News
‘PDP ’II Retain S’South’
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike says governors and leaders would do everything legal to ensure that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), retains the South-South geo-political zone in the next round of elections.
Wike made the declaration at the 2016 South-South Zonal Congress of the party held Saturday in Port Harcourt, with Elder Emmanuel Ogidi (Delta State) emerging as the national vice chairman (South-South).
Ogidi replaces Dr Cairo Ojougboh, whose tenure ended on Saturday after the dissolution of the Zonal Executive.
Addressing the South-South PDP Zonal Congress, Wike stressed that the governors will provide the required support to PDP members in Edo State to ensure the party wins the governorship election in September.
Wike spoke on behalf of the PDP governors of the zone.
He said: “The South-South Governors will make sure that PDP retains the zone. All the governors in the zone will work as a family.
“We shall give all necessary support to our party members in Edo State for the party to reclaim the state in September”.
The governor said that the National Convention of the party would be successfully held on May 21 in Port Harcourt, pointing out that the ranting of deflated politicians on sponsored television programmes would serve no purpose.
“The PDP Governors and leaders of the zone support the National Convention, which will hold successfully on May 21”, he said.
He said those issuing press statements on the National Convention were only struggling to be relevant because they know the strength of the party ahead of the next elections.
The governor explained that South-South PDP Governors have all proven to be high-class performers, having delivered on the developmental programmes of the party.
Wike called on PDP members to remain united in the zone, as that was the only way they can consolidate on their successes.
In his remarks, Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conclude the rerun elections in Rivers and other states.
Akpabio, added that South-South PDP National Assembly members worked hard to ensure that the Calabar-Lagos rail line was included in the 2016 budget.
The former Akwa Ibom governor said that Nigerians were now yearning for PDP to return to power because they have discovered that the party served them faithfully.
Also speaking, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Leo Ogor, berated the Muhammadu Buhari -led administration for failing the Nigerian people.
Highpoint of the Zonal Congress was the successful election of the new executives of the party drawn from the six states of the zone.
In his post-election address, National Vice Chairman (South-South), Elder Emmanuel Ogidi, pledged to work as a committed and loyal servant to the party.
Those in attendance included: Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom); Prof Ben Ayade (Cross River); Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa); and Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta).
Also in attendance were: Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio; and Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Leo Ogor.
Meanwhile, the former President of the Senate, Sen. David Mark has urged the newly elected executives of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the North-Central zone to reclaim the zone for the party in 2019.
Mark gave them the task at the party’s North Central zonal congress held on Saturday in Abuja.
He said that both the party leaders and members in the zone must sacrifice individual interest and work in unity to lead PDP in north central and other zones to victory in future elections.
“The North Central use to be the hub and centre of PDP, unfortunately in the 2015 elections we lost and there is no PDP governor in the zone as we speak.
“We have realised our mistakes and we will correct them. Once those mistakes are corrected we will win all our elections.
“So far all the re-run that have been done PDP has won them. I think this is a track record and the only thing left is that we need to work a little more.
“The party must now stand united. Our strength is in our unity and our weakness will be if we divide ourselves and we will not be divided.
“We must subject our individual interest to party interest within the zone. That is the only way we can make progress,’’ Mark said.
He added that what gave him joy was that anytime PDP gathered “there is so much enthusiasm, interest and desires” as Nigerians now realised that “PDP is the right party to be in government.”
“We will exercise patient in any election that is done now and in the next three years I can assure you that PDP will win convincingly,’’ Mark added.
Our correspondent reports that all the new zonal executives of the party were elected by consensus.
Some of the elected zonal executives are Mr Theophilus Shan (Zonal Chairman); Mr Mourice Tsar (Zonal Secretary), and Mr Joel Adagadzu (Zonal Organising Secretary).
Sen. Philip Aduda, the Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), said it was commendable that the party was able to arrive at consensus on all the elected offices.
“This is important as it will put the party on the path of victory in future elections,” Aduda said.
The PDP National Legal Adviser, Mr Victor Kwon, who administered oath of office on the newly elected officials of the zone, expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of the congress.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol
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