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You’re Elders Without Honour, PDP Blasts Ada-George, Graham-Douglas, Others …Enemies Of State Struggling To Disrupt Collation Process -Wike

Published

7 years ago

March 22, 2019

The Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Council has taken a swipe at the publication on Page 46 of The Nation Newspaper of Wednesday, March 20, 2018, titled, “Rivers State Electoral Crisis: Need To Urgently Stop Looming Insecurity And Disaster”, credited to some All Progressives Congress (APC) members under the name of “Concerned Leaders and Elders of Rivers State”, describing them as ‘leaders without honour’.
In a statement issued, in Port Harcourt, on behalf of the council, last Wednesday, the Director of Information and Communications, Barrister Emma Okah, noted that the concerned elders failed the state at a time the people needed them most, to stand up for truth and leave enduring legacies that future generations would be proud of.
According to the statement, “Rivers people faced peculiar violence inflicted upon them by the APC during the 2019 elections, and any Rivers person who does not see this unfortunate turn of events orchestrated to deny Rivers people the opportunity to freely choose their leaders is an enemy of Rivers State and cannot profess love no matter how beautifully couched”.
Okah said the concerned elders, without shame, are now appealing to President Muhammadu Buhari to salvage them by appointing a governor for them after they failed to win election for the President and their beleaguered governorship candidate.
“Credible elders and leaders live beyond themselves and stand up to be counted in moments of truth. While the leadership of APC in the state was running hostile agenda against the state government and demarketing the state, these elders threw away their honour and looked the other way.
“They saw nothing; said nothing; and heard nothing. While one man was busy tearing the state APC apart, did these elders ask for peace and reconciliation of the warring factions? While a section of the APC was disobeying court orders and shutting down courts in Port Harcourt, did these elders speak up?
“As if that was not enough, while the problems of the APC in the state raged, did these elders advise against the subsequent adoption of a hitherto unknown party and governorship candidate to match the political war chest of Governor Nyesom Wike?”, Okah queried, pointing out that the president wants to be a statesman and will not allow himself to subvert the INEC and appoint an unknown governor who did not win one unit in the election to make the concerned dishonourable elders happy.
“Concerning the role of the Army and F-SARS, and loss of innocent persons who died as a result of Army and F-SARS’ undue interference during the elections, it is a calamity that the concerned elders justified the excesses of these coercive institutions despite the havoc their involvement has caused in terms of human casualties in Rivers State.
“We are amused that the concerned elders are only extending condolences to the families of those killed during the elections weeks after their death and when the APC plot to impose a governor on the people failed. How else can anyone describe hypocrisy and shedding of crocodile tears by concerned elders and leaders?”
On the state of the governorship election in Rivers State, “The council is embarrassed by the demand of the APC leaders whose party was not in the ballot that the President should stop INEC from carrying out its constitutional duty regarding Rivers State Governorship and remaining House of Assembly elections.
“It is ironical that while the concerned elders and leaders are cleverly unable to explain to Mr President why they lost in the Presidential election despite the money and institutional support given to the APC in the state, they have now found a voice in the governorship election by supervising and glibly judging which INEC officer did his job well and those that did not.
“The PDP Campaign Council needs to remind the concerned elders that elections in Rivers State took place in the polling units and results generated from there were aggregated and found their way to the State Collation Centre. Nobody can change the unit results and forcing the INEC to change it by the elders will be like crying over spilt milk.
“We advise the elders to be honourable and face the truth at all times as nothing can change the course of destiny as God has designed it for Rivers State,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conclude the collation process for Rivers and Bauchi states, saying that the losers can approach the election tribunal to seek redress.
Speaking during a solidarity visit to the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike at the Government House, Port Harcourt, last Wednesday, PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, said it was illegal for anyone to stop an election midway.
Wike said: “I call on the INEC chairman not to drag the country into crisis because of inconclusive elections. This manoeuvre is not good for the nation’s democracy.
“He should go ahead and conclude the process of elections in Rivers and Bauchi states. We should move ahead. Those aggrieved should approach the tribunal”.
The PDP national chairman said that leadership of the party are with the Rivers State governor.
“We are here to say that we stand with you. We have prayed with you in private and we are standing with you at this crucial and trying moment. We ask God almighty to ensure that you cross this red sea”, he said.
The National Secretary of the PDP, Ibrahim Tsauri said that the military should concentrate on the protecting the nation’s territorial integrity instead of getting involved in election matters.
He said that the negative involvement of the military in the Rivers State governorship election was a threat to nation’s democracy.
“The military should protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria. They should not be involved in electoral matters. The involvement of the military in the governorship election of Rivers State is an attempt to truncate the nation’s democracy”, he said.
He called on INEC, security agencies and the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government to work within the law at all times.
The PDP national secretary said INEC should do what is right regarding the Governorship and State Assembly elections in Rivers State by declaring the results.
He described Wike as a pillar of the party, who worked for the PDP when it mattered most.
“We are here to identify with you. If we talk of PDP, Rivers State is the first to be mentioned and you are the pillar of the party. We are confident that justice will be done. God is with you and the people of Rivers State are with you”, he said.
He noted that the people of Rivers State voted overwhelmingly for Rivers State governor because of his excellent works.
Responding, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike said that the enemies of the state were struggling to stop the collation and declaration of the governorship election.
He said that the police were now inviting electoral and collation officers to intimidate them over collated results in the governorship election.
The governor said: “The police are trying to intimidate collation and electoral officers by inviting them for one offence or the other so as to impinge on the collation process.
“Imagine where the police are inviting the entire returning officers, the entire electoral officers and entire electoral officers because allegations have been made against the INEC officials. This is just to let the entire world see what we are talking about”.
The governor said that the enemies of the state continue to roll out strategies to destroy the governorship election collation process.
“They go by this strategy, if it fails, they go by the other strategy. They brought the Army, it failed. They have gone to the court and now they want to use the police”.
Wike said that the good people of Rivers State will overcome all the challenges thrown at the state by the system.
“Like I said, this victory will be the best. It will be the sweetest amongst all the states. That is what I see coming. There is no election that will be held in this state and another party will win.
“Not to talk about a party that is not on ground. They have failed and that is the truth of the matter”, he said.
Wike said the political situation in Rivers State has exposed the negative aspects of the system.
“In the end, PDP will emerge victorious in this state. It is a victory that can be delayed, but not denied.
“This morning, the other political party went to court to stop collation. As God will have it, the court did not grant them their request.
“You see how funny it is. The candidate of AAC said he won the election. The same candidate has gone to court to stop collation and seek for the cancellation of an election, he claimed that he won”, he said.

