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Refocus On PVC Collection, Akawor Charges GDI, Eleme People …As Fubara Warns Against Falling Prey To Scammers

Chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Rivers State, Amb Desmond Akawor, has urged the Grassroot Development Initiative (GDI) to continue with the Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) sensitisation programme, but this time around, focus on collection of PVCs.
Speaking while ushering the PDP Gubernatorial Candidate, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, to the podium to address the people of Eleme during the GDI PVC sensitisation programme held at Comprehensive Secondary School, Ogale, last Sunday, Akawor said that going forward, everybody would be required to show their PVCs.
Akawor thanked GDI for carrying out the programme but appealed to members of the group to continue to enlighten the people on the need to keep their PVC safe.
He expressed delight that Eleme was not only activated but totally connected to the Sim network.
Akawor, who is also the Rivers State PDP chairman, lauded the people of Eleme for turning out massively for the occasion, describing Eleme as the most lucrative LGA in Nigeria with the best seaport, fertiliser plant and a petrochemical industry.
Commenting on the massive crowd, Akawor said, “Are these human beings from Eleme, or are they imported from Port Harcourt or Akwa Ibom? I couldn’t believe that a local government with 10 wards can mobilise this large crowd”.
Addressing the mammoth crowd, the Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, reminded them that as the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise ends today, according to the calendar set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), those who have not collected their PVCs should endeavour to collect them.
“The PVC is important. It is going to be your instrument to decide what happens come, March, 2023. You have registered, but ensure you retrieve every single PVC, and ensure they are kept safe”.
While sounding a note of warning to the people not to play into the hands of anyone who would demand for their PVCs for purposes of empowerment, Fubara said the PVC is not only for election but also serves as a form of identification.
Fubara charged the people of Eleme not to play into the hands of scammers who may disguise themselves as people who have come to support them.
He stated that they may come with the spurious notion of asking the people to bring their PVCs so they can be given empowerment: “Don’t listen to them”, he advised.
“Some of you don’t have driver’s license, some of you don’t have international passport. The PVC is your own identity”.
He commended the people of Eleme for the awareness and the massive registration to get their PVCs which has made the sensitisation rally simple and colourful.
In the same breadth, he applauded the people of Ward 10 for their impressive performance during the ward-by-ward rally at the mini-stadium.
In his remarks, President General of GDI, Hon. Bright Amaewhule, revealed that from the recent available records, the GDI family has the highest number of eligible voters in Eleme, adding that what happens in the LGA in the 2023 elections would be determined by that fact.
Amaewhule quickly admonished the people to be vigilant because wicked and crooked people can connive with INEC and agents of darkness to continue the exercise secretly in their houses.
To this end, he charged the people to monitor the activities of INEC and their collaborators, and report promptly to appropriate authorities, when found wanting.
He added that GDI members cannot be intimidated because they are ready and willing to resist all forms of manipulations no matter who is involved.
Earlier, the Eleme Local Government Council Chairman, Hon Obarilormate Ollor, in his welcome address, had said the message of the exercise was simply about preparing in time for the 2023 elections.
He lauded GDI members for their passionate service drive as a pressure group and consistency with the electoral process as it pertains to the PVC sensitisation rally.
Among those present at the event which featured colourful displays by GDI members from the 10 wards in the area, members of the National Assembly, PDP stalwarts and stakeholders.
Others in Fubara’s entourage at the event were the PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate in Rivers State, Prof. Ngozi Ordu; Chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Amb. Desmond Akawor; the Deputy Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Edison Ehie; the Majority Leader of Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Martin Amaewhule; the Deputy Chief Whip, Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Major Jack; Hon Marcus Inengi; and Hon Felix Nwike.
The rest were chairmen of local government councils: Ikwerre, Engr. Samuel Nwanosike; Obio/Akpor, Barrister George Ariolu; Asari-Toru, Hon. Onengiyeofori George; Port Harcourt City, Sir Allwell Ihunda; Akuku-Toru, Hon. Rowland Sekibo; Abua/Odual, Hon. Daniel O. Daniel; Andoni, Barrister Erastus Awortu; Emohua, Dr Chidi Lloyd; Degema, and Hon. Michael John Williams; amongst other prominent government officials and chieftains of the party.
By: Nelson Chukwudi
News
May Day: Labour Seeks Inclusiveness In Policy-making

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.
News
2025 UTME: JAMB Disowns Site Requesting Payment From Candidates

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.
News
NDDC Seeks UN’s Support To Accelerate Niger Delta Development

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.