News
2023: PDP’II Retain Power In Rivers, Monarch Predicts …Assures 100% Victory For Fubara, Ordu
A renowned traditional ruler in Rivers State and Secretary of Opobo Council of Chiefs, Alabo Samuel Daniel Stewart has predicted that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would retain power in Rivers State in 2023.
Speaking with The Tide recently in Port Harcourt, Stewart said that the party would build on thefoundation laid by the Governor Nyesom Wike-led administration after coasting to victory at the February, 2023 governorship polls, noting that, “We are poised to deliver successful elections next year in favour of the PDP and its candidates”.
Stewart, a former lawmaker in Opobo/Nkoro, pointed out that the party was growing in leaps and bounds, with its membership swelling to 50million, stressing that obedience to the PDP existing laws has fostered fair play, accountability and inclusion.
He said the success of the primaries reaffirmed PDP’s internal democracy, which has led to defection into the fold, noting that the party has deepened unity, strengthened core responsibility, and positioned itself to sustain its leadership of democratic governance in the state in particular and Nigeria in general.
The monarch joined other party chieftains and Nigerians to congratulate the governorship candidate of the PDP in the state, Sir Siminialayi Joseph Fubara and his runningmate, Prof. Ngozi Ordu, for their emergence as standard-bearer and deputy governorship candidate of the party, describing them as “round peg in a round hole”.
He hailed the contributions of Fubara and Ordu towards the development of Rivers State during the reign of past administrations, particularly, their principled positions on power shift.
He said: “A big congratulation to you both on your victory at the party’s delegates’ polls”, adding that “the entire state knows your commitments and involvement which was the astonishing saving grace that brought about the quality leadership of Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, within the past seven years of this administration in the state.
Stewart used the opportunity to commend the governor and the entire PDP family for ensuring the emergence of the party’s gubernatorial candidate in the just-concluded primaries, describing the choice as remarkable.
He also lauded the efforts of the PDP in the state, especially the choice of an erudite scholar, Prof Ngozi Ordu as Fubara’s running mate in next year’s general election, saying that the choice of Ordu remains a welcome development.
Stewart assured the duo of Sim Fubara and Ngozi Ordu of 100percent victory in the elections as governor and deputy governor, respectively.
He called on his subjects to go all out and register for their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC), which he said, would give them the impetus to vote out bad governance in the state, stressing that, “your voter’s card is your right and voice”.
By: Bethel Toby
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
-
News3 days ago
Obuah’s Victory Excites Former Lawmaker as APC Primaries Conclude in Rivers West
-
Politics5 days agoAPC PRIMARIES: FUBARA’S WITHDRAWAL, HISTORIC SACRIFICE FOR NATIONAL STABILITY ……. GROUP
-
News3 days ago
105 Nigerians Killed In S/Africa In Seven Years
-
Sports5 days agoPH Arsenal Community Set For Streets Procession, Saturday
-
Niger Delta3 days agoRoyal Father Endorses PH Arsenal Community, Pledges To Support
-
Politics5 days agoIPAC Flays INEC Over Election Guidelines Judgement
-
Politics5 days agoNDC To Adopt Electronic Voting For Future Primaries
-
Politics5 days agoEx-IGP Defects To SDP After APC Primary Fiasco