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Omehia, Sekibo, No Threat To PDP …As Catholic Church Backs Amaechi –Wike
Contrary to speculations about the calibre of personalities in the Rivers State gubernatorial race, the Director-General of Amaechi’s campaign organisation, says the entry of Sir Celestine Omehia and Dr Abiye Sekibo into the governorship race is not a threat to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking at a press briefing to flag-off Governor Amaechi re-election campaign at the weekend in Port Harcourt, Chief Wike noted that going by the political history of Rivers State, the people never align themselves with a minority party.
Chief Wike was quick to ask: Are the duo of Sir Celestine Omehia and Dr Abiye Sekibo of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and Action Congress of Nigeria (CAN) moving forward or backward? He said that the question had become necessary because the two political big wigs were members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before now, but deflected to APGA and ACN respectively.
He contended that APGA or ACN could not win councillorship seats in any of the 23 local government areas of the state, let alone governorship seat.
His words, “As far as I am concerned, Sir Celestine Omehia who had subjected PDP to unnecessary legal tussle can never come back to the same party”.
Chief Wike further argued that going by the political history of Nigeria, Rivers State had never aligned with a minority party, insisting that the people of Rivers State would continue to move forward, not backwards.
He maintained that he would go personally to Sir Celestine Omehia in his house and challenge him to rescind his decision for joining APGA.
Any serious party, he said, should start going to the field to battle with the PDP for the soul of the oil rich Rivers State, rather than practising arm chair politics of bitterness and acrimony.
Meanwhile, Catholic Bishop of Port Harcourt Diocese, Most Rev Camillus Archibong Etukudo, has pledged total support for Governor Chibuike Amaechi’s second term bid.
Speaking at a special campaign dedication thanksgiving service at the Corpus Christi Cathedral, Port Harcourt organised by the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the party’s campaign in Port Harcourt, yesterday, Rt Rev Etukudo said the ambition had been divinely ordained.
He said, “we have dedicated the whole campaign to God because if God says yes, nobody can say no”, saying that the church was solidly behind the governor and his administration.
The Catholic Bishop thanked God for His mercies and commended those who attended the church service.
In another development, Governor Chibuike Amaechi has urged his supporters and party faithfuls to rededicate themselves to God, while urging them not to be blinded by the victory and position they occupy.
He observed that though it was easy for man to be blinded by his present comfort and power, it would be foolish to forget the mercies of God at all times.
The governor used the forum to recall the travails he went through sequel to his assumption of office in 2007, noting that the experience had always strengthened his faith in God, hence, the coinage of the slogan “I believe”
According to him, the ‘I believe” slogan represents the unwavering faith he had and the anchor on which his administration was tied upon.
The governor said that his second tenure if given the chance would aim at consolidating on the success recorded in his first term especially in the area of employment generation and security.
Governor Amaechi was emphatic that without creating employment, it would be futile to maintain security because both were dependant on each other.
He therefore urged the church and the citizenry to pray for the administration and ensure they vote and protect their votes during the upcoming elections.
News
Elder Statesman, Others Emerge PH Boat Club’s New Officials
The Port Harcourt Boat Club 1947 has elected new officers to pilot its affairs.
An elder statesman and staunch supporter of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Sir Kingsley Fubara Hart emerged the club’s Secretary.
Sir Hart’s emergence followed an election conducted by the electoral committee over the weekend which threw up new officials to pilot its affairs at its corporate headquarters in Port Harcourt.
The election which was adjudged one of the most credible, fairest and freest elections in the annals of the Port Harcourt Boat Club 1947, saw the emergence of Dan Harrison as Chairman.
Other members elected to run the activities of the body are Chief Coker Jimmy, Dr Oma Awoh, Chief Bib- Manuel Afonya, Dawari Dingo, Dango Kala- Otaji, Bara Alagoma and Dago George.
Recall that Port Harcourt Boat Club 1947 was founded by the former Military Governor of old Rivers State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff.
Many years after its inception, the club is still waxing strong with notable personalities as members.
Former Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Chief AbiyeSekibo is also a prominent member of the club.
The elected officials including Sir Kingsley Fubara Hart were subsequently sworn in, signalling a new chapter for the revered group of bigwigs in the oil- rich region.
With the likes of an elder statesman, Sir Kingsley Fubara Hart on board, the narrative has changed for Port Harcourt Boat Club 1947 as expectations are high.
The newly elected boat Secretary, Sir Fubara Hart promised to work assiduously with the chairman and other members to chart a new course for the esteemed club.
He said efforts are in top gear to enroll new members who will contribute their quota to the advancement of the club.
Sir Hart described his emergence as an act of God, promising to support the new leadership to achieve the desired objective.
