Delta Speaker congratulates Ogidi

ITRealms:

The Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Monday Igbuya has described the elected National Vice Chairman, South-South of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Emmanuel Ogidi as “a dependable leader and an affable gentleman,” reports ITRealms.

Igbuya, who spoke on Saturday at Obi Wali Centre, venue of the party’s zonal congress, urged the new chairman to increase the base of the party in the zone.

 “I consider it remarkable that another Deltan is occupying this position. I am confident that those values which inspired the members to elect you will be maintained and even surpassed” he said, calling on the new chairman to engage party faithful in new and exciting ways.

“I am sure that with your impeccable credentials, you stand in a good position to discharge the burden of the new office and take the zone to new heights. The September governorship election in Edo State is another occasion to prove to ourselves that we can do it. We also need to start planning for electoral success in 2019” he advised.

Igbuya, a trusted politician in Delta State, asked the chairman to ensure that his words and actions promote peace and harmony.

 “You have a huge task ahead” he said, pledging support to Ogidi in his new assignment, Igbuya asserted “I shall provide all the necessary support you may require for the success of your tenure as National Vice Chairman, South-South. I wish you God’s help in yet another phase of your continuing service to mankind” he said.

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Pix: Speaker Igbuya

PDP alleges plan to poison Metuh in detention

ITRealms:

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised series of alarms over the arrest of its spokesperson, Mr Olisa Metuh, alleging plans to poison him in detention, reports ITRealms.

National Secretary of PDP, Prof. Wale Oladipo in a press statement made available to newsmen in reaction to the arrest, alleged that aside the plans of All Progressive Congress (APC) to institute a one-party state in Nigeria, Metuh may be poisoned in detention.

The party, he said, was not taken aback by the arrest of Mr. Metuh, given series of threats to his life before now and since the assumption of the new government.

“The excesses of security agencies under this government, especially the Directorate of Security Services (DSS) and the EFCC, in abridging the human rights of PDP members have become worrisome and a threat to our democratic evolution,” Oladipo said.

Further, PDP intelligence report to the party showed they were “aware of top directives to break Chief Metuh and if possible poison him during his detention by the EFCC”.

Additionally, the party alleged Metuh has since his arrest Tuesday been denied access to his lawyers.

 

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PDP uncovers plot by APC to rig election

ITRealms:

 

The Acting Chairman, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State, Chief Serena Dokubo-Spiff has said his party has uncovered plot by All Progressives Congress (APC) to rig the December 5 governorship election in the state, ITRealms reports.

Dokubo-Spiff was speaking with newsmen in Yenagoa, the state capital,Thursday, he alleged that the opposition party in the state was planning to use the same cloned Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) that were used illegally during the botched APC primary to rig the governorship election.

ITRealms gathered that the use of the cloned PVCs at the primary election, he reminded the general public, was what caused the crisis that engulfed the party which, he also claimed, still persisted till date. Dokubo-Spiff, who deplored the move, said from all indications, APC was not ready to contest the election but only interested in finding a way to rig and take over the state.

According to him, the PDP had uncovered the rigging plot following intelligence gathering as he claimed that some elements in the APC willingly gave information about the planned use of the cloned PVCs said to be in circulation among members of the party and which would be used during the election.

He has, therefore, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies to take urgent steps to investigate the rigging plot with a view to arresting the situation, ITRealms learnt.

“Clearly, the APC in Bayelsa State is not prepared for any election. From all indications, all they want is a situation whereby they will collude with some INEC officials to help them write results and announce their candidate as winner and then the PDP will go to court. We want to assure them that such will not happen. We will do everything within our power to ensure that no rigging takes place. We are mobilizing our people to vote and wait to protect their votes”, he said

Cyriacus Nnaji/GEE

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PDP is ridiculing self before Lagosians - APC

ITRealms:

The All Progressive Congress (APC) in Lagos State has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state is ridiculing self before Lagosians, reports ITRealms.

The Publicity Secretary, Lagos State APC Mr. Joe Igbokwe said in a press statement made available to ITRealms that PDP in Lagos has constituted itself into public nuisance with ridiculous noise, mostly about the performance of the Governor Akin Ambode’s regime.

