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Deepening Crisis Stalls Rivers APC Exco’s Inauguration …As VON DG Tells Okorocha To Leave Party
The National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress has dashed the hopes of some of the party’s gladiators in Rivers State, when it ordered that the purportedly elected new executive officers should not be inaugurated until pending issues were resolved.
The Tide recalls that a High Court in Port Harcourt, last week, nullified the ward, local government and state congresses of the APC in Rivers State, describing the process for the conduct of the congresses as fraudulent, thereby heightening already deep-seated crisis in the party in the state.
The party’s decision came at the inauguration of the newly-elected chairmen of the various state chapters of the APC by the outgoing National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, at the party’s National Secretariat, in Abuja, last Monday.
At the event, party chairmen from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory were sworn in and given the mandate to begin the process of reconciling aggrieved members of the party in their domains.
Speaking at the ceremony, Odigie-Oyegun advised chairmen in Rivers, Lagos, Oyo, Taraba, and Delta, among others, not to go ahead with the inauguration of other members of the state executives to allow for harmonisation and reconciliation.
Explaining further, Odigie-Oyegun said, “There is a serious need for quick reconciliation especially in Rivers, Taraba, Oyo, Delta, Lagos and others.
“Let the chairmen here wait and should not inaugurate their executives like the others until the issues with the congresses in such states are resolved.
“I’m going to set up a committee headed by the deputy national chairman, (North) to study the situations in such states for possible actions. There will be concessions and harmonisation after the exercise within this week.”
On Lagos’ case, the APC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said, “The case of Lagos is clearly a constitutional matter. We set up a committee to consider the report of the congresses held there. Of course, we overruled those who conducted their congress in 57 local government areas, because the constitution only recognises 20 local governments.”
He, however, explained that the party leadership was not opposed to seeking for political solutions to some of the issues not only in Lagos but in other states where the “so-called” parallel congresses were conducted.
It was learnt that notable party chieftains who did not secure the party’s support for their case include: the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; a former Kano State governor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso; and Senator Shehu Sani of Kaduna.
Their supporters stayed away from the congresses conducted in Bauchi, Kano and Kaduna states.
Others who lost out include the Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, and an aspirant for the position of the APC National Chairman, Chief Clement Ebri, who conducted a parallel congress in Cross River State.
Odigie-Oyegun while addressing the newly inaugurated state chairmen, urged them to work for the success of the APC in the forthcoming election.
He said, “You have the onerous task of nurturing the APC. You have to work hard to return the lost glory of the party. Also make sure you work hard for the re-election of our President.
“We are aware of conflicts, disaffections and bad blood in the party. Put all this aside and work for the victory of our party at the 2019 general elections.
Some of the state chairmen inaugurated on Monday are Chief Derin Adebisi (Ogun); Ojukaye Flag-Amachree (Rivers); Godwin Etim John (Cross River); Dr. Ben Nwoye (Enugu); and Alhaji Tunde Balogun (Lagos).
Others are Jothan L. Amos (Bayelsa); Dr. Hillary Eke (Imo); Abdullahi Abass (Kano); Nitte K. Amangal (Gombe); Abdullahi Bello (Kogi); and Ade Adetimehin (Ondo).
Meanwhile, ahead of the June 23, national convention of the APC, it has been revealed that each aspirant to the chairmanship position will pay N500, 000 for the nomination form.
However, the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Mr Osita Okechukwu, has said the Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, was free to have the All Progressives Congress.
Okechukwu said this while responding to questions from newsmen at the National Secretariat of the APC, in Abuja.
However, one of the conveners of the APC Restoration Coalition in Imo State, Dr. Toe Ekechi, said the VON DG was merely expressing a personal opinion.
Ekechi noted that Okorocha, for now, remained the governor of Imo State and that his support and contribution would be welcome should he decide to continue to support the APC.
Earlier, Okechukwu had said the APC was now better positioned to make a greater impact on the South-East with or without the governor.
He expressed confidence that the APC would consolidate on its power come 2019 by winning seats at the executive and legislative levels in state and at the federal levels.
Okechukwu said, “At least, there are more than 60 political parties now, Okorocha is free to join any of his choice. Though we are not forcing him to leave, what we are saying is we have taken the leadership out of his hands because he was playing God.
“He was personalising power, so the majority of the leadership and membership of the APC in the South-East said, ‘thank you, so far so good enough is enough.’
“So, what I am just saying is that he was at liberty to leave the APC but let nobody anywhere think that the APC will lose because we have retrieved the party from him. No, the APC is the winner as a political party.
“In my place, there is a saying that when a bird is dancing on the main road it means there is a drummer in the bush, and I am pointing at the drummer of all that is happening in the South-East. But luckily, the majority, over 90 per cent of the leadership and membership of the APC in the South-East has said enough is enough to our former leader, Owelle Rochas Okorocha.”
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