Featured
Etche/Omuma Rerun: PDP Sweeps Polls …Rivers People ’ll Continue To Resist Rigging – Wike …PDP Hails Eke, Ejiogu
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as winner of the Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency rerun supplementary elections.
The INEC’s Returning Officer, Prof. Olushola Omotao, who declared the result at its headquarters in Port Harcourt said the PDP candidate, Chief Jerome Eke polled 15,221 votes to defeat his APC counterpart, Ogbonna Nwuke who got a paltry 6,220 votes.
For the Etche State Constituency 2, the Returning Officer, Oluwatosin Odusonya announced that the PDP candidate, Tonye Ejiogu polled 4,162 votes to beat his APC counterpart who polled 1,618 votes.
INEC’s decision to announce the results at its Port Harcourt office rather than in Okehi, The Tide reliably gathered, followed tension said to have been built up and the need to clarify some legal issues which arose as a result of cancelled areas.
The election is the conclusion of the 2015 general elections to fill up Etche, State constituency 11 and Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency seats.
Until last Saturday, elections into the legislative seats were postponed indefinitely following the violence that characterised the 2015 polls in the area.
The supplementary election was generally peaceful but apathetic as the electorate, most of whom are farmers had gone to the farm, as farming appears to be the common occupation of the area.
The defeated candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency, Hon. Ogbonna Nwuke and the lawmaker representing Etche State Constituency 1 in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Iroanya Opuru, had both expressed joy at the peaceful and non-violent atmosphere in the area, just as the PDP House of Representatives candidate, Chief Jerome Eke refused to speak to journalists when contacted in Ndashi, his community, saying, “I am tensed up”.
However, at Obite Ward 10, Unit 3, an attempt by some hoodlums to snatch a bag containing electoral materials from INEC officials was resisted by men of the Nigerian police.
An electoral official who refused to disclose her name, said that the election was peaceful in the unit until “some thugs rushed and we quickly packed all the materials in a bag, just as the votes were about to be counted”.
“But they struggled the bag with us and took it away. Fortunately, the Police intervened and rescued the bag from them, gave it back to us and escorted us to INEC office in the area,” she further stated.
Meanwhile, soldiers from 6 Division, Nigerian Army on Operation SAFE CONDUCT II and combined security agencies deployed to monitor the supplementary and conclusion of State and National Assembly elections in Etche and Omuma Federal Constituency arrested about 58 youths suspected to be political thugs.
The suspects were arrested at Ulakwo Ward 13 in Etche Local Government Area in Rivers State.
The Tide gathered that the troops over-powered and arrested the youths said to have allegedly invaded the local government area while the rerun election was on going.
It was also gathered that the Publicity Secretary of the PDP in Rivers State and former Chairman, Caretaker Committee of Ikwerre Local Government Council,Mr Samuel Nwanosike, former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Akuku Toru, Roland Sekibo, Odiari Princewill and an unidentified PDP member were arrested.
The suspects who were said to have been arrested from different units of the wards are still being held by the men of the Nigerian Army and the police, as at the time of this report.
This development came even when Etche and in particular the Ulakwo residence of PDP chieftain, Prince Emma Anyanwu were highly militarised and barricaded; an unfortunate situation that forced Emma Anyanwu to remain indoors throughout the duration of the election to avoid possible altercation and arrest.
Speaking to journalists in Ulakwo, the Acting Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, Ahmed Magaji confirmed that some hoodlums were arrested and some dangerous items recovered from them.
Magaji explained that investigation is still going on and until that is done, he would make no comments.
Reacting to the incident, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Rivers State, Elder Aniedi Ikoiwak said the election was peaceful in most of the areas visited.
Ikoiwak who refused to comment on those arrested stated that he was concerned with the conduct of the elections, stressing that the security agencies would handle and investigate those arrested for alleged election malpractices.
According to him, “the commission was saddled with the responsibility of conducting election; the issue of electoral violence should be best considered and handled by the security agencies”.
Similarly, The Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) has won the Etche/ Omuma Federal Constituency after INEC Returning Officer, Prof Shola Omotola completed the collation of results at the Collation Centre in Okehi.
With the results collated from the supplementary elections of February 25, 2017 and rerun elections of December 10, 2016, Chief Jerome Eke of the PDP defeated Mr Ogbonna Nwuke of the APC.
Also, the Tony Ejiogu of the Peoples Democratic Party defeated his closest challenger, Mr Golden of the APC.
For the Etche/ Omuma Federal Constituency, Returning Officer, Prof Shola Omotola announced that APC polled 6, 220 votes while PDP polled 15, 221 votes.
