News

Presidency: Atiku Sets Up Anti-Rigging C’ttee

Published

7 years ago

January 4, 2019

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has constituted an anti-rigging committee to counter alleged plans by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to suppress votes in his stronghold in the February 16, 2019 election.
A source close to the former vice president told newsmen that Atiku’s major concerns about the 2019 presidential election are the security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“In a free and fair election, Atiku is confident of defeating President Muhammadu Buhari. However, given the intelligence reports at his disposal, INEC and security agencies are the main obstacle to his winning the 2019 election. This informed the setting up of the anti-rigging committee,” the source said.
The identities of the anti-rigging committee are still being guarded.
Atiku is hoping to make a big haul of votes from South-South, South-East and North-Central geo-political zones in the presidential election.
But there are fears that APC might militarise the zones to whittle down the chances of the party in these areas to favour President Buhari.
The anti-rigging committee is to work directly with the presidential candidate, the PDP Presidential Campaign Council and the organs of the party.
Its duty is to, among other things, pre-empt any rigging strategy of APC, raise early rigging alert, check plot by the ruling party to rig the election, as well as mobilise local and international groups against electoral malpractice.
According to the source, PDP’s fears that the election might not be free and fair were heightened by President Buhari’s refusal to assent to the 2010 Electoral Amendment Bill passed by the National Assembly.
He further disclosed that the party does not have confidence that the electoral umpire will conduct free and fair elections.
“What happened in Ekiti and Osun states is clear to everybody. Buhari is not ready for free and fair election. That is why we are taking pre-emptive measure,” he stated.
Another source stated that PDP has uncovered plot by the ruling party to suppress the support base of its presidential candidate.
“We know that the Operation Python Dance campaign by the military is to help APC rig the presidential election.
“There will be heavy military presence mostly in the South-South, South-East and then, North-Central. These are PDP areas.
“That is why our party is rejecting it. We are not in a war situation. The military should go to North-East and Zamfara State where there are insurgents and cattle rustlers.
“There is no threat to peace in the South and North Central zones,” the source who asked not to be named, said.
Kola Ologbondiyan, Director, Media and Publicity of PDP, however, said he was not aware of any plan by the party to create anti-rigging committee.
He disclosed that what the party is demanding from INEC is transparency in the conduct of the election.
“We are demanding that international and local observers should be allowed into INEC’s situation room where the transmission of votes will take place.
“You recall in 1993, it was clear that Abiola was winning because of transparency.
“So, instead of INEC locking themselves in one situation room and manipulate the election, they should allow the European Union (EU) and United States (U.S.) observers to participate in the collation of results. That is how we can guarantee transparency,” Ologbondiyan stated
Spokesperson of APC presidential campaign, Festus Keyamo (SAN), said PDP is suffering from depression.
“They have ran out of ideas, ran out of what to say. They are now talking like demented fellows. They have said this million times without proof. That is sign of depression,” Keyamo said.
INEC said the position of PDP did not represent the general opinion of Nigerians.
Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, said the allegation has become the familiar song by the party, which Nigerians were tired of hearing.
Oyekanmi advised PDP that it is not compulsory for any political party to field candidates in the 2019 general elections, especially if that political party does not have confidence in the electoral body organizing it.
“If you are a student who wants to sit for the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and you don’t have confidence in the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), then you don’t have any business sitting for the examination. You can go to Ghana, Sierra Leone or the Sudan to sit for an equivalent examination.
“There are 74 political parties taking part in the presidential election. Let those who have confidence in INEC participate and we will not disappoint them.
“Nigerians have confidence in the Commission and we are happy about the feedback we are getting,” he added.
Also, INEC said it is not considering the party’s demand at the moment.
INEC’s Director, Voter Education and Publicity (VEP), Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, said that there is no country that allows international observers in its situation room.
Meanwhile, our correspondent learnt that disbursement of PDP’s campaign funds would be done at ward level and “not to an individual.”
“Other members of the ward will have to be present and the money has to be accounted for.
“We discovered that in 2015, many people collected campaign money and disappeared. We don’t want it to happen this time around.
“The national chairman has given orders that every party member must deliver his or her ward. If you are strong go to your ward and work. We don’t want Abuja politicians. Many of these people hanging around Wadata Plaza (PDP National Secretariat) are not known in their wards,” the source said.
Before now, PDP had declared “operation deliver your ward” to its members as basis for political reward.
Atiku, at a meeting with members of the Board of Trustees (BoT) immediately after securing the party’s ticket, insisted that reward system would be based on electoral performance of members.

News

Don Lauds RSG, NECA On Job Fair

Published

1 day ago

January 26, 2026

The Tide

The National Coordinator of Embedded Ai -EU Erasmus Project in Nigeria, Prof. Bourdillon Omijeh, has commended the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) and the Rivers State Government for their strategic partnership in organizing the Job Fair 2026.

The Job Fair with theme: “Addressing Youth Employability for Prosperity,” took place at Obi International Conference Center, Port Harcourt, last week.

Speaking as Special Guest, Professor Omijeh stated that result-oriented human capital development and trainings focused on relevant skills is the most effective solution to reducing the high rate of graduate unemployment in Rivers State.

He noted that Nigeria is firmly in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), driven by technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Machine Learning, Big Data Analytics, Internet of Things, Virtual and Augmented Reality, and 5G.

According to him, these emerging technologies offer enormous employment and entrepreneurial opportunities across critical sectors, including agriculture, power, Telecommunication, oil and gas, healthcare, and security.

He emphasized the growing shift from job seeking to job creation, explaining that youths equipped with 4IR skills can become innovators, solution providers, and founders of startups and new industries.

Professor Omijeh further stated that Nigeria is richly endowed with talented youths capable of competing globally when properly empowered with the right skills, support, and enabling environment.

