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Peterside Didn’t Attack Wike, PDP, APC Clarifies

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The Greater Together Cam
paign Organisation, (GTCO), has debunked claims by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside, had hands in the alleged attack on its governorship candidate last Saturday.
The campaign organisation not only described the allegation against  Peterside as “tissue of lies and libellous provocation”, but equally accused PDP of seeking an infamous route to escape its summons before nemesis.
In a reaction through its Director of Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, the GTCO, pooh poohed PDP for driving its penchant for blood too far, alleging that PDP was struggling to evade ongoing police inquiries into its attack on APC governorship team in Okrika and other areas in the state, by blackmailing the APC and its governorship candidate.
“This tissue of lies and libellous provocation is wicked and callous, and should be disregarded. PDP couldn’t be visiting gross violence on Rivers State and her people only to turn back and pass the bulk. We state categorically that Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside, who has run issues-based campaign, has no reason to direct his supporters or participate directly in any sort of pre, during and post-election violence, much more to organise armed attack. The PDP, with no agenda for Rivers people, has resorted to mudslinging, but as responsible as he is, Dr. Peterside would not be caught in their trap.
“The APC governorship candidate remains what Rivers people know him to be – a gentleman with no record of violence; a decent man who respects the sanctity of life; a Christian who believes that God makes kings; and  a governorship candidate with the change message,” the GTCO said.
The statement added that , “PDP must have envisaged that ongoing police investigation into armed attacks, assassination of APC supporters and members, and other politically-motivated violence in Rivers State,  would turn in a damaging indictment on it, and so, as a diversionary tactic to misdirect the police, had stage-managed the said Bakana attack. PDP in Rivers State is never tired of mischief and can fabricate any to achieve its aim. We are the least surprised at this new tale”.
While doubting there was ever an attack on the PDP governorship campaign team, and demanding concrete evidence, the Dr. Peterside campaign organisation berated PDP for throwing up a governorship candidate with no program or development agenda for Rivers State.
“We blame PDP for presenting such a liability for an exalted office as that of governor. If  Wike was the best PDP could present to Rivers people to elect as their governor, the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), should reconsider its status as a political party”, the statement said.
While denying PDP’s claims, GTCO reiterated that Peterside has no link or association, remotely or otherwise, with the rumoured attack on  Wike, “who by the way, knows that he is more of a liability than a governorship candidate”.

The GTCO added that,  ”PDP and the  liability it said is a governorship candidate are no doubt jealous of the sweeping support  Peterside is enjoying across the length and breadth of Rivers State. They are afraid of the huge support market associations, the physically challenged, professional bodies, students’ groups, youths, new voters, socio-cultural organizations, and even PDP chieftains, are giving Peterside. But like the drowning fellow who’d clutch to any straw for life-support, Wike and the Rivers PDP want to drag a man whose time has come into their pit of infamy. Dr. Peterside is more decent than that”.

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2026 Boy Child Day: Association Seeks Intentional Mentoring 

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As the world marked the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child last Saturday, the Rivers Secondary Schools Old Boys and Girls 1983 Set Association has called for deliberate investment in raising boys who will become responsible heads of homes.
In a press release signed and issued by the Secretary-General of the Association, Dr. Ibinabo Ogolo, to commemorate the day, the Association said the future stability of Nigerian families depends on how intentionally boys are raised and guided.
Speaking on behalf of the Set, President of the Association, Barrister Tubokomba Mcdonald Harry, she said the theme of this year’s global celebration, “Boys to Men: Adopting Good Habits and Attitudes”, must move beyond slogans to daily practice in homes, schools, and communities.
“For years, advocacy has rightly centered on the girl child. That work must continue. But we cannot ignore the other side”, Barrister Harry stated.
“A boy who grows up without guidance, emotional literacy, and responsibility often becomes a man who struggles to lead, provide, and protect. If we want stable homes in 2040, we must invest in boys now”, he said.
He emphasized that being “head of the home”  is about stewardship, not power: “The man who leads a home well is emotionally responsible, financially disciplined, morally upright, and a true partner to his spouse. These qualities are learned from childhood, through what boys see, hear, and practice.”
The Association noted that many boys currently learn manhood by default from peers, social media, and entertainment that equate masculinity with aggression and silence about pain.
To change this, the 1983 Set urged fathers and mentors to be present and active, schools to integrate life skills such as conflict resolution and financial literacy, and communities and faith groups to establish mentorship programmes where older men guide younger ones.
The press release also linked the issue to Africa’s wider goals, noting that the 2026 Day of the African Child focuses on water, sanitation, and hygiene.
“A boy trained to solve real problems becomes a man who ensures dignity for his family and community”, Harry said.
The Association concluded with a call to mothers, fathers, and boys themselves to take ownership of the task of raising responsible future leaders.
International Day of the Boy Child is observed globally on May 16. It is a day that focuses on the well-being, mental health and positive development of boys.
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Ogoni Landlords Seek Inclusion In Planned Oil Resumption Process 

