News
Rivers PDP Refutes ‘No Confidence’ Vote On Orbih
The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed insinuations in certain quarters that it had passed a ‘no confidence’ vote on the Deputy National Chairman of the party for the South-South Zone, Chief Dan Orbih.
In a statement signed by the Special Assistant (New Media) to Rivers State PDP Chairman, Barrister Ojukwu Stephen, yesterday, in Port Harcourt, the PDP said that that the fake news being spread in the social media and some online publications was the handiwork of mischief makers.
The party, therefore, urged Rivers people and others resident in the state to discountenance the fake news as there was no such decision taken by the PDP, stressing that the leadership and the entire membership of the party in the state still had implicit confidence in Orbih’s leadership of the party in the zone.
The statement read in full: “The attention of the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers State has been drawn to some unfortunate and despicable publications making roundsand particularly sponsored by mischiefmakers and persons who have long decided to makeconfusion and lawlessness in their stock-in-trade concerning the progress, unity, and development of the Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers State; and, by extension the South-South.
“Ordinarily, the schemes of these tricksters, fraudulent entities, and attention seekers are well unworthy of any response. However, given the alleged representation that the ‘vote of no confidence is sponsored by the PDP in Rivers State, under the guise of ‘PDP Youth Council, Rivers State, as well as the somewhat negative impact it may have on the undisputed unity and progress of our great party, the PDP.
“It is important to state that the falsehood being rumoured that a no-confidence vote was passed on the PDP Vice Chairman, South-South, Chief Dan Orbih, lacks all iota of truth, and is misguided to create disunity and confusion in the party, especially as the party prepares for the 2023 general election.
“Having discovered the falsehood and evil Intentions behind the said publication, we hereby unequivocally and unreservedly state that the publication does not represent the true state of affairs in the PDP South-South, or the strong PDP family in Rivers State under the leadership of Governor Nyesom Wike.
“It is important to stress that the propagators of this falsehood are faceless and politically abysmal, as no such group is registered in the state, or as a support group of the party in the state; and as so cannot make political pronouncements for the party.
“It is noteworthy that the youth leader of the happy, strong, and united PDP family in Rivers State is Hon. Ikpechi Prince Oriji, not the political-relevance-seeking, Marshall Onuah; a known usurper in Rivers State.
“It is also noteworthy that the youth leader of the party in the state, neither authorized nor sanctioned the caricature of a publication made on behalf of the youth or the party; and all such actions are done in exercise of the Individual right of the person, for which the PDP family in Rivers State acknowledges and respects as the right of citizens.
“While we do not ‘hold a brief’ for the accomplished and astute, Chief Dan Orbih, our Internal investigation reveals that the publication (together with its false and unsanctioned contents) is targeted at the revered political juggernaut simply due to his love for equity, justice, and fair-play, and in particular, his admiration for the Governor of Rivers State, and Nyerisi of Niger Delta, Chief Nyesom Wike.
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and its youths, in Rivers State hereby disassociates themselves from the politically empty, and self-serving publication by Marshall Onuah, and his cohorts”, the statement added.
Similarly, the Rivers East wing of the PDP youths has restated its loyalty and support for the leadership of the State Youth Leader of the party, Hon. Prince Ikpechi Oriji.
In a statement signed by the Assistant Youth Leader 1, PDP, Rivers State, Alfred Nwafor, yesterday, in Port Harcourt, the youths said that they remained confident in the quality leadership provided by Chief Dan Orbih.
The statement read in full, “Our attention has been drawn to a statement making rounds on social media by an unknown individual, one Onuah Marshall against a man of integrity, a highly placed leader of PDP in the South-South,the PDP National Vice Chairman, South-South, Chief Dan Orhih.
“We would not have given such an empty script attention, but to put records straight for the reading public not to be deceived, we make this statement in support of the earlier statement made by our State Youth Leader, Hon Prince Ikpechi Oriji. We therefore state the following in support of our State Youth Leader:That we the PDP Youth leaders (LGA and Wards) and the entire PDP youths in Rivers East Senatorial District stand firmly in support of our State Youth Leader Hon. Prince Ikpechi Oriji on the Refutal Statement earlier released from his office.
“That the said Onuah Marshall is an impostor, and as such, all allegations raised by him against the PDP National Vice Chairman, South-South Zone, Chief Dan Orbih are baseless, untrue and unfounded from the pit of he’ll.
“That the said PDP Youth Council which Onuah Marshall parades is not in existence as far as the youth wing of PDP Rivers State is concerned. This is because every recognised Party youth body or group is registered through the office of the state youth leader. We therefore reaffirm that the said PDP Youth Council is faceless and does not exist as a youth body/group in PDP Rivers State.
“That on behalf of myself the Assistant Youth Leader 1 (Youth Leader, Rivers East Senatorial District), the Eight LGA Youth Leaders and the 116 Ward Youth Leaders in our Senatorial District supports our Capacity State Youth Leader, Hon. Prince Ikpechi Oriji on passing a Vote Of Confidence on our leader and father, Chief Dan Orbih, National Vice Chairman of PDP South-South Zone for his support to the growth of our dear party, his exemplary leadership style and qualities in making sure that our democracy is advanced in our zone and Nigeria at large.
“Finally, we do not border, just as we agree with the aphorism that a golden fish has no hiding place, We also know it is true that evil comes with rewards. We therefore advise the said Onuah Marshall who has shown he is uncivilised, uncultured and dancing to the beats of his paymasters to desist forthwith and render an unreserved apology to our leader or face the law”, the statement indicated.
The statement further explained that the PDP was a formidable party in the state, and would not be distracted by detractors using its name, while being paid by enemies of the party.
“Our main focus is galvanizing support to ensure that the Gubernatorial candidate, the incoming Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, and other candidates in the state, emerge successfully in their various positions come 2023.
“We warn these jobless attention seekers to desist from being willing tool’s in the hands of saboteurs that are hell bent on sabotaging this Rivers project.
“Let it be known for the avoidance of doubt that there is no existing group in the state known as ‘PDP Youth Council’, it is nothing but the figment of the imagination of malicious individuals with bad intentions towards the party in the state”, the party said.
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.