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APC Uncovers PDP’s Plot To Cause Mayhem
Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) says the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commenced fresh ploy to disturb the peace of the state as it accused the APC of destroying flags of Nigeria and the party in Port Harcourt.
Newly elected Chairman of the party, Chief Davies Ibiamu Ikanya told newsmen yesterday at the party’s secretariat in Port Harcourt that the PDP had through a lawyer to former Obio/Akpor Chairman, Timothy Nsirim, claimed that the party had gone to damage the national flag and that of the party at Rumuigbo junction.
Bent on causing public disorder, Ikanya said the lawyer, one Mr. Emma Uche, had petitioned the police and the State Security Service (SSS) over the matter.
“You very well know that since the exit of Mbu Joseph Mbu as the commissioner of police in this state, Rivers State has known peace. All our activities have been conducted in law abiding manner, and apart from few incidents of kidnapping and robbery here and there, we have not had any political issue since Mbu left. So, we want to state categorically and unequivocally that no member of APC did anything to destroy flags of any party, let alone Nigeria’s,” Ikanya said.
The Rivers APC chief while wondering why PDP should concoct such accusation, noted that the party respects the national flag and even has part of its flag in Nigerian colours, adding that the party is on a rescue mission to salvage the country from poor leadership.
“Therefore, we cannot be destroying Nigerian flag. I will like to let the public and the entire Nigerian populace to know that this is another frivolous allegation by the same PDP aimed at causing trouble”, he said.
He recalled that the PDP had earlier this year accused the party of sponsoring the abduction of its members, but thanks to God for recent police report which exonerated them, as the culprits have been apprehended.
Ikanya accused the PDP of a smear campaign on the governor of the state, whom he described as a law abiding and focused leader, while assuring that the governor and the APC will not be distracted from delivering good governance to the state.
Calling on the people to disregard the ploy, Ikanya warned the PDP that, “unless it stops this act, we will be forced to take action against them”.
He revealed that the party has been reliably informed that the PDP wants to use the excuse of the flag damage to destroy billboards with APC logos, and called on the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to be on the alert.
The APC chairman urged the opposition to concentrate on winning the next elections and putting its house in order, noting that majority of Rivers people have rejected the PDP.
“Let us go for clean and clear elections because at any point in time, the will of God will be done” adding that, “we will as a party, continue to preach peace, and we will not allow anybody to rig us.”’
Similarly, Ikanya has described the recent allegation against the Chief of Staff, Government House, Sir Tony Okocha by Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) of threat to life of its spokesperson as a scheme by the opposition to distract government.
He said, “yesterday, somebody accused the Chief of Staff of threatening his life just to distract government attention…The people should disregard such ploy, the governor or all the people in APC are law abiding citizens. We are disciplined people”.
Delegates voting at the APC Rivers Congress in Port Harcourt, last Saturday
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