whereas in Rivers State, such matter is being delayed, noting that the double standard was unacceptable.
According to him, “We find it out of place. In this matter, the police is the defendant. It is out of place for the plaintiff to be going to the defendant to get a copy of the autopsy report. Number two, it is taking several months and even media reports stating that the commissioner of police is asking for a settlement or suggesting it in a matter that concerns a capital offense. It is out of place.
“And this is where the Inspector General of Police (IGP) should be called to order. So, we at the Extra Steps Initiative, we are going to do a petition to the President, and we will copy the IGP and the Attorney General of Federation. We want to call for an inquest”, he added.
The group’s executive director further revealed that he would demand an investigation to probe the creation of the Eagle Crack Unit and the role the Judiciary played in the detention of the Ikoku Four at the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre.
“How could the police, just right under their noses, a team will be created with a torture chamber in place called the Eagle Crack Squad which reports directly to a commissioner of police. We need to conduct an inquest to know who gave those orders.
“Where did they get the authorization from, and under what condition these men under arms have functioned that pushed them to the point of being able to torture a man to death? We need to do an inquest to know why the Judiciary in Rivers State tolerates the Nigerian Police to deliberately charge people to wrong courts, and the Magistrate, instead of turning them back, remands these people in prison,” he stated.
Dennis Naku
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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