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Ariolu, NYCN, Others Hail Fubara’s Emergence As Rivers Gov-Elect
Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Barrister George Ariolu; the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and the leadership of PDP in Egbeda, Emohua Local Government Area, have congratulated the winner of the 2023 gubernatorial election and candidate of the Rivers Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, on his victory at the polls.
Also congratulating the governor-elect is the member-elect, Rivers State House of Assembly representing Emohua Constituency, Justina Emeji.
Reacting to the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday, Ariolu said, “I seize the opportunity to congratulate the Rivers Governor-Elect, Sim Fubara on his landslide victory at the 2023 gubernatorial polls.
“Elected by the people, I believe he is the best man for the job, and I and my team shall work closely with him to ensure a better Rivers is actualised.
“I am confident that your vote for Fubara will consolidate the continuous infrastructure development of our leader, Chief Nyesom Wike, who has performed beyond measures.”
Ariolu, in a statement in Rumuodomaya, the Local Government Headquarters, thanked voters for their patience and peaceful conduct during the exercise.
According to him, the March 18 Rivers gubernatorial election marked the beginning of a new journey towards a better Rivers State.
He said, “I sincerely appreciate everyone who turned up to perform their civil rights, especially for their peaceful conduct during the exercise.
“Yesterday marked the beginning of a new journey towards a greater Rivers State.”
He equally appreciated residents for their unwavering support towards the success of his administration, assuring that their support would not be undermined.
He maintained that his administration was committed to ensuring that Obio/Akpor remains a hub for innovation, opportunity, development and growth.
“Also as a council, we are sincerely grateful for all your support, and will not take it for granted. I promise to continue to work tirelessly to ensure that your voices are heard and that your needs are met.
“I am committed to ensuring that Obio/Akpor remains a hub for innovation, opportunity, development and growth”, he said.
Similarly, the leadership of Egbeda chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ward 11 has congratulated the newly elected governor on his victory.
A statement signed by the party read in part, “Your Excellency, on behalf of the leadership under Chief David Omereji and members of PDP Ward 11, Egbeda, Emohua LGA, Rivers State, we congratulate you on your emergence as the governor-elect of Rivers State in the just concluded governorship election held on Saturday, March 18, 2023 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“It is a victory for all Egbeda sons and daughters and Rivers State people at large, irrespective of political affiliation as it shows that the hand of the Almighty God is truly on our dear state. May your renowned brilliance and God’s wisdom direct your part. Your emergence is a major pointer that politics today is tilting towards meritocracy and goodwill of God Almighty.”
Omereji further thanked the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, for his tenacity in ensuring Fubara’s victory at the polls, in spite of several threats by the opposition.
“Once again, congratulations Your Excellency, and thanks for your tenacity, steadfastness and consistent courage”, the statement added.
Also, Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Rivers State Chapter and South-South zone, Chijioke Ihunwo, has congratulated Fubara on his election victory.
The chairman believed that under the leadership of Fubara, the relationship between the youths and government would be more cordial.
The youth leader expressed gratitude to Rivers State youths for coming out en masse to vote for Fubara, saying that “he believes in the capacity of Sir Sim Fubara to carry the youths along in his administration, and the state will continue to blossom in leaps and bounds in the areas of infrastructural development, human capital development, agriculture, security, health, education, etc.”
In the same vein, the House of Assembly member-elect representing Emohua State Constituency, Justina Emeji, also congratulated the governor-elect on his landmark victory at the polls.
In a statement, she said, “Your electoral victory came from God with evidence of the voice of the people of Rivers State that spoke with actions from the 23 local government areas of the state.
“As an accomplished accountant and administrator who rose through the ranks in the Rivers State Civil Service, you defied the odds as a presumed ‘nobody’ to make history as the first governor-elect of Rivers State of Opobo/Ibani descent of the riverine part of the state.
“Your emergence as governor means so much to us as EMOLGANs. It is a prayer answered to consolidate on the superlative performance of our leader, Chief Nyesom Wike, and continue to deliver qualitative, viable dividends of democracy under the NEW RIVERS VISION in the state, especially in Emohua Local Government Area.
“Let me again, specially thank our good people of Emohua Local Government Area for the show of massive support for the PDP-led Government of Rivers State and for voting massively for the Peoples Democratic Party.
“I also applaud INEC and the security agencies for the successful conduct of the 2023 General Elections considered as free, fair and credible in the whole of Emohua LGA and other parts of Rivers State”.
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