He hinted that the core values of the club would be upheld with vigour, saying working in synergy with the principles laid down by its founders remains their watchword.
He said the rules and regulations of the club shall be sustained in the interest of the club and every legitimate member.
News
New Oneh Eta Akpajo Emerges
The Akpajo Clan in Eleme Local Government Area was recently agog with activities following the coronation of HRH Emere Sunday Obo as the Oneh Eta Akpajo XII/paramount ruler of Akpajo clan in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Emere Obo was crowned by the traditional staff bearer of the clan, Chief Joseph Goka on behalf of the land priests at the community square.
Before his coronation, the new King was an acting traditional ruler of the community since the death of his predecessor, Emere Friedrich on the 11th of January, 2023.
He was also a member of the late King’s Council of Chiefs and member of Nchia and Eleme Council of Chiefs respectively.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after his coronation,the new Akpajo monarch said his reign will usher in peace and prosperity to the Kingdom.
He said he intends to work together with the government and companies operating in the Kingdom to attract development to Akpajo clan.
According to the monarch, he will always seek the advice of his elders and other clansmen before taking any decisions.
“I have promised them that I cannot use my authority to do anything without hearing from them first,” he said.
Emere Obo also stressed the need for the youths in the area to toe the path of peace, adding that as a traditional ruler, his responsibility is to ensure that Akpajo clan remains peaceful.
He also assured the government of support and praised both past and current administrations in the State for siting projects in the community.
Also speaking , the traditional staff bearer of the clan, Chief Joseph Goka said Emere Obo’s installation was in line with the customs and traditions of Akpajo Kingdom.
He also told newsmen that the king makers have not received any protest from any quarters concerning the installation since the process started months ago.
Chief Goka equally said his crowning of the monarch was based on instructions from the clan’s land priests and expressed optimism that Emere Obo is capable of representing the clan Traditionally and other wise.
Chief Goka described Emere Obo as trustworthy and law-abiding, adding that having worked with the late traditional ruler, Emere Obo has a full knowledge of the customs and traditions of not only Akpajo clan but the entire Eleme Kingdom.
He assured the new monarch of the support of the people of Akpajo and the entire traditional institution in the area.
Also speaking, one of the community’s land priests, Levy Kattey Jumaa said the installation of the new Akpajo monarch was in line with the customs and traditions of Akpajo and Eleme kingdom.
According to him, the new King has all the qualities expected from a chief in Eleme land, stressing that Emere Obo was only ascending the throne of his fathers having come from the royal family of Akpajo Kingdom.
He urged the public to disregard any insinuations concerning the installation, ”if at all there is any,” adding that it is only the land priests families that talk about kingship installations in Akpajo and Eleme and no other persons outside the land priests families can do that.
By: John Bibor
News
Awo Idemili Community May Become Ghost Town If
If urgent steps are not taken by concerned authorities, the Awo Idemili community in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State may become a ghost town, due to incessant killings, arson and kidnapping of residents by some alleged criminal elements suspected to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra ( IPOB).
The Tide’s sourc learnt that a certain family, the Emenikes, said the only possible solution to save the lives of the family members and that of others was to seek protection in a foreign land.
According to sources, one of the family members, Mr Peter Emenike was adbucted and murdered in a gruesome manner by people believed to be members of the IPOB recently.
It was further learnt that Peter Emenike, now deceased, was the Personal Assistant to the Imo State Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Traditional Matters and was never a member of any secret organisation as to warrant the fate that befell him.
His only offence as further gathered, was an alleged intelligence leaked to the Imo Government which the IPOB framed up in order to get him and his family members nailed.
It also learnt on a good authority that Peter Emenike’s lifeless body alongside that of his wife was found at their residence in Awo – Idemili, Imo State on 14th November, 2024 .
It was also reported that few days later, some family members of the Emenike family were declared missing and as one of them was found dead by a bush path, while others were still held hostage as at when this report was filed.
The Tide’s source claimed that a letter purportedly written by the IPOB members was delivered and dropped inside the car of the deceased bearing the insignia of the IPOB with the inscription: ‘None of your family members can hide for long’.
Unconfirmed report has it that the family, out of fear could not immediately report the matter to the Imo State Police Command as the group is believed to possess some spiritual powers to identify their perceived enemies from afar.
The family members of the deceased including oneMr Daniel Emenike, Boniface Emenike , Paul Emenike and others are now under serious threat by the separatist group (IPOB), thus the urgent need for protection especially in a foreign land.
A security analyst who pleaded anolmity, warned that the assassination of Peter Emenike and the serial killings and abduction of his family members stood as a signal to a new phase of IPOB’s operations .
“ This is not an attack on one family , but on the nation and our collective safety . The government must act swiftly not just to rescue the family but to reaffirm their stance on zero tolerance to terrorism “ he said .
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