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APC Congress Violence Takes New Toll …Rep Wehioka Arrested In Rivers …Ngige Escapes Mob Attack …One Killed In Delta

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The unending crisis which has riddled the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the country took a defining dimension, yesterday, as the party held congresses nationwide to elect its new executive officers at ward levels amidst protests and violence.
The leaders of the party across the country had mobilised members to ensure that their loyalists were elected but not without stiff resistance from politicians, who belong to opposing camps within the party.
In Rivers State, the exercise was inconclusive even as supporters of the senator representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Magnus Abe, protested on major streets of Port Harcourt to condemn the exercise.
The protesters marched through the Eastern Bypass axis of the Rivers State capital, chanting war songs, even as they claimed that (they) Abe supporters were sidelined from the ward congresses in the state.
Abe regretted that there was no ward congress of the APC in the 344 wards of the 23 local government areas in Rivers State.
Report says security has been deployed at the Rivers State Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress in Port Harcourt.
Our correspondent reports that armed policemen and other security operatives were mobilised to the area after some protesters became violent and vandalised the APC office.
Police have also picked up the member representing Emohua-Ikwerre Federal Constituency, Elder Chidi Wehioka.
The Rivers State Police Command is yet to explain why Wehioka was arrested.
Earlier, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State, had denied claims by a section of the party that materials for the local government congresses have been hijacked.
In a statement signed by its spokesman, Parry Benson, shortly after the congress, last Saturday in Port Harcourt, Abe accused the leadership of the party in the state of going against the guidelines for the ward congress, by allowing contestants to pick forms on the day of the congress.
“The leadership of APC in Rivers State countered itself by issuing two statements today, Saturday, May 5, 2018, where it urged contestants to pick forms for the ward congress.
Abe, who is also an APC governorship aspirant, said, “The development is against the guidelines of the party’s congresses, which said the purchase of nomination forms should end 24 hours before the commencement of the congress”.
The lawmaker further described the development as a fight against internal democracy in the APC, and called on the national leadership of the party to intervene in the matter.
According to Abe, “Our worry is that some leaders of the party deliberately want to obstruct the ward, local government and state congresses.
“We are appealing to the national leadership of the party to do what is right to ensure a free, fair, peaceful and credible congress in Rivers State”, the senator added.
The Tide reports that while the congress was alleged to be ongoing, some armed policemen and other security operatives were mobilized to the Rivers State Secretariat of the APC, along Forces Avenue in Old GRA, Port Harcourt, after some protesters became violent and vandalized the party’s office, last Saturday.
Reacting, the state APC Chairman, Chief Davies Ikanya, condemned the attack on the party’s state secretariat, describing the incident as “barbaric and unbelievable”.
Ikanya told newsmen in Port Harcourt, shortly after inspecting the destroyed secretariat, that it was wrong to attack the state office when congresses were being held at the wards.
At the various local governments visited, The Tide reports total chaos, confusion, violence and in some cases, shooting, with the congress not holding in many wards due mainly to disagreements over delegates’ lists.
Reacting to the violence and killings, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike condoled with the families of those who lost their loved ones in the course of the fracas preparatory to the APC congress at the weekend.
Wike said that it was unfortunate that some politicians do not understand that politics was not war.
In a statement, last Friday, Wike was quoted as saying: “Politics is not a do or die affair. All politicians must learn to play politics by established rules “.
The governor said that the fracas that claimed innocent lives ahead of the Rivers APC congress underscores what Rivers people have continued to say about the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and their Commander, ACP Akin Fakorede, who has been indicted by INEC for election rigging and violence.
He pleaded with APC members to continue to see the state as one, pointing out that it was necessary for everyone to maintain the peace that the state currently enjoys.
The governor warned hoteliers who allow their premises to be used as hideouts for illegal political activities to desist or face appropriate sanctions from the Rivers State Government.
In Delta State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship aspirant for ward 10 (Jeremiah III) in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, Mr. Jeremiah Oghoveta was stabbed to death following an unprovoked attack on him allegedly by a yet to be identified member of his party.
The incident was said to have occurred prior to the commencement of the congress to the elect executive committee for the party at the ward level, last Saturday.
A source said the party chieftain was stabbed by the assailant while waiting for materials and party officials to arrive for the conduct of the congress, adding that there was already a harmonised list of executive members to douse tension before the unprovoked attack.
In Ekiti, former Governor Kayode Fayemi and the All Progressives Congress in Ekiti State have disagreed over the call for a cancellation of the governorship primary that held on Saturday.
While Fayemi wanted the results of the election so far cast by delegates from five local governments upheld, the state APC Chairman, Chief Jide Awe, called for the immediate cancellation of the exercise.
The primary was suspended indefinitely amidst violence that broke out at Oluyemo Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti where the primary held.
Trouble started when agents of some of the aspirants complained that the electoral process was being manipulated.
This paved a way for some thugs to attack the ballot boxes and smashed them.
Addressing journalists yesterday, Awe blamed the APC Election Committee chaired by the Governor of Nasarawa State, Umar Al-Makura, for not carrying members of the state executive along in the conduct of the exercise.
He said, “There is no way you can conduct a primary without allowing State Executive Council to have a say. The aspirants were not happy. There are lots of lessons to learn as a party.”
Awe called for an outright cancellation of the disrupted election.
In Anambra, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, on Sunday evening escaped mob attack at a meeting of the All Progressives Congress in a hotel in Awka, Anambra State.
The meeting, it was gathered, was for the harmonisation of the results of the party’s ward congress held last Saturday.
As gunshots pervaded the scene, Ngige was whisked away by security agencies.
Security personnel repeatedly fired repelling shorts into the air to scare the mob who charged at him.
They alleged that the minister was trying to manipulate the result of the ward congress in his favour.
A member of the state’s ward congress committee, who was identified as Ali was not that lucky to escape as he was beaten to a pulp and stripped naked on allegations that he was among those drafted in the state to work in favour of Ngige.
The candidate of the APC in the November 18, 2017 governorship election in Anambra, Dr Tony Nwoye, had openly accused Ngige in the meeting of plotting to hijack the party in the state.
In the Cross River chapter of the All Progressives Congress APC has postponed its ward congresses indefinitely following what party stakeholders described as hijack of electoral materials supposed to be meant for conduct of the failed ward congress led by Standley Okezie six- man congress committee from the National Secretariat which was alleged to have been held hostage by some aggrieved party men.
Members of the six-man committee were held hostage yesterday at the Danic Hotel, for over seven hours by aggrieved members of the party that accused them of aiding a faction of the party to rig the ward congresses that were scheduled to hold in various wards of the state.
As early as 8am the party secretariat at barracks road by Marian was besieged by some aggrieved party faithful who claimed to have had a premonition that something strange was going to happen.
However, materials for the conduct of the congress were not on ground, a development which mounted tension and rowdiness as most of them moved to the hotel.
The likes of the Senator representing Cross River Central at the national assembly, Sen. John Owan Enoh, the National Vice Chairman, South South, Ntufam Hiliard Eta, APC governorship aspirant, Venatious Ikem, Zonal Vice Chairmann Central, Mr. Cletus Obun, former governor of the state, Mr. Clement Ebri, Special Assistant on Prosecution, Chief Okoi Obon-Obla and hundreds of party stalwarts mounted much pressure on the congress committee to sub-pedal with the exercise to pave way for emergency stakeholders meeting at the secretariat of the party so that grievances of some aggrieved members be addressed.
However, in Edo State, the congress was held across the 192 wards but the National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, did not take part in the exercise at his ward 2 in the Oredo Local Government Area where he registered.
The APC in Oyo State could not hold its ward congress as scheduled, following an outbreak of violence at its state secretariat at Oke-Ado, Ibadan, as gun-toting thugs invaded the secretariat, disrupting a pre-congress stakeholders’ meeting slated for the venue.
The crisis, which became bloody, leaving some leaders of the party injured, led to the chairman of the Congress Committee, Alhaji Musa Halilu-Ahmed, shifting the congress to today, after consultation with stakeholders of the party who reconvened at the secretariat after the violent disruption.