Susan Serekara-Nwikhana

Featured

PANDEF Hails Tinubu For Lifting Emergency Rule In Rivers

Published

7 hours ago

September 19, 2025

The Tide

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has hailed the lifting of the State of Emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

In a statement signed by Board members and National Executive Committee members, yesterday, PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu for rectifying what they described as an anomaly.

The statement was co-signed by Co-Chairmen, PANDEF Board of Trustees, Alfred Diette-Spiff and Obong Victor Attah, National Chairman Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, and National Secretary, Beks Dagogo-Jack.

Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State on the 18th of March, 2025, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, and members of the state House of Assembly for six months in the first instance.

In place of the governor, the President appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) as Sole Administrator.

However, Tinubu announced the suspension of the Emergency Rule on Wednesday, stating, “It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State shall end with effect from midnight today (Wednesday).”

The Forum commended Fubara’s unwavering perseverance and “faith in the divine will of Almighty God,” while also commending the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension.

“The Board and National Executive Committee of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, the apex socio-political organisation representing the South-South geopolitical zone, joins millions of Nigerians in welcoming the lifting of the state of emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

“While PANDEF had expressed strong reservations regarding the erstwhile emergency rule, we commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for taking this bold step to rectify the anomaly.

“We welcome Governor Siminalayi Fubara back to his elected office and salute his unwavering perseverance and faith in the divine will of Almighty God. We extend similar commendations to the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Oduah, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension,” the statement read.

Addressing Rivers people, the forum declared, “Light has returned to the state and a new glorious dawn has come. A moment in which the bitter pains of the past months will inspire all to rededicate themselves to true mutual forbearance, new alignments and forward movement.”

They urged political leaders and citizens to put the past behind them and work towards the collective good of the State, while pledging to support Rivers’ developmental trajectory under Fubara.

“All hearts and hands must therefore be joined together to put the past behind us and work towards the collective good of the state.

“We look forward to the State’s return to normalcy and the resumption of its developmental trajectory under the leadership of Governor Fubara and his team. PANDEF reiterates its commitment to supporting the government and people of Rivers State in their pursuit of progress and development,” the statement added.

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RSG Approves Full Rehabilitation of State Secretariat …Unveils Housing Scheme for Civil Servants, Honours Veterans

Published

1 week ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Eteh Ibas (Rtd), has approved the complete rehabilitation and modernization of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex to enhance efficiency and productivity in the civil service.

Ibas made the announcement at the 2025 Civil Service Week Gala and Awards Ceremony held at Banquet Hall, Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday,.

He disclosed that “initiative is designed to transform the secretariat into a modern, efficient and conducive work environment, directly supporting the civil servants who form the backbone of the state’s governance.”

The Administrator also approved the provision of 106 housing units for civil servants in the State.

Ibas paid glowing tribute to retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, describing them as the bedrock of the state’s administration.

He stated that the awards ceremony was a symbol of deep appreciation for decades of sacrifice, resilience, and commitment.

