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Hurricane APC Sweeps Opobo/Nkoro LGA …As Over 7,000 Cross Over From PDP
The gale of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) across Rivers State has taken a frightening dimension as virtually the entire populations of Opobo and Nkoro gathered at the Primary School field, Opobo Town with their symbolic brooms and declared their switch over from PDP to the APC.
As early 9 am last Thursday the Primary School field, Opobo Town had been adorned with canopies and various decorations, and occupied by indigenes of Opobo and Nkoro representing the various strata of the society, including traditional chiefs, professionals, politicians, and the general populace.
By the time the event kicked off at noon, it had become obvious that the field could hardly hold the surging population growing by the minutes. As the crowed surged, holding their symbolic broom of the APC, traditional drumming rented the air from the stands of the 11 wards that make up the LGA.
In his welcome remarks, the Executive Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Council, Hon. Maclean Uranta said that the decision of the people of the LGA to move en mass to APC was as a result of PDP’s betrayal and high-handedness.
Uranta declared that the people of the LGA were grateful to the Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Amaechi for the giant developmental strides he has established all over the LGA.
“The governor has brought us development at every sphere of life. Today over 15 of our sons and daughters are in schools abroad studying in various disciplines; the governor has put in place real development that the eye can see across our LGA,” Uranta stated.
Other dignitaries who spoke at the occasion include the member, representing Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon Dakuku Adol Peterside.
In his speech, Hon. Peterside catalogued the indignities, mischiefs and undemocratic actions of the PDP towards the state chief executive and prominent sons of the area.
“I am convinced that you have gathered here out of your own volition to join the APC in support of your darling Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who has made it possible today for Nkoro people to drive home in the past 2 years; I believe that you are moving with the governor to the APC because you see the schools, hospitals, sand filling, shore protection projects at Queens Town and Kalama and other developmental projects across the LGA,” the lawmaker said.
Others who took turns to speak at the occasion include the former deputy national chairman of the PDP who is now a member of APC, Dr. Sam Sam Jaja, the Commissioner in the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission, Engr Idatonye Accra Jaja, the Sole Administrator of Greater Port Harcourt Development Authority, Dame Aleruchi Cookey-Gam, amongst others.
However, the highlight of the occasion was the speech and handing over of the APC flags to each ward through their councillors by the Interim State Chairman of the APC, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya.
Ikanya, who was joined by other state interim executive members on the stage, electrified the audience with his speech, likening the movement to APC to the abandoning of a bad vehicle (PDP) to join a sound vehicle (APC) in order to successfully complete the journey.
He thanked the people of Opobo/Nkoro for their unanimous decision to join the APC in line with the decision of their leaders and the state Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.
The arrival of the governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Engr Tele Ikuru further activated the audience who became almost uncontrollable.
Ikuru thanked the people for their support for the governor as shown by their collective decision to follow him to the APC, and enjoined all to support and work for the success of the APC in future elections.
“By moving over to the APC, you are demonstrating your belief in your leaders because you trust them. I thank you all, and urge you to continue to remain steadfast as we change our vehicle in order to get to our destination,” the deputy governor said.
A member of the Rivers State Executive Council, and Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, who is also an indigene of Opobo, was in attendance, amongst other dignitaries from across the state.
The Rivers State Government has inaugurated a Central Planning Committee to organize the celebration of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) in the State.
The committee was formally inaugurated by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba in Port Harcourt, last Thursday.
Dr Anabraba who also serves as Chairman of the Committee
highlighted the State Government’s deep appreciation for the sacrifices of Nigeria’s fallen heroes who laid down their lives for the nation’s peace and unity.
“These heroes have given their lives for the security and peace of our nation and deserve to be celebrated. The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is an opportunity to show our gratitude for their sacrifice,” he said.
Dr. Anabraba further extended recognition to all Security Agencies in the State, emphasizing the importance of the event in appreciating their contributions to national security and sovereignty.
The annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day, observed on January 15 across the country is dedicated to remember Nigeria’s departed soldiers and honouring the nation’s veterans.
