News
‘Rerun Polls ’ll Be Test Of Democracy’ …Wike Directs PDP Leaders To Resist Arrest
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has declared that the forthcoming legislative rerun elections in the state would be a test of the preparedness of the current Federal Government to allow for the deepening of democracy.
He reiterated that the Supreme Court upheld his election on the premise of laid down legal principles applied in all the other governorship appeals, saying that no action was taken to influence the judgment as alleged by the Rivers APC.
The governor, who appeared on a radio phone-in programme in Port Harcourt on Saturday, said that the people of Rivers State would not allow the planned use of security agencies to rig the elections to materialise.
According to him, the desperation to rig the forthcoming rerun elections are part of a plot by the APC to capture Rivers State through fraudulent means as they have arranged to write results and go ahead with an impeachment plan.
He said: “They are so desperate to rig the elections. These elections will be a test for democracy in Nigeria”.
Wike said that contrary to claims by the APC, he was not involved in inciting violence as the warning he gave that those who plan to rig the rerun elections will be treated as political armed robbers was in line with similar warnings given by President Muhammadu Buhari before the last general elections.
“If they are coming to do proper elections to let the will of the people to prevail, we will support them. Why are they worried simply because we are fighting political armed robbers”, he said.
On the issue of the Supreme Court judgment which validated his election, Wike said that just like in other governorship elections, the court held that the card reader was not superior to the voter register in the accreditation process.
He added that the Supreme Court also held that he was not given fair hearing because the second chairman of the Rivers State Governorship Tribunal passed a judgment in a motion that he did not hear.
He stated that it was unfortunate that the Rivers State APC would misinterpret his vote of thanks and single out Dr Peter Odili for attacks when he listed several PDP leaders who supported him as party men.
Wike said that in the earlier appeal he filed on the issue of territorial jurisdiction with Justice Mary Odili on the panel, the Supreme Court dismissed his appeal with the APC celebrating, pointing out that on the panel without Just Mary Odili, his appeal was upheld.
He wondered why the Rivers APC wants the world to believe their falsehood that Justice Mary Odili influenced a panel in which she was not a member, but could not influence the one she sat on.
Commenting on the military invasion of Ogoni communities which led to the loss of innocent lives, Wike said that he supports the fight against criminality, but will never support the unjustified killing of innocent people.
He said he visited Yeghe and Bori as governor to ascertain the level of damage and loss of lives.
The governor wondered why in the so-called search for one Solomon Ndigbara, the military would massively deploy to Ogoniland to disrupt very peaceful communities.
While blaming Senator Magnus Abe for going about with soldiers to intimidate his constituents, Wike said that it was unfortunate that some politicians invite soldiers to rout their peaceful communities.
He said that the Solomon Ndigbara that Magnus Abe was hunting for was Senator Abe’s associate before they fell out politically.
“Senator Magnus Abe should apologise to the Ogoni people. I am an Ikwerre man. Have you ever seen me invite the military to our land?”, he said.
He denied making any inciting statement when he attended the birthday of Senator Lee Maeba, saying that all he did was to campaign for the PDP candidate, Senator Olaka Nwogu.
The governor added that he intercepted a communication wherein Senator Abe stated that he can only emerge victorious through the help of soldiers during the rerun elections.
Wike emphasised his declaration that top government functionaries, PDP candidates in the forthcoming rerun elections and PDP leaders should resist arrest from security agents detailed to destabilise the PDP ahead of the rerun elections.
He said he believes in the rule of law hence he will not allow anyone to use illegal means to manipulate the election process in the state.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has directed political appointees, leaders of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), caretaker committee chairmen, top government functionaries and candidates of the PDP in the forthcoming rerun legislative elections in the state to resist arrest on trump up charges from security agents detailed to destabilise the PDP before the elections.
A statement issued by Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, noted that Wike is in receipt of security information which revealed a directive by the Director General of the Department of State Service (DSS), to one Abdullahi in the Rivers State Command to summarily and illegally arrest PDP leaders, council chairmen, political appointees and candidates of the PDP for the rerun elections.
The governor specifically directed that the mentioned party leaders, political appointees and PDP candidates should not follow operatives of the DSS and other security agents to their offices under any guise.
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