News
APC, Others React To Police Ban On Rallies …Begins Membership Registration,Today
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has described the recent ban of poltical rallies by the State Police Command as an act of illegality and abuse of the inalienable rights of the people to freely associate as enshrined in the constitution of Nigeria.
The Party, which stated this in a statement, yesterday in Port Harcourt, said it regarded the ban on rallies as a direct declaration of War on the long suffering people of Rivers State.
The statement, signed by Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, the Senior Special Assistant to the Interim State Chairman, noted that the directive was aimed at disrupting the APC membership drive and registration scheduled to commence today in Rivers State.
According to him, “Our members and supporters are scheduled to commence registration on Wednesday (today)”, adding that the directive was clearly targeted at frustrating the exercise after APC had already trained officers and moblisied materials to all the wards and units in the state.
“The latest impunity by Mbu Joseph Mbu was designed to sabotage our membership drive. The plan will fail as the Police lack powers to stop the nationwide registration of the APC exercise from holding in Rivers State”.
Chief Eze said the party in the state had directed its lawyers to challenge the order in court as it had instructed its resigration officers to go ahead with the registration exercise.
He warned that if the Police intention was to use the ban to disrupt its registration exercise, then it was an exercise in futility.
Also reacting to the ban, the President of the Save Rivers Movement, Mr. Charles Ahorlu said the Police had no right to ban political rallies in the state.
Ahorlu, who spoke in a telephone interview, explained that the state Police Command was arrogating to itself the power not vested in it by the Nigerian constitution.
According to him, “we will not take the ban on rallies lightly. Where were the Police when the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI) was moving around all nooks and crannies of the state, holding political rallies in the local government areas of the state”.
Meanwhile, the GDI said it was ready to comply with the ban on Political rallies by the Police.
The National Spokesman of the group, Mr. Godwill Orurakwe said President Goodluck Jonathan had maintained that he did not want any loss of life for any political reasons.
It would be recalled that the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joseph Mbu, on Monday placed a ban on rallies in the state.
Mbu, who said the decision was based on the increasing political tension in the state, specifically said the ban affected political rallies.
Before the outright ban, the CP had directed that those holding rallies in the state should apply for permission from the Police.
He also prohibited activities involving the Grassroots Development Initiative, Save Rivers Movement and the Rivers Leadership Advancement Foundation.
“Accordingly, all public activities involving rallies of Grassroots Development Initiative, Save Rivers Movement, Rivers Leadership Advancement Foundation and whatever other names, are hereby banned”.
Mbu warned that the Police would not provide security for any group that henceforth organize rallies.
The CP, however, said that party membership registration would only be allowed based on the provisions of the Electoral Act and regulations of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State described the ban on political rallies as a gang-up between the Police and the State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi.
The state Chairman, Brother Felix Obuah said the ban on political rallies was targeted at stopping the PDP from taking its campaign to the various local government areas of the state.
“I just believe it (ban on rallies by the Police) is against the PDP. The PDP has not started its rallies and anytime from now, we are planning to embark on our rallies from one local government area to the other.
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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