For the Etche State Constituency 2, Returning Officer, Oluwatosin Odusonya announced that APC scored 1,618 votes while PDP polled 4,162 votes.
As the two INEC’s Returning Officers for the Etche/ Omuma Federal Constituency, Prof Shola Omotola and Etche Constituency 2, Oluwatosin Odusonya were about to declare the PDP winner, military personnel at the Collation Centre brought a phone to them, claiming that the call was from the National Commissioner of INEC in charge of the election.667^n
Upon receiving the call, INEC’s Returning Officer for Etche/ OmumaFederal Constituency, Prof Shola Omotola stated that all collated results should be moved to the Port Harcourt office of INEC.
Soldiers of the Nigerian Army who stopped the declaration in Okehi moved the collated results alongside party agents and political leaders to Port Harcourt. They were joined by PDP leaders led by Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike and the APC candidate for Etche/ Omuma Federal Constituency, Mr Ogbonna Nwuke.
At the headquarters, leaders of the two parties insisted that the two INEC’s Returning Officers publicly announce collated results to the media and party agents present.
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike condemned the act of trying to subvert the will of the people Rivers State through INEC result manipulation, backed by reckless security agencies.
He said Rivers people would continue to resist all fraudulent attempts to manipulate election results. He declared that elections can only be won at the polling units and not through the swapping of result sheets by security agencies and INEC.
In another development, the Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has hailed the uncommon courage of members of the party and the good people of Etche and Omuma, that ensured victory for the PDP during Saturday’s re-run legislative elections in the area, even in the face of harassment, intimidation, attacks, maiming and arrests of innocent PDP members by men of the Nigerian Army and police
The PDP Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on media and Publicity, Jerry Needam described the interference and involvement of the military and men of the Nigerian Police in electoral process as worrisome, condemnable, saying, it portends grave danger for Nigeria’s democracy.
He regretted that soldiers and police men deployed to maintain peace and security in Etche invaded collation centres to stop announcement of results, same evil and wicked machinations adopted in Rivers South East Senatorial District that gave a purported victory to Mr Magnus Abe of the All Progressives Congress, APC. But, they were however, resisted by the good people of Etche.
Obuah congratulated candidates of the PDP, Chief Jerome Eke, Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency and Hon Tony Ejiogu, Etche State Constituency 2 for emerging victorious and the good people of Etche/Omuma for voting for the PDP.
He described the arrest of its State Publicity Secretary, Hon Samuel Nwanosike, Hon Rowland Sekibo and other chaiftains of the PDP who were on a legal election duty as provocative, illegal, condemnable and acting out the script of a particular leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Victor Tew
Featured
Fubara Frowns At Slow Pace Of Ndele–Omofo–Egmini–Agba-Ndele Road Project ….Says Contract May Be Reviewed
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed dissatisfaction over the slow progress of work on the 14.5-kilometer Ndele/Omofo/Egamini/Agba-Ndele Road project located off the East–West Road in Emohua Local Government Area.
Addressing newsmen during an inspection tour of the project on Tuesday, the Governor noted that the pace and quality of work being delivered by the contracting firm, Messrs Stream Co. & Equipment Limited, fell below acceptable standards.
He was accompanied on the tour by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who briefed the Governor on the status of the project and adjoining infrastructure.
Governor Fubara, who appeared visibly unsatisfied with what he saw on the stretch of the road, said his administration would not condone mediocrity or allow public funds to be wasted on underperforming projects. He, therefore, hinted that a review of the contract may be imminent to ensure the delivery of quality infrastructure to the people.
“I can say here already that the contractor handling the road from the bridge to the East–West Road is not doing a good job. I’m not happy about it. When I get back, there will be a need to review that contract because I’m not impressed. They don’t have the capacity, and we need capacity because we must have value for whatever money we’re spending,” the Governor said.
The Governor, however, commended Setraco Nigeria Limited for the standard and pace of work on the 240-meter Agba-Ndele/Abua Bridge, which forms a major component of the project. He explained that the bridge, which his administration inherited, would significantly improve connectivity among communities in the area once completed.
Governor Fubara stated that the bridge will serve as a key link between communities in Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas, reducing travel time and providing an alternative route to the East–West Road.
He emphasised that the project demonstrates his administration’s commitment to rural connectivity and inter-community access, which are central to his development vision for Rivers State.
“Where we are standing on is a bridge connecting Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas. The community that is connected to this bridge is Agba-Ndele.
“Instead of running through the East–West Road to Ahoada-East and heading into Port Harcourt or out of it, this bridge provides easy access for the Abua/Odual people to cross into Emohua, Agba-Ndele, and access the East–West Road in minutes,” he explained.
