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Rivers PDP Hails Pioneer LG Party Bosses For Building Foundation For Growth
The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Rivers State, Amb Desmond Akawor, has hailed pioneer PDP Local Government Chairmen for laying solid foundation for the growth and development of the party in the state.
He made the commendation when he hosted a delegation of Forum of Former PDP LGA Party Chairmen (1998 to 2021) in his office at the party Secretariat, Aba Road, Port Harcourt, last Wednesday.
Akawor commended the pioneer PDP local government chairmen for effective management of the party at that time.
He said as foundation chairmen, they were able to build the party on a foundation that stood the test of time, noting that their love and patriotism for the party were unprecedented.
“For you to have been the foundation of this party when nobody gave them opportunity of surviving, and you are still here to witness what is happening in the party, I think that this is a very important group. Assuming you people did not package what we are witnessing today, and there were crises and it collapsed, of course, nobody would have been talking about PDP today.”
Speaking on the quality of persons that made up the group, Akawor referred to them as men who have distinguished themselves in politics.
“Your forum can boast of former ministers, former secretary to state governments, former commissioners, etc, what other qualities do you expect and how else would you expect the public to rate this foundation”?
Akawor, who told the forum that the time has come for them to come out and join in strengthening the party, urged them to continue to encourage the people not to be deceived by anyone, assuring them of a special place in the party in the state.
He revealed that when the party at the national level was in crisis, it was the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, who came out as the Gideon in the Bible to recover the party but regretted that those who walked out of the party at the Eagles Square, Abuja, were now saying that they cannot work with him.
Akawor announced that the former party chairmen would be made to participate actively in the activities of the party, noting that though campaigns have not started, Grassroot Development Initiative (GDI) would commence sensitisation programme across the LGAs beginning with Ikwerre Local Government Area on Sunday.
“By INEC timetable, we have not started campaigning till September. What we have done now through our NGO – GDI – is to start some sensitisation programme. By Sunday, we are starting with the Ikwerre LGA, and every week, we are in one LGA to sensitise our people so that we can conclude every LGA before September when the campaign team will take over”.
While thanking them for the visit, which he said, had helped in bringing out the group, Akawor told them that they would be included in the campaign team for the 2023 elections.
Earlier, the leader of the forum and former PDP Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Mela Oforibika, had said their visit was to introduce themselves to the leadership of the party, and also to pledge their readiness to work for the party.
“We have to put ourselves to work with you to ensure that in this transition, which God has placed you with your wealth of experience as former ambassador, you have been consistent in the way you handle things with a lot of energy, a lot of experience and the forthright way which you do your things that you have been known for all through the years.I have been a very keen watcher of your activities”.
Oforibika also announced that the forum was in support of every candidate produced by the party during the various primaries, especially the Gubernatorial candidate, Siminialayi Fubara, saying that they were prepared to work with him and the party.
He praised Governor Nyesom Wike for fighting a good battle for which every Rivers man stood behind him, noting that through Wike, the country now knows that there were people in Rivers State that can move the country to a new level of growth.
On the delegation were a one-time minister of industries; former Secretary to the State Government, and one-time Commissioner for Finance, Chief Kenneth Kobani, who was the pioneer PDP chairman in Gokana; Prince Roland Nziidee; and Doctor Kaananwi Luke; both party chairmen of Khana between 1998 And 1999.
Others were Hon Abiye Davies; Chief Dandison Gbupo, pioneer PDP chairman of Opobo/Nkpro; and Chief Blessing Nwafor.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, yesterday extended interim relief measures to the people of Bille Kingdom as the government intensifies efforts to address the ongoing environmental degradation affecting the area.
This was contained in a statement by the Head of Information and Public Relations Unit, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Juliana Masi, yesterday.
The governor, during a working visit to Bille Kingdom in Degema Local Government Area, reassured residents of his deep concern for their health and well-being.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to finding a lasting solution to the persistent gas emissions observed in the community’s land and water sources since November 2025.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dagogo Wokoma, the governor announced immediate interventions to address urgent needs.
Some of the relief measures include the provision of potable water and essential medical services through the release of ?100 million as palliative support for the affected community.
