News
Security Moves Against New PDP In Yenagoa
Following the petition of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the police on the activities of the new PDP in Bayelsa State, which has finalised arrangements to open a secretariat in Yenagoa, the state capital, security agents have started hunting for its members, and leaders.
Although as at the time of reporting, nobody has been arrested, as most of them have gone underground, while some have left for neighbouring states where their safety could be granted.
Last Friday, the state police command had issued a statement warning anybody promoting unregistered political or the PDP to desist or be ready some unpleasant consequences.
This followed a petition to police, which described the members of the new PDP as undesirable elements and betrayers.
Consequently, the law enforcement agents have a discrete decision to hunt down the members where ever they may be, a situation that has forced the leaders of the factional group heading to the court to enforce their fundamental human rights that guaranteed the freedom of association.
The interim leader of the group, Chief Richard Kpodo insisted that the police have no legal right to declare him and his people wanted, stressing that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guaranteed the freedom of association; hence, the new PDP would go ahead with its decision to open an office in Yenagoa this week.
Kpodo lamented that it is only in Bayelsa that the police have declared dissident politicians wanted for what they believe in, adding that in other places, the worse the police have done so far was to close the offices and not threaten to kill them.
“We are not intimidated by the police. We have not committed any offense, so we will go ahead with what we are doing and dare them to arrest us. Nigeria is not a lawless society,” he said.
Kpodo debunked insinuations that they were loyalists fighting the case for Governor Timipre Sylva, who was denied opportunity to seek a second term in office as governor of the state.
He said that contrary to that claim, they were people who are genuinely interested in what happens in the party.
“I worked for Governor DSP Alamieyeseigha as director of operations, Centre for Youth Development. I was senior special assistant to President Jonathan as governor of the state on strategy and policy monitoring before Sylva appointed me senior special assistant and later special adviser on security. So, what do they mean when they call us Sylva’s loyalists. We are committed PDP members who care so much for what happens to the party both at the national and state level.
Also angry at the invasion of their homes and business premises by the police, the former South-South youth leader of the party, Mr. Godwin Sidi insisted that they were fighting a PDP cause and not a selfish interest.
He accused Governor Seriake Dickson of abandoning the leadership of the party and running it as if the people don’t have any opinion on issues affecting them as party members.
Just like Kpodo, Sidi said he was not afraid of any arrest but stressed that the police have been intimidating their families since they took their position.
“The lives of our wives and children are in dang.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol
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