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INEC Flags-Off Voters Registration In Rivers ’Morrow …Be Impartial, PDP Tells Electoral Body
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will flag-off the continuous voters’ registration exercise in Rivers State, today, by 9.00 am.
The commission, in a statement, stated that the exercise will commence by 9.00am at the INEC office in Port Harcourt Local Government Area by CFC.
The statement, signed by the Administrative Secretary, Dr Richard Ntui, on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Elder Aniedi Ikoiwak, indicated that the exercise is in line with the provision of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), adding that the voters’ registration will commence simultaneously in all the 774 local government areas of the INEC offices nationwide.
He explained that the exercise is for citizens who have attained the age of 18 years or were not previously registered.
Ntui said registered voters who have not collected their permanent voters’ card can use the opportunity to do so, appealing to citizens to avail themselves with the opportunity to do what is right.
It would be recalled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced, last week, that it will commence a nationwide continuous voter registration on April 27 across the 774 local government areas of the federation.
The Commissioner in charge of Operations, Mrs Amina Zakari, who disclosed this in a statement, last Wednesday, after a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECS) and Administrative Secretaries from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, stated that the exercise would take place from 9 am to 3 pm on weekdays (Mondays to Fridays), excluding public holidays.
Zakari said the registration centres shall be the local government offices of the commission or such other suitable locations as would be made public by the state offices of lNEC.
She also stated that the decision was taken at the meeting following INEC consultations with stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organisations and the media, explaining that the exercise was intended to enable citizens who have turned 18 years of age since the last registration exercise as well as those who did not register during the last exercise to register as voters.
According to her, “It also will allow those seeking transfer of their registration from one state to another or within a state from polling unit to another to do so.
“The exercise also intends to enable the distribution of uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to those who could not collect them before or since the last general elections.”
Zakari also explained that the exercise will also enable citizens who have the Temporary Voter Cards (TVCs) but whose names are on the register to collect their PVCs, advising those who were already registered not to do so again as it was an offence to register more than once.
“The commission wishes to reiterate its commitment to consolidating our democracy. This we are going to do by ensuring that citizens are given the opportunity to register as voters on a continuous basis as enshrined in the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) well before elections.’’
Meanwhile, as the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), gets set to commence the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration, tomorrow, across the 774 local government areas of the federation, the Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Rivers State chapter, Bro Felix Obuah, has called on the commission to ensure the exercise is transparent and devoid of discrimination, manipulation and intimidation.
Obuah also welcomed the INEC exercise, believing that it would improve the data base and increase voters’ participation in the forthcoming general elections, only if it is done without bias by the handlers of the process.
He particularly called on INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu as well as the INEC National Commissioner, Mrs Amina Zakari not to see the exercise as another opportunity to demonstrate their preference and ‘loyalty’ to a particular political party and section of the country, as kinsmen to the President. But should rather prove to Nigerians that they are detribalised, apolitical, and objectively carrying out the mandate of a federal and ‘independent’ commission.
He believed that the voter registration exercise offers the commission another opportunity to correct its already battered image, by doing the right, and to ensure that all units and wards in the 774 LGAs in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory are accurately covered in terms of fresh registration and distribution of uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
The PDP chairman observed that apart from helping to consolidate the nation’s democracy, the success of the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration would greatly impact on the conduct of the forthcoming elections, and therefore, put the commission on test as it engages in the exercise.
The party, therefore, called on all eligible citizens, particularly all those who have turned 18 years of age since the last registration, as well as those who did not register during the last exercise, to come out enmass to the various registration centres and ensure they are duly registered.
The PDP also urged all its members and eligible electorate who have the Temporary Voter Cards (TVCs) but whose names are on the register to ensure they collected their PVCs to avoid it being issued to impostors by unscrupulous elements and agents of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), as witnessed in previous elections.
The Rivers PDP chairman further charged all relevant security agencies and institutions to commit themselves more to ensuring that the voter registration exercise was not manipulated by the ruling party, or compromised by officials of the commission, as every qualified Nigerian has the right of participation in the exercise, as contained in the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) without being intimidated, denied, or coerced by any superior power or authority.
“It’s important that the commission ensures its staff involved in the registration exercise are always at their duty post during the hours of the exercise, and not hoard the PVCs/TVCs. They should also allow equal, free access to all potential registrants, no matter the sex, political affiliation, state of origin, or religions background”, Obuah emphasised.
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