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APC Sweeps Rivers LG Polls …RSIEC Issues Certificates Of Return, Today
The All Progressive Congress (APC) has won all the Chairmanship seats in last Saturday Local Government Election in Rivers State even as the Peoples Democratic Party boycotted the election.
Announcing the results of the last Saturday election last night, the Chairman/Chief Electoral Commissioner Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) Prof.Augustine I. Ahiazu said in the councillorship elections, APC won 297 wards out of 312 wards in the state.
Prof Ahiazu noted that African Democratic Congress(ADC) won Ward 3 in Ahoada West, while Social Democratic Party (SDP) won in ward 6 in Ahoad East Local Government Areas while the election in Ward 6 in Etche was inclusive.
He commended the people of Rivers State for turning out enmass to exercise their civic rights to elect their grassroots leaders, adding that the commission was happy with the free and fair conduct of the elections that did not record violence throughout the exercise in the state.
According to him, the election was held without violence and hitches. There were no reports of violence or snatching of ballot boxes in all the local government Areas where elections held’’,
‘’I am happy things went well. My ad hoc staff did not report any incident of violence. The Chairmanship elections were won by APC in all the Local Government Areas where elections held. Ogba/Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area is the only council in which election was not held because its tenure has not expired’’, he said.
Ahiazu commended the security agencies for ensuring and maintaining adequate security throughout the elections, adding that the state could now move on since all the elections have been held.
In Port Harcourt, the APC won with,23,456 votes,Bonny 12,670, Ahoada East,17,994, while in Abua/Odual local Government, APC won with 41,070.
Akuku-Toru APC won with,48,184, Bonny 51,620,Degema 12,605, Andoni 31,362, Ahoada West,23,580, Eleme 330535, Tai,23,914, Ikwerre18,686, Asari-Toru 24,012,Oyigbo,10,720,Obio/Akpor 149,240, Emohua,62,275, Opobo/Nkoro 13,864,Ogu/Bolo 6,793.
Others Includes Khana,83,690, Gokana 33,577.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor was absent on Saturday as the Local Government election held in the 22 out of the 23 Local Government Areas of the state, while the Governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Dr.Adol Dakuku Peterside voted in Opobo, his home town.
Journalists who expected that the Governor would lead other party members to cast his vote for his party were disappointed when it turned out that the Governor was not in the state and could not participate in the election, although heavy down pour in the early hours of Saturday delayed the commencement the election as scheduled.
The officials of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, (RSIEC) could not arrive at most of the polling units in the Port Harcourt Local Government Area on time due to the rain. As at 10:30 am no election materials at Rumuwoji, Oro-Abali wards 11,12 and 13 of Port Harcourt.
It was the same at ward 8 in Rumukalagbo; Oroji, wards 3 and 2 in Ogbu-nu-abali Civil Centre; ward 19 in Elekahia as well as ward 4 in Port Harcourt Township.
Most of the voters that turned out as early at 9.am returned home because of the heavy rains that delayed the arrival RSIEC officials. Party agents and security officers who arrived at some polling units had to wait for the arrival of RISIEC officials and the electoral materials.
Our correspondent reports that Igwurrita, Ward 12, Unit 10, in Ikwerre Local Government Area most of the voters returned home due to the absence of electoral officials and voting materials.
Accreditation commenced at Eneka Ward 14, Units 9 and 10 in Obio/Akpor Local Government, at 2.pm, while at Opobo, in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area accreditation started at 12.30pm and voting started at about 2.pm.
The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the April 11, election, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, was accredited at Ward 3, Unit 6.and voted at about 3.45pm.
Peterside while speaking to journalists shortly after casting his vote expressed satisfaction over the turnout in his area despite the down pour.
According to him, “the people came out to vote because for once the people had a chance to vote for a candidate of their choice and they are optimistic that their votes will count despite the rains.
“The turnout in Opobo/Nkoro was good and voting is proceeding gradually. From the reports that I am getting from other local governments, voting is going on smoothly,” he said.
Our Reporter, who monitored the process, said materials arrived early at Bonny Local Government Area and elections were concluded at about 3.pm in Wards 2, 3 and 4 while in Eleme, local government area, Ward 4, Unit 2, voters complained that there were no electoral officials and materials.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission has invited all the chairmen-elect in the 22 LGAs where election were conducted last Saturday for the presentation of certificate of return to them today.
The acting director, Media and Publicity, Mr Reward Akwu quoted the Commissioner in charge of Media and Public Affairs, Hon Ibiso Dakoru as saying that the ceremony would hold by 12 noon at the RSIEC head office on Aba Road, opposite Bori Camp in Port Harcourt.
It advised the affected officials to be seated 30 minutes before commencement of the ceremony.
The Hausa Community in Rivers State has dissociated itself from media reports credited to one MaiwadaAdamu that the Arewa Community in Rivers State has appointed Alhaji Musa Saidu as the acting SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt, following the inability of the former SarkinHausawa, Alhaji Isa Madaki to carry out his functions.
MaidawaAdamu, who is also the spokesman of the Arewa Initiative for Peaceful Co-existence, had briefed journalists on the change, but in a swift reaction, the Office of Alhaji Isa Madaki, has come out to say that the only recognised body which has the powers to appoint the SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt is the Council of SarkinHausawa in PortHarcourt headed by Alhaji Isa Madaki.
