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Arrested INEC Staff Confirm APC Ties With Police – PDP
The Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Rivers State chapter, Chief Felix Obuah, has observed with grave concern the persistent assaults and unwarranted actions of the police and some security agencies on its members, the state governor, leadership and candidates of the party before, during and after the just-concluded legislative re-run elections in the state, believed to be carried out in clandestine alliance with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the centre.
Obuah noted that even though this unholy alliance is no longer a secret to Rivers people, the APC has extended its venom on 21 of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ad-hoc staff who served as electoral officers during the December 10, 2016, re-run elections with arrest and detention, for allegedly not cooperating with them to rig the re-run elections.
Worried over this ugly development, the PDP has condemned such action, calling on the authorities to do the proper thing to avert total breakdown of democratic standards and processes in the country.
The PDP further urged the APC to desist forthwith from collaborating with the police and other security agencies to subvert the democratic process.
A statement signed on behalf of PDP chairman by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Jerry Needam, said, “It is worthy to note, after listening to the APC reaction by the APC Publicity Secretary, Chris Finebone, to our statement on the condemnable arrest and detention of the INEC staff, that the Police High Command is taking instructions from the APC leadership and government at the centre, as the Rivers APC press statement has clearly indicted the party’s connivance with police in the whole process.”
According to the PDP, the APC statement reads; “…that they (the APC) are sure those arrested will confess and name those who compromised them over the December election”.
The PDP noted that with the allusion, “the APC in Rivers State now act as the official police image-maker.”
It argued that “the APC comment puts no doubt on the fact that the party is working with the police and directing them on whom to arrest. But of more concern and dangerous is a situation where the Nigerian Police under the current IGP has now inarguably become an arm of the APC. This is a real threat to the survival of the nation’s democracy and peace in our dear state.
“Another serious cause of concern and pointer to the truth about this police – APC common understanding is the frequent visits by Rivers State APC chieftains to the Inspector General of Police’s Office in Abuja, and persistent boast by leaders of the APC of using the powers, including the police force, under their control to achieve what they want in Rivers State, as long as the Muhammadu Buhari government remains in the saddle.
“This, to us, is unhealthy, and should be checked accordingly, as we suspect the visit is, among other things, to influence the conduct of the police activities and to cause security breach in Rivers State, to justify their push for the truncation of a performing government in the state, even though they cannot achieve it.
“The PDP in Rivers State would continue to toe the part of peace, non-violence and civility in all of our undertakings in dealing with these matters and subsequent ones as they unfold, even as we appeal to all Rivers people and men and women of conscience to remain resolute and pray for God to touch the heart of those who want to destroy the state for their selfish aim to desist and join in the development revolution and wind of peace that the Governor Nyesom Wike–led PDP government has offered in Rivers State.”
The state PDP chairman, therefore, called on the APC to stop dancing in the ring of illusion, and face the turmoil in the APC as well as the mindboggling allegations by members of the APC against its Chairman, Dr Davies Ikanya.
Obuah also urged the IGP to be aware that ‘government goes, and government comes’, warning him to remember that whatever one does, there is a day of reckoning.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
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