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PDP Congress Now Holds May 1 …I Won’t Contest -Metuh
Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Mr Okechukwu Enalema, Minister of State for Agriculture, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri and Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Investment, Aisha Abubakar, at the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja on Wednesday
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will now commence the election of its ward executive committee members on May 1st while the local government congresses will hold on May 5th, this year.
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) made the adjustment on Wednesday in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, and made available to The Tide in Port Harcourt.
Metuh, in the statement, said the PDP national convention would still hold on May 21, while the state congresses will hold on May 10th.
He said ward congress appeal hearing is scheduled for May 2, while the adjustment of the timetable will enable the local government area congresses to be held on May 5, and the subsequent appeal hearing on May 7.
The party also fixed its state congresses for May 10, as well as arising appeal for May 12, 2016.
It added that the zonal congresses have been fixed for May 14, and the zonal appeal on May 17.
However, the national publicity secretary has denied that there was a disagreement among members of the PDP National Convention zoning committee over issues concerning the convention.
He said that members of the committee were still consulting to arrive at an acceptable zoning formula ahead of the May 21 national convention of the party in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
According to him, “Consultation on the zoning formula is on-going. All the governors are involved; members of the National Assembly are also involved.
“At the end of the day, the committee will come up with a zoning formula that will be acceptable to members, and put the party again on the path of glory,” he said.
Although Metuh refused to disclose the date for the next meeting of the committee, he however, stated that it would be held next week in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.
Meanwhile, the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, has declared that he will not be contesting for any position in the forthcoming PDP Convention, holding in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State on May 21.
He disclosed this via a statement made available to newsmen, yesterday.
“As Nigerians are aware, my party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is preparing for a National Convention where national officers who will pilot its affairs in the next four years are expected to emerge.
As one of the founding members of this party, the longest serving member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and currently a critical player in the party, my supporters and admirers expect me to contest and this has spurred speculations in the media.
“However, I wish to state publicly that I have no ambitions to continue as a member of the National Working Committee after the expiration of my current tenure as the National Publicity Secretary, a decision that is enjoying the support of my family.
“I, therefore, with every sense of responsibility, confirm to all members of our great party that I will not run for any position whatsoever in the forthcoming National Convention irrespective of which office may be zoned to the south east for that matter.
“What is paramount in my mind at this point is to continue to lift the image of our great party during the remaining part of my tenure as the image-maker of the PDP, a position, which by the grace of God, I have been able to dutifully deliver to the best of my ability despite daunting challenges.
“Finally, I wish to assure all my associates and supporters that my love and commitment to the party remains unshaken, especially as we work together to build not only a strong and virile party but also a prosperous, united and stable nation”.
Also, ahead of the forthcoming congresses of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the lawmaker representing Ojo Federal Constituency in the lower legislative chamber, Hon. Tajudeen Obasa, has called on all members of the party to remain law abiding and to continue adhering to the procedures being laid down.
He also urged them to eschew any act that will truncate the existing peace and unity already being witnessed in the party.
The convention scheduled to begin at the ward level on April 30 will be concluded at the National Convention on May 21, 2016.
In a statement released by his media aide, Mr Opeyemi Ahmed, the lawmaker exhorted members of the party to participate diligently in the process in order to strengthen democracy and reposition the party for victory come 2019.
The statement reads “The status of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at this moment is a plus for democracy, this is a time for repositioning the people’s party in line with the aspirations of our founding fathers.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene