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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
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
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