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Rivers PDP To Sanction Aspirants
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Engr Tele Ikuru (middle), Rivers State Head of Civil Service, Barr. S. T. LongJohn and Chairman, Civil Service Commission, Sir Ngo Martyns Yellowe (left) at the 2014 Civil Service Week, in Port Harcourt, recently. Photo: Obinna Prince Dele
The Rivers State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Felix Obuah, has threatened to sanction aspirants on the platform of the party who criticize the leadership.
The State chairman of the party, who issued the threat in reaction to the criticism of 16 aggrieved governorship aspirants over the conduct of the ward and local government primaries of the party warned the aspirants to be guided in their utterances in accordance with the provisions of the party constitution.
Obuah further warned that the party would not tolerate actions that would bring the party to disrepute, stressing that the party would not hesitate to wield the hammer on aspirants who seek to tarnish the image of the party.
According to him,’’ it has become very imperative to urge aspirants to be decorous, and stop engaging in those unfaithful and caustic activities and statements.
‘’The party noted with sadness the orchestrated actions by aspirants deliberately designed to malign the party and its leadership by continuously dishing out outright falsehood, unsubstantiated claims and above all, threatening the tranquility and harmony in the party through various media publications and misrepresentations at public fora’’, he said
The PDP chairman reminded all aspirants that the party remains supreme over and above individuals and will not cease to conduct its programmes and activities according to the provisions of its constitution, in this case, the provisions of Article 58(1), which states thus: “the party shall have power to discipline any member who says or does anything likely to bring the party into disrepute, hatred or contempt; engages in anti-party activities; engages in any conduct likely to cause disaffection among members of the party or is likely to disrupt the peaceful, lawful and efficient conduct of the business of the party; engages in unauthorised publicity of disputes within the Party or creates a parallel party at any level and promotes factions or belongs to any groups under the guise of the Party and by whatever name called, not being one provided for in the constitution of the PDP”.
Obuah warned that the Rivers State Chapter of PDP shall apply those relevant provisions of the party constitution against any erring member, no matter how highly placed, to serve as a deterrent to others.
He reassured that all aspirants of the party would be treated fairly and enjoy all their rights as contained in the party constitution noting that all aspirants on the platform of the PDP shall be given a level playing ground, to test their popularity and acceptability at the primaries.
In reaction, one of the 16 aspirants, Prince Tonye Princewill said he believes that 2015 is a battle of ideas. Analog vs Digital. Not carry go.
He also accused the party leadership and the former Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike of trying to actualize a written script.
According to him, unlike some conspiracy theorists, “I do not believe it is an Ikwerre agenda, because many Ikwerres are not subscribers to it. It is an anti Jonathan, anti PDP, anti Rivers agenda and we are all meant to be the fools. I for one refuse to be one.
Princewill urged PDP to be vigilant or else the party will lose the forthcoming election in the state.
‘’ The party leadership at the national needs to open their eyes. Let this not happen under your watch. If you do not know, the emergence of Wike will produce a backlash that will alienate at least 16 aspirants if not more. The party will lose not only them, they will also lose their supporters. Not only because of the product of Wike but the process of his emergence. You have less than a week to act’’, 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