News
PDP Faithful Optimistic Of 2019
Following the closure of the venue for the National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by security agencies in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital on Wednesday, spokesman of the Caretaker Committee (CTC) of the party, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, says 2019 elections are between Nigerians and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Adeyeye, who spoke to journalists shortly after the party extended the tenure of Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led CTC in Port Harcourt, insisted that the PDP still remains united and was winning the heart of many Nigerians.
The PDP CTC publicity secretary submitted that the ploy by the ruling party to stir crisis in the party will fail, reasoning that the performance of the Federal Government has pitted it against Nigerians who are facing hardship.
According to him, “2019 will be interesting, and it’s not a problem of the PDP. It will be a struggle between Nigerians and the APC government.”
“This party remains highly united, our spirit is not dampened…all the delegates are going home to continue to spread the gospel of democracy,” he stated.
Adeyeye said last Wednesday’s action by security agencies failed as the party took immediate steps to avert leadership vacuum by extending the tenure of Makarfi-led CTC by one year, and also expanding membership of the committee from seven to 13.
The Tide recalls that following the closure of the stadium by the police, venue of the convention, the PDP quickly shifted its activities to the state party secretariat on Aba Road, Port Harcourt, with delegates from the 36 states and Abuja attending.
Adeyeye defended the party’s action, saying, “there were those that suggested that we should go to another venue but that would have attracted the police and scuttled our Convention. The decision we took to converge at the state party secretariat will salvage the PDP.”
Administrator of Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, hailed the decision of the party not to be confrontational.
He said, “the party demonstrated high level of maturity. If all the delegates moved to the venue, that would have led to a different story. But we said no, let’s go to our secretariat because that is where we belong, and sit down and take decisions.”
The PDP gubernatorial candidate in Lagos State during 2015 elections and also national chairmanship aspirant of the party, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, accused the ruling APC of meddling in PDP affairs through the sacked chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff.
He supported the decision of the congress to extend the tenure of the CTC, saying, “why some people want the PDP to die, we want to ensure that it is alive, and the way to keep it alive is to extend the tenure of the caretaker committee for the period that allows the judicial process to resolve itself.”
On his part, Rivers State Publicity Secretary of the party, Samuel Nwanosike, observed that the will of the people has prevailed despite the ploy by the Federal Government to scuttle the party’s convention.
He emphasized that the decision of the party was supreme, adding, “the will of the people is the will of God and voice of the people is the voice of God. Today, the whole of the PDP has spoken in Port Harcourt, and we thank God.”
Also, PDP Youth Leader in Edo State, Hartley Irabor, said the tenure elongation for the CTC was the best decision to salvage the party.
In his remarks, former caretaker chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, Dr Isaac Mietamuno Jaja, has commended the Chairman of PDP National Convention Planning Committee and Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike for the successful and peaceful conduct of the party convention in Port Harcourt.
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