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2023: Get, Secure Your PVCs, Fubara Tells PHALGA Residents …As BFO Storms GDI Awareness Rally AKULGA PDP Strategises For 100% Victory
Thousands of Port Harcourt residents, last Friday, trooped out to the Elekahia Primary School Field in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area for the sensitisation rally organised by the Grassroot Development Initiative (GDI) to encourage eligible voters in the area to register and collect their permanent voters’ cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2023 elections.
The programme, which began with a rally/gyration session by the 20 wards in the area, was preceded by solidarity speeches delivered by political leaders and other stakeholders, including the state Chairman of Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Amb Desmond Akawor, who is also the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State.
In his speech, Akawor, who said he had come to lend support to the GDI because of the importance of the PVCs to the citizenry, commended the organisation for what it was doing in educating and enlightening the people on the need to register and obtain their voters’ cards.
The IPAC chairman, who described the crowd at the Port Harcourt rally as “Sea of human beings and operation thunderbolt”, noted that the large turnout he saw at Etche was incomparable to what he saw in Port Harcourt.
On his part, the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sir Siminialayi Fubara, advised the people to secure their PVCs.
“You know before now, you were coming to the rally with your PVCs, and I advised against it because you might misplace it. One vote is important to us. We have the number but we need to add more so that when we win, we win with a larger margin that you cannot even protest the win”, Fubara said.
He appealed to those who had already registered, to go and collect their PVCs, disclosing that there were several PVCs at INEC offices across the state that were yet to be collected.
Fubara, therefore, advised those who were yet to collect their PVCs to go and collect them without further delay, stressing that it was only by exercising their franchise on Election Day with their PVCs that victory could be secured for the party.
Also present at the rally were the PDP Deputy Governorship candidate, Prof Ngozi Ordu; LGA chairmen; members of the state and National Assembly; and PDP Deputy Chairman, Hon Chukwuemeka Aaron; the President General of the Grassroot Democratic Initiative, Hon. Bright Amaewhule; Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie; and Rivers East Senatorial District Candidate, Hon. Alwell Onyesoh.
Others are the State Secretary of the party, Dr Benibo George as well as party’s candidates for the state and national legislative elections, captains of industry, other top government officials, including members of the State Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, and various other political pressure groups.
The Bro Felix Obuah Support Group delegation was led by the Director of Contact and Mobilisation, Comrade John Davidson; and the PHALGA Coordinator, Johnson Otuonye.
While commending the GDI for the success of the campaign, Davidson stressed that the group would leave no stone unturned in its quest to ensure popular participation of citizens in the forthcoming elections, which by God’s grace, would usher in the administration of Sir Sim Fubara come 2023.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Akuku-Toru Chapter, last Wednesday, held her general meeting at Abonnema, with a call on all eligible voters, who were yet to register and collect their PVCs to do so before the Sunday expiration of the exercise.
The objective of the meeting was the sensitisation of party stalwarts on the new Electoral Guidelines and the significance of the Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) in the 2023 General Election.
In his opening remark, the PDP Chairman of AKULGA, Hon. Emmanuel Stephen, assured the people that, moving forward, the party would sustain interactive sessions with party members as a priority, as part of strategies to nurture the spirit of camaraderie.
Speaking, former Secretary of the Rivers State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, thanked the members for their support and commitment to the party while encouraging them to always work together for the growth of the party.
Danagogo also reiterated the importance of the PVCs in the electoral process, and urged everyone to make the procurement of the electoral passport a priority.
In his remarks, Chairman of Akuku-Toru LGA, Hon. Rowland Sekibo, exhorted party members to be steadfast and supportive of the party’s pursuit for a better and more prosperous Rivers State and Nigeria.
Addressing stakeholders and party faithful, Chairman of the AKULGA PVC Sensitisation and Mobilisation Committee, Hon. Isobo Jack, advised party stalwarts who are yet to register to do so before the July 31, 2022 deadline given by the National Independent Electoral Commission (INEC).
Also speaking, Vice-Chairman AKULGA, Hon. Mrs. Caroline West; Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Engr. Major Jack; member, Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Lolo Opuende; member, Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Sibo-ofori Lawson; Dr. ThankGod Lilly; Hon. Kurotamunoye Briggs; Barrister Ibim Dokubo; and Mrs Priscilla Don-Pedro, in their respective goodwill messages unanimously called for synergy and the collective advancement of the party.
The meeting also featured an interactive session between members and leaders of the party.
By: Nelson Chukwudi
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
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.
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