The statement also said Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki is the only recognisedSarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, adding that his appointment follows the proclamation and endorsement by the council members of SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The statement further called on the general public and all authorities concerned to give Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki maximum co-operation and support,as he discharges his duties as SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt.
The Suspended Rivers State Commissioner for health, Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, has described as baseless allegations in some quarters that she was responsible for the purported disruption of the Nigerian First Lady’s empowerment program in Port Harcourt.
Dr Oreh, who said this in a statement personally signed by her and a copy made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt also described the allegation as a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers
According to Dr Oreh, “they are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord”
In her words,”the allegations levelled against me, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, regarding the supposed disruption of the First Lady’s empowerment programme on Friday 2nd May, 2025, are entirely unfounded, completely false, and a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers and conflict entrepreneurs.
“They are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord.”
The suspended commissioner challenged those behind the allegation, especially the Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation to show proof of its assertion adding “It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I challenge the “Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation” (assuming such a body really exists) to provide tangible proof to support their assertions.
“It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I have neither sponsored nor will sponsor any activities aimed at embarrassing or disrupting the activities of the administration appointed by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to oversee the affairs of Rivers State following his declaration of a state of emergency on Tuesday, 18th March, 2025, and have rather spent the time of my suspension from office focused on other endeavours and my doctoral studies.
“I reaffirm my commitment to working tirelessly for the progress and development of Rivers State.
“Furthermore, I believe that it is crucial for all stakeholders to promote a culture of truth, integrity, and respect in public discourse.
“Unsubstantiated wild claims undermine trust and hinder constructive engagement, and this is not what the state needs at this difficult and delicate time.
“I urge everyone to focus on issues that unite us and foster a positive, solution-driven dialogue for the betterment of our State, and urge everyone to work together to build a brighter future for Rivers State, grounded in truth, transparency, and collective effort,”she said.
By: John Bibor
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has called on key regulators, asset owners and other stakeholders to continue to support the agency toward the goal of remediating the Ogoni environment and restoring the livelihoods of the people and building structures for peace.
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who made the call during the Project’s first quarter meeting with regulators, asset owners and stakeholders in Port Harcourt, urged the stakeholders to remain resolute in supporting HYPREP’s work.
“We particularly expect each regulatory agency and asset owner to deepen their involvement and continue to provide strategic support to the project”, he said, stressing that the quarterly meeting platform remains instrumental in providing a structural avenue for regulators, asset owners, and implementation partners to offer feedback to HYPREP on project performance and deliberate on ideas that move the project forward, as well as strengthen collaboration, deepen synergy and reinforce collective responsibility.
Zabbey disclosed that the socio-economic study of Ogoni has started, as HYPREP has contacted the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organisation(WHO) to commence in the next quarter a three-year human health biomonitoring in Ogoniland.
He noted that work on several fronts of the cleanup project is progressing steadily, adding that as key project partners, the insights and shared experience of the regulators and asset owners have always enriched HYPREP’s operations.
He said the policy thrust of HYPREP for 2025 is clear, as the Project is intensifying efforts to complete within stated timelines, the various ongoing projects, including remediation works and mangrove restoration, potable water facilities, the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, the Ogoni Power Project, Ogoni Specialist Hospital, and Buan Cottage Hospital, among others.
Zabbey, however, announced that HYPREP would commence new set of shoreline cleanup, mangrove restoration and livelihood projects, to sustain the momentum of implementing the Ogoni cleanup, adding that the agency would also conduct detailed site characterisation of the high-risk complex sites, leading to remediation works at the sites.
He noted that HYPREP’s collaboration with Rivers State Ministries of Health, Power and Environment, and civil society organisations remains vital, stressing that the technical and administrative support of all relevant government agencies and funding partners is indispensable in helping HYPREP overcome operational bottlenecks, especially those encountered in interfacing with host communities.
He further indicated that “the people of Ogoni and the nation are looking to us with hope and expectation, and expect tangible results from the remediation initiative”, assuring the participants that the Project Coordination Office is committed to delivering positive results.
“We must, therefore, continue to work with diligence, transparency, and a renewed sense of purpose”, he declared, saying, “ the completion and commissioning of projects this year must reflect not only our technical ability but also our collective commitment to environmental sustainability and sustainable development in Ogoni.”
During the interactive session, the Project Coordinator briefed the participants on the progress made so far by HYPREP to conclude the distribution of starter packs to the 5,000 Ogoni trainees, and called on contractors who had already collected huge chunk of money for the project, to deliver without further delay.
In all, the regulators, asset owners and stakeholders commended HYPREP for the good works it is doing, and urged it to do more.
The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency(NOSDRA) was represented at the event by Deputy Director, Oil Field Assessment, Dr Abam Komommo Omini, while Dr Vincent Nwachukwu, Director of Medical Services, represented the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
The Rivers State Ministries of Water Resources, Power and Environment were represented by Dr Bealo Brownson; Engr K. J. Osele; and Mr James Ordu respectively, while the Society for Women and Youth Affairs (SWAYA); and the Stakeholder Democracy Network(SDN); among other civil society organisations were also at the event.
By: Donatus Ebi