News
‘Why Parties Must Rise Above Selfish Interests’
Rivers State Commissioner for Environment, Dr Nyema Weli (right) with the General Manager, Treasure FM, Ms Gina Osika Daka, during a media briefing by Network Broadcasting Media in Port Harcourt, recently
Selfish interests and lack of basic ideologies have been identified as a major cause of intra-party crisis in Nigeria, according to Governor Chibuike Amaechi, and other prominent stakeholders who spoke at the first state Inter-Party Forum held last Tuesday in Port Harcourt.
Rt. Hon Amaechi who declared the forum open revealed that many politicians were in politics just to enrich themselves to the detriment of the citizenry, citing the current intra-party crisis rocking the PDP as one of the examples.
“Those fighting me say the problem is not schools, is not roads, is not light, is not hospitals what about stomach infrastructure,” Amaechi declared.
The governor was of the view that it was difficult for all members of a party to share the same view and therefore reasoned that defence of public good should be above all interests. He said legacy must be the driving force of every politician.
“I tell my children when we converge that they have to work hard to make history. And again as a student a student of history everyday with your activities you make history…but there are histories that the world would want to read if there is no history that I have made, the one God has made me to make is the one that I have stood out and fight for my right’’ the governor said.
He charged all the parties to jettison their differences and stand up to fight for the right of the Rivers people considering the current political developments in the state, “ whether you belong to PDP or APC’’ he stressed.
From now onwards, he challenged all the parties to stand up to defend the rights of the people on the basis of ‘’one man one vote’’, asserting that most often in Nigeria parties win elections without the people’s votes and therefore can afford to carry out anti-people policies without fear of losing the next elections.
In his remarks earlier, Chairman of the occasion and former Supreme Court judge, Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte called on political parties to be patriotic and to pursue policies that will move the country forward.
Justice Karibi-Whyte decried the situation where parties have been dominated by ethnic sentiments saying, “ No politics, no patriot thinks for himself ,but thinks for others.’’
He used the forum to congratulate the governor on his re-election as chairman of NGF, “ We admire Governor Amaechi because of his performance, he is doing everything to succeed and drive the institutions of democracy’’.
Also speaking, Senator representing Rivers South- East Senatorial District, Magnus Ngei Abe urged politicians to play politics by principle, warning that parties in Nigeria had evolved basically to grab power and not to affect the lives of the people.
Senator Abe observed, “ cohesive inter-party relations in Rivers State will be beneficial only when politics is played by principle.’’
Coordinator of the forum and Special Adviser to the governor on Inter-Party Matters, Barrister Solomon Chituru Ebeku disclosed that the conference is the first in the state and geared at creating one platform to aggregate the views and activities of political parties in the state.
Barrister Ebeku called for synergy among the political parties capable of driving development, peace and unity, pointing out that lack of understanding among politicians was responsible for the huge litigations and lawsuits after elections.
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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