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Work on Eleme Road delaying fuel distribution from PH Refinery – PETROAN

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The Petroleum Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has expressed concern over the slow pace of work by Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) on the Eleme East-West Road project, Port Harcourt axis.

The National President of PETROAN, Dr Billy Harry, in a statement yesterday, said that the delay was happening in spite of the N33 billion said to have been released by the Federal Ministry of Works, for the project.

Harry decried the challenges the deplorable road posed, saying that it was sabotaging President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to ensure the smooth distribution of petroleum products from the renovated Port Harcourt Refinery.

“Thousands of petroleum trucks will be using the road to convey products from the renovated Port Harcourt refinery, so, further delay is detrimental.

“The Eleme East-West Road is a critical route for the transportation of petroleum products, and its safety is paramount.

“The road’s deplorable condition poses a significant risk to trucks carrying petroleum products, which could lead to catastrophic accidents and environmental disasters.

“PETROAN is calling on the President to evaluate the ongoing contract by RCC in line with the contract timeline.

“This move will consolidate his renewed hope agenda by ensuring the timely completion of the Eleme East-West Road project.”

Harry said that about 60 retail outlets were negatively impacted by the road construction, and requested adequate compensation for owners of the fuel stations.

He recalled that the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in a press conference, had also complained about the slow approach of RCC, leading to the issuance of a seven-day ultimatum by the Minister.

