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Rivers Dep Gov Defects To APC …Wife, Others Register …Party Extends Registration To Feb 12

Published

12 years ago

February 10, 2014

Rivers State Deputy Governor, Engr. Tele Ikuru, says the All Progressives Congress (APC) is poised to take over the leadership of the country and correct the wrongs of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Engr. Ikuru said this last Saturday when he, alongside his wife, Dr Mina Ikuru, Interim State Chairman of the APC, Chief Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, amongst others, formally registered for the APC at Ikuru Town in Ward 5, Andoni Local Government Area of the state.
He stated that “I am fully registered. In case you are still in doubt. For those who are still in doubt as to where I stand, I have always said it that I will stand with my boss, Governor Amaechi, where he goes. I have now registered for the APC.
The deputy governor dismissed insinuations that the exercise was marred by violence and irregularities, urging everyone to exercise their right to associate and register with the party, calling on the opposition to desist from harassing and intimidating would-be members of the APC.
“It’s a matter of free choice. Some people will choose to be in APC, some may choose to be in some other parties and every Nigerian above the age of 18 should be able to have a free choice of which party to belong, where to be and who to vote for. No person has the right to stop anyone”, he said.
Engr. Ikuru, who performed the registration exercise in the presence of the state interim APC Chairman, Chief Davies Ikanya, the Chairman and Secretary, APC Registration Committee, Rivers State, Engr. Ebeitei Francis and Hon Josef Omorotionmwan, Vice Chairman, Andoni LGA, Hon Sampson Egop and the APC Secretary in the LGA, Hon Sylvanus Kingston said he was elated to be a full member of APC.
Speaking, Interim State Chairman of the APC, Chief Ikanya, congratulated the deputy Governor and his wife for formally registering for the APC, berating the PDP for allegedly sponsoring the mayhem that had disrupted the registration process in Degema, Obio/Akpor, Akuku-Toru, and some units in PHALGA, Etche, and Ogu/Bolo.
Also speaking, Chairman of the state APC Registration Committee, Engr. Ebeitei Francis, said the ongoing registration exercise signifies a change in Nigeria, a change in Rivers State and a change also in Africa”, adding that, “the APC is the only party that can take Nigeria from this level that we are to the Promised Land”.
The Vice Chairman, Andoni LGA, Hon. Sampson Egop, attributed the success recorded in Andoni to the people’s collective resolve to queue behind their illustrious sons like the deputy governor, the APC interim state chairman, the council Chairman, Mr. Orom Nte Ereforokuma, and the councilors.
He stressed that “these are illustrious sons of Andoni; people are aware of their works, there is no question of deceit here. So, the people are queuing behind them because they know them, they have been there for them over the years on the other side. Now that they have crossed over, they know that they are taking them to the Promised Land, that is why you are seeing the mass movement in Andoni”.
The deputy governor, accompanied by his wife, Mina, Chief Ikanya, Engr. Francis, Secretary of the party and former Chairman of Andoni LGA, Mr. Kingston Sylvanus, and other party chieftains, later inspected the registration units across Ward 5 and Ebukuma in Ward 4, Andoni LGA, where he described the exercise as “satisfactory”.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday in Lagos said it had extended the period for its ongoing nationwide membership registration till February 12.
The membership registration exercise, which began on Wednesday, was initially scheduled to end today.
In a statement signed by the Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the extension was to accommodate many Nigerians who had turned out to register but could not do so.
“We have apparently underestimated the number of those who are eager and willing to participate actively in the change process by joining the APC.
“Even with one day to go in the original registration schedule, we have exceeded the number of members we set out to register.
“Many more have reached out to us to give them the opportunity to join the APC, hence our decision to extend the registration,” Mohammed said in the statement.
The party said it needed to ensure that the people who wanted to register as members were allowed to do so.
It urged all interested citizens who had not registered to utilise the opportunity offered by the extension to do so.

Member, House of Representatives, Hon Dakuku Peterside (sitting), registering as APC member at Unit 5, Ward 3, Opobo Town, last Friday.

News

Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers

Published

20 hours ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

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

News

Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70

Published

20 hours ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

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.

News

Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition

Published

20 hours ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

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