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Days Of PDP Numbered – Rivers APC Chairman
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.
News
Rivers DPOs Receive Awards For Outstanding Performance In Crime Prevention …As Students, Media Group Honour CSP Worgu, CSP Yusuf
Two Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in Rivers State have been honoured by separate groups for their contributions to security, crime prevention and improved community-police relations in their respective areas of responsibility.
The beneficiaries are the DPO of Afam Police Division, CSP Endurance Worgu and his counterpart at Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf.
CSP Worgu was honoured by a group of students under the aegis of Rivers State Graduate Students Associations for what they described as his commitment and outstanding performance in the discharge of his duties.
The students, led by Chidi John Enyie, Esq. said CSP Worgu was selected based on his track record and status as one of the longest-serving young DPOs of Rivers State origin.
According to the group, CSP Worgu has made significant contributions to the protection of lives and property in the area since assuming office following the #EndSARS period.
The students said they were particularly impressed by the improvement in community-police relations under his leadership, noting that professionalism had remained a key feature of his service.
Enyie represented by Comrade Briggs Soku, said the students community was pleased to identify with a Rivers indigene who had distinguished himself in the police force.
He said the students considered it necessary to encourage and celebrate CSP Worgu because of his achievements as a young Rivers man excelling in a profession that many people from the state were often reluctant to join.
Receiving the award at his office in Afam, CSP Worgu expressed gratitude to God and the students for finding him worthy of the honour.
The DPO said the recognition had boosted his morale and encouraged him to sustain his efforts towards maintaining peace and security in the area.
He said he least expected the honour, particularly because it came from the students, adding that the recognition would further motivate him to serve the people better.
CSP Worgu assured residents of Afam that the police would sustain the existing peace in the area.
He appealed to members of the public to support the police by providing credible and timely information, stressing that useful information from residents would make the job of security personnel easier.
Meanwhile, the Ikwerre/Etche Media Association has also honoured the DPO of Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf, for his efforts in tackling criminal activities in the area.
The media group presented the award following the swift tracking and arrest of five suspected kidnappers who had allegedly terrorised residents of the Kom-Kom axis and other parts of Oyigbo.
The group commended CSP Bello for what it described as his determined efforts to restore confidence and security in the affected communities, particularly Kom-Kom and Obeama.
According to the group, the arrest of the suspects demonstrated the DPO’s commitment to tackling criminality and safeguarding residents.
The media association said residents had received the development with relief, noting that the police action had sent a strong message to criminal elements operating in the area.
Responding, CSP Yusuf appreciated the group for the recognition and reaffirmed that there would be no room for criminality in Oyigbo.
He also commended the media for its role in disseminating credible information to the public, saying the media had remained supportive of the police in the fight against crime.
CSP Yusuf warned criminal elements operating in Oyigbo to leave the area or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.
He assured residents that the police would continue to pursue criminals and work to dismantle their hideouts, regardless of where they might be operating.
The 5000 Achievers Christian Forum and Colleges of Bishops, Archbishops and Apostles, a Christian interdenominational organisation, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State for the 2027 general elections.
International President of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, disclosed this during the ordination and consecration of three new Bishops, as well as an award ceremony held in Port Harcourt.
Aroh said the performance of the APC-led Federal Government had endeared the party to the organisation, prompting the forum to declare its support for President Tinubu and other APC candidates in Rivers State.
He said the forum would support all APC candidates in the state during the 2027 elections and urged Nigerians to vote for the party.
Aroh, who is also the General Overseer of Caring Peoples Church, Port Harcourt, charged the newly consecrated Bishops to see their new positions as a great responsibility and dedicate themselves to the advancement of the kingdom of God.
He cautioned them against conduct capable of bringing their offices into disrepute, stressing that their activities would be closely watched by members of the public.
“As Bishops, the eyes of the public are on your activities. You must therefore conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of your calling,” he said.
Also speaking, the International Coordinator of the forum, Bishop Saint Robinson, urged the newly consecrated Bishops to work diligently towards winning souls for the kingdom of God.
Robinson, who was the guest speaker at the event, stressed that the activities of Bishops must at all times be guided by godly principles.
He also called on members of the church to support and cooperate with the newly consecrated Bishops in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The Secretary of the College, Apostle Elizabeth Ayadi Abaye, said the organisation was established to advance the kingdom of God and promote spiritual development.
According to her, the forum has organised several crusades, conferences, prayer meetings, ordinations, consecrations, enthronements, empowerment programmes and other spiritual development activities across the country as part of efforts to win souls for Christ.
Abaye said the organisation has members across the world and disclosed that more programmes had been scheduled to promote the spiritual development and wellbeing of humanity.
The three Bishops consecrated at the ceremony were Prince Alban Chike, Testimony Omenihu Shedrach and Prince Ifemena.
Among those honoured at the event were the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Abali Community, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Manuchimso Prince Lemmy Wopara, and Clifford Oko Jaja, Coordinator of the 5,000 House-to-House for President Tinubu.
By: John Bibor
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 49-year-old suspected fake soldier, Andrew Atausi, and several other suspects in connection with various criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, one-chance robbery and the alleged murder of police officers.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this in Port Harcourt, recently during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, where he said the arrests formed part of the operational achievements recorded by the Command between June and August 2026.
Adepoju said Atausi was arrested on August 10 by police operatives along Ada George, Port Harcourt, while dressed in military uniform and driving a Toyota Hilux painted in Army colours.
The Commissioner said investigation revealed that Atausi was not a member of the Armed Forces, adding that he was suspected to be a serial car snatcher, with three suspected stolen vehicles recovered from him.
He said the recovered vehicles included three Toyota Hilux vehicles without registration numbers and a Toyota Corona Premio with registration number BNY 380 ES, noting that the chassis and engine numbers of the vehicles had allegedly been tampered with.
Adepoju added that an axe and military accoutrements were also recovered from Atausi, as investigation continued into the circumstances surrounding the vehicles and other items recovered from him.
On the June 29 attack on police officers at Aluu Division, the Commissioner said three members of the gang allegedly responsible for the incident had been arrested by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU-AKU.
The suspects, identified as Maduabuchi Emeka, 34, alleged gang leader; Doctor Chinedu Owhor, 42, and Kamachi Joe, 28, alleged armourer, reportedly led operatives to their hideout at Omagwa where two AK-47 rifles stolen during the attack were recovered.
Adepoju recalled that two police officers were killed during the Aluu attack, while others were wounded and one officer had his leg amputated, stressing that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fourth suspect.
On kidnapping, the Commissioner said five members of a suspected kidnapping syndicate were arrested in Oyigbo Local Government Area, adding that they allegedly confessed to operations in Kom-Kom, Railway, Obeama and Afam communities.
He said two other suspects from the same network, Anele Ogbogu, 35, alleged to be the gang’s armourer, and Kenneth Eke, 38, were arrested on July 27, with one AK-47 rifle and one SMG rifle recovered.
The Commissioner further disclosed the arrest of suspects in connection with alleged firearm offences, armed robbery, cultism and one-chance robbery, with firearms, ammunition and other exhibits recovered during the operations.
Adepoju assured residents that the Command would sustain intelligence-led, proactive and community-oriented policing in collaboration with other security agencies, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information that would assist the police in combating crime across Rivers State.
By; King Onunwor