Politics
Ogonis Confer Mene Kwalenu 1 Of Ogoni Title On Wike
The people of Ogoni Ethnic Nationality has conferred on the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, with the highly referred chieftaincy title of “ Mene Kwalenu 1 Of Ogoni”. The title when translated in English means a benevolent king.
President of the Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty, King G N K Giniwa, stated this last Saturday, at Bori, during a grand reception organised by the people of Ogoni in honour of Governor Wike.
President of Kagote, Hon Emmanuel Deeyah , said the reception was organised in appreciation of the so much benefits Ogoni people got from Governor Wike’s administration in terms of projects executed in various parts of Ogoni as well as the numerous appointments given to sons and daughters of Ogoni nation.
Governor Wike expressed appreciation for the huge support his administration had beed enjoying from the Ogoni people and urged leaders in the area to endeavor to fight against cultism and other acts of criminality. He assured them of sustained determination of his administration towards more development in Ogoniland.
Also last week, Governor Wike announced that some of the gunmen responsible for the murder of security personnel in the state had been apprehended.
The governor who disclosed the cheering news in a state broadcast last Wednesday said the murderers would face the full wrath of the law.
He further explained that after a review of the prevailing security situation in the state, particularly the effect of the curfew on citizens, the State Security Council decided to relax the curfew time a little for Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt local government areas as well as the Port Harcourt International Airport.
“ Consequently, the current night time curfew in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor local government areas will now be effective from 8:30 p m to 6:00 am from Sunday 16th May 2021, while the starting and closing time-frame of 7.00 pm and 6.00 am still continues in the rest of the state till further notice*, he said.
The governor commended residents of the state for their steadfastness in the midst of the socio-economic discomforts caused by the proactive measures taken by the government to safeguard the state from faceless terrorists.
He urged them to always see security as business of all in the state and to give useful information to the security agencies for their swift actions.
Within the week under review, Governor Wike was among the Southern Givernors who attended a crucial meeting in Asaba, Delta State capital last Tuesday.
Recall that in the said meeting, the Givernors had called for a national dialogue to restructure the country. The governors also resolved that open grazing of cattle be banned across Southern Nigeria.
They also spoke on Apapa gridlock and the need to reactivate activities in other parts of the country among other issues.
The Rivers State Governor felicitated with Muslims on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast and the celebration of the Eld-el-fitri last week.
In his Sallah goodwill message, Governor Wike called on all Nigerians to imbibe the lesson of love, justice , fairness, equity, peaceful co-existence with others.
He reiterated the commitment of his administration towards the promotion of religious tolerance and the right environment for the freedom of worship.
Another major event in Brick House last week, was s condolence visit to the Commissioner of Police, Mr Friday Eboka last Monday.
The governor said that the State Government would give N20 million to the families of esch of the eleven police personnel killed by gunmen during the recent attacks of police formations in the state.
He assured the state police command of the state government continued support to the security agencies in the state.
The Commissioner of Police in the state who represented the Inspector General of Police, Alkali Baba Usman, thanked the Governor thanked the Governor for assuaging the pain of the bereaved families.
By: Chris Oluoh
Continue Reading
Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has declared that with the six South-South states now being controlled by the All Progressives Congress (APC), the zone is set to return the highest votes cast for the reelection of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
He stated this in Asaba, Delta State, at the party’s zonal congress, noting that the coming together of the governors of the region in the APC was made possible by its zonal Vice Chairman, Chief Victor Giadom.
Senator Akpabio also praised the outgone zonal chieftains of the party, saying they worked hard for the unity of the party and the zone.
“Now that we are complete and focused, we will be the geo-political zone in Nigeria that will turn out the highest votes in 2027 for President Tinubu.
“In the last 46 years or so, our region had not produced a senate president. But under President Tinubu, the South-South region is recognised. We thank the president for giving the South-South a senate president”, he said.
In his speech, the Bayelsa State Governor, and Chairman of the South-South Governors Forum, Senator Douye Diri, described the APC adoption of the consensus option for electing its officials as the best way to foster unity and consolidation in the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He expressed satisfaction that politically, the South-South zone now speaks with one voice under the APC, stressing the need for the region to be part of the decision-making process at the national level.
