In a bold display of dissent, prominent leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State staged a protest at the House of Assembly quarters in Port Harcourt, condemning rumored plans by the state government to demolish the complex.

Led by notable figures including Desmond Akawor, Kingsley Chindah, Olaka Nwogu, and Chief Tony Okocha, the demonstrators voiced their opposition to any attempts to dismantle the infrastructure.  Footage from the protest

Addressing the gathering, Hon. Martins Amaehwule, Speaker of the Assembly faction loyal to Nyesom Wike, Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), received the protesters and underscored the importance of preserving the structures, highlighting their significance to the state’s democratic institutions.

Amaewhule vehemently refuted claims of structural deficiencies, asserting that the buildings were in excellent condition and fully operational. He emphasized that any move to interfere with the complex would constitute an affront to democracy and the authority of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

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Accompanied by Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, the protesters inspected the premises and affirmed the integrity of the structures, dismissing allegations of imminent demolition.

Chinda commended the quality of the assembly complex, comparing it favorably to national legislative quarters and urging restraint from any actions that could undermine its integrity.

Another footage from the protest

Former House of Representatives member, Igo Aguma, condemned past instances of destruction and urged the governor to uphold democratic principles by safeguarding the assembly complex.

Echoing similar sentiments, former Speaker of the Rivers House of Assembly, Ikuinyi Ibani, cautioned against actions that could incite violence and called for respect for the rule of law.

Senator Olaka Nwogu emphasized the importance of upholding democratic institutions, warning against any attempts to subvert their integrity.

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Rivers Caretaker Committee Chairman of the APC, Chief Tony Okocha, lauded the unity displayed by leaders and elders across party lines in defense of democracy, reaffirming support for the 27 lawmakers aligned with the APC.

By Osita Chidoka, 

We met in 1999; you came to pick me up in your Peugeot 505 Salon car. At that time, you were a Local Government Chairman, and I was Personal Assistant to Chief Okete, Minister of State Works and Housing.

Our friendship was on and off as you climbed the ladder of leadership. I saw you as Chief of Staff to the Governor, Secretary to the State Government, and Senator.

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In 2008, our friendship was renewed, made possible by Olisa Metuh, your classmate. The friendship, this time, blossomed.

You were there when my mother came back from her first cancer surgery.

You were there when I turned 40. You were there in Obosi when my father turned 90.

You were there by 7 am for the surprise praise and worship session when my wife turned 40.

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You came to Obosi to see the Thomas Chidoka ICT Centre before its launch in 2016.

Your wife Nwanneka was always by your side and heartily entertained us with that Abacha that I insist she must get a patent for. I particularly respect Anukata Etinye’s ego (as Olisa and I fondly call her) for focusing on her job as a civil servant while you held sway in the Senate—a remarkable woman.

I was there at your birthday events. The picture of you, your wife, and myself was your 2019 birthday.

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I witnessed your intellectual curiosity never wane, even as you dedicated yourself to public service. Your pursuit of knowledge and your passion for debate, all while maintaining your duties, are traits to be emulated. I escorted you to receive your PhD certificate from the University of Abuja.

You are a loyal friend, a good husband, and a great father. I am proud of you, grateful to know you, and happy that you prioritised fatherhood.

You live your love of family and pay the price for love.

Today, you mark 62 years. We would have been at your house eating and laughing. We will eat today, but we will not laugh. We will drink, but we will not be raucous because…

To all friends and admirers: Ike and Nwanneka are in good spirits. They know thar this, too, shall come to pass. Their back may be bent, but their spirits are not broken.

Your legacies are etched in our hearts – those you’ve touched. Though the burdens may weigh heavy, your spirit remains unyielding.

In the face of adversity, you stand tall, a living testament of hope and inspiration to all who know you. Your commitment to family, community, and service is a soulful reminder of and tribute to the power of love and sacrifice.

Your resilience and calm confidence whenever I see you are an enduring testament to your character and doggedness.

Next year in Enugu, with God keeping us, we shall sing the Lord’s song not in a strange land but on the soil ordained by God.

We will celebrate again a friend, a leader, a father, and a man whose community and friends acknowledge with one voice as a global leader.

Happy birthday, Ikeoha, okala madu, and husband of Nwanneka.

Ostia Chidoka is a former Minister of Aviation.

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), recently expressed regret for backing Governor Siminalayi Fubara as his successor in Rivers State.

Despite Wike’s support during the primaries, their relationship soured within months of Fubara’s assumption of office.

The rift escalated to a point where a Rivers High Court restrained lawmakers loyal to Wike from acting as members of the state assembly.

Addressing constituents in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Wike assured the lawmakers that legal processes would prevail, urging them not to fear early morning injunctions.

He emphasized the importance of peace and adherence to due process, asserting his commitment to maintaining stability.

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Acknowledging his mistake in supporting Fubara, Wike vowed to rectify it in due course.

He emphasized the inevitability of human error and sought forgiveness from the people.

Responding to Fubara’s remarks about not worshipping him, Wike clarified that “appreciation, not worship, is the appropriate response to assistance rendered by others.”

Dr. Abdulazeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship candidate in Lagos State’s last election, has cautioned that campaigning for the party in 2027 will be an uphill battle if those who worked against its interests in 2023 remain in leadership positions.

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Directing his remarks at figures like the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, who opposed the party’s presidential candidate in the last election, Jandor emphasized the importance of enforcing discipline within the party ranks to regain credibility in the eyes of Nigerians.

Speaking as the lead guest at a conference organized by the Victory Advocates of Nigeria (VAN) in Abuja, Jandor stressed the urgent need for stakeholders to collaborate in reshaping the party’s image, which he described as tarnished.

Highlighting the necessity for accountability and adherence to the party’s constitution, Jandor underscored the challenge of persuading voters, particularly in Lagos State, to support the PDP when individuals who openly worked against the party’s interests are still regarded as its leaders.

Jandor’s remarks were echoed by Prince Seyi Ajibola, the National President of Victory Advocate of Nigeria (VAN), who emphasized the imperative for youth involvement in PDP affairs to facilitate the party’s progress.

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Ajibola urged PDP leaders to prioritize youth inclusion and discipline within the party to bolster its chances of success in the upcoming elections, warning that a lack of discipline could undermine its prospects in 2027.