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State Security: Rivers PDP Tackles APC
Following the reaction by the All Progressives Congress, (APC), on the security situation in parts of the state, alleging that until the current AIG, and the Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike are removed from office, the lives of innocent Rivers people, policemen and members of other security agencies will continue to be senselessly dispensed with without consequences, the Chairman, Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bro Felix Obuah has said that such position was unpatriotic, questionable, and should be investigated accordingly.
Obuah observed that rather than joining the government and other stakeholders to proffer solution to issues of criminality and security in the society, the APC leadership was relentlessly making efforts to cause havoc and create lawless situation in the state, by inciting the people and blackmailing the governor, the police and military authorities, as well as the leaders and members of the PDP in the state for selfish and ill-conceived political motive.
The PDP expressed concern that few weeks after one of the APC leaders, Magnus Abe, gave a directive to his supporters to take up arms against perceived enemies, the party has not left any one in doubt that all it wants by all means is to blackmail the Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, and all those perceived not to be supporting APC out of office, including causing security breaches in the state.
“The latest statement by the APC Chairman, Chief Davies Ikanya, signed by one Chris Fynebone, while reacting to the killing of five policemen attached to 30 PMF (Police Mobile Force), Yenagoa, on Monday, May 9, 2016, along the Okogbe – Yenagoa Road, to us, is one of such moves”,the PDP said.
Obuah argued that the APC leaders in the state and the party do not have better way than the PDP in tackling insecurity, violence and criminality in the state, recalling that before former Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi left office, the state was in shambles, with people being kidnapped, and communal crises on the rise.
“However, it is not our intention to point accusing fingers at any one or group at the moment when investigations in the incident and related ones are still ongoing, but we are forced to be worried about certain statements and declarations by APC leaders in recent times, which pose more threat to the peace and security of our state and the nation at large” the party said.
“The PDP has continued to draw the attention of the police and other security agencies to some unpatriotic and ill-conceived actions by the last APC government under Amaechi, particularly the release of hardened criminals and political thugs, who were being held for various criminal charges in prison, as well as the recent directive by Magnus Abe after the March 19, 2016 re-run elections in the state that his supporters should take up arms.
“We recall that on hearing this directive by Abe, we (the PDP) alerted the police on the understanding that this call was an invitation for the APC thugs to use arms and ammunition already procured and were in their possession, to cause insurrection and havoc in the state.
“It is not in doubt that the APC leadership under Davies Ikanya has consistently preferred violence to peace and order in their political activities in the state”, the PDP said.
“Meanwhile, the PDP has commiserated with the Inspector General of Police and the entire Nigerian Police Force over this latest ambush resulting in loss of lives of these gallant and committed men of the Force.
“We are much worried considering the trend of events in the country today, and the enormous challenges it poses to the security forces. We are not unaware of the relentless and huge sacrifices men of the Nigerian Police Force continue to demonstrate, even in the face of heinous calamities like this that they experienced in course of carrying out their professional duty, particularly in confronting crimes and violence in the society. These sacrifices are quite commendable”, the party stated.
The PDP also expressed sympathy to the families of the deceased, and called on the police authorities not to be deterred by the incident but to ensure that the perpetrators were brought to justice.
The party pledged to continue to cooperate with and support the law enforcement agencies in efforts to rid the state of criminals and to maintain peace and security in communities.
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