He called for sustained collaboration between government, the private sector, and educational institutions to build a future-ready workforce and drive inclusive economic growth in Rivers State.

To the over 4000 teeming youths present, Professor Omijeh said, according to Bill Gate, that “Being born poor is not a fault, but remaining poor in a world of opportunity and skills is a responsibility that must be consciously addressed.

“Don’t allow your current circumstances define your destiny. There’s a seed of greatness in you. Sieze any and every opportunity to develop yourself and acquire the requisite skills.

He passionately urged the Rivers State Government to intentionally invest and fund result-oriented training programmes through the strategic Ministry of Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment and Ministry of Youth Development to increase employability and reduce the rate of graduate unemployment in Rivers State.

He thanked the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Honorable Commissioner for Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment, Dr. Chisom K. Gbali, for this laudable initiative with NECA.

Professor Bourdillon Omijeh is the National Coordinator of the Embedded Artificial Intelligence (EAI) -EU Erasmus Project in Nigeria; Immediate Past Director of Centre for Information and Telecommunication Engineering Uniport, NCC-Chair Occupant on ICT Uniport; TensorFlow four (4) times award winner on Capacity building on Ai & ML -(2021-2024), CEO-Bourdillon Omijeh Foundation.

As a Professional Mentor, he has facilitated the training of thousands of youths on 4IR- Skills with relevant certifications and evidential engagements.
Follow Prof Bourdillon Omijeh on LinkedIn.

News

Explore Opportunities, Become Employers, Fubara Urges Rivers Youths

Published

5 days ago

January 23, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has urged youths in the state to take advantage of the vast opportunities available to become employers of labour and contribute meaningfully to growth and development.

Fubara said global trends increasingly favour entrepreneurship and innovation, stressing that youths in Rivers State must not be left behind in harnessing such opportunities.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Benibo Anabraba, the governor stated this while declaring open the 2026 Job Fair organised by the Rivers State Government in partnership with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Speaking on the theme, “Addressing Youth Employability for Prosperity,” the governor acknowledged the responsibility of government to create jobs for its teeming youth population but noted that it was unrealistic to absorb all job seekers into the civil service.

“As a government, we recognise our duty to provide employment opportunities for our teeming youths. However, we also understand that not all youths can be accommodated within the civil service.

“This underscores the need to encourage entrepreneurship across diverse sectors and to partner with other stakeholders, including the youths themselves, so they can transition from being job seekers to employers of labour,” he said.

Fubara further urged participants to continually sharpen their skills and explore opportunities within their immediate environment and the global space through digital platforms.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining peace and providing an enabling environment for youths to develop their potential and thrive.

In a goodwill message, the Commissioner for Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment, Dr Chisom Gbali, said the job fair was designed to equip youths with contemporary skills, innovation and mentorship needed to transform them from unemployable to resourceful individuals.

Gbali disclosed that the ministry had rolled out various training and capacity-building programmes in areas such as ICT and artificial intelligence, oil and gas, maritime, and the blue economy.

Delivering the keynote address, the Head of the Department of Human Resources Management, Rivers State University, Dr Chris Biriowu, advised participants to remain informed about evolving sources of employability.

He said the labour market was dynamic and shaped by industry-specific demands, technological advancement, management practices and other emerging factors.

News

King Jaja Impacted Beyond Rivers -Deputy Gov

Published

5 days ago

January 23, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, has poured accolades on late Amayanabo of Opobo, HRM Dandeson Douglas Jaja V, saying his footprints went beyond the State.

Speaking during a condolence visit to the wife of the late king, Prof. Odu said the late monarch contributed meaningfully beyond the shores of Rivers State.

“He contributed not only to Opobo, not only to Rivers State, but to Nigeria as a nation. We all know the various positions he held until his passing. For us as a Commission, we are really going to miss him greatly, especially at this time when his guidance was most needed,” she stressed.

She described the late king as a distinguished traditional ruler whose life and service contributed immensely to the development of Rivers State and Nigeria at large.

The deputy governor, who also serves as Chairman of the Rivers State Boundary Commission, noted that until his demise, King Jaja was an Ex-Officio member of the Commission, representing Rivers South East Senatorial District.

According to her, the late monarch actively participated in several meetings of the Commission and played an important advisory role.

“He actually participated with us in a couple of meetings. It was with great shock that we received the news of his passing. We saw daddy as someone who was very strong, healthy and athletic,” Prof. Odu said.

Prof. Odu explained that the Commission relied heavily on the wisdom of traditional rulers like the late monarch to ensure that its responsibilities were carried out properly and conscientiously.

She assured the family of the Commission’s continued support, saying they will remain close to the family throughout the burial arrangements and beyond.

Addressing the widow, Queen Prudence Dandeson Douglas Jaja, Prof. Odu said the visit was to commiserate with her and encourage her during the period of mourning.

“Please accept our condolences. Please be strong and put your hope in God. The God who watches over widows will never abandon you,” the deputy governor prayed.

“We cannot question God. What has happened has happened. All we can do is to pull ourselves together. That is why we are here to pray that the Holy Spirit will strengthen you, that God will turn your sadness into joy and clothe you with a garment of beauty,” she added.

Responding, Queen Jaja described her late husband as a gentle, humble man who was deeply committed to the progress of Rivers State, and Nigeria at large.

She expressed gratitude to the deputy governor and other members of the Boundary Commission for identifying with the family in their moment of grief.

“We are praying that his soul will rest in perfect peace. I thank you very much for coming to console me at this trying moment. Seeing you here has given me comfort. God bless each and every one of you,” she said.

She also offered prayers for the delegation, wishing them a long life and good health.

Highlight of the visit was the presentation Letter of Condolence from the Rivers State Boundary Commission to Queen Jaja.

Kevin Nengia