The governor recalled that when he contested for the governorship in 2019, the delegate election process for primaries in the political parties made the exercise rancorous, saying
the slogan then was that without delegates, there will be no governor, but that that has since changed with the consensus mode.
“I like to align myself with the previous speakers on the unity of the South-South zone. In this region politically, the South-South now speaks with one voice. This is important because of the strategic nature of the zone.
“If you are not on the sharing table, in terms of decision-making process, you will be left behind. We need to be united that we will not allow petty divisions among us.
“Let us work together for the unity and protection of APC in the South-South and God willing, all our candidates will come out tops in the 2027 elections. There cannot be anything better than a united family.
“Let me congratulate President Bola Tinubu for his remarkable achievements so far. Political events such as elective congresses like this were usually filled with rancour and violence. But, today, we have adopted the consensus model to produce our party executives from the wards to the regional level”, Senator Diri said.
In their goodwill messages, the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and others all spoke on unity of purpose to be able to re-elect the President for a second term.
Meanwhile, Chief Victor Giadom was returned as the party’s zonal chairman alongside seven other zonal executives of the party.
Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, moved the motion for the dissolution of the immediate past zonal executive of the party and was seconded by his Bayelsa State counterpart, Abraham Ingobere.
In his remarks, the reelected zonal Vice Chairman, Chief Victor Giadom, said the gathering of the six governors of the region, lawmakers, ministers and other major stakeholders was an indication of the zone’s commitment to return all APC candidates in next year’s poll.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
A coalition of women under the aegis of “Renewed Hope Women of Faith in Politics,” have organized a rally in support of President Bola Tinubu, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
They equally called for continuous prayers with a view to seeking God’s intervention on the affairs of the nation.
The rally which, held in Port Harcourt, drew participants from diverse religious and political backgrounds, underscoring its interfaith outlook and focus on unity, national development and grassroots engagement.
Powered by Rivers Women Unite for SIM, the movement was described as a strategic initiative aimed at bringing women together across the federation as a unified force committed to prayer, advocacy and civic responsibility.
Speaking at the event, the Convener, Amaopuorubo Sotonye Toby, said the platform was designed to function as a nationwide network of women committed to interceding for Nigeria’s peace, stability and good governance.
She stressed that sustained prayer remains a vital instrument for national transformation, particularly in challenging times.
According to her, the role of women in nation-building cannot be overemphasised, especially in a multicultural society like Nigeria, where women continue to contribute significantly across sectors such as education, business, entrepreneurship and politics, while also fulfilling family responsibilities.
“In our diversity lies our strength. As women of faith, we must unite across religious and political lines to build a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria,” she said, adding that the movement represents a renewed commitment to collective purpose and national progress.
Amaopuorubo Toby further emphasised that beyond its spiritual focus, the initiative is anchored on action through responsible civic engagement, particularly at the grassroots level. She noted that the group aims to mobilise women, empower them with purpose, and amplify their voices as key drivers of peace and development.
Reaffirming the group’s political stance, she declared support for the re-election of President Tinubu, aligning the movement with the ideals of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We recognise the importance of continuity in leadership and the need to support governance that promotes stability, growth and national development. As women, we stand firmly behind the President as we look ahead to 2027,” she stated.
She also highlighted the transformative power of women’s unity, noting that history has consistently shown that when women rise with a shared vision, societies are strengthened, communities are healed, and hope is restored.
The convener commended participants for their resilience and commitment, urging them to remain steadfast as pillars of faith, courage and hope in the face of national challenges. She called on women at all levels—from ward to national—to take their rightful place in shaping Nigeria’s future.
Amaopuorubo Toby also lauded the leadership of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, alongside President Tinubu, for what she described as their “fatherly leadership” and commitment to governance and development.
Speaking with newsmen at the occasion, a woman activist in the state, Madam Ankio Briggs said the women will also support the reelection of Governor Fubara for a second term if he decides to run.
