Politics
Sekibo Begins Re-election Campaign… Opposition Parties Set For Jan 5 Poll
Senator George Thompson Sekibo, has re-affirmed his determination to ensure the effective representation of the people of Rivers East Senatorial District in the National Assembly.
Senator Sekibo, who spoke while addressing the people of Ikwerre, Emohua, Omuma and Etche Local Government Councils respectively during his re-election campaign, was optimistic that his re-election was a formality due to the peoples’ trust in him and in the Peoples Democratic Party.
He regretted that he was campaigning for the second time in one year, saying that it was due to the mistake of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to him, this yuletide would have been a time of merry-making especially time to deliver part of his electoral promises to the people.
Describing the PDP as the largest party in Africa, he said the party will continue to win elections both in the state and in the country due to the crop of politicians it is always featuring in elections.
“I am here to ask for your votes again. You have done it before, I know you will do it again. Let me tell you, the election was annulled due to a mistake by INEC. But I know that with you victory is sure” he said.
In Ikwerre Local Government where the campaign was flagged off, Elder Chidi Wihioka and others assured the Senator of their readiness to re-elect him on January 5, 2012.
Wihioka, described Senator Sekibo as an erudite scholar, said he will receive over 90 per cent of the votes from the local government because the Ikwerres are solidly behind him.
In their separate speeches, Hons. Allen Nma, John Anucha, and Regionald Ukwuoma chairmen of Emohua, Omuma and Etche Local Councils respectively, expressed satisfaction over Sekibo’s leadership and promised to vote him back to the senate to enable him complete the work he has started in the senatorial district.
They maintained that Sekibo who until the annulment of the election was the chairman of the Committee Defence and Army remains the only candidate due to his grassroots’ relationship with the people.
Meanwhile, the PDP chairman in Rivers State Chief Godspower U. Ake, has said that his leadership will continue to bring glory to the state.
Ake also promised a bumper package across party members, adding that the re-election of Senaotr Sekibo is another test of t heir loyalty and support for the party.
Highlight of the event was the declaration of eight opposition parties (Labor Party, CPC and others) to work with Senator Sekibo.
Meanwhile, opposition Parties in Rivers State have said they are ready for the National Assembly re-run election slated for January 5.
The political parties who presented candidates for the election indicated their interest in a meeting called by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently, urged the Electoral body to provide a level playing ground for all parties.
The political parties chairmen and secretaries who also came with their candidates to the meeting appealed to the security agencies to provide security both for the electorates and adhoc workers to ensure a free and fair election.
Speaking at the occasion, the Rivers East Senatorial candidate of the Action Alliance (AA), Rev Chizi Micheal Atata, says he will not return to the tribunal even if he loses the re-run election of the senatorial district slated January 5th, 2012.
He urged the security agencies to also assist INEC to conduct a free and fair election that would be accepted by all in the senatorial district and the state at large; stating that he will maintain his earlier promise not to contest the outcome of the re-run in the court.
He commended the INEC for calling the meeting and noted that his party, Action Alliance (AA) was prepared for the election even though the time given was short.
Earlier, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Elder Aniedi Ikoiwoak had said the meeting was called to inform the political parities and other stakeholders about the re-run election which has been slated for January 5.
The REC also reminded the parties that the election was nullified not because of its credibility, but due to exclusion of logo.
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police Rivers State, Mr Suleman Abbe said the police would ensure that it would not only protect lives and propertied, but would ensure that the areas where the elections would be held enjoy ultimate peace.
Princess Amadi/Ike Wigodo
Politics
Gov Alia Appoints TuFace As Adviser

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has appointed Nigerian music legend, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as TuFace, as his Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach.
In a viral video on Wednesday, Governor Alia praised TuFace for all the support towards his administration.
The Governor stated that TuFace can do more.
He stated, “On behalf of the Benue State Government and our very good people, we want to give you some more responsibility plus the ones you have been doing because you have the capacity to do some more and help us chart a way forward to improve other people’s lives and to gain more from your wisdom and advice as well.
“So, I’m pleased to announce that we will make you a Technical Adviser to the Governor on Entertainment and Community Outreach.”
Politics
Oborevwori, Okowa Dump PDP For APC

Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement was made following a closed-door meeting at the Government House in Asaba on Wednesday.
The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, confirmed the development in a telephone conversation with The Tide’s source.
Similarly, the defection of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was announced on Wednesday in Asaba by Senator James Manager, following a meeting that lasted over six hours at the Government House.
Senator Manager said all PDP members in the State, including the Governor, former Governor Okowa, the Speaker, the state party chairman, and all local government chairmen, had agreed to join the APC.
“We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat,” he said.
The decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders and was made in the interest of Delta State’s long-term development.
Governor Oborevwori, who won the 2023 gubernatorial election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was received by senior APC officials in what political analysts are already describing as a strategic realignment with far-reaching implications ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Politics
Speakers Conference Tasks FG, Governors On Wanton Killings
The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria has condemned the recent wave of killings in Plateau, Borno, Benue, Niger State and most recently, Kwara State, calling on the federal and state governments to take urgent steps to stem the tide.
Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Adebo Ogundoyin, stated this in a statement issued in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Rt Hon. Ogundoyin, who is the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, said the gruesome killings had led to tragic loss of lives, widespread displacement, and unimaginable trauma for thousands of Nigerians.
“We are alarmed by the escalating insecurity in the land and the seeming helplessness with which these attacks are met. The time for mere condemnation and rhetoric has passed; urgent and coordinated action is now required at all levels of government to end these bloodbaths and restore peace and order.
“While we acknowledge that defence and national security fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Government, we must stress that every level of government bears responsibility for the security and welfare of the people. State governors, in particular, must rise to the occasion and fully understand that governance is not limited to road construction and ceremonial functions. True governance is rooted in the protection of lives, the preservation of order, and the alleviation of suffering,” he said.
He called on state governments to complement the efforts of the Federal Government by making and enforcing enabling laws for community policing and other grassroots-driven security models.
According to him, States must develop proactive frameworks that integrate local intelligence, social support systems, and youth engagement in the fight against insecurity.
The conference also urged the Federal Government to meaningfully engage the citizenry and introduce bold, practical measures to cushion the hardship caused by its current economic policies.
“Millions of Nigerians are groaning under the weight of inflation, unemployment, and a cost-of-living crisis. It is imperative that relief initiatives—targeted, transparent, and impactful—are rolled out without delay. Dialogue, not distance, must define the relationship between the government and its people at this critical time.
“The Conference of Speakers affirms its commitment to supporting all legislative actions necessary to restore security, promote justice, and foster inclusive governance across the country. The killings in Benue, Niger, Plateau, Borno, Kwara, and any part of Nigeria must not be allowed to continue unchecked. Justice must prevail, and peace must be restored.
“Let it be known: the safety, dignity, and well-being of every Nigerian must remain the top priority of all arms and levels of government,” Rt Hon. Ogundoyin said.
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