News
Atiku’s Endorsement: Ijaw Leaders Blast Ajuwa
Rivers Ijaw leaders and elders have berated a Niger Delta leader, Chief Pere Ajuwa over his endorsement of the presidential ambition of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in tomorrow’s People’s Democratic Party (PDP) primaries for presidential flag bearer.
The leader of the Rivers Ijaw and Elders Forum, Prof. Abiye Obuoforibo said Ajuwa’s endorsement of Atiku was a betrayal of the early endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan by his Niger Delta kinsmen.
In a press briefing in Port Harcourt, Obuoforibo dissociated the forum from the claim of Ajuwa that the Ijaw leaders and elders were solidly behind Atiku in his dream to secure the PDP presidential flag against their son, Jonathan.
Ajuwa as reported in some national dailies said that the doors of Ijaw people were open to Atiku who has the capacity to govern Nigeria” and that prominent Ijaw leaders have okayed their support for the former vice president for the PDP primary.
The Ijaw leader said while the forum does not want to join issues with the credibility of Ajuwa’s claim, the Rivers Ijaw leaders and Elders at its meeting in Port Harcourt described Ajuwa’s claim as totally baseless and unfounded.
According to him, Ajuwa lacks the mandate of Ijaw People and Elders to speak for them on any issue of common interest, adding that it is only the Ijaw National Congress (INC) under the presidency of Dr. Atuboyedia Obianime, after due consultations that can speak for the Ijaws.
Obuoforibo however, condemned in its entirety the aspersions cast on the person of President Goodluck Jonathan by Chief Pere Ajuwa, describing as unfortunate, Ajuwa cautions that President Jonathan is “lacking the capacity” to rule the country.
He averred that President Jonathan shares the honour of being among the intellectuals to head the federal government with his boss, late President Yar”Adua, noting that Jonathan is the only Nigerian who became the president of the country after serving as a deputy governor, governor, vice president and acting president.
“Is Ajuwa unaware of the huge investment in the energy sector and other high profile infrastructure being undertaken by Jonathan’s administration? What about the dramatic disappearance of the Proverb long queue at the petroleum filling stations? Perhaps, what Ajuwa perceived as lack of capacity is Jonathan’s disdain for unaccounted affluence derived from sources that are perennially unaccountable,” he queried.
The Ijaw elder statesman lashed Atiku for the statement credited to him that he wondered how President Jonathan expects to win at the primaries when 61 percent of the delegates are from the North and 39 percent from the South.
He urged Nigerians to examine the statement as its perceived numerical superiority of North over the south adding that such statement is capable of heating up the political environment in the country.
News
Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers
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
News
Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70
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.
News
Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition
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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