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Flemotongha Miebi/Fortune Wokeh/Akpos David/Esuuk Oyet/Edughom Suotor
Landlords in Ogoni, under the aegis of Gokana,Tai, Eleme, and Khana United Landlords Association  (GOTEKA) have called for inclusion in the ongoing negotiation over the planned resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.
The landlords,who made the call during its formal inauguration recently in Port Harcourt, also called for proper compensation, clear legal agreements, and inclusive dialogues in the entire process
Chairman of the Association, Professor George Ema, said any resumption of oil exploration in ogoniland without proper consultation with host communities and land owners will be resisted.
George said, while the association expressed support for the planned return of oil activities in ogoniland under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,  key historical issues must be addressed to avoid a repeat of earlier conflicts that led to the suspension of oil operations in the area.
According to GOTEKA, past disagreements between oil companies, political leaders, and host communities caused crises, court cases, and long-term disruption of oil production in Ogoni land, adding that these problems were responsible for the high level of poverty warranted by economic stagnation, social unrest, pipeline vandalism, and many legal battles in the area.
The landlords also referenced the struggles led by late environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), which opposed Shell’s activities in Ogoni land, resulting in years of unrest and court cases.
They stressed that the renewed plan for oil exploration must be guided by proper Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), fair compensation, and the direct involvement of landlords in negotiations to prevent cheating and conflict.
The group also raised concern over what they described as a repeated “divide and rule” approach in handling oil compensation in Ogoni. They said there is a lack of proper MOUs between oil companies and landlords, while compensation often goes to political leaders and traditional rulers instead of the real landowners.
GOTEKA added that land in Ogoni is owned by individuals and families, not the entire community.
According to the group, “under traditional land rules, owners have full rights over their land and can decide how it is used, including selling or leasing it. So, there must be proper agreement spelt out in the MOU, which must be signed by all the parties involved to avoid legal battles.
The group urged government, oil companies, and political leaders to respect traditional land ownership and adopt honest dialogue and peaceful negotiation in resolving issues.
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Police Warn Rivers Students Against Cultism, Drug Abuse

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The Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) of Rumuodomaya Police Station, CSP Dindara Dadamu, has warned students in Rivers State against involvement in cultism and other criminal activities, stressing that such acts could lead to imprisonment and destruction of their future.
He gave the warning recently during an anti-cultism and drug abuse sensitisation programme organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at Den-Bec Group of Schools in Port Harcourt.
Dadamu stated that the law does not exempt minors from punishment, noting that children from the age of 12 could still be prosecuted for criminal offences.
According to him, many young people are lured into cultism through peer pressure and bad company. He urged the students to be mindful of the friends they associate with.
The DCO stressed that ignorance of the law would not protect anyone from facing the consequences of unlawful conduct.
Also speaking, a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Ejiofor Ifeanyi, described cultism and drug abuse as destructive habits capable of ruining academic ambitions and promising careers.
He advised the students to avoid negative influences and remain focused on their education and personal development.
A mental health expert, Mr. Victor Akeni, noted that cultism and illicit drug use contribute significantly to emotional instability, fear and poor academic performance among youths.
He explained that cult members often live under constant fear of attacks and reprisals, making it difficult for them to concentrate on their studies or live peacefully.
The sensitisation programme brought together security agencies, mental health professionals, teachers and students as part of efforts to discourage social vices among young people.
The Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who spoke through a representative, Mrs. Anna West, encouraged the students to take advantage of opportunities provided through education and technology rather than engaging in unlawful activities.
Ogbuku also warned that cultism and drug abuse could result in imprisonment, violence and untimely death, and urged the students to embrace discipline, hard work and positive values.
By: King Onunwor

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