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PDP Chair: I’m Nobody’s Crony -Secondus
The Prince Uche Secondus Campaign Organisation for the office of the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed insinuations in some quarters that the candidate was the lackey and crony of influential members of the party.
A statement by Taiye Garrick, for the Secondus Campaign Organisation, and made available to The Tide, last Friday, indicated that the candidate was only running because he believed that he was the most credible and competent party member to occupy the position of national chairman at this critical time in the history of the PDP.
The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to news reports alleging clandestine moves by some powerful forces to impose Prince Uche Secondus as the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party.
“We want to categorically declare that there is no iota of truth in those reports. Our candidacy depends on endorsement and votes of delegates at the forthcoming national convention.
“We want Nigerians and members of the party to note that the position of national chairman was zoned to the Southern region comprising of three zones. Secondus has every legitimate and legal right to aspire for the office of national chairman.
“We also want to put on record that since launching his ambition, Secondus has been reaching out to delegates across the 36 States, seeking their votes and presenting his agenda for revival of the party ahead of 2019.
“Throughout this period, no member of the Board of Trustees has openly endorsed him as some have done for some other aspirants. We repeat that nobody is imposing anybody. There is no plot to impose Secondus on the PDP.
“Just recently, some members of the Board of Trustees openly endorsed some aspirants. The Secondus Campaign Organisation did not raise any eyebrow. Rather than waiting for any group endorsements, we have been campaigning day and night across the six zones, selling our redemption messages to PDP delegates.
“We urge all aspirants to get ready for the National Convention and stop game of distractions. The delegates assembled will cast their votes for an aspirant of their choice in the full glare of the public. Nobody can impose any aspirant in a free and fair contest.
“We also want to affirm that Secondus remains the most qualified for the chairmanship going by his antecedents before and after the crisis that nearly killed the party. He is bold and dutiful alongside with his great blueprint to return the PDP to power in 2019.
“The forthcoming convention is our great opportunity to complete the redemption started at the Port Harcourt mini-convention. We must elect real committed party members into the upcoming National Working Committee.
“In this clarion call, we urge delegates to support Secondus, the man of undiluted loyalty, unflinching determination for PDP revival, and unparallel qualification for PDP leadership,” Garrick added in the statement.
Meanwhile, indications emerged at the weekend that political calculations by key players in the PDP show that the former Deputy National chairman, Prince Uche Secondus is most favoured to clinch the revered position at the national convention of the party.
The permutations have the former Minister of Education, Prof Tunde Adeniran, emerging second on the favourable score pyramid.
The Tide gathered that the attraction to the two contestants lies in the general perception that they appear “supple and flexible” and are likely to be adaptable to complex political situations to enable them work the party through victory at all times.
Investigations reveal that Secondus has the strong backing of the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, who is the leader of the party in his home-state, as well as those of the governors of the South-South and South-East states, which are expected to produce the highest number of delegates for the December 9 national convention.
Besides, Secondus is said to be seriously favoured by a large number of PDP delegates from the North and a fraction of loyalists from the South-West, who see him as an indefatigable power-house, with the resource base to stabilise the party and pilot its affairs to all-round victory in the 2019 general elections.
However, although Adeniran hails from the South-West where PDP is heavily fragmented, he definitely may have sizable support of a number of elders and delegates from the zone.
He also seems to have some support, particularly from a section of the North, where a former information minister, Prof Jerry Gana, is his arrow-head and mobilising contacts and outreaches, particularly in Gombe and Taraba states, which are under the control of the PDP.
With the balance of power tilting towards Secondus, it remains to be seen what delegates would do with their votes on December 9 in Abuja when PDP decides who calls the shots at the Wadada House as the race for 2019 accelerates.
By: Nelson Chukwudi.
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