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Fayose Amplifies Voice Of Opposition -Makarfi
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under the leadership of Senator Ahmed Makarfi, has said that the Ekiti State Governor, Peter Ayo Fayose’s emergence as the chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, has come at a critical time in the party’s life.
Makarfi while congratulating Fayose on his emergence; added that the party appreciates his doggedness and perspectives on national issues, stressing that he amplifies the voice of opposition by holding the government in power accountable.
Fayose emerged chairman of the forum last Friday morning.
A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, read, “He has come on board at a crucial time in the life of our party, and we have confidence in his uncommon courage to pull together his colleagues to work more in the interest of the party, its membership and democracy in general. We are optimistic that he will bring to bear his wealth of experience as he takes up this onerous task.
“We appreciate Fayose’s doggedness and perspectives on national issues as he amplifies the voice of opposition by holding the government in power accountable. Nigerians are looking forward to a more vibrant and constructive opposition through his able leadership of this forum,” the PDP added.
Also speaking, the Chairman Board of Trustee, BOT of the party, Senator Wali Jibril, and the leadership of the party in the National Assembly, Senator Ike Ekweremadu endorsed the choice of Fayose.
They described Fayose as a man who would boost the growth and development of the Party.
In his acceptance speech, Fayose, who succeeded Governor Olusegun Mimiko, described his election as call to service and promised not to let the party down as the chairman of the forum.
Fayose said he was out to pull down the wall of Jericho surrounding the party, with a promise to embark on total mobilisation of party members nationwide ahead of the 2019 general elections.
He assured that the party would work very hard to reclaim its lost states and as well form the government at the centre come 2019.
Meanwhile, The Peoples Democratic Party caucus of Ekiti State lawmakers in the National Assembly said Governor Ayodele Fayose’ emergence as the PDP Governors’ Forum chairman was a new dawn for the party.
The lawmakers stated this in a statement by the member representing Ekiti South in the Senate, Biodun Olujimi, on Sunday in Abuja.
They congratulated the governor on the appointment and pledged their support to him.
Olujimi said: “Governor Fayose to us is a goal getter and we know he will go to places to carry his colleagues along in restoring hope to our great party.
“We salute Fayose on his new assignment aimed at rebuilding and rebranding the party ahead of the 2019 general elections.
“We also commend his colleagues for deeming it fit to push him forward for the enormous task of making PDP regain its lost glory.
“For those of us in the national assembly, we will always stand by him and pray for him in the new task before him, which we have no doubt that he will pursue to a logical conclusion.
“To the caucus, this is a new dawn for the PDP.”
Fayose was elected on Thursday night to take over from his Ondo state counterpart, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, whose tenure as governor will end in February.
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