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Ondo Poll: PDP Congratulates Mimiko, Blasts CAN
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has accepted defeat and congratulated the Governor-elect in the Ondo State gubernatorial election, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko.
The PDP also commended the people of Ondo State for what it termed “their emphatic rejection of tribalism and narrow political adventurism, which it stressed, were the hallmark of the campaign of the Action Congress of Nigeria (CAN) in the just-concluded gubernatorial election.
The PDP, in a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, however, hailed its candidate, Olusola Oke for his courage, determination and doggedness, adding, “though the PDP was not declared the winner of the election, the party was happy with the performance of its candidate “who obviously joined the race late.”
“How better do Nigerians say no to the drumbeats of tribalism and political narrowness than what the people of Ondo have just done with their votes? It is a quantum forward leap for those who understand the dangers of undue manipulation of national diversity for narrow political whims and a huge set back, utter rejection for the champions of ethnic politics.
The party hailed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies for the peaceful conduct of the polls, the PDP, however, urged “them to learn from any observed loopholes so as to continue improving in future elections.”
President Goodluck Jonathan has also congratulated Olusegun Mimiko, the winner of Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, yesterday said, “as Governor Mimiko looks forward to the commencement of his second term in Office, the President urges him to be prepared to work even harder to justify the fresh mandate given to him by the people of Ondo state who voted for his re-election on Saturday.”
“President Jonathan assures Dr. Mimiko that the Federal Government will continue to engage constructively and positively with the Ondo State Government in collaborative efforts to achieve faster socio-economic development and better living conditions for people in the state and all other parts of Nigeria,” the statement added.
The statement said President Jonathan wishes Mr Mimiko ‘a very successful second term as Governor of Ondo State’.
Also, the Senate President, Chief David Mark, has congratulated the governor-elect of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, advising him to be magnanimous in victory.
Mark gave the advice in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Paul Mumeh, and made available to newsmen yesterday in Abuja.
The senate president, who noted that election was a game, urged Mimiko to run an all-inclusive government.
According to Mark, the new mandate is a challenge for greater service delivery to the people, noting that he is pleased that Nigerians now appreciates democracy through free and fair election.
Also in his reaction, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal yesterday, congratulated the winner of Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko over his re-election for a second term.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Imam Imam, Mr Tambuwal said the governor’s victory was a manifestation of the people’s trust in his leadership abilities.
He said Mr Mimiko should at all times bear in my mind the trust and confidence freely given to him by the populace and should make him re-dedicate himself to the service of the people of the State.
The speaker equally implored the governor to rise above partisan consideration and carry along all people in the task of building the state.
However, Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State yesterday dedicated his victory in Saturday’s governorship election to the people of the state.
The governor, who spoke to newsmen at the Government House in Akure shortly after he was declared winner, expressed gratitude to the people of the state.
He pledged that he would continue to work harder in the pursuit of good governance in order to justify the confidence reposed in him.
The PDP, however, said it would set up a committee to investigate alleged cases of electoral fraud in the Ondo State governorship election.
Reacting to the return of Governor Olusegun Mimiko for another four-year term with a total vote haul of 260,199, the party said that investigation of the cases would enable the party to decide on whether to seek redress at the Election Petition Tribunal.
The PDP Publicity Secretary in the state, Mr Ayo Fadaka, also told newsmen on phone that security was not adequate in the rural areas.
“ The security provided by the government was not adequate in the rural areas. We are compiling the list of towns and villages affected in the state,’’ he said.
Fadaka also alleged that INEC did not conduct any election in two wards in Ilaje local government areas, and that the ad hoc staff did not turn up.
“ We will definitely seek redress if there are enough reasons from our investigations,’’ he said.
The Ondo State Chairman of the ACN, Chief Olorunshola Adesoji, however, refused to comment on the outcome of the election.
He said on phone that he was unaware of the outcome of the governorship poll and was not in a position to comment.
The Returning Officer, Adebiyi Daramola, had declared Mimiko the winner of the Ondo election having polled the most number of votes.
Mr Mimiko of the Labour Party had polled a total of 260, 199 votes. The PDP placed second with 155, 512 while ACN came third with 143, 512 votes.
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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