Also, the party said that PDP is hurt badly by after-polls blues following the alleged grand failure of its extensive and expansive plot to steal Lagos in April 2015.

Igbokwe equally said Lagos PDP is not reasoning well on either what performance is or what is going on in a Lagos it has experienced unending frustration and pains of defeat as it prepares for the political grave.

APC further said that PDP cannot recognize achievement when it sees one and wonders how a party that wrecked Nigeria in 16 years of disastrous leadership could assess performance of a party that has taken Lagos to new heights as one of the few mega cities of the world.

+Remmy Nweke (ITRealms)  
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PDP criticizes Alaibe, says dredging as major policy selfish

ITRealms:

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State has said that Timi Alaibe, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant is interested in dredging because he owns the biggest dredging machines in Nigeria, ITRealms reports.

The PDP on Thursday made mockery of the idea of dredging as a major policy thrust whichAlaibehad in a recent electronic media advertisement stated that he would favour dredging as a major means of economic development and empowerment if he wins.

As a result, ITRealms gathered, the PDP Secretary in Bayelsa State,KekuGodspower, in a press statement in Yenagoa, said such proposal was bereft of “clear thinking” on the challenge of empowerment and development in the state.The party wondered what significant economic value and benefit dredging would bring to the people of the state as proposed by Alaibe.

He said, “Frankly speaking, the PDP is surprised by Alaibe’s thought process on issues of governance and development. By making dredging a core policy thrust of his administration, if elected, obviously exposes his shallowness; it shows that the man lacks strategic thinking and bereft of clear cut ideas on how to advance the course of governance and development of the state. In a 21^{st century} where deep knowledge and big ideas are shaping public policies and development issues, Alaibe is talking about dredging. It’s ridiculous."

Keku berated the governorship aspirant for entering into the race, adding that given the shallowness of his ideas, he has “nothing fantastic” to offer the people of the state, ITRealms learnt.

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Pix: Timi Alaibe,

Gov. Dickson of Bayelsa declares for second term

ITRealms:

... GEJ, Dokunbo commend him, say 'You've done well'

The incumbent Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson on Tuesday formally declared for his re-election bid under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for December 5th election, reports ITRealms.

In his declaration held in Yenagaoa, at the popular Samson Siasia Stadium, the governor said even though the opposition is relying on federal might, security agencies and and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to assist them to rig election, "Bayelsa has no room for APC."

Among those in attendance included ex-President Goodluck Jonathan; former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan; former governor of Bayelsa State and Governor-General of Ijaw land, Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha and 12 PDP governors led by chairman of PDP Governors Forum and Ondo State governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko.

The Leader of Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force, Alhaji Mujahideen Dokubo-Asari, also attended the declaration.   

As early as 9:45 am, the stadium was already filled to capacity as supporters of  governor Dickson and the PDP estimated at about 10,000 sat waiting for the formal declaration. 

Despite the rain that invariably added blessing to the event could not disrupt the chanting of solidarity songs by women groups, civil society organisations, intelligentsia and leading 

bureaucrats.

Dickson said, "Having listened to our people and to avoid going back to Egypt, I have decided to announce my formal entry into the Bayelsa State governorship race under the platform of PDP to consolidate on my achievements. I count on you and God

"Bayelsa state has no room for APC; the other party has no message for Bayelsans. We don't even know their officials. The only thing they are relying on is federal might, security agencies and INEC. But we have you (Bayelsa people) and God. The good news is that they cannot win this state, they are not on ground in this state. 

"You are here doing your job but they are in Abuja. Some of their factions have become a parastatal of the PDP. We will wind up APC on December 5. I have to reinforce it on your mind that PDP is on ground in Bayelsa state and has been adopted as Ijaw party. 

"We have driven away operation violence and cultism to operation peace. On the day I made my declaration to seek election, five young men were gunned down to put fear in me because they underestimated us. All the people who are cultists and financiers of violence are in the other side. Those that are maimed, they have abandoned them. You young people should be careful because the only thing they know is violence. Propaganda doesn't win election, it is the people that win election. 