“Furthermore, PETROAN is calling on the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to fast-track the contract evaluation process and take decisive action to address the slow pace of work by RCC.

 

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Old Students’ Association Marks Anniversary 

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The Rivers Secondary Schools Old Boys and Girls 1983 Set Association marked its one year anniversary in Port Harcourt on 22nd December 2024.

 

The association is a body of old boys and girls of 1983 graduating set of secondary schools in Rivers State, Nigeria conceptualised to provide opportunities for  reconnection and reminiscing over old times, networking, creating avenues for personal and professional growth, fostering friendships and celebrating milestones.

 

The one year anniversary gathering which took place at Galaxy PHD Event Centre, in GRA Phase 2, Port Harcourt, brought together different professionals and was heralded with classic photo shoot session, free speeches and talks on how to move the association to greater heights. It was rounded off with a dinner.

 

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the association, Chief Hope Kuku, congratulated members for the one year anniversary.

 

He encouraged members to reach out to more classmates in order to grow the association as the advantages are enormous in terms of business growth and social interactions.

 

He said he was already looking forward to a steady growth of the Association to mark the 10th anniversary.

 

Also speaking, the President of the association, Barrister Tubokumba Harry, described the last one year of the association as “exciting and really fulfilling” promising to “get more of our set mates on board”.

 

He stated that the coming together as classmates of the same set would inculcate a bond built on shared experiences which can enhance communication skills, promote teamwork and collaboration with lasting memories that members would cherish in the future.

 

In her own remarks, the Secretary General of the association, Dr (Mrs) Ibinabo Ogolo said one year down the memory lane of the association has been wonderful as members have not only shared experiences but made significant strides towards achieving the aim and objectives of the association.

 

“We successfully organised programmes like celebrating the Day of the African Child with students of Government Technical College, Trans Amadi, Port Harcourt.

 

Also, a Road Walk and Health Awareness campaign through Port Harcourt streets to create awareness and sensitize the people of Rivers State on the health importance of walking.

 

The association  also organised a “Hang-Out” session for members on 1st October, 2024 to foster relationships and networking and also joined other groups to relieve stress and depression at the Enjoyment Mega Sit Out at Port Harcourt Club in Port Harcourt.

 

These activities brought our members and community together”. She said.

 

On his part, the Chairman of the anniversary planning committee, Mr Tammy Owunaka noted that the association in just one year had grown to enviable height providing a platform for former classmates to reconnect, network and give back to the society.

 

Furthermore, he stated that the association created opportunities for professional mentorship, developments, and collaboration, thereby helping members to advance in their aspects of endeavour and personal lives.

 

He said that through the association, members have demonstrated that power of collective action and social responsibility can propel an organisation and commended the sense of belonging and camaraderie among members.

 

Also speaking, the legal adviser of the association, Barrister Ngozi Ajayi    noted that though the association is only one year old, it was already walking on a purposeful path and urged members to remain committed to and focused to make the association one of the best in the state.

 

In his remarks, Barrister Sylvester Adaka, who is a former Chairman of Nigeria Bar Association, Port Harcourt Branch and a memeber of the association stated that so far the association is on the right path but will progress better with more classmates on board.

 

He commended the classic photo shoot session as a great way to portray the individual personalities of members, adding that he was looking forward to more events.

 

 

 

 

 

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Nothing’ll Stop Governance In Rivers, Fubara Assures …Says We Won’t Allow Anyone Take State For A Ride

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Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will not leave any stone unturned to checkmate and frustrate anyone or group of persons attempting to stop government from delivering good governance to the good people of the State.

 

He also assured that with the strong support of the pillars and frontiers of the political class and leaders, particularly those who built the foundational structures of Rivers politics, his administration will not allow any detractor or shenanigan take the State and its people for a ride going forward.

 

Governor Fubara gave the assurance while addressing Rivers people at a 2025 New Year State Banquet in Government House, Port Harcourt.

 

He expressed confidence that with the strong organic support of former governors, Dr Peter Odili and Sir Celestine Omehia; former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Sir Austin Opara; former deputy governors, Sir Gabriel Toby and Engr Tele Ikuru; Senators John Azuta-Mbata, Lee Maeba, Andrew Uchendu, Adawari Michael Pepple; former national chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus; former transport minister, Dr Abiye Sekibo; Amb Orji Ngofa; and other former and current elected political office holders and leaders at all levels, with proven integrity and accomplishments, no detractor would stand on the way of the State Government in achieving the giant strides it has set for itself.

 

The Governor said this year, “We will ensure we protect the integrity of this state, at all cost. We won’t allow anybody take this state for a ride. It doesn’t matter the approach I will use. It’s not going to be a fight. We will follow the issues as we did with the case when they (detractors) started begging. Nothing will stop us from not achieving the purpose of governance in this State.”

