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Days Of PDP Numbered – Rivers APC Chairman

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Items distributed during the launch of MDGs’ Economic Empowerment and Conditional Cash Transfer Porgramme in Port Harcourt last Wednesday.

Items distributed during the launch of MDGs’ Economic Empowerment and Conditional Cash Transfer Porgramme in Port Harcourt last Wednesday.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has said that the victory of the party in Osun State gubernatorial election was a signal that the days of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the governance of Nigeria were numbered.
The state APC chairman, Dr Davies Ibiama Ikanya who stated this in a statement in Port Harcourt said “with the victory of Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in  Saturday’s Osun State gubernatorial election, and the defeat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in its attempted coup against the popular Nasarawa Governor, Alhaji Tanko Al-Makura, the days of PDP at the centre have become obviously numbered.
According to him,  “in view of the failure of all the plots to rig the Osun election; intimidation and arrest of key APC chieftains by the PDP-induced security agents and with the failure of the attempt to corrupt INEC officials, PDP should hide its ugly face in shame. We heartily congratulate Aregbesola on this epochal victory.
“With all of PDP’s rigging strategies now exposed, President Goodluck Jonathan should do himself some good by resisting the temptation to lure him into the 2015 presidential election. This is necessary if he is to avoid open disgrace by becoming the first President in Nigeria to contest an election and lose.
“Besides, Mr. President is fully aware that he is not qualified to contest the 2015 election after spending six years as President. Already, Nigerians have vowed to disgrace PDP for the hardship the party has brought upon them apart from not securing their lives. We, therefore, advise President Jonathan, if he cares, to distance himself from the 2015 general election and use the few remaining months of his tenure to see how he can redeem his battered image and save our nation more heartache.
Dr. Ikanya, who was part of the APC victory team in Osun, further stated: “I have been exposed to the new tricks of PDP’s rigging machine. Probably, they will like to perfect them during the 2015 general election but with what we have seen happen in Osun, we will go home to strategise and ensure that PDP’s evil manipulation will never go unchecked again in Nigeria.
“In short, with what I have observed, PDP cannot win a single state in any part of Nigeria, including President Jonathan’s Bayelsa State, in a free and fair election. With the resolve of most key APC leaders, I am convinced that it is bye-bye to the PDP visionless government under the present leadership at the centre,” Ikanya said.
An APC chieftain and the Rivers State Liaison Officer in Lagos, Chief Asondu Wenah, captured the Osun election result in these philosophical words: “Today in Osun State, light has defeated darkness, truth has crushed lies, ideas have defeated mediocrity, political idiocy has given way to political maturity and today hard work has decimated foolishness and bravado.”
Also speaking, an excited Chairman of the House Committee Petroleum (Donwstream), Federal House of Representatives, Hon Dakuku Peterside, described the outcome of the election as exposure of the Osun people as very principled and patriotic Nigerians who cannot either be bought or intimidated by tyrants marauding themselves as democrats.
He went further to state; “God’s word can’t be broken.”Victory is not won through the number of chariots or horses of war but through wisdom and God’s backing. I see very bright days ahead of APC. Days when God will subdue the pride of the ungodly (PDP) and honour the mocked, persecuted and rejected (APC) and make Governor Amaechi a sought after “bride”.
“With the result of the Osun’s election, Governor Amaechi has nothing else to prove to Nigerians that he is a true nationalist and patriotic one, Peterside enthused.
In Port Harcourt, a victory dance broke out immediately Governor Aregbesola’s victory was confirmed.
Leading the celebration was the Chief of Staff to Governor Amaechi, Chief Tony Okocha, an APC chieftain, who threw the gates of his palatial mansion situated at the Old GRA, wide open to all Rivers people.
According to Okocha, “Today is the happiest day of my life as the Osun result declares the immediate demise of PDP, whose presence in Nigeria has become a curse and bad luck to Nigeria and Nigerians.
“Things have gotten so bad that no family in Nigeria can be sure of seeing tomorrow as their lives are no longer secured, apart from the few operating this government that is doomed to be chased out by the Nigerian masses in 2015.
“Let Nigerians celebrate as their freedom from a visionless, clueless and misguided government is at hand. The Lord is good. It’s confidence restored. Congratulations to all agents and adherents of change
“We salute the great people of Osun State for giving us hope that together, we shall in 2015 free Nigerians from an inept government and enthrone a people-oriented government that will utilise our God-given resources for the development of our nation instead of the few currently oppressing and looting our common patrimony with impunity.
“I sincerely salute Governor Amaechi for the great role he played to ensure that Osun State did not fall into the hands of PDP, whose mission was to wreck the state and take it back to the days of darkness.
“My commendation also goes to the People’s Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who has proved that he is truly a lion, a great mobilizer, a political bulldozer, a man of the people and most importantly that he is on ground. I am happy to award the governor the title of ‘Tiger of Our Democracy’.
“We pray that every state in Nigeria will replicate what has happened in Osun. Together, let us end this government of impunity and visionlessness, not only for our sake but, more importantly, for the sake of our children and our children’s children,” Okocha added.
In the same vein, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State yesterday commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for conducting a free and fair governorship election in Osun.
The Chairman of the party, Chief Davies Ikanya, told newsmen in Port Harcourt that INEC’s decision to ensure that a credible poll was held made the will of the people to prevail.
“I want to congratulate INEC’s chairman and his team that conducted the election in Osun for doing a good work.
“It is our hope that same system or yard stick should be used to conduct future elections in other parts of the country.
“This country will be a better place when people who are truly elected are allowed to work for their people,’’ he said.
Also, the National Secretary, Alliance for Democracy (AD), Mr Rafiu Salau, has congratulated governor-elect Rauf Aregbesola of Osun, describing Saturday’s poll as free and fair.
He expressed the party’s position in a telephone interview with newsmen in Abuja yesterday.
Salau said that the election was peaceful as the people came out en mass to elect their choice of governor for the next four years.
“Osun people have spoken through the peaceful election on Saturday 9 August and I congratulate Governor Aregbesola on his re-election as the governor of the state.
“The result shows that few local governments in the state expected better performance from him; he should ensure that he endears himself to the entire state as a true democrat.
“Outcome of the election also shows that democracy belongs to the people; so, politicians should now see themselves accountable to the people in order to occupy elective positions.
“It is getting clearer that the nation’s democracy has come to stay because elections are becoming more and more peaceful and acceptable to the electorate,” he said.
Salau applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for proving to the whole world that it was capable of organising credible elections in the country.
He also commended the Federal Government for ensuring the safety of lives and property during the election.
However, the Labour Party (LP), candidate in Saturday’s gubernatorial election in Osun State, Fatai Akinbade, has attributed his defeat at the polls to his opponents’ tactics of “confusing” his supporters.
Akinbade came a distant third in the election polling 8,898 votes, behind Governor Rauf Aregbesola, the APC candidate, and Iyiola Omisore, of the PDP, who emerged winner and runner up, respectively.
In a statement announcing his concession of defeat, yesterday, Akinbade lamented the election was characterized by financial inducement of the electorates. He also said his opponents’ tactics led to his defeat.
“By and large, the whole process was fair and I congratulate the winner, Governor Rauf Aregbesola,” Akinbade said in the statement signed by Kayode Oladeji, his Director of Media.
“In every contest, there must be a winner. However, I must let us know that my head remains unbowed because I don’t regret anything. Some lessons have been learnt and I thank my supporters for their doggedness.
“Imagine the Director General of Arebesola Campaign Organisation, Professor Sola Adeyeye and Diran Odeyemi of the PDP, claiming separately on the social media on the morning of the election that I directed my supporters to vote Aregbesola and Omisore.
“This confused my supporters across the state who bombarded me with calls. This went viral and caused confusion,” Akinbade said.
Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, has joined others to congratulate the governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbsola, of the APC and the good people of the state on his re-election for another term.
Amosun, who described the re-election of Aregbesola as divine, also commended the good people of Osun state for keeping faith with the party and for their unwavering support for the governor and the APC at the polls.
In a statement signed yesterday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, SSA, Mrs Olufunmilayo Wakama, Amosun said that the electorate have shown clearly through the resounding victory of Aregbesola that they can make up their own minds, irrespective of pressures and persuasion, by voting massively for the APC and indeed Aregbesola at the just concluded election.
He charged the governor to see his second coming as most divine and re-dedicate himself to the service of the people of the state, who have freely given him their mandate for a second term.
“The people have again spoken with one voice through their mandate, freely given. I have always said it that our people are sophisticated and know which party is working and those that have their genuine interest at heart. This they have demonstrated in Osun State.
“I had no doubt in my mind that our party would come out victorious. We campaigned vigorously and encouraged our supporters to vote their conscience,” Amosun said.

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Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

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The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.
Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.
The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.
Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.
According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.
The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.
Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.
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Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

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The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.
The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.
This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.
According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”
The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.
“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.
It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.
Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.
“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”
He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.
“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.
Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.
By: Tonye Orabere
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PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

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Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.
Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.
Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.
He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.
“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.
“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.
“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.
Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.
“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.
“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”
At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.
Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.
He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.
Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”
He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.
“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.
The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.
By: Kiadum Edookor
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