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PDP Faithful Optimistic Of 2019
Following the closure of the venue for the National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by security agencies in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital on Wednesday, spokesman of the Caretaker Committee (CTC) of the party, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, says 2019 elections are between Nigerians and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Adeyeye, who spoke to journalists shortly after the party extended the tenure of Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led CTC in Port Harcourt, insisted that the PDP still remains united and was winning the heart of many Nigerians.
The PDP CTC publicity secretary submitted that the ploy by the ruling party to stir crisis in the party will fail, reasoning that the performance of the Federal Government has pitted it against Nigerians who are facing hardship.
According to him, “2019 will be interesting, and it’s not a problem of the PDP. It will be a struggle between Nigerians and the APC government.”
“This party remains highly united, our spirit is not dampened…all the delegates are going home to continue to spread the gospel of democracy,” he stated.
Adeyeye said last Wednesday’s action by security agencies failed as the party took immediate steps to avert leadership vacuum by extending the tenure of Makarfi-led CTC by one year, and also expanding membership of the committee from seven to 13.
The Tide recalls that following the closure of the stadium by the police, venue of the convention, the PDP quickly shifted its activities to the state party secretariat on Aba Road, Port Harcourt, with delegates from the 36 states and Abuja attending.
Adeyeye defended the party’s action, saying, “there were those that suggested that we should go to another venue but that would have attracted the police and scuttled our Convention. The decision we took to converge at the state party secretariat will salvage the PDP.”
Administrator of Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, hailed the decision of the party not to be confrontational.
He said, “the party demonstrated high level of maturity. If all the delegates moved to the venue, that would have led to a different story. But we said no, let’s go to our secretariat because that is where we belong, and sit down and take decisions.”
The PDP gubernatorial candidate in Lagos State during 2015 elections and also national chairmanship aspirant of the party, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, accused the ruling APC of meddling in PDP affairs through the sacked chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff.
He supported the decision of the congress to extend the tenure of the CTC, saying, “why some people want the PDP to die, we want to ensure that it is alive, and the way to keep it alive is to extend the tenure of the caretaker committee for the period that allows the judicial process to resolve itself.”
On his part, Rivers State Publicity Secretary of the party, Samuel Nwanosike, observed that the will of the people has prevailed despite the ploy by the Federal Government to scuttle the party’s convention.
He emphasized that the decision of the party was supreme, adding, “the will of the people is the will of God and voice of the people is the voice of God. Today, the whole of the PDP has spoken in Port Harcourt, and we thank God.”
Also, PDP Youth Leader in Edo State, Hartley Irabor, said the tenure elongation for the CTC was the best decision to salvage the party.
In his remarks, former caretaker chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, Dr Isaac Mietamuno Jaja, has commended the Chairman of PDP National Convention Planning Committee and Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike for the successful and peaceful conduct of the party convention in Port Harcourt.
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