News
Ebonyi: PDP Demands Certificate Of Return
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to issue certificate of return to its nominated candidates for the position of governor and deputy in Ebonyi State, without further delay.
A Federal High Court in Abuja, had last week, ordered Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State to vacate his seat for defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The PDP immediately complied with the judgement by submitting fresh names to the INEC as governor and deputy.
The party nominated Hon Iduma Enw oIgariwey as a replacement for Umahi and Fred Udeogu as replacement of the deputy governor.
Addressing a press conference in Enugu, the Chairman of the PDP in Ebonyi State, Hon. Tochukwu Okorie called on INEC to immediately issue certificate of return to the two nominees.
Okorie, who described Umahi as a former governor, accused him of plotting a massive clampdown on members of the opposition PDP in the state.
The PDP chairman said “by the operation of the law, Governor Umahi, his deputy and the 16 lawmakers, effectively resigned their positions perhaps in pursuit of loftier political objectives.
“The battle to rescue the state from tyranny and oppression has only just begun and we must all brace up to confront the evil and narcissistic elements in the land headlong,” he stated.
While condemning Umahi’s reaction to the judgement, Okorie said the people of Ebonyi “have long moved on and can no longer be taken on board his deceptive rollercoaster.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the national leadership of our great party has long complied with the ruling of the court by submitting Rt. Hon.EnwoIdumaIghariwey and Chief Fred Udogu to the Independent National Electoral Commission as replacement for Umahi and his deputy. We have also ensured that the judgement and other records of the court were transmitted to the commission too.
“What is standing, therefore, between the inauguration of the new administration of their Excellencies, the governor and deputy governor-designate at the moment is INEC to issue them with their certificates of return in compliance with the ruling of the court. We urge the commission to act expeditiously in this regard.
“We urge NdiEbonyi to remain calm even in the face of continued brazen provocation and continue to discountenance the chicanery of the lawless crew. They will soon be history. NdiEbonyi should note that ex-governor,Umahi, has neither been granted any stay of execution of the declaratory orders of the court nor has he successfully appealed the judgement.
“All he has done is to apply for stay of execution and file a notice of appeal; neither of which can act as a stay of execution. Similarly, the different court papers emanating from some state high courts cannot and do not confer any imprimatur of a stay of execution.”
He alerted the people of Ebonyi “and all security agencies of the commencement of a long-planned plot of physically eliminating leaders and known opposition voices of Ebonyi PDP.”
He said, “last night, in what appears to be the commencement of that evil plot, the residence of Comrade AbiaOnyike, was attacked, leaving marks of horror.
“This happened within a day of his appearance in a live television programme to criticize the disgraceful conduct of Umahi in attacking the judiciary. We do not know who is next. The lives of our leaders are now in the hands of Umahi who should be held responsible should anything untoward happen to any of them, since we are not about to abandon the task at hand.”
News
Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers
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
News
Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70
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.
News
Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition
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
-
Niger Delta2 days agoWarri Airport Manager Disputes Air Peace Bird Strike Claim
-
News2 days agoNigeria Won’t Surrender Any Territory To Criminals -Tinubu
-
News2 days agoFG Begins Trial Of Over 600 Terrorism Suspects
-
Rivers2 days ago79th IAUE Inaugural Lecture: Prof Anero Advoctes Tuition-Free Education For Children
-
Politics2 days agoParties’ Deregistration: How Justice Lifu Overruled Appeal Court Justices
-
News2 days agoRivers Judges Commence Annual Vacation, July 20
-
Politics2 days agoADC: Okonkwo Rejects Amaechi As Presidential Running Mate, Withdraws Support
-
Politics2 days ago2027: Tinubu’s Projects Give APC Edge In South East – Yilwatda
