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Four For PDP Nat Chair …As Convention Opens In PH, Today …High Court Orders Police, INEC To Work
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention Screening Committee on Monday cleared four chairmanship candidates, including Chief Raymond Dokpesi, who remained undaunted despite zoning of the position to the South-West.
The screening of the candidates billed for elective positions during the National Convention is being chaired by former Benue State Governor, Dr Gabriel Suswam.
Other prominent members of the National Convention Screening Committee include: former Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, former Imo State Governor, Achike Udenwa, former Adamawa State governor, Boni Haruna, former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ibrahim Mantu, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and former Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Josephine Anenih.
The Rivers State Attorney General, Emmanuel Aguma, SAN, serves as secretary of the committee.
The Chairman of the committee, Dr Gabriel Suswam stated that the committee will screen 57 candidates who have purchased forms to contest elections.
The candidates screened on Monday include former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Chief Bode George, former Education Minister, Prof Tunde Adeniran, former governorship candidate in Lagos State in the 2015 elections, Jimi Agbaje, and Chairman of Daar Communications Plc, Chief Raymond Dokpesi.
All four chairmanship candidates declared that they will accept the outcome of the National Convention, pledging that their loyalty remains with the party.
They declared that they would support the process to rebuild the PDP after the 17th August National Convention.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Daar Communications Plc, Chief Raymond Dopkesi has vowed to contest the elections after the Southern leaders of the party zoned the chairmanship to the South-West.
Dokpesi’s quest is not to bow out of the contest following a statement by the Caretaker of the National Executive of the PDP, Senator Ahmed Makarfi who said the position is zoned to the South.
Makarfi, while receiving Dokpesi in his Kaduna home recently had said that the race was open to all in the south. His assertion was despite the resolve by Southern leaders to sub-zone the office to the South West, an arrangement Dr. Raymond Dokpesi objected to.
The media mogul said, “I stand by what I’ve been saying that the race is open. Even though zoning has always been in the party’s constitution, it does not exclude other aspirants because nothing should exclude any other person and at the end of the day, the people will freely have access to all the candidates and freely vote for whoever they want.
Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, had on Monday, validated today’s National Convention of PDP, scheduled to hold in Port Harcourt, and also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to monitor the party’s national convention.
The Federal High Court also directed the Inspector-General of Police, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Police and the DSS to provide security for the National Convention
He also ruled, “The 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4thdefendants are hereby mandated to provide security for the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party scheduled to hold in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, August 17 2016 or any other date and venue pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice or the originating summons as the honourable court may decide.
The court declared that it found the affidavit tendered by the Plaintiff/applicant to be true, pointing out that it was at no point contested by the defendants, even though they were duly served.
Watila adjourned the suit to 16th August, 2016,for the hearing of the originating summons filed by Senator ben Obi.
Chairman of the PDP National Convention Planning Committee, and Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has declared that the convention will proceed today as scheduled.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has unveiled plans to permanently relocate the dumpsite along the busy Port Harcourt Airport–Obiri-Ikwerre Road, describing the current location as both a public health threat and a damaging first impression for visitors arriving in Port Harcourt, the State capital.
The Governor made this known on Tuesday during an inspection of a proposed replacement site, which is a disused burrow pit near Bambo Estate, off Eneka Road in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area.
The location is being assessed as a potential permanent dumpsite for the State.
Governor Fubara, who was conducted by the Board Chairman, Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), Dr Samuel Nwanosike, and its Managing Director, Dr Ibimina Wokoma, expressed concern about the environmental and health challenges posed by the existing site, which sits along a major entry point into the State.
“The kind of environmental hazards that we are facing there along the Airport–Obiri- Ikwerre Road; the smell on that road being the entrance into the State, we felt it’s not proper,” he said. “So, we are making alternative arrangements so we can have a permanent refuse dumpsite that meets acceptable standards.
“He added that the government would move swiftly to formalise ownership of the land and complete construction work on the access road to make the new site functional.“We have not concluded the issue of the burrow pit, but the access road, I think the government is doing something about it.
So, I will make sure that everything that needs to be done to ensure government owns this burrow pit is done,” he stated.
Governor Fubara also commended the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) for what he described as a more assertive and improved approach to managing refuse across the State.In addition to the dumpsite inspection, the Governor also visited the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters located in Elimgbu Town, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, to assess the extent of ongoing construction work on the facility.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Benibo Anabraba, to uphold the dignity of his office, protect the interest of the State, and discharge his duties with honour, respect, and responsibility.
