News
2011: Obio/Akpor PDP Mobilises For Continuity …As Wike Preaches Reconciliation, Unity
The Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Chief Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike has challenged leaders of the party at all levels in the local government to take the issue of reconciliation and enduring unity amongst members seriously in order to strengthen the party ahead of the 2011 general elections.
Wike, chief of staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, threw the challenge during the first ever chapter conference of the PDP in the local government in two years, at the Rumuepirikom Town Hall, last Friday, and asked those who had left PDP to return because Obio/Akpor has gained more since 2007 than ever.
“It is more rewarding to belong to the ruling party than the losing one”’ Wike emphasized, and charged the people to, “assess the position of Obio/Akpor in government, empowerment, and infrastructure projects from 1999 through 2006, and 2007 to date, and you will see that the LG has benefited more in the state”.
Attended by all ward chairmen and executives, elders, women, opinion and youths leaders as well as political office holders at all levels, and thousands of party members across the 17 wards the LGA, Wike repeatedly told the leaders that the time has come for them to heal the wounds of the past, accord respect to whom it is due, embark on genuine reconciliation with all aggrieved members, and strive tirelessly to unite members more as a means of strengthening the internal thread which knits the party together.
The chief of staff stressed that the meeting became imperative following the state party leader’s directive to the effect that political activities could now begin ahead of the next general elections in 2011, adding that the local government was poised, more than ever before, to mobilize party faithful and residents alike towards greater participation in the forthcoming elections.
He told those who had left the PDP, for one reason or the other, in the aftermath of previous elections, to return to the largest party in Africa, and join in the building of a more virile, democratic and stable society, where good governance, transparency, accountability, rule of law, social justice and equity, and sustainable economic growth underpin all government actions, policies and programmes, stating that PDP has come to stay, and they have no choice than to join in the effort to consolidate the gains already made.
According to Wike, the last 29 months of Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi administration’s stewardship in the state has provided enough landmarks in good governance, inclusiveness, and active participation, particularly in Obio/Akpor, to justify another four years, saying that the LGA was a shining beneficiary of good governance in action, and has no alternative than to mobilize more support for the party and government.
Also speaking, Obio/Akpor LG Chairman, Prince Timothy Nsirim, said the people have always voted PDP, and charged indigenes and non-indigenes alike to remain faithful to the party, and vote massively for PDP in the forthcoming elections, because, according to him, their votes must count this time around.
In his welcome address, the PDP Chairman in Obio/Akpor, Mr Chukwuemeka Aaron, assured that members would mobilize massively as never before for the forthcoming general elections, and also ensure that people vote for the party in a peaceful, free and fair fashion, noting that PDP could not afford to compromise in the LGA.
He charged ward executives, women, opinion and youth leaders, and elders of the party to begin to work round the clock to ensure that the party remains in power at all levels of governance in the state and the national level, saying that this could be done through their tireless efforts, contribution of their resources and time towards victory at the polls in 2011.
In their goodwill messages, former president, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr O.C.J. Okocha, member, House of Representatives, Hon Ike Chinwo, and Chairman, PDP Elders Forum, Mr Collins Amadioha, reassured their commitment to the continuity of PDP in government in the next dispensation, and appealed for the support of all in the local government to bring this vision to concrete reality in 2011.
Okocha pointed out that he has now taken special interest in politics and particularly the 2011 elections because of the startling performances of Governor Chibuike Amaechi and Prince Timothy Nsirim in delivering democracy dividends to the people, and has decided to come out full scale, to support them in their quest to move the state and LGA forward, adding that “Amaechi has made Rivers people partakers in governance”, and therefore, deserves to continue in power for another four years to deepen his impact on the people.
While Okocha and Amadioha told members to “realize that only one person will emerge as winner”, and by extension, “occupation one elective office at a time”, and therefore, “should work for whoever emerges the party’s flagbearer”, Chinwo stated that the testimonials of the PDP-led government from federal to the local government level were good indices for judging performance, and would attract maximum votes for PDP in 2011.
Among those who attended the inaugural meeting of the Obio/Akpor chapter of the PDP are Chief F.N.J. Woke, Commissioner for Environment, Hon Kingsley Chinda, member, Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Tony Okeah.
Nelson Chukwudi
President Bola Tinubu is expected to inaugurate four legacy projects, including a state-owned gas turbine, during a one-day state visit to Bayelsa State, today.
To this effect, the Bayelsa State Government has declared Friday (today) a work-free day, and ordered the closure of markets ahead of the President’s visit.
The state Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, disclosed this yesterday in Yenagoa, the state capital.
She said, “As we all know that the state is ready and we are ready as a people to receive the father of the nation, our father and leader in the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who will be in the state on a one-day visit to inaugurate four legacy projects.
“In view of this, the state government has declared tomorrow, Friday, April 10, 2026, a work-free day to enable workers and other residents of the State to participate in the programmes lined up for the one-day official visit to Bayelsa State.”
According to her, Tinubu is expected to inaugurate key projects during the visit, including a state-owned gas turbine at Opolo-Elebele, a 60-kilometre dual carriageway from Onopa to the LNG axis, and a 630-metre bridge linking Angiama to Oporoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
Koku-Obiyai urged residents, including traders, to comply with the directive and turn out to welcome the President.
