The Action Peoples Party (APP) in Rivers has swept 22 of the 23 Chairmanship positions contested in Saturday’s Local Government Elections.The Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Justice Adolphus Enebeli, described the elections as free and fair.Announcing the results, Enebeli said that the winners secured two-third majority votes in their respective wards across the 23 Local Government Areas (LGA) in the state.

“Results for 19 Wards in Etche LGA are still being collated, while the results for the 319 councillorship positions across the 23 LGAs will be announced in due course,” he said. Enebeli further said that elections were conducted in all the 6,866 units in 319 Wards, with 18 of the 19 political parties participating.“The elections, which concluded at 3 p.m., recorded a significant voter turnout, with many defying the rain to cast their ballots,” he said.He commended the political parties and residents for their dedication to ensuring a smooth election process.The RSIEC boss declared those who polled the highest number of votes duly elected Chairmen of their respective LGAs.The list of the successful Chairmen included Vincent Obu (Abua/Odual), Chibudom Ezu (Ahoada-East), Iyekor Ikporo (Ahoada-West), Mrs Tonye Briggs-Oniyide (Akuku-Toru), Lazarus Nteogwuile (Andoni), and Dr Sule Amachree (Asari-Toru).Others were Dame Anengi Barasua (Bonny), Dr Harry Agiriye (Degema), Chief Brain Gokpa (Eleme), David Omereji (Emohua), Monday Dumiye (Gokana), and Isreal Abosi (Ikwerre).Also declared winners were Martins Nwigbo (Khana), Chijioke Ihunwo (Obio/Akpor), and Isaac Umejuru (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni), Ishmael Oforibika (Ogu/Bolo), Igwe Achese (Okrika), and Promise Reginald (Omuma).The rest were Enyiada Cookey-Gam (Opobo/Nkoro), Gift Okere (Oyibo), Ezebunwo Ichemati (Port Harcourt) and Matthew Dike (Tai).The declaration of the results was witnessed by agents of the 18 political parties, members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and civil society groups, among others. (NAN)

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his commitment to repositioning the country and creating wealth for generations.The President said on Saturday that his focus was not on 2027 elections but on how to make Nigeria great for generations. Tinubu gave the assurance at the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-West Zone Assembly at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos State.

The event was hosted by the Chairman, South-West Governors’ Forum and Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The president was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila.He said that he was being pained by the hardship in the country but gave the assurance that Nigeria would get better. Tinubu said that he took some tough decisions for the good of the country. “For every moment in a country, a particular leader is produced for that time. This is the time to produce a leader that is courageous.“The challenges of our country are diverse and immense. “When a man has a strong conviction of what he is doing, he pursues it,” he said, adding that he had love for Nigerians and would continue to listen to them and do what would be good for them.In his address, Sanwo-Olu said: “We have come as one big family to explore more ways to work together. ” It is to share ideas and agree on strategies to take South West to greater heights. “We are blessed with assets and more positioned to move the country forward.” He appealed to the leaders and other members to give adequate support to the Tinubu-led administration.“We should strive to forge ahead.” The keynote speaker and immediate past Governor of Ekiti, Dr Kayode Fayemi, said that South West APC should be ready to forge a united front.“I am convinced that APC will remain strong to accomplish the business of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President. ” APC remains the only successful party that emerged from the cohesiveness of four different political parties. That is history, we must continue to protect what makes us thick. ” Our congress should be regular, within specific time frame. Our party is the framework in which we thrive as the ruling party,” he said. Others who attended the event are governors of Ekiti, Ondo and Ogun. Leaders at the meeting include ex-interim National Chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande, ex-Ogun governors, Chief Olusegun Osoba, and Mr Ibikunle Amosun. The event also attracted APC senators, representatives, house of assembly members and other top government officials from South West. (NAN)

Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has given the green light for the payment of the 2023 scholarship to children of deceased civil servants and students living with disabilities (PWDs) in the state.

This approval was made public through a statement signed by Dr Godfrey Enita, Executive Secretary of the Delta State Bursary and Scholarship Board, in Asaba on Saturday.

He said the scholarship programme would benefit 628 children of deceased civil servants from over 200 families and 60 students living with disabilities.

According to Enita, this initiative aims to support bereaved children of state civil servants who died in active service, as well as disabled students.

“Similarly, the scholarship scheme for disabled students is part of the state government’s effort to support them in taking up the challenge to acquire relevant education, thereby reducing their vulnerability in society.

“The two scholarship schemes cater to students from primary to tertiary levels.”

“Gov. Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E Agenda prioritises education as a catalyst for socio-economic development, demonstrating his commitment to educating students from Delta State, regardless of their socio-economic background.

“Thus, the governor’s approvals demonstrate his passion and commitment to educating students from Delta State, irrespective of their socio-economic background,” Enita said.

(NAN)