News
APC Sweeps Rivers LG Polls …RSIEC Issues Certificates Of Return, Today
The All Progressive Congress (APC) has won all the Chairmanship seats in last Saturday Local Government Election in Rivers State even as the Peoples Democratic Party boycotted the election.
Announcing the results of the last Saturday election last night, the Chairman/Chief Electoral Commissioner Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) Prof.Augustine I. Ahiazu said in the councillorship elections, APC won 297 wards out of 312 wards in the state.
Prof Ahiazu noted that African Democratic Congress(ADC) won Ward 3 in Ahoada West, while Social Democratic Party (SDP) won in ward 6 in Ahoad East Local Government Areas while the election in Ward 6 in Etche was inclusive.
He commended the people of Rivers State for turning out enmass to exercise their civic rights to elect their grassroots leaders, adding that the commission was happy with the free and fair conduct of the elections that did not record violence throughout the exercise in the state.
According to him, the election was held without violence and hitches. There were no reports of violence or snatching of ballot boxes in all the local government Areas where elections held’’,
‘’I am happy things went well. My ad hoc staff did not report any incident of violence. The Chairmanship elections were won by APC in all the Local Government Areas where elections held. Ogba/Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area is the only council in which election was not held because its tenure has not expired’’, he said.
Ahiazu commended the security agencies for ensuring and maintaining adequate security throughout the elections, adding that the state could now move on since all the elections have been held.
In Port Harcourt, the APC won with,23,456 votes,Bonny 12,670, Ahoada East,17,994, while in Abua/Odual local Government, APC won with 41,070.
Akuku-Toru APC won with,48,184, Bonny 51,620,Degema 12,605, Andoni 31,362, Ahoada West,23,580, Eleme 330535, Tai,23,914, Ikwerre18,686, Asari-Toru 24,012,Oyigbo,10,720,Obio/Akpor 149,240, Emohua,62,275, Opobo/Nkoro 13,864,Ogu/Bolo 6,793.
Others Includes Khana,83,690, Gokana 33,577.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor was absent on Saturday as the Local Government election held in the 22 out of the 23 Local Government Areas of the state, while the Governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Dr.Adol Dakuku Peterside voted in Opobo, his home town.
Journalists who expected that the Governor would lead other party members to cast his vote for his party were disappointed when it turned out that the Governor was not in the state and could not participate in the election, although heavy down pour in the early hours of Saturday delayed the commencement the election as scheduled.
The officials of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, (RSIEC) could not arrive at most of the polling units in the Port Harcourt Local Government Area on time due to the rain. As at 10:30 am no election materials at Rumuwoji, Oro-Abali wards 11,12 and 13 of Port Harcourt.
It was the same at ward 8 in Rumukalagbo; Oroji, wards 3 and 2 in Ogbu-nu-abali Civil Centre; ward 19 in Elekahia as well as ward 4 in Port Harcourt Township.
Most of the voters that turned out as early at 9.am returned home because of the heavy rains that delayed the arrival RSIEC officials. Party agents and security officers who arrived at some polling units had to wait for the arrival of RISIEC officials and the electoral materials.
Our correspondent reports that Igwurrita, Ward 12, Unit 10, in Ikwerre Local Government Area most of the voters returned home due to the absence of electoral officials and voting materials.
Accreditation commenced at Eneka Ward 14, Units 9 and 10 in Obio/Akpor Local Government, at 2.pm, while at Opobo, in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area accreditation started at 12.30pm and voting started at about 2.pm.
The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the April 11, election, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, was accredited at Ward 3, Unit 6.and voted at about 3.45pm.
Peterside while speaking to journalists shortly after casting his vote expressed satisfaction over the turnout in his area despite the down pour.
According to him, “the people came out to vote because for once the people had a chance to vote for a candidate of their choice and they are optimistic that their votes will count despite the rains.
“The turnout in Opobo/Nkoro was good and voting is proceeding gradually. From the reports that I am getting from other local governments, voting is going on smoothly,” he said.
Our Reporter, who monitored the process, said materials arrived early at Bonny Local Government Area and elections were concluded at about 3.pm in Wards 2, 3 and 4 while in Eleme, local government area, Ward 4, Unit 2, voters complained that there were no electoral officials and materials.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission has invited all the chairmen-elect in the 22 LGAs where election were conducted last Saturday for the presentation of certificate of return to them today.
The acting director, Media and Publicity, Mr Reward Akwu quoted the Commissioner in charge of Media and Public Affairs, Hon Ibiso Dakoru as saying that the ceremony would hold by 12 noon at the RSIEC head office on Aba Road, opposite Bori Camp in Port Harcourt.
It advised the affected officials to be seated 30 minutes before commencement of the ceremony.
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