Madam Briggs praised the women for coming out to declare their support for the reelection of President Tinubu and the Governor and urged them to sustain the support.
The event concluded with a call for sustained unity among women of all faiths, as well as continued prayers for the peace, prosperity and stability of Nigeria.
Observers say the emergence of faith-based political movements such as Renewed Hope Women of Faith in Politics reflects a growing trend of grassroots mobilisation ahead of future elections, with women increasingly positioning themselves as influential stakeholders in Nigeria’s political and developmental landscape.
By: John Bibor
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has concluded its 8th national convention in Abuja — reaffirming Prof Nentawe Yilwatda as national chairman and Sen. Ajibola Basiru as its national secretary.
Delegates at the convention, held at the Eagle Square, also produced a new national working committee (NWC) through a consensus arrangement endorsed by stakeholders.
Dr Ben Nwoye was named deputy national chairman (south), replacing Mr Emma Eneukwu, following consultations within the party.
Sources within the party said the decision was influenced by zoning considerations and consultations among party leaders, with Mr Peter Mbah, Enugu State governor, playing a significant role in ensuring Dr Nwoye’s inclusion.
In his acceptance speech, Prof. Yilwatda said his re-election was a call to greater service and pledged commitment to unity within the ruling party.
“We are ready to serve, ready to lead, and we are ready to build the party, together with the nation,” he said.
He added that the new leadership would not “fail or falter” in carrying out its responsibilities.
President Bola Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, governors, members of the national assembly, and other party leaders graced the convention.
FULL LIST OF APC NWC
• National chairman — Nentawe Yilwatda
• Deputy national chairman (north) — Ali Bukar Dalori
• Deputy national chairman (south) — Benjamin Obi Nwoye
• National secretary — Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru
• Deputy national secretary — AbdulKarim Abubakar Kana
• National legal adviser — Murtala Aliyu Kankia
• National treasurer — Uguru Mathew Ofoke
• National financial secretary — Haruna Ginsau
• National organising secretary — Muhammad Sulaiman Argungu
• National welfare secretary — Donatus Enyinnah Nwankpa
• National publicity secretary — Felix Morka
• National auditor — Abubakar Maikafi
National women leader — Mary A. Idele
• National youth leader — Dayo Israel
• National leader (persons with disabilities) — Durotolu Oyebode Bankole
• Deputy national financial secretary — Hammam Adamu Ali Kumo
• Deputy national organising secretary — Emeka Okafor
• Deputy national women leader — Zainab Abubakar Ibrahim
• Deputy national publicity secretary — Meseko Durosinmi Josiah
• Deputy national welfare secretary — Christopher Michael Akpan
• Deputy national auditor — Olugbenga Olayemi
• Deputy national legal adviser — Ibrahim Salawu
• Deputy national treasurer — Ben Akak
• Deputy national youth leader — Jamaludeen Kabiru
• National ex-officio (north-central) — Opawoye Oluwatoyin Bunmi
• National ex-officio (north-east) — Adamu Jallah
• National ex-officio (north-west) — Kano Muhammed Jamu Yusuf
• National ex-officio (south-east) — Ikechukwu Umeh
• National ex-officio (south-south) — Francis Kolokolo.
-
Opinion20 hours ago
Ozoro Festival: Tradition or Tyranny?
-
News1 day agoRSG Reiterates Commitment To Youth Dev
-
Oil & Energy1 day agoTranscorp Energy, Renewvia Partner On Renewable Energy Gap
-
Business1 day agoNSCDC Discloses Illegal Dump Site In Ikwerre Community
-
Business1 day agoYenagoa’s Radisson Hotel Ready December — NCDMB, Other
-
Rivers1 day agoPolice Launch Community-Centred National Day Celebration In Rivers, Today
-
Politics20 hours ago
RIVERS WOMEN RALLY SUPPORT, CONTINUOUS PRAYERS FOR TINUBU
-
Maritime1 day agoMWUN Raises Alarm Over Port Security Lapses In Lagos