Rivers
Abe Blasts PDP Over Cultism, Thuggery
The Senator representing
Rivers South East Senatorial District, and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Senatorial District, Senator Magnus Abe says, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has nothing to offer youths in the state, other than engaging them in cultism and thuggery.
Senator Abe said this over the weekend at wards rally of APC held at Agut-Obolo in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
According to him, with PDP as ruling party of Nigeria and Rivers State come May 29, 2015, Rivers State and Nigeria will record 50 per cent of cultism against the present percentage in the country.
According to him, the PDP in the state has no plan for any laudable development for Rivers State but to squander the money and enrich themselves and their families.
He urged the youths of Andoni, and the Senatorial District in general, to take their destinies into their hands, by voting for the candidates of the All Progressives Congress in the forthcoming elections.
Senator Abe, who recalled his developmental impacts in the area, promised to reduce idleness, and unemployment among youths through his scholarship and skills acquisition programmes.
He also promised to continue to make laws that would improve the economy of the area for more investments.
Earlier, the APC campaign co-ordinator for Andoni Local Government Area, Clifford Njah assured Senator Abe and the entire APC candidates in the area of the 90 per cent of the votes from the area.
He said, Andoni had been taken over by APC, saying that, the people before now were waiting for an alternative party like APC to vote out all the PDP lords that had been crippling the developments of the area.
Chief Njah blamed PDP chieftains in Andoni for cult activities and rampant killings in the area, and assured the people that APC would ensure security of lives and property in the area.
Also speaking, the APC candidate for Rivers State House of Assembly, Dr. Romsan Dressman Otogwung said he would create job opportunities for the youths if elected into office.
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PR Professionals Must Rebuild Public Trust – Eze Gbakagbaka

The Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII), His Majesty, King Prof. Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, Eze Gbakagbaka, has called on communication professionals to rise above routine narratives and become vanguards in rebuilding public trust in the face of Nigeria’s challenging economic realities.
The revered monarch made the charge while delivering the Chairman’s Opening Remarks at the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Rivers State Chapter, held in Port Harcourt, with the theme: “Refocusing Stakeholders’ Engagement and Public Trust in a Challenging Economy.”
The event, which drew leading figures in public communication, governance, and industry, witnessed presentations, keynote addresses and robust deliberations aimed at repositioning the PR profession to respond to national realities with innovation and integrity.
In his remarks, HM Eke commended the Rivers State Chapter of NIPR, led by Rev. Francis Asuk, for what he called its unwavering commitment to professionalism, knowledge-sharing, and continuous dialogue on issues affecting the nation’s social and institutional fabric.
He noted that the theme of the conference could not have been more appropriate, considering the current national climate where public confidence in institutions is at an all-time low, and economic uncertainties have strained relationships between stakeholders and the state.
“We are living in a season when trust has become a scarce commodity. Citizens are asking tough questions, and institutions are struggling to maintain credibility. In such a time, the role of the Public Relations professional becomes even more crucial”, he said.
The Eze Gbakagbaka, who is the Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, noted that Public Relations practitioners must understand their strategic role as mediators between the people and the truth, adding that the tools of their trade: honest communication, transparency, and empathy, must be wielded with renewed purpose and patriotism.
“You are the bridge between the people and the truth; between perception and reality. Your work determines whether society believes, doubts, or hopes again. Let this conference remind us that trust is not demanded, it is earned”, he urged.
He emphasized that the restoration of trust in both public and private sectors requires consistent, deliberate, and sincere stakeholder engagement.
According to him, when communication is driven by integrity, not propaganda, society will gradually find its voice and confidence once again.
“With transparent communication and genuine engagement, even in a difficult economy, confidence can be restored”, the monarch said, urging the delegates to see themselves not just as professionals, but as nation-builders with a moral obligation to influence public perception positively.
The Evo apex King, who is also a Fellow of the Institute, called on participants to approach the discussions with open minds and patriotic intent, stressing that every contribution must be geared towards rebuilding national cohesion and institutional trust.
“With a deep sense of honour and responsibility”, he declared, “I, His Majesty, King Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, JP, Eze Gbakagbaka, Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII) and Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, formally declare open the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Rivers State Chapter to the glory of God and for the good of our society.”
At a post conference courtesy call at the instance of the Eze Gbakagbaka, the President of the Association, Dr. Ike Neliaku, described the Kung as an astute Fellow who is determined to add colour to the Institute regardless of any odds.
Also, the Council Member, Pastor Palunius Nsirim, who corroborated the President’s position, noted that His Majesty’s recognition was something valid given his contributions to the growth of the association.
“We value your presence with us. We will continue to benefit from your wise counsel. We won’t take your support for granted”, he said.
Climax of the visit was the decoration of Dr. Neliaku by the Evo apex King as a Honorary citizen of the Kingdom.
By: King Onunwor
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