“These interventions are designed to not only recognize your service, but also to improve your welfare in tangible and lasting ways,” the Administrator stated.

“We must build an administration that is efficient, effective, and truly citizen-centric,” he added.

The Administrator urged serving officers to draw inspiration from their predecessors and strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of citizens.

He emphasized the importance of embracing innovation, technology, and continuous training to build a civil service equipped for the future.

The Acting Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyingi Brown, in her welcome address, described the civil service as the “engine room of government” and expressed profound gratitude to the Administrator for his unwavering support and commitment to its modernization.“

“A society that does not honour its heroes is not worthy of emulation,” Dr. Brown remarked, lauding the retirees as torchbearers of discipline and loyalty.

She pledged to build on their legacy through reforms and innovation, projecting that the Rivers State Civil Service would become a model of efficiency and transparency by 2030.

Speaking on behalf of the retirees, President of the Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries, Sir Promise Njowhor,

expressed heartfelt appreciation for the historic recognition.

“For once, since the creation of the State, we are being honoured,” Njowhor said, adding, “Our morale has been lifted.”

He pledged the association’s continuous support for government programmes, describing the body of experienced retirees as a resource available to contribute to state development.

The rehabilitation of the State Secretariat and the new housing scheme represent a major investment in the infrastructure and dignity of public service in Rivers State, signaling a new era of support for the civil servants who drive the government’s policies and programmes.

The Tide reports that the Administrator also conferred awards of meritorious service on retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries in the State

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Rivers LG Poll: APC Wins 20 chairmanship seats, PDP Clears Three

Published

3 weeks ago

September 1, 2025

The Tide

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has won 20 out of the 23 local government areas in the just concluded local government election in the State, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clinched three local governments.

According to the results released by the Rivers State independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), yesterday, the APC won the chairmanship seats in Abua/Odual, Andoni, Opobo Nkoro, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Khana local government areas.

APC also won in Gokana, Tai, Oyigbo, Bonny, Eleme, Etche, Omuna, Akuku Toru, Asari Toru, Degema, Ikwerre and Emohua local government areas.

The Commission, however, said the PDP won in Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor, and Ogba Egbema Ndoni local government areas.

Chairman of the Commission, Dr Michael Odey, who announced the results at the Commission headquarters in Port Harcourt, said Ofori Owolabi of the APC scored 28,755 votes to emerge winner of the election for Abua Odual while Solomon Ochomma, also of the APC, emerged chairman elect for Ahoada East after scoring 54,509 votes.

Odey said Eugene Epelle also of the APC scored 84,125 votes to emerge winner in Ahoada West, while Bob Fubara was elected the chairman-elect for Akuku Toru after scoring 63,593 votes.

Similarly APC chairmanship candidate Lucky Otuo Promise emerged chairman-elect for Andoni after scoring a total of 126,181 votes, APC’s George Onengiyeofori emerged winner in Asari Toru after scoring 56,383 votes, while Pepple Blessing Abinye garnered 13,543 votes to emerge winner in Bonny Local Government Area.

Other APC candidates elected include Michael John Williams who scored 16,536 votes to emerge chairman-elect for Degema Local Government; Obarlllormate Ollor (77,452) for Eleme; Dr Chidi Julius Lloyd (114,380) for Emohua; Njoku Boniface (100,649) for Etche; Confidence Deekor (96,478) for Gokana, while Wobodo Charles got 62,746 votes to emerge winner in Ikwerre Local Government Area.

Other APC winners from the APC include Akuro Tobins (32,285 votes) for Okrika; Hon Obasi Uchechukwu (38,530) for Omuma; James A James (38,822) for Opobo Nkoro; Vincent Nemieboka (36,374) for Ogu/Bolo; Hon Mbakpone Okpe (70,080) for Tai LGA, while in Oyigbo, Okechukwu Akara scored 101,495 votes to emerge winner.

Meanwhile, the RSIEC chairman announced Dr Gift Worlu of the PDP with 328,823 votes to emerge winner in Obio Akpor; Shedrack Ogbogu, also of the PDP, scored 51,051 votes for Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area, while in Port Harcourt City, Sir Alwell Ihunda garnered 235,054 votes for PDP to emerge winner.

The APC also cleared the councillorship seats in Abua/Odual, Andoni, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Khana, Oyigbo, Bonny, Eleme, Etche,Tai, Khana Opobo/Nkoro and Degema local government areas.

Similarly APC councillorship candidates also emerged winners in Asari Toru, Degema, Akuku Toru, Gokana and Khana while PDP cleared the councillorship seats in Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt city, and Ogba Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Areas

Meanwhile, the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions has passed a vote of confidence on the just concluded local government election in the State.

National Chairman of the forum, Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, said this in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt.

Eri said all the chairmen across the country were in Port Harcourt to monitor the election as well as gain experience in an election under emergency rule.

John Bibor & King Onunwor