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Don’t Allow Anybody Steal Your PVC, Fubara Warns ONELGA People …As Obuah Hails GDI’s Success On Awareness Campaign
The Grassroot Development Initiative (GDI) has consolidated on its sensitisation of eligible voters in Rivers State with a rally in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, as thousands of members of the organisation and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defied the heavy downpour, last Monday, to listen to the message tagged, “Operation Show Your PVC”.
The rally was in continuation of the non-governmental organisation’s push to encourage Rivers people to actively participate in the electoral process by obtaining their permanent voters’ cards in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
Addressing the mammoth crowd at the ceremony at the Omoku Mini Stadium, the state Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Amb Desmond Akawor, commended GDI for coming up with the exercise, saying that it was aimed at increasing the people’s participation in the electoral process.
Represented by the Secretary of the party, Dr Benibo George, the chairman equally hailed the people of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni for their large turnout despite the rains.
Also speaking, the PDP Gubernatorial Candidate for the 2023 election, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, thanked GDI for initiating the sensitisation programme, and said that it was an initiative worth investing in.
Represented by the Deputy Governorship candidate, Prof Ngozi Ordu, Fubara told the people to protect their PVCs from being stolen, explaining that once PVC is stolen, the individualno longer has the power to exercise his or her franchise.
He said the days of writing results or snatching ballot boxes were over, explaining that results of votes cast by the electorate would be transmitted electronically in 2023.
During their separate solidarity speeches, key ONELGA stakeholders stressed the need for eligible voters who were yet to register or collect their voters’ cards to do so.
They, however, maintained that residents of the area were already politically conscious and aware of the need to have their PVCs ahead of next year’s general election.
Meanwhile, the Bro. Felix Obuah Support Group has commended the Grassroot Democratic Initiative (GDI) led by Bright Amewhule for it’s successful PVC campaign in Omoku Town, Ogba/ Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The event, which had in attendance the PDP Deputy Governorship candidate, Prof. Ngozi Ordu, also had in attendance the Chairman of the LGA, Vincent Job, as well as serving members of the state assembly as well as former commissioners from the local government.
A statement by the group, said, “The BFO Support Group in keeping with the vision of its principal, Bro. Felix Amaechi Obuah, commends the large turnout for the exercise which will ensure the participation of citizens in the forthcoming general elections. It is for this reason that the decision of the Grassroot Democratic Initiative GDI to embark on this PVC registration drive us highly commendable.
“We also commend the incoming deputy Governorship candidate, Prof. Ngozi Ordu as well as the indefatigable Chairman of the local government, Sir. Vincent Job, for showing commitment towards ensuring that there is no room for failure in the local government’s bid to massively back Sim Fubara for governor next year”.
BFO Support Group, whose presence was visible at the event, stressed its unflinching support for the administration of Governor Nyesom Wike.
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.