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Rivers ACN Crisis Deepens …I Am Chairman; Insists Esuku
The crisis rocking the Action Congress of Nigeria ( ACN ) in Rivers State has taken a new dimension as the State acting Chairman, Esuku M. Esuku, has insisted that he remains the authentic chairman even as the national leadership of the party has accepted the resignation of a leader of the party in the state, Dr Abiye Sekibo.
The acting chairman of the party, who stated this in an interview in Port Harcourt last Friday said those causing problems in the party in the state had started leaving the party , denying that he had collected financial inducement from the state government to register members for the proposed African Progressive Congress ( APC).
Esuku, described the allegation by Mr Jerry Needam as stupid, unreasonable and unfounded, stressing that there was no time Governor Chibuike Amaechi or his agents had meeting with him to discuss matters concerning registration or for him to work for them.
According to him , ‘’I and Governor Amaechi were friends during the days in National Republican Congress (NRC), believing that the governor can not attempt to offer bribe to anybody.
‘’ Those spreading these rumours are doing so out of ignorance and stupidity ’’, he said
Commenting on embezzlement of party funds , the embattled state chairman said there was no time the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) or the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission paid the sum of N8million to any of the political parties in the state to run elections, either in cash or by cheque.
He explained that all funds from RSIEC were paid through the party’s account,which he was not the sole signatory to.
“For any withdrawal then, the signatures of other members of the executive must be there. The party stakeholders were always aware of any money being withdrawn from the party’s account which also followed due process as stipulated in the party constitution, he said.
He, however, said the money received from RSIEC was spent in the last local government election and legal matters.
On the suspension of Hon Kenneth Kobani and four other members of the party, Esuku explained that Hon Kobani’s matter was before the National Executive Committee of the party, while Jerry Needam, Lolo Ibieneye, Nancy Nwankwo and Alali Green remained suspended from the party.
According to him, the four members remained suspended pending when the party would set up a panel to investigate their matter which involves anti-party activities with the factional executive of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),headed by Brother Felix Obuah.
He alleged that Mr Needam and three others were petitioned to have violated the party’s constitution to support a faction of the PDP in Rivers State.
“Jerry Needam and others were identified at the Port Harcourt International Airport with other members of the PDP to welcome and receive Felix Obuah-led PDP executive which many considered to be purely party affairs,’’he said.
He went further to explain that Mr Jerry Needam and other three members names were mentioned in the committees of Obuah led faction of the PDP in the state, an indication and confirmation that they were involved in anti-party activities.
Esuku noted that Mr Amonibia Akolo and Mr Hope Onyeche have no powers within the constitution to suspend him, adding that the persons who signed the purported suspension were not members of the executive and that the suspension was not in accordance with the rule and regulation of the party.
The chairman disclosed that Mr Akolo, who was the former secretary of the party in the state was sacked due to his inability to write and read minutes in addition to his inconsistency in the party.
He called on the party loyalists to remain faithful and not to be distracted by the fake rumours of his suspension, stressing that he still heads the party in the state as the chairman.
Enoch Epelle
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