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PDP Alleges Plot To Arrest Saraki, Ekweremadu …Says Oshiomhole, APC Mobilising To Impeach Saraki …Wants Akpabio’s Seat Declared Vacant
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has said that it has uncovered plans by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), to arrest Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and his Deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu.
The PDP made this known in a statement on its Twitter handle, yesterday.
The party said, “We have again uncovered another plot by the failed and dysfunctional @APCNigeria and the cabal in the @MBuhari Presidency to use compromised security agencies and the @officialEFCC to invite, arrest and detain @SPNigeria @bukolasaraki and Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu.”
It further said that it has unravelled fresh facts confirming that the pressure by the Presidency for the reconvening of the @NGRSenate is out of a sinister motive and not for any emergency in the approval of the budget of the @inecnigeria for the 2019 election.
“We have again uncovered another plot by the failed and dysfunctional @APCNigeria and the cabal in the @MBuhari Presidency to use compromised security agencies and the @officialEFCC to invite, arrest and detain @SPNigeria @bukolasaraki and Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu. pic.twitter.com/jfMTDCOX67. — Official PDP Nigeria (@OfficialPDPNig) August 12, 2018.
“We have also unraveled fresh facts confirming that the pressure by the Presidency for the reconvening of the @NGRSenate is out of a sinister motive and not for any emergency in the approval of the budget of the @inecnigeria for the 2019 election. pic.twitter.com/RMRPtpxJSQ. — Official PDP Nigeria (@OfficialPDPNig) August 12, 2018
The fresh plot to detain the two presiding officers is part of renewed design to keep them out of circulation, so as to enable the heavily induced @APCNigeria senators, who are now in the minority, to throw up two of their members as @NGRSenate and Deputy Senate President pic.twitter.com/n71aIQxwMy Official PDP Nigeria (@OfficialPDPNig) August 12, 2018.
PDP was further informed that contrary to claims by the @APCNigeria &the Presidency, @inecnigeria actually submitted the budget to the presidency since February 2018, only for the Presidency to submit it to the @nassnigeria in July when the legislature was already going on recess pic.twitter.com/OvCouEzjl2. — Official PDP Nigeria (@OfficialPDPNig) August 12, 2018
“Furthermore, we advise the Acting President @ProfOsinbajo to stop acting saint, as Nigerians are aware that he is part and parcel of the actors behind the sordid developments playing out in the @nassnigeria @NGRSenate pic.twitter.com/9KLZo2nV2G. — Official PDP Nigeria (@OfficialPDPNig) August 12, 2018.
Meanwhile, ahead of resumption of the National Assembly, the splinter group of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the Reformed-APC, yesterday, raised the alarm that the National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole and the party have concluded arrangements to impeach the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and his Deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu.
According to R-APC, Oshiomhole has mobilized and ordered all APC Senators to ensure that they participate in the plenary to effect the removal of Saraki by interpreting the 1999 Constitution would be used to cause commotion, then a vote of no confidence would be passed on the Senate President and there after remove him.
The R-APC however called on the Senate President to invoke the provisions of Section 68 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in declaring the seat of Senator Godswill Akpabio vacant against the backdrop that there is division in the opposition PDP, hence the declaration will be a step in the right direction.
In a statement, yesterday, in Abuja by the National Publicity Secretary of R-APC, Prince Kassim Afegbua and entitled, “they are at it Again”, the group said that as the National Assembly plans to resume today, all Nigerians and lovers of democracy must be extra-vigilant before and during the plenary, adding that the latest plans by the APC may yet again leave unsavoury taste in our mouths.
The R-APC while calling on the Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo to as a matter of urgency, sack the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris following last Tuesday’s siege of the National Assembly by men of the Department of State Services (DSS), however, questioned why the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Habila was at the meeting of the APC at Aso Drive prior to the incident that took place at the National Assembly.
The R-APC has also condemned what it described as the use of cash-for-votes allegedly introduced by APC into the nation’s electoral process.
The statement by Afegbua read, “By this statement, the National Working Committee of the R-APC wishes to alert the public that the factional leadership of the All Progressives Congress, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has perfected plans to make the Tuesday, August 14th resumption date another kettle of fish for the illegal impeachment of the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
This time, they are hell-bent on giving nebulous interpretation to the provision of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) by using the numbers of Senators present to provoke an impeachment.
To this end, they have called on all APC Senators to make it a point of duty to participate at the plenary on Tuesday to pass a vote of “no confidence” on the Senate President.
This will be followed by orchestrated rancorous plenary session from where impeachment motion would be raised and their illegality perpetrated.
“There have been two meetings of the leaders and the Senators in the last 48 hours to perfect this approach. The security agencies have also been briefed according to information reaching us. The APC factional chairman has been boasting and insisting that the Senate President would be impeached by whatever means because he no longer deserves to wear the ‘crown’.
“It is possible that the leadership of the factional APC now sees the National Assembly as a Palace, where crowns and beads are the instruments of authority. Needless to remind them that the National Assembly is an arm of government represented by elected persons who are vested with the responsibility of making laws for the good governance of the country.
“It is neither a kingdom of princes and princesses, nor is it a sanctuary for traditional doctrinaire where crowns and beads are used to impose monarchical authority.
“We are also using this medium to condemn the blatant use of cash-for-votes which the APC has introduced into our electoral process. The just concluded by-elections in Katsina, Bauchi and Kogi states are testimonies to this fact.
“This is a sad commentary for a government that preaches anti-corruption as its cardinal philosophy of governance. The desperation to win at all cost and the killings associated with the elections are bad signals towards 2019 general elections.
“We are also calling on the Acting President to sack the current Inspector General of Police who has shown a manifest incompetence in the discharge of his responsibilities. For example, how can an interim report of the police on the Lawan Daura saga litter the pages of social media platforms when the investigation remains yet inconclusive? How can the Police exonerate itself from the act when it was reported that a Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG Habila was seen in a meeting with Senators at the Aso Drive private office of the factional chairman of APC Comrade Adams Oshiomhole?
“We are also condemning the high-handedness against our members who have defected to the political parties of their choice. The deputy speaker of Kaduna State House of Assembly has become a victim of executive lawlessness in the past couple of days. We also condemn the wanton killings in Kogi State during the just concluded by-election. Under this government, human lives have become cheap and of no value.
“The political tension in the country is avoidable if only the APC-led government and the party chieftains could refrain from making reckless militarised utterances to heat up the system instead of facing the huge task of providing leadership for the country. The level of extreme poverty and increasing rate of unemployment across the country are realities that should worry any serious-minded government that has the interest of the people at heart.
“We are calling on the Senate President to invoke the provisions of section 68 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in declaring the seat of Senator Godswill Akpabio vacant. It is not on record that there is division in the opposition PDP, hence this declaration will be a step in the right direction.
“As the National Assembly plans to resume on Tuesday, we are calling on all Nigerians and lovers of democracy to be extra-vigilant before and during the plenary. The latest plans by the APC may yet again leave unsavoury taste in our mouths.”
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