News
PDP Expulsions Commissioners Tackle Obuah
Eight commissioners who were not listed among those expelled by the Felix Obuah-led faction of Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) for failing to appear before the Performance Assessment Committee of the party last week have dissociated themselves from the exercise.
Addressing newsmen last Wednesday in Port Harcourt, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sampson Parker, Commissioner for Education, Dame Alice Lawrence-Nemi and their counterparts in Transport, George Tolofari, Youth Development, Owene Wonodi and Employment Generation and Empowerment, Dr Ipalibo Harry said they did not make any representation or appear before the panel, as might have been construed in some quarters.
Transport Commissioner, George Tolofari said their exclusion was a ploy to sow seed of discord amongst members of the Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi cabinet and paint them as saboteurs”.
“I see the whole thing as a calculated attempt to cause disaffection and mistrust amongst the commissioners,” he said.
The same view was held by Sampson Parker, who disclosed that he was outside the country while the exercise was conducted, saying his loyalty to Governor Amaechi remains resolute.
“The whole thing is coloured with an ulterior motive and will not succeed,” he added.
On his part, Dr. Ipalibo Harry said it would be malicious for the party officials to claim that he and other of his colleagues appeared before it.
Describing their exclusion from the expulsion as a ploy to cause disaffection, Harry added,” I am faithful to this government and will remain so’’.
Commissioner for Youth Development, Owene Wonodi stated that he did not receive any invitation, as he challenged the party committee to provide evidence of his appearance, whether in person or through a representative.
Commissioner for Finance, Chamberlain Peterside, said he returned to the country last Saturday after the committee might have concluded its activity.
He condemned the plans of the Obuah-led faction of the PDP for attempting to cause ‘’malicious’’ disaffection amongst Amaechi’s cabinet, and wondered what they would gain by fighting the government.
Peterside said their exclusion from the expusion list cannot compromise their support for the Amaechi government.
“My decision to serve in this government is based on principle and personal affection to the governor. I will go to sleep anytime, any day for serving in this administration,” he maintained.
Also, Commissioner forSpecial Duties, Barr Dickson Umunakwe challenged the Felix Obuah-led executive of the PDP to show evidence of invitation extended to him by the Performance Evaluation Panel.
Barr Umunakwe argued that he was neither present at the panel nor did he submit any document to it, because its intention remains to cause disunity in Governor Amaechi’s cabinet.
Speaking to newsmen in Port-Harcourt, the commissioner said his loyalty to Governor Chibuike Amaechi and Chief Godspower Ake-led PDP remained unflinching.
Barr Umunakwe remarked that the hallmark of a purposeful leadership was problem-solving and not divisive or vindictive tendencies, charging Governor Amaechi to remain focused in the task ahead.
He said the statement of the Obuah-led executive of the PDP concerning the presentation and appearance of some of his appointees and aides before the Performance Evaluation Committee including himself, occasioning their exclusion from the expulsion list was highly condemnable.
Similarly, the state Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Gogo Levi Charles has described as a figment of their imagination, claims by the Obuah-led PDP that he was not expelled because he allegedly honoured their invitation to appear before the panel.
Incidentally, “I did not make the list of those expelled, an indication that I am one of the commissioners who, either sent in a representation or honoured the invitation of the committee in whatever guise”, he noted.
He said that “for the avoidance of doubt, I am as shocked by this development as it has been with the horrifying development in our political space in the last couple of months.
Let me state categorically that I never received any invitation in whatsoever form from the committee for the said purpose. Consequently, there would be no basis for attending, sending representation or report to any such committee, he said.
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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