The government said the measures were part of efforts to ensure a smooth and successful visit.
The Tide reports that Bayelsa is the third state President Tinubu will visit for project commissioning in the last one week.
The President was in Ogun State last Saturday to commission the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport, Iperu, together with the state’s new airline, Gateway Airline, and its two newly acquired aircraft.
He also inaugurated logistics and trade infrastructure, and launched the Nigeria Customs Service’s N73bn hub that has a residential barracks, training college, warehouse and hospital.
The president also launched mobility, security and agriculture assets, including 1,000 electric motorcycles (EV bikes), and 80 units of security vehicles.
Tinubu was also in Lagos on Wednesday on a two-day state visit to commission key legacy projects of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration.
Though represented by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the president inaugurated the newly constructed Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge, Lagos State Geographic Information Service (LAGIS) building, and Lagos Multi-Agency Building in Alausa.
Other notable projects commissioned by the President were Lagos Fresh Food Hub in Abijo, Ajah, Tolu Schools Complex in Ajegunle, and Maracana Stadium, comprising 19 mini-football pitches, built side-by-side in Ajegunle.
The Rivers State Government has called for stronger collaboration with horticulturists as part of renewed efforts to restore the aesthetic appeal and environmental quality of Port Harcourt, in line with its urban renewal agenda.
The Commissioner for Urban Development, Sir Amairagha Edward Hart, made the call during an interactive session with private horticulturists and flower dealers at his office in Port Harcourt, recently.
He said the present administration remains committed to reviving the famed Garden City status of the state capital through deliberate policies and strategic partnerships, noting that professionals in horticulture have a key role to play in achieving that vision.
The Commissioner stressed that the state government is placing high premium on environmental sustainability, beautification of public spaces, and the creation of a serene urban atmosphere that reflects global best practices.
The Commissioner urged horticulturists to align their operations with government’s urban development guidelines, adding that their expertise and experience are essential in transforming Port Harcourt into a model city.
According to him, the collaboration will not only enhance the city’s visual appeal but also contribute to improved environmental health and economic opportunities for practitioners in the sector.
He, however, cautioned against practices that undermine urban order, particularly the obstruction of walkways and indiscriminate occupation of public spaces meant for other uses.
Hart emphasized that while the government encourages business growth, such activities must be carried out in a manner that supports urban planning objectives and promotes public convenience.
In a move to further support the sector, he disclosed plans by the Ministry to establish a dedicated “Flower Village” that will serve as a central hub for horticulturists and flower dealers across the state capital.
He explained that the proposed initiative is aimed at restoring sanity to the use of walkways and road corridors, while also creating a structured environment that will enhance business operations and boost revenue generation.
Responding on behalf of the practitioners, Evang. Caroline Nabo highlighted some of the challenges faced by horticulturists, including theft of plants and materials by scavengers and scrap metal dealers.
She appealed to the state government for intervention to safeguard their investments, even as she and other stakeholders commended the Ministry’s proactive steps and pledged their support towards the successful greening and beautification of Port Harcourt.
King Onunwor
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC ) has called on the Federal Government to deploy excess crude oil revenue to subsidise local refineries as a way of cushioning the impact of rising fuel prices on Nigerians.
President of the Congress, Festus Osifo, who made the call during a press briefing in Abuja, yesterday, warned that the price of Premium Motor Spirit could climb to as high as N2,000 per litre if urgent measures are not taken.
Osifo said the persistent increase in the pump price of petrol, driven by global crude oil price volatility and exchange rate challenges, has worsened the economic hardship faced by Nigerian workers.
The TUC leader attributed the surge partly to international developments, including tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which have affected global oil supply dynamics.
Osifo also linked the rising cost of petrol to the depreciation of the naira, warning that the continued weakening of the currency is compounding inflationary pressures and reducing the real value of workers’ earnings.
To address the situation, the TUC president proposed that the government should utilise excess revenue generated when crude oil prices exceed the budget benchmark to support local refining.
He explained that with the 2024 budget benchmarked at $64.85 per barrel, any price above that threshold results in additional revenue shared by the three tiers of government, adding that at least 60 per cent of such excess funds should be channelled into subsidising crude supplied to domestic refineries, including the Dangote Refinery and other modular refineries.
He also urged authorities to take deliberate steps to stabilise the currency, noting that exchange rate stability would significantly reduce the cost of imported energy and other goods.
The TUC said it would formally communicate its proposals to the Federal Government, including the Presidency, with a view to ensuring the prompt implementation of measures to ease the hardship facing Nigerians.
He said, “Today, the cost of petrol is heading towards N2,000 per litre, depending on the part of the country that you are in. It has deeply affected the purchasing power of the salaries that we earn as Nigerian workers.
“Let the government take that excess fund that was never budgeted for, take at least 60 per cent of it, and use it to subsidise the crude being supplied to Dangote Refinery.
“The same should be done for Dangote Refinery and all modular refineries, where crude is supplied to them at that subsidised rate.
“Take the difference from the excess crude revenue, take about 60 per cent of it, and use it to subsidise the price at which crude is supplied to the refinery.
“When you subsidise crude, it cannot be abused because you are subsidising production directly. When that is done, we are going to see an immediate reduction in the price of petroleum products.”
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