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Congress: No Imposition Of Candidates – APC …As Rivers APC Ends 7-Day Fasting
Representative of the Rivers State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning and Permanent Secretary, Sir Promise Njiowhor (left), with Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs Otonye Okoye (right) and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government Affairs, Dr Justina Jumbo, during SEEFOR/TVAT training on Grant Management and Administration in Port Harcourt last Wednesday. Photo: Chris Monyanaga
The All Progressives Congress (APC) says it is will provide level playing ground to all contestants in its nationwide Ward Congress scheduled for tomorrow.
Interim National Organising Secretary of APC, Sen. Osita Izunaso, gave the assurance while briefing newsmen at the end of workshop for the party’s officials in Abuja.
He said the procedure of the congress would be guided by the constitution of APC, and urged officials to adhere strictly to that to ensure justice and fair play.
Izunaso, debunked insinuation of planned consensus candidates in some states, stressing that people must emerge out of popularity not through imposition or consensus.
The Interim National Secretary, APC, Alhaji Tijjani Tumsah, said APC could only recognise a consensus candidate after voting was conducted, saying “even where there was consensus, there has to be vote cast”.
Tumsah, said that the party was prepared to give the necessary change that Nigerians are yearning for, adding that APC was a vehicle for social transformation.
He urged the youth to use the opportunity of the congress to contest for various positions in the party at all levels with a view to deepening democratic culture in the country.
According to him, the National Congress Supervisory Committee (NCSC) will be responsible for the overall conduct of congresses at all levels.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rivers State Chapter, has concluded its seven-day fasting with pomp and pageantry, using the opportunity to pray for peace, good governance and the wellbeing of Rivers State and her people.
The party at a ceremony held at the State Secretariat in Port Harcourt, last Tuesday, also prayed for wisdom, protection and good health for the family of Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and the members of the State Executive Council, including the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Otelemaba Dan-Amachree and members of Rivers State House of Assembly.
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt, yesterday, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to the Interim Chairman of APC, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, said that prayer was equally offered for a successful tenure for the newly appointed Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Peter N.C. Agumagu.
Interim Chairman of APC in Rivers State, Dr Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, who declared the fasting session closed, urged party members to embrace God, saying that without Him, all the party’s efforts to provide good governance for Rivers State and the entire nation would be in vain.
Ikanya emphasised the readiness of his administration to organise a successful ward congress of the party tomorrow.
He urged all party faithful to shift all forces to their localities and ensure that credible persons are elected at the ward level as that is the engine room of the party’s campaign for the 2015 general elections.
In her speech, the APC Woman Leader, Mrs. Caroline Naagbo, congratulated everyone for finding time to participate in the closing session despite their tight schedules, and urged them to be courageous and commit everything to God as their only hope in life.
Naagbo tasked them not to relent in prayers as it is the only key to victory, further insisting that the APC was the only party that can bring the expected change in the state and the nation.
“All of us are aware that our governor is gender sensitive but we urge him to offer us more slots in the State Executive Council and ensure that women are given more responsibilities at the local government councils as we are ready to mobilise ourselves and the youth to ensure that APC forms the next government come 2015,” the APC woman leader said.
Over 2,000 party faithful attended the prayer session dominated by women from all walks of life across the 23 local government areas of the state
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo