Rivers
Okrika: House Decries Attack On Dakuku, Others
Members of the Federal
House of Representatives led by Hon. Pally Iriase were in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital on solidarity and condolence visit to Dr. Dakuku Peterside, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC last Sunday.
The lawmakers who were in the state to commiserate with Peterside and the APC over the attack on their rally in Okrika, condemned in its entirety, the growing intolerance and violence in Rivers State. The members who described the assault as an attack on freedom of association and movement, called on politicians in the state to focus on issues rather than resorting to intimidation and harassment of opponents.
“This visit is solemn and it is from the House of Representatives. We have come to commiserate with our brother and our own, Dr. Dakuku Peterside and people of Rivers State. Apart from those who were critically wounded, an officer lost his life. It is unfortunate that a serving policeman was cut down.
‘As the events unfolded, we were worried because no serious action was taken to nip the crisis in the bud. If there was any action at all, we will not be here today on condolence. We do not need to waste lives if truly our mission in politics is to serve. As a House therefore, we condemn in totality, agents of this violence.
‘We know Peterside as a gentleman and God-fearing born-again Christian and he would not want to be associated with violence. So we were really worried and distressed when we heard that his party was attacked by the hoodlums. We are therefore using this medium to send a message: people should campaign on issues. We also wish to call on the security agencies to be independent and up and doing. They should not take sides so that they can deal with whoever that is perpetrating this evil. Please take our message to the people of Rivers State. We came all the way to signpost our abhorrence as a House to violence.
Responding, Peterside thanked his colleagues for their concern and time, describing this season of campaigns as inauspicious for a politician to travel because of work pressure.
‘I wish to express our deep appreciation for finding time to commiserate with us over the loss of a fine police officer and others who were injured in Okrika, home of First Lady, Patience Jonathan. First, the House passed a resolution on the issue. I want to commend the House of Representatives for this.
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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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