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Carry Your Cross, Leave Wike Alone, PDP Tells Cole, Others …Carpets Dumo Lulu-Briggs On Infrastructure …As Amaechi Group Threatens Violence During Polls
The Rivers State PDP Campaign Council has warned the embattled factional governership aspirant of the APC, Arch Tonye Cole and other APC aspirants dropped by the INEC to face their problems with courage by clearing the mess they brought upon their party instead of blaming Governor Nyesom Wike for their woes.
The dropped APC aspirants had in a press conference, yesterday, accused Wike of colluding with the INEC and meddling in the affairs of the APC.
But in a swift reaction, the Director of Information and Communications of the Rivers State PDP Campaign Council, Barrister Emma Okah said these aspirants are being haunted by their greed and inordinate ambition to reap where they did not sow in the APC.
He denied that Wike is colluding with INEC or meddling in the affairs of the APC.
“These candidates are being clever by half. They are running and they know what is chasing them. They know what they did in the APC to give rise to what befell the party”, Okah said, pointing out that they need to summon the courage to eat the sour food they cooked for themselves.
According to Okah, “Governor Nyesom Wike has no hand in the self inflicted problem the APC brought upon itself through recurring acts of impunity, lack of respect for the judiciary, and want of internal democracy in their party.
“Wike is not a member of APC. He never asked the APC to disobey court order or refuse to resolve internal problems.”
Going further, Okah said this latter day lamentation is understandable and pathetic but can somebody tell them that those who play God dance the music the gods play for them, and advised them to appease their party men and seek the face of God.
On the threat by these aspirants to disrupt the polls if they are not restored in the ballot, Okah said it would be a joke taken too far, describing them as unrepentant products of lawlessness, impunity and disorder.
According to Okah, no amount of press conference or insults on Governor Wike by these aspirants will stop him from reaping the fruit of support and solidarity which the people of Rivers State have placed at his disposal. The result will be a landslide victory in the forthcoming polls.
Earlier, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, had threatened that the forthcoming elections may not hold in Rivers State if the names of its candidates are not in the ballot papers.
The candidates of APC seeking various positions in the state made the threat at a media conference in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
The position of the party candidates is not unconnected with recent judicial pronouncements and the follow up actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which said it would respect court judgement.
Addressing newsmen on behalf of other candidates, the House of Representatives candidate for Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni and Ahoada Federal Constituency, Henry Odili, lamented that INEC treated the candidates of APC unfairly by removing the names of National Assembly candidates from the ballot, even when the law has been clear on removal of names of candidate.
In a smilar development, the Director of Information and Communications if Rivers State PDP Campaign Council Emma Okah has dismissed the press conference organised yesterday by the embattled Accord Party Governorship Candidate in the State Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs as white wash and mere jamboree.
Okah said, the comments made by Chief Lulu-Briggs were mere street talks and didn’t address the fundamental issues of development as Gov Nyesom Ezenwo Wike is doing in his campaigns.
In a press statement issued in Port Harcourt today, Okah said he was not surprised that Lulu-Briggs could not do better as there is nothing to say against Gov Wike.
”The huge challenge before him as a member of APC until a few weeks ago is to show what he and his party did for the people of Rivers State since 2015″ Okah said pointing out that it is no longer enough for him to point one finger at the PDP while 4 fingers are pointing at him.
“Spreading falsehood in a press conference is only a cheap way to admit that you either abhor the truth or you are ignorant of them. It is uncharitable to ask “what purpose has poliical leadership served Rivers State since 1999? “Okah added, noting that the state has moved forward since 1999.
On the issue of security in the state, Okah said Lulu-Briggs is still under the cronic influence of the APC whose stock in trade is to demarket their state at will. As a stakeholder, we challenge him to cite any contribution he has made to advance the security of his community, LGA or state not even when the Federal Govt of Nigeria turned her back against the state in times of security need.
“Rivers would not forget in a hurry how he led APC members to protest on the streets of Port Harcourt against the call by the government and people of Rvers State to transfer the politically poluted Commander of SARS in Rivers State.
On infrastructure, Okah said Wike is a project supremo and challenged Lulu-Briggs to name one governor in Nigeria who has done more peojects and received more unsolicited awards of excellence like Governor Wike.
Dennis Naku
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
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.
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