Governor Fubara also expressed optimism that the bridge would be ready for use in early 2026, noting that Setraco’s expertise and performance met his administration’s expectations for quality and delivery timelines.
He highlighted that projects of such importance should be handled by firms with the capacity to meet government standards.
The Governor further remarked that once completed, the bridge would serve as a crucial economic corridor for farmers and traders, especially those involved in agriculture and cultivation of local produce across the beneficiary local government areas.
He maintained that his administration is determined to deliver people-oriented projects that promote connectivity, strengthen commerce, and enhance livelihoods across the State.
“I’m really impressed with what I’ve seen on the bridge. I’m very sure that before the end of January, it might be completely ready for us to walk through and even drive across,” Governor Fubara said.
Reaffirming his vision for Rivers people, the Governor noted that his development plan seeks to integrate all parts of the State through strategic infrastructure investments that promote mobility, social cohesion, and economic growth.
He explained that his government is executing projects across multiple local government areas to ensure balanced development and inclusivity.
Governor Fubara stated that the administration will soon address the deplorable state of the Abua/Ahoada Road, which he said, will be included in the 2026 state budget.
“Our vision is to connect the entire Rivers State together, especially communities that have challenges of access. The bridge here connects Abua/Odual and Ahoada-East to Emohua and Port Harcourt. It will ease movement, promote trade, and boost our economy because agriculture is strong on this side. Moving goods to the city won’t be a problem anymore,” he said.
Governor Fubara reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure that provides value for public funds and meets the aspirations of Rivers people.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has unveiled plans to permanently relocate the dumpsite along the busy Port Harcourt Airport–Obiri-Ikwerre Road, describing the current location as both a public health threat and a damaging first impression for visitors arriving in Port Harcourt, the State capital.
The Governor made this known on Tuesday during an inspection of a proposed replacement site, which is a disused burrow pit near Bambo Estate, off Eneka Road in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area.
The location is being assessed as a potential permanent dumpsite for the State.
Governor Fubara, who was conducted by the Board Chairman, Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), Dr Samuel Nwanosike, and its Managing Director, Dr Ibimina Wokoma, expressed concern about the environmental and health challenges posed by the existing site, which sits along a major entry point into the State.
“The kind of environmental hazards that we are facing there along the Airport–Obiri- Ikwerre Road; the smell on that road being the entrance into the State, we felt it’s not proper,” he said. “So, we are making alternative arrangements so we can have a permanent refuse dumpsite that meets acceptable standards.
“He added that the government would move swiftly to formalise ownership of the land and complete construction work on the access road to make the new site functional.“We have not concluded the issue of the burrow pit, but the access road, I think the government is doing something about it.
So, I will make sure that everything that needs to be done to ensure government owns this burrow pit is done,” he stated.
Governor Fubara also commended the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) for what he described as a more assertive and improved approach to managing refuse across the State.In addition to the dumpsite inspection, the Governor also visited the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters located in Elimgbu Town, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, to assess the extent of ongoing construction work on the facility.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Benibo Anabraba, to uphold the dignity of his office, protect the interest of the State, and discharge his duties with honour, respect, and responsibility.
Governor Fubara gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony of the new SSG, held on Monday at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
Describing Anabraba’s appointment as an act of divine favour, the Governor said positions of leadership are not attained by our own human effort but by God’s grace in our lives.
“Let me first congratulate you. I’m using the word ‘congratulations’ because a few of us, not by our power but by the special favour of God, find ourselves in exalted positions. It’s not because we are the best, but only by His grace.”
Governor Fubara noted that the Office of the Secretary to the State Government is one of great honour, occupied by only a few since the creation of Rivers State, and urged the new appointee to serve with humility and dedication.
He, however, expressed confidence in Anabraba’s capacity to deliver, citing his past record as a principal officer of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“This position is a rare privilege. Guard that office with honour. Discharge your duties with respect. Protect the interest of Rivers State. When you leave office, let it be with honour, and that only comes through responsible service.
“I know you’re a dedicated person. This opportunity is not for show or display of power. It’s a call to duty,” he cautioned.
The Governor emphasised that the current administration is focused on restoring confidence of the people because peace has been achieved in the State.
He enjoined the new SSG to align with the vision of the administration and contribute meaningfully to the collective progress of Rivers people.
“We are emerging from a very difficult period and must reassure our people that we mean well for them, especially now that peace has returned to Rivers State. By the grace of God, do your work well. Help us succeed in this assignment that God has given to us,” the Governor added.
