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Take PVC Message To Opposition, Fubara Tells GDI Members …As Sensitisation Moves To Obio/Akpor
As the Grassroot Development Initiative (GDI)sensitisation rally anchored at Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, the Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, has charged members of the GDI to step up the PVC sensitisation message by taking it to the opposition, whom he referred to as “enemies” in the state.
Addressing GDI members and supporters, who assembled at the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Rumuola, Port Harcourt, for the sensitisation rally, last Saturday, Fubara, hinted that with what had been demonstrated so far during the rally, it was evident that almost all GDI members have their PVC.
He, therefore, advised them to direct the message to “our enemies” who will become our “friends” tomorrow.
He said the evangelism should be to encourage everyone residing in the state, including those with opposing political leaning who may become our friends tomorrow.
Fubara also stated that due to the limited time left for the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, it had become expedient that the programme be taken to another level.
“This PVC sensitisation will end on the 31st of this month, so, we have limited time left; and because we have limited time, this sensitisation has to move to another level. The programme has to be aggressive, high and forceful”, Fubara said.
He commended the people of Obio/Akpor for their massive turn out for the programme, and solicited their continuous support.
He added that the support was not only for him but for their son, who is also the Governor of the state as well as leader and grand patron of GDI, Chief NyesomWike.
Earlier, the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Amb Desmond Akawor, had thanked the leadership of GDI for the very good work they were doing in mobilising and educating the people of the state on the need to register and obtain their Permanent Voters Cards, which he noted,was the only instrument through which they could exercise their voting right.
“When we were at Ikwerre, I thought it was just a ‘Tsunami’. We went to Ahoada West, and I saw ‘intercontinental ballistic missiles’. Today, I am seeing in Obio/Akpor, a repetition of ‘Hiroshima’. I don’t know what will happen in Ahoada East”, Akawor said.
Welcoming the governorship candidate and his running mate to the LGA, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Barrister George Ariolu, noted that it has become necessary to continue the voters’ education to enable the area retain its position of having the highest number of registered voters in any local government council in the Niger Delta.
Speaking also, the President General of GDI, Chief Bright Amewhule, used the occasion to call on INEC to investigate the alleged discovery of buried PVCs in a politician’s compound in the area and ensure that the outcome was made public.
The Obio/Akpor PVC sensitisation rally featured solidarity messages from leaders and stakeholders from the area, including, Hon KingsleyChinda;Hon Martins Amaewhule; GDI President-General, Chief Bright Amaewhule;chairmen of Obio/Akpor and Emohua local governments, Barrister George Ariolu; and Dr Chidi Lloyd; Prince WeliWosu; Chief AnugbumOnuoha; Rivers East Senatorial candidate, Chief AllwellOnyesoh; among others, who underscored the importance of the Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs).
The event attended by a cream of political juggernauts from within and without Obio/Akpor LGA, including the PDP Deputy Governorship candidate, Prof NgoziOrdu; members of the National Assembly and State House of Assembly, local government chairmen; PDP State Exco, led by the State Secretary, Dr Benibo George; former commissioners; and special advisers; as well as women, youth and students groups also featured ward-by-ward gyration with PVCs on display.
By: Nelson Chukwudi
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.