According to the SSG, “Governor Fubara remains deeply committed to the welfare of the people of Bille Kingdom. Although unable to attend in person due to pressing state engagements, he is fully aware of the situation and determined to tackle the root cause of the environmental challenge”.
The governor assured residents that the state government would not relent in its efforts to provide a permanent solution to the gas emissions, emphasizing that the current intervention is only a temporary measure to ease the suffering of the people.
He further urged members of the community to remain law-abiding and continue supporting his administration, noting that he has consistently demonstrated a track record of fulfilling his promises.
Earlier, the Chairman, Council of Chief for Bille Kingdom, Chief Bennet Dokubo, expressed joy over the State visit, describing Fubara as a leader who listens to the plight of the people.
He urged the governor to critically look into the gas emission which he described as dangerous to human health.
“If we take you into the river, we notice that the entire environment is bubbling and smelling.
“We most humbly urge you to critically look into this situation. This is something strange we have never experienced before. It is not good for human health,” the monarch stressed.
The Federal Government has declared tomorrow (Friday) and Monday, April 6, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Easter celebration.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government through a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani.
The ministe congratulated all Christians in Nigeria and in the diaspora on the joyous occasion of Easter, and urged Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of selflessness, forgiveness, forbearance and love as exemplified by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
He reiterated that the goal of the government remains to make decisions that would bring about national rebirth, economic growth, and shared prosperity.
The Tide reports that good Friday will be marked tomorrow, while the Easter Sunday will be celebrated on Sunday across the world.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chief of Staff (CoS) to carry out their duties with discipline, loyalty and a firm commitment to the success of the administration and the wellbeing of the people of Rivers State.
The governor warned that any involvement in unauthorised nocturnal meetings or any conduct capable of embarrassing the government will attract immediate dismissal.
Fubara gave the warning yesterday shortly after the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Dagogo S.A. Wokoma and the new Chief of Staff (CoS), Barrister Sunny Ewule, were sworn in at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
As part of the ceremony, the Chief Registrar of the State High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi administered the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office on the duo before the governor gave his charge.
Addressing the appointees, Fubara reminded them that their elevation to the new positions was a call to service and not a platform for political grandstanding or the pursuit of personal ambition.
He stressed that their foremost responsibility should be to themselves and to the people of Rivers State, stressing that their conduct must always reflect integrity, restraint and dedication to public good.
Speaking directly to Dr. Wokoma, whom he described as an accomplished academic and mathematician, the governor expressed confidence in his intellectual depth and capacity to deliver on the new assignment.
The office of the Secretary to the State Government, Fubara stressed, demands thoroughness, discipline and a deep sense of responsibility. He charged the SSG to represent the State with honour at all times.
“Your duty includes representing the state government. You need to represent us in a way and manner that will bring honour to us.
“What is important to this administration is to see that the good works that we started and the ones that we met, are concluded in a way that will bring progress and development to our dear state,” he stated.
Turning to the new Chief of Staff, the governor explained that he is expected to ensure smooth administrative coordination, managing official engagements effectively and safeguarding the image of the Government House.
He underscored the sensitive and personal nature of the role and emphasised that the position operates strictly under the authority of the governor.
Fubara stressed that the role does not permit independent political engagements or private strategy meetings without his knowledge and consent.
“Let me sound it here very clearly. Your duty is to make sure that you handle the administrative duties and image making roles perfectly well, liaising with whoever is coming for any official assignment here.
“If you involve yourself in nocturnal meetings and all those things, I will sack you. I’m very serious. What is important to me today is peace, progress and prosperity of this state. I’m not going to compromise anything for it,” he said.
The governor cautioned that involvement of the new appointees in any action capable of bringing the government or his office to disrepute would attract appropriate sanctions.
While congratulating the new appointees, Fubara expressed optimism that they would justify the confidence reposed in them.
He called on all public officials to work together in unity, observing that collective success is stronger and more enduring than individual achievement.
The governor who also addressed the Permanent Secretaries present at the ceremony, directed those of them who have reached retirement age to start preparing their handover notes without delay.
The notice, he said, was not intended to scare anybody but to prepare their minds towards the inevitability of exiting the service one day and to pave way for an orderly transition.
He warned against any attempt to engage in financial misconduct or last-minute irregularities, stressing that he was closely monitoring the system to ensure strict enforcement of accountability rules.