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Disarm Cultists Armed To Big Polls, PDP Tells Abe …Says Rivers Safe For Business
The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called on the senator representing Rivers South-East district in the National Assembly, Sen. Magnus Abe, to disarm all the boys he armed to hijack ballot boxes, cause mayhem and intimidate Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and the electorate during the December 10, 2016, re-run legislative elections in the state.
Reacting to a statement credited to Abe, and published in one of the national dailies, in which he alleged that “there is insecurity in the state and businesses no longer thrive because of the worrisome trend”, the PDP described the claim as untrue, adding that it was one of the deliberate attempts by factional leaders of the disintegrating All Progressives Congress (APC), to undermine the laudable achievements of the Chief Nyesom Wike-led government in Rivers State.
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Rivers State PDP chairman, Jerry Needam, the PDP clearly stated that the few incidences of gang attacks, politically-motivated violence and raids in some communities, particularly in the Ogoni axis, were carried out by aggrieved and revolting youth who were armed and emboldened by the senator to do the dirty deal to ensure his victory in the said election.
The party recalled that Abe has at several times before the elections, urged the youth to take up arms and fight to actualize his political ambition, adding that it was obvious that the youth, who could not have afforded the large cache of arms and ammunition used during the elections, have, after executing the assignment, now terrorize some communities and caused serious security challenge in that senatorial district.
“It is in view of this development that the Rivers State PDP commends the efforts of the state government in initiating another phase of amnesty to these youth, who indulge in those acts in the Ogoni area, and for which huge success has been recorded, through the proactive action of the Sir Ken Chinda led-Amnesty Committee,” the statement indicated.
It also viewed Abe’s claim of insecurity in the state as diversionary, as the actual threat to the development and peace of the state is the continued unholy political disruptions by the APC, as well as the leadership tussle in the APC, which has split the members into three warring groups; one led by him (Magnus), and the others led by Amaechi and Dakuku.
“The PDP strongly believes that if the APC is able to key into the development efforts of Wike, and Abe mobs up the arms he gave to his boys and surrender them accordingly to the Amnesty Committee or any arm of the security agencies, the skirmishes in his area would completely be a thing of the past,” the PDP said.
While stating that the state was safe for business operations and habitation, the PDP commended the support by the Rivers State Government under Governor Nyesom Wike, and the sustained collaboration between the various security agencies and the government, which has resulted in the huge success recorded in the fight against crimes and criminality all over the state.
The party further called on Abe to support all efforts of the Rivers State Government, other institutions and individuals in sustaining the peace and security already achieved in the state by the present administration.
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