 

With strong confidence and faith in God and the people, the Governor said, “We are not bothered about what they (opposition) will come with. God will always have a way to save us from them. They are going to come, but we are not worried. We are equal to the task. I honestly thank our leaders, from Dr. Peter Odili, Sir Celestine Omehia, Sen John Azuta Mbata, Sir Austin Opara, Prince Uche Secondus, Dr. Abiye Sekibo; to others, for the organic support you are giving to our government.

 

“A lot of persons would not understand what is really happening. This is not to say we did not have people that were with us and following us and fighting. But one of the troubles they (detractors) have where they are today is that they do not have any (strong) face (in Rivers politics) with them. The beginning and the end of politics in this State is Sir Peter Odili. And if he is sitting with us (here), and with these other persons, who do they have with them?

 

“This Dr. Odili is the right face and right image of our State. These are the frontiers of Rivers State politics. Men and women that have distinguished themselves are sitting with us (here). People who have contributed in several ways to make Rivers State what it is, not rented people they bring for dinner”, he added.

 

He recalled that the events of 2024, were a mix bag of daunting challenges, but quickly added that the year ended with his administration scoring more gains than losses, “2024 was not an easy year, but it was great for us in the end. About this time last year, we were not in a very pleasant mood, for fear of what might happen, because of the boasting of those who believe they control life”.

 

But while boldly projecting the 2025 outlook, the Governor said, “We will continue to put our trust in God as 2024 had been a wonderful year. We had our losses, and our gains. But the most important thing is that our gains surpassed the losses. We can boldly say 2024 was a good year for Rivers State. And year 2025, with your support, we are going to build on the gains of last year.”

 

He restated his administration’s determination to sustain the Rivers First policy, saying, “We will continue to protect the lives of our people and provide the required services in our State. We are not going to lower our guards. Rather, we will raise our bar because, what is speaking for us today is the achievements we are making in the face of obvious distractions.

 

“Therefore, raising the bar will be our own way of telling the world that no matter what is happening here, we mean well for the state and know what we are doing. It is not going to be easy. I know. God, at times, keeps evil people to live long to continue their evil, not because He does not know what to do but activities of evil people also keep the righteous people awake,” he stressed.

 

Governor Fubara commended everyone in the State for their organic support, and solicited for more support in 2025, emphasising, “We are not going to do it alone, because we have not made these gains alone. Whatever win we scored today, it is not myself alone, but the government and the support received from every one of you. I cannot pay you back for doing what is right for your State. It is our State, and at the end of the day, we are building a better future for those to take over after us. That is my own dream for the State.”

 

The Governor noted that it is not about power and what is done today, but sustaining a system that will be self-preserving, on which everyone can stand and be proud of the State, explaining, “I strongly believe that because of our desire to build, not our (private) supermarkets, or our hotels, but to build a (resilient) State, there is no way we will not succeed, because our interest is not for self, but the collective interest of our people.”

 

He assured that 2025 is going to be a year of all-round achievements, declaring that by February, 2025, his administration will embark on projects’ commissioning in other sectors, emphasising, “This time around, not roads. Our Fire Service, you can see what we are doing there. For over nine years, there was no functional Fire Service, but today, I can proudly tell you that we have bought all the vehicles, and we are remodelling the offices”.

 

The Governor added, “Education is the only instrument that can help our youths to avoid criminality and crime. Our State is behind in education, as our primary schools are shadows of themselves. You can see the provisions we made in our budget, and we are making sure education is given the required attention in this State.

 

“We have done much on health but we are going to spend more because you have to be alive to work. We are doing what we know is right, and doing those things that you can stand anywhere after our administration to defend us that our decisions were right. Nothing will stop us from achieving the purpose of governance in this State”, he vowed.

 

In his welcome remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, noted that the outgone year had been a wonderful one, and commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, for being focused as an emancipator of the State, saying no matter the antics of the enemies, their acts to distract the government will continue to fail.

 

While proposing the toast for the New Year, member representing Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon Awaji-Inombek Abiante, said that Governor Fubara’s leadership qualities are a testament to the success of the administration, and prayed for the peace, unity and prosperity of the State, urging the “prodigals” to return home to join in the rebuilding of the Treasure Base of the Nation for future generations.

 

Highlight of the event was the cutting the New Year Cake by the Governor, who was joined by his Deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu; Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Victor Oko-Jumbo; former governors Peter Odili and Celestine Omehia; Hon Austin Opara; Prince Uche Secondus; retired Justice Mary Odili (JSC); Chief Judge of the State, Justice Chibuzor Simeon Amadi; President, Customary Court of Appeal, Wilfred Ihemnacho Obuzor; Senators John Azuta Mbata, Lee Maeba, Andrew Uchendu, Adawari Pepple; Amb Orji Ngofa; and others.

 

 

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