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APC, Averse To Internal Democracy, Wike Declares
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) does not have the capacity to practice internal democracy.
He maintained that it was for the lack of such capacity that has made it difficult for them to respect democratic tenets and also to organise mere national convention.
Wike made the assertion at the inauguration of Orogbum Crescent (road) project at the Government Reserved Area (GRA) Phase II, in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, last Monday.
The governor said he was happy to be a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because it was solid on its resolve to serve as the only available hope for Nigerians in the quest to rescue the country.
“APC has failed. Look at their crisis. It is just ordinary convention that is a problem. Ordinary convention that didn’t take us time as opposition party.
“Yet, you see what is happening, and that’s the kind of people you want to put your hope, faith on. It can’t be possible.
“There is no internal democracy in APC. It is only one man who decides. Mr. President travelled to Kenya, came back on Saturday, and ordered that this and that should happen, and travelled again yesterday (Sunday).
“No internal democracy because they are not formed to practice democracy. They were only formed to see that they take over power, and now, they cannot manage it.”
Wike pointed to how his administration has consistently executed development projects that have advanced the state, and particularly restored the Garden City status of the state capital, Port Harcourt.
The governor challenged his critics to stop living on the pages of newspapers where they spread misinformation and castigate government policy that they do not have the facts on.
Rather, Wike urged them to take time out to walk the streets of Port Harcourt to see how the urban renewal programme of his administration has been implemented deliberately.
“Each time I read comments made by people who have failed, I just laugh at them. People think the only way they can be candidates of their party is when they go to newspapers to say what they don’t have the facts on.
“Shame! They never knew that we can turn Port Harcourt around this way. They never knew it to be so because they had all the opportunities. They had all the money in life then.
“But with the little that we have, see what we have done in Port Harcourt. I challenge them to be bold to walk around the streets.”
Wike asked residents and those who know the new GRA very well to mention any road that has been left unattended to by his administration.
He said there was no doubt that residents and those who do business in the new GRA would enjoy the associated benefits that come with good roads.
“Today is the last day. So, I believe every road in GRA has been done and was done by Julius Berger Plc. I am happy that people are seeing how we have brought back Port Harcourt to what it is supposed to be.”
Inaugurating the project, Abia StateGovernor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu noted that it was the second time for him to perform such function in the state, and expressed delight with the result of the urban renewal programme of Wike.
He said the days were gone when politicians would ride on rhetoric and make bogus promises that they were not prepared to fulfil.
Ikpeazu stated that future political campaigns would be based on evidence of work to advance society and track record of fulfilled promises.
“I recommend Wike’s style of leadership, commitment, dedication and love for his people to all of us who are serving today, irrespective of station of service.
“Wike has become synonymous with projects and the message Governor Wike is sending to Nigerians, especially the public, is for us to once remove our attention from rhetoric and look at result.
“Elections in Nigeria from 2023 going forward should be defined and determined by strong evidence of track record of achievement. We are tired of people who will come up to say I will. We want to see people that will say I have done this; I have done that.”
He further said: “They are those who don’t like you(Wike), it doesn’t matter. But let them like the results of your work as you serve the people of the Rivers State.
“I am thrilled by the quality of work you do, and using Julius Berger. You went and brought Julius Berger to do all the roads in GRA. That underscores your love for the people.”
On his part, Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Elloka Tasie-Amadi said the Orogbum Crescent project was one of the roads within the state capital that have been totally rehabilitated.
Particularly, Tasie-Amadi, explained that the Orogbum Crescent was expanded from 7.3m to 10.4m wide, and now serves as evidence of the deliberate and calculated steps taken by Wike to renew Rivers State.
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo