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Why Etche People Should Vote APC – Amaechi …Assures On Payment Of Pensioners’ Benefits
Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi has called on the people of Etche to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the party will ensure the return of their lost oil wells, and deliver more infrastructure in the area.
Speaking during the APC guber rally at Okehi, headquarters of Etche Local Government Area yesterday, he reminded the people that the People Democratic Party (PDP)-led Federal Government has failed to develop or site any project, in Etche and has denied them their resources by ceding their oil wells to Abia State.
Amaechi said, “I will tell you why President Jonathan dislike the Etche people. You can see that the road from Igwuruta to Abia State is a federal road, and the road from Omerelu to Omuma also belongs to the Federal Government, but none of these roads have been reconstructed”.
Amaechi held that on assumption of office in 2007, he embarked on massive transformation of the area, and assured that before he exits office on May 29th, work on the Igbo-Etche Road would commence.
On the request by the PDP to use the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium for its presidential campaign, he said, “we will not release the newly built Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium to the PDP for their campaigns. This is because the PDP denied the APC from using the Eagle Square in Abuja for their campaigns. There must be law and order in this state, where Iam the governor. The PDP should go and use the Elekahia Stadium”.
He also dispelled claims over the authenticity of APC Presidential candidate, Gen. Buhari’s school certificate, accusing the PDP of diversionary tactics in addressing corruption. The Peoples Democratic Party should tell Nigerians why they have refused to eradicate corruption in President Jonathan’s administration. Our economy is so bad that the PDP-led government could not account for the missing N2.3 billion.
“And so far, on Buhari’s certificate, he has produced the certificates he obtained in Provincial College, Katsina”.
Amaechi, who is also the Director-General of Gen. Buhari Campaign Organisation challenged the PDP guber candidate in the state to an accountability contest, expressing fear that the resources of the state will not be safe if he is elected governor.
The governor said, the APC candidate, Dr. Dakuku Peterside remains the best choice for Rivers people in order to sustain development, peace and unity in the state, adding that Peterside is known for prudent management of resources under his care.
On his part, the APC candidate, Dr. Dakuku Peterside urged people of Etche to come out enmasse to vote for its presidential and other candidates during next months’ elections.
Peterside said, “the people of Etche know the difference between light and darkness. We shall complete all projects embarked upon by Governor Amaechi, we will do more in Etche. I promise to bring zero-tolerance to violence in Etche. We will support small scale farmers and lift people out of poverty”.
The Eli 1 of Okehi Kingdom in Etche, His Royal Majesty, Eze S.E. Ukaegbu prayed for peaceful polls next month, and later conferred the chieftaincy title of Ogumba 1 of Etche Kingdom on Governor Amaechi.
Meanwhile, Pensioners in Rivers State have been assured of receiving their entitlements before the end of February.
The state Governor, Chibuike Amaechi gave the assurance when he appeared live on a local radio station yesterday in Port Harcourt.
He blamed the backlog of stipends owed to the senior citizens on the dwindling state allocation, stating that the current wage bill of civil servants stands at N9.2 billion monthly.
Amaechi said “the pensioners are suffering but we will try and assuage their sufferings.”
The governor blamed the Federal Government for the dwindling state allocation, stating that unless the level of corruption at the centre is curtailed, the country will continue to suffer economic woes.
Amaechi used the medium to comment on the recent outbreak of Cholera in Andoni Local Government Area and the bird flu in some parts of the state, noting that he has directed that all affected birds be slaughtered in the affected farms.
Reacting to the Cholera outbreak, the governor remarked, ”our water scheme is robust in Andoni, but we have not been able to go to all the villages.”
Hinting of plans to construct boreholes in some of the villages, Amaechi assured of government’s readiness to curb the menace.
Meanwhile, Governor Amaechi has picked holes in the recent slash in fuel pump price from N97 to N87 by the Federal Government last weekend.
In his view, the price needs to be further slashed to reflect the slump in the price of crude oil in the international market.
He maintained that the price of fuel is supposed to hover between N40 and N50, and therefore, called on the citizenry to demand accountability from the government.
The governor further urged the people to vote out the ruling Peoples Democratic Party-led Federal Government in order to rescue the national economy from worsening.
R-L: Vice President Namadi Sambo, Minister of Transport Senator Idris Umar, PDP National Deputy Chairman, Hon. Uche Secondus, Managing Director, Nigeria Railway Corporation, Engr. Seyi Sijuwade during the official commissioning of Nigeria Railway Corporation at Port Harcourt Station recently. Photo: Egberi A. Sampson
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