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Osun Lawmaker, Ex-BoT Member Dump APC For PDP …As Gov’s Appointee Resigns
A member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), representing Ila State Constituency in Osun State House of Assembly, Clement Akanni, yesterday, defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Akanni, while narrating the rationale behind his defection at the palace of Orangun of Ila, said he was forced out of the APC by those he considered as political adversaries, accusing the party of reneging in all its promises to his community.
According to him “Our College of Education used to have 33,000 students, it now has less than 2,000. APC promised to upgrade our institution to university all to no avail.
“Rather than upgrading the institution, the current government, through it’s policies is gradually killing the institution.
“Can you believe that when government wanted to downsize the workforce in the state-owned higher institutions, 73 names were selected from College of Education, Ila, while 38 names were pencilled down for retrenchment from Ilesha College of Education?”
“I vehemently resisted this. I told my colleagues in the House of Assembly that Ilesha College has more staffers than lla, yet has lesser number of staffers that would be retrenched.
“Whenever I tried to positively influence government policies to favour my constituents, some people in APC would say no. Two of my followers were killed through fetish means. I can’t continue with a party full of devilish officials,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Chief Ejemu of Ila, Paul Ogunrinade, demanded upgrade of Ila College of Education to university, urging the PDP flag-bearer, Ademola Adeleke, to pay attention to all the challenges in the community if elected governor.
Meanwhile, the Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Reformed All Progressives Congress (rAPC), Chief Sam Nkire, has joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The former member of APC Board of Trustees (BoT) made the announcement in a statement in Umuahia, yesterday.
Nkire explained that he decided to join forces with the PDP both at the state and federal levels ahead of the 2019 general election because he was convinced that Nigerians wanted the party back to serve them better.
He noted that he had no regrets leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the rAPC, and now PDP, adding that it was regrettable to note that the APC had left the country worse than it met it.
Nkire asked all his loyalists, followers and associates who had been asking him for political direction, especially in Abia State, to defect with him, saying, “PDP is now a new, reformed and restructured party ready to serve Nigerians better”.
According to the former national chairman of the Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA), the Peoples Democratic Party was the only hope Nigeria has to solve the numerous security, economic and political problems bedevilling the country today.
Nkire, who was until recently the Caucus Leader of the APC in Abia State, admitted that he would miss his brothers, associates and friends who may choose to remain, adding that “brothers will always be brothers no matter what party they belonged.”
He said he was sure that PDP had learnt from its past mistakes and appealed to every Nigerian of voting age who is yet to get a voter’s card to endeavour to get one, “to ensure that we are governed by those we can trust.”
Similarly, the Chairman, Osun Local Government Service Commission, and a chieftain of APC in the state, Elder Peter Babalola, has reportedly resigned his position.
Babalola, who was one of the aspirants that contested APC governorship ticket in which Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola eventually emerged winner, explained in a letter addressed to Governor Rauf Aregbesola that he resigned to pursue other endeavours.
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