Governor Fubara gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony of the new SSG, held on Monday at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
Describing Anabraba’s appointment as an act of divine favour, the Governor said positions of leadership are not attained by our own human effort but by God’s grace in our lives.
“Let me first congratulate you. I’m using the word ‘congratulations’ because a few of us, not by our power but by the special favour of God, find ourselves in exalted positions. It’s not because we are the best, but only by His grace.”
Governor Fubara noted that the Office of the Secretary to the State Government is one of great honour, occupied by only a few since the creation of Rivers State, and urged the new appointee to serve with humility and dedication.
He, however, expressed confidence in Anabraba’s capacity to deliver, citing his past record as a principal officer of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“This position is a rare privilege. Guard that office with honour. Discharge your duties with respect. Protect the interest of Rivers State. When you leave office, let it be with honour, and that only comes through responsible service.
“I know you’re a dedicated person. This opportunity is not for show or display of power. It’s a call to duty,” he cautioned.
The Governor emphasised that the current administration is focused on restoring confidence of the people because peace has been achieved in the State.
He enjoined the new SSG to align with the vision of the administration and contribute meaningfully to the collective progress of Rivers people.
“We are emerging from a very difficult period and must reassure our people that we mean well for them, especially now that peace has returned to Rivers State. By the grace of God, do your work well. Help us succeed in this assignment that God has given to us,” the Governor added.
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Nigeria’s First Lady Flags Off Renewed Hope Health Initiative In Rivers …Targets Measles, Rubella, HPV Vaccination For Children, Women
The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reiterated her commitment to expanding vaccine coverage nationwide, declaring that the ongoing Measles and Rubella vaccination campaign in Rivers State will surpass all previous records in scope and success.
Speaking through the wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, Senator Tinubu made this statement during the flag-off ceremony of the Measles, Rubella, and HPV Vaccine Sensitisation Campaign, organised under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Port Harcourt on Monday.
The campaign, implemented by the RHI in collaboration with the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board, C-WINS, and international partners including WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, and Vaccine Alliance, aims to protect millions of children and women from preventable diseases.
“We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the measles vaccine coverage achieved through this campaign exceeds that of the past,” Senator Tinubu affirmed. “Through technical and financial support, this partnership will ensure that by February, 2026, well-trained staff are deployed across communities to vaccinate all eligible children.”
Rivers State is among the Fourth Stream of Phase One states participating in Africa’s largest-ever health initiative, targeting over 106 million Nigerian children for vaccination against Measles, Rubella, Polio, and HPV. The local rollout is expected to commence in February, 2026, reaching children aged 9 months to 14 years across all 23 local government areas.
Senator Tinubu highlighted the risks of the targeted diseases, describing Measles and Rubella as “highly contagious and potentially deadly,” noting that Rubella can cause severe complications for unborn babies, if contracted by pregnant women.
“The best way to prevent both diseases remains vaccination,” she emphasised.
Narrowing down to efforts by the Rivers State Ministry of Health, the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, and the State Task Force on Primary Healthcare, led by Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, she noted how instrumental it has been in ensuring comprehensive outreach through an inter-sectoral approach involving education, women affairs, information ministries, traditional and religious leaders, and the security sector.
Senator Tinubu urged parents and caregivers to cooperate fully with health workers.
“The Measles-Rubella vaccine is safe, effective, and free in all our health centres. Please, ensure your children are vaccinated at the right time to protect them from these deadly infections.
“Let us all play our part in spreading awareness. Together, we can safeguard the health and future of our children,” she said, before formally declaring the sensitisation programme open.
In her goodwill message, Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, commended the Renewed Hope Initiative for its sustained impact in Rivers State, noting that the Measles, Rubella, and HPV Sensitisation Programme marks “a significant step in promoting public health awareness, particularly among women and children.”
She highlighted the particular benefit to the girl-child through HPV vaccination, calling it “an investment in their future health and empowerment.”
The Rivers State Coordinator of WHO, Prof. Giwa Abdulganiyu, praised the collaboration between RHI and the State Government, describing the campaign as “a worthy step in the right direction,” and reaffirmed WHO’s continued partnership in achieving health for all.
Earlier, the RHI Rivers State Coordinator, Mrs. Tonye Briggs-Oniyide, welcomed guests, and reaffirmed the initiative’s goal of reducing the incidence of Measles and Rubella in the state.
“These diseases have the potential to cause emergencies and great distress in families. Today’s flag-off represents our collective determination to raise awareness and prevent such tragedies,” she added.