News
PDP Slams Buhari Over Attacks
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked the former Head
of State and Presidential Candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change
(CPC) in the 2011 general elections, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) to show
statesmanship in his assessment of the contributions of the PDP led Federal
Government to the cause of democracy and good governance.
In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the
PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, the party said yesterday that political differences notwithstanding,
it expected Buhari as an elder statesman and a former Head of State to
acknowledge the significant progress that Nigeria has made in internalising democratic
culture since the return of democracy in 1999.
“There is still room for improvement no doubt, but Nigeria
under the PDP has recorded tremendous gains in terms of advancing the rule of
law and the fundamental rights of Nigerians, in deed, in other indices of good
governance which democracy is usually expected to guarantee.”
According to the PDP, while on a visit to Kano last week,
General Buhari had said of the PDP led Federal Government; “under normal
circumstances, we are supposed to work strictly within the provisions of the
constitution, but this is Nigeria and nothing is perfect and the only thing
they have not tampered with between 1999 to date in Nigeria is the Holy Koran.”
“We are shocked that an elder statesman could paint such an
ugly picture, tissue of lies, of his dear nation just to advance his political
fortunes. We shudder that a former head of state under whose watch freedom of
expression landed many Nigerians in detention on account of his obnoxious
decrees, and who now enjoys such freedom, is utterly ungrateful to the efforts
of our great party in advancing the cause of democracy.”
“If the CPC leadership does not understand what the rule of
law is, let’s oblige them with little details,” the statement said.
“Today, criticisms, even destructive ones are hurled at the
PDP led federal government and no one is harassed because we uphold the
inalienable rights of the people which is at the heart of democracy .We throw
our doors open to criticism so that we accommodate alternative views.”
“Today, the PDP loses elections and winners are sworn in and
we do not use our incumbency at the centre to truncate the democratic wishes of
the people. However, in the states held by the opposition parties, local
elections are massively rigged as witnessed recently in Lagos and Ogun States
and where we defy the odds to emerge victorious like in Imo State, machinery of
government is used to frustrate the expressed wish of the people.”
“The rule of law if we must state further is that in our
drive for transparency and accountability, some leaders of our party have been
caught by the long arm of the law and we never obstructed the course of
justice.”
“Do we need to add that the PDP led Federal Government does
have other preference to the rule of law and that is why we enacted the Freedom
of Information Act so that every Nigerian will not be in the dark as to how the
nation is run, and so that they can be armed to demand for what is right.”
“ Must we also tell the leadership of the CPC leadership
that in our congresses and convention, deference to the rule of law is the
word. And that notwithstanding our size, we successfully manage dissenting
views and establish strong leadership not dogged by factions like the CPC.”
“And for General Buhari, the evangelist of rule of law,
Nigerians wish to know if unlawful incitement of the populace to violence and
attack on the institutions of democracy is part of the rule of law?”
“ Is the imposition that marked the congresses of the CPC in
2011 which is still hunting the party till date an act in rule of law?”
“ We wish to advise General Buhari to concentrate in giving
Nigerians his alternative ideas and plan of action to what the PDP has at
present or even engage us in a public debate on the
values of good governance. We pray that his party or
whatever alliance they are negotiating presents Buhari once more as a
presidential candidate so that Nigerians will make their choice”.
“However, we wish to remind the former Head of State that
Nigerians are not fools and that they know what Nigeria was yesterday
especially under regimes like his and what obtains today. There is no doubt
that even the blind can distinguish between the daylight it is today and the
deep dark night it was hitherto”, the party said.
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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