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Lovers Of Rivers ‘ll Always Stand With Wike -Makarfi
Former Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmed Makarfi has declared that Nigerians who love democracy would always stand with Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for his investments in the sustenance of democracy.
The former Kaduna State governor also stated that it was in the best interest of Rivers people to re-elect Wike so that he can stabilise the development process of the state.
The PDP Presidential aspirant spoke, last Wednesday before commissioning Nyemoni Grammar School, Abonnema in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of the state.
He said: “Nigerians who love democracy are with Governor Wike. If not for Governor Wike’s enormous contributions, opposition would have died. That would have been the end of democracy in Nigeria.
“It is suicidal for the people of Rivers State to let Governor Wike go. It is in the interest of the state that Governor Wike is re-elected to stabilise the development process of Rivers State.”
Makarfi said everything was being done to distract Wike, but he has remained focused, delivering key projects across the state.
“The most targeted politician in Nigeria today is Governor Wike. Everything is being done to distract you, but you must keep on working”, Makarfi said.
He said Wike has raised the bar in the delivery of projects and programmes, noting that others will need a rocket to reach Wike’s level.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike said his brand of politics was targeted at improving the living condition of the people.
“I came into politics for the execution of projects. To improve the quality of lives of the people and make them happy, we are displaying our projects for the world to see”, he said.
Wike said that the revival and total re-equipping of the school was in line with his promise to the Abonnema people during the electioneering campaign.
“Communities that support government will get more projects. Abonnema is one of the first towns where the people came out to support us wholeheartedly”, he said.
He announced the takeover of the school from the mission and directed the Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board to commence the process for the posting of principal and teachers to the school.
The governor added that the state government would work towards establishing one faculty of one of the state-owned universities in the area.
On the management of the new school, Wike noted that local contractors would be engaged to maintain facilities in the institution.
Rivers State Education Commissioner, Dr Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja said that Wike revived the school which was closed down by the former governor Chibuike Amaechi administration for eight years.
He said two new hostels were constructed, while laboratories and libraries were built and equipped.
Amayanabo of Abonnema, King Disrael Gbobo Bob-Manuel commended Wike for his developmental strides in the area.
Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, Mr Rowland Sekibo announced the endorsement of Wike for a second term, saying that Akuku-Toru people would work hard to secure the governor’s re-election.
The students of Nyemoni Grammar School, Abonnema rendered an appreciation song to the Rivers State governor, while old students presented a good will message.
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