"We have records of performance, this government and your government is the government of performance. They win election will bullets, dynamites and bombs. Are you prepared to go back to Egypt? No, Go ye and form restoration groups in your wards and constituencies. This election is not about me, but you and your future. I count on you to protect your destiny and your future."

Ex-President who Jonathan spoke in pidgin English, urged Bayelsans not to make the mistake of voting for APC in the governorship election.

He underscored his reasons for supporting the re-election of Dickson on Saturday December 5, 2015.

He said, "Dickson wants another four years and I say he should go ahead. Some people are frowning against it saying why should I endorse him. There are four things that worry state governments and they include payment of of workers. Dickson has paid workers. The other indebtedness to World bank. Dickson has tried very well; the third is infrastructural development; the man has also tried. 

"The governor has also tried in the area of security. The problem is that Ijaw people like to betray and sell off their brothers and if we continue in that way, Ijaw will not develop. Let's allow Dickson to finish the next four years. I believe that if we come together, things will be better. The leadership of PDP has resolved to deliver Dickson in this coming election."

In his solidarity message, Alamieyeseigha said, "By Gods grace, PDP will continue to rule this state. The Governor has done creditably well and we know that you will take us to the next level. All Bayelsans should come and vote for our Governor on that victory day."

Governor Okusegun Mimiko, said the APC had tried to humiliate Jonathan, but they failed because God was on his side, going by what they planned. 

He told Jonathan that,"God has used you to continue to keep Nigeria together. One of the issues we discussed was the invasion of Akwa Ibom State Government House. Everybody knows that it won't happen under Jonathan's government. Those who demonised PDP in the past are in PDP; about 90 per cent of all those in APC were in one way or the other in PDP in the past. The PDP under Jonathan demonstrated vision for our country. 

"We're proud of the investments of Governor Dickson in education, you have restored the dignity of Ijaw man. The Ijaw people should stand by you to consolidate on your achievements. Ijaw people gave Nigerians the opportunity for the Presidency."

The Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Konbowei Friday Benson said, "If you (Bayelsans) cannot deliver your constituencies and wards, the leadership of the PDP has resolved that you will be suspended."

For Dokubo-Asari, "We Ijaws don't run away from our enemies. Jonathan did a lot for all those who have turned against us. This was what the APC defectors did. Nobody, wherever he is, can move the Ijaw nation. We've never been conquered, the British knows this fact. This fight is beyond Henry Seriake Dickson, it is beyond you and me, it is for all. He will never be disgraced on December 5. They have boasted that they have control of the Army, INEC, Police, Navy and SSS. But we will meet in the battlefield on Election Day."

A representative of Women for Change said Bayelsa women are all for PDP and Governor Seriake Dickson.

"We can't allow APC to remove our President (Jonathan) at the federal level and for them to succeed again in Bayelsa State. We have all resolved to vote for the return of Governor Henry Seriake Dickson on Saturday December 5 2015."

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Pix: Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson welcoming the former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. Also Gov. Bayelsa State, Hon. Seriake Dickson accompanied by the former 1st lady, Dame Patience Jonathan (centre) acknowledging cheers from the mammoth crowd on 2^nd term declaration at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa, while the 1st Civilian Governor of the State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha (right) looks on in Yenagoa today (Tuesday) September 8 2015
 

Gov. Dickson sets Abuja agog, submits nomination form, insists PDP 'll get victory

ITRealms:

The Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson, accompanied by opinion leaders and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains in the State, on Friday in Abuja submitted his PDP nomination and forms for his expression at the party’s national headquarters, reports ITRealms.

The Governor, who was accompanied by the first elected Governor of the State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, former Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi, present and past members of the National and State Legislature as well as women and youth groups, created a carnival atmosphere in most parts of Abuja and the PDP national secretariat.

Hon. Dickson while speaking expressed confidence in the ability of the PDP to win the December 5th governorship election in the State, noting that, the PDP remains the only party with realistic ideologies and notable presence at the grassroots level.

He stated that Bayelsans would remain eternally grateful to the PDP for creating the platform for a son of the State to occupy the highest leadership position in the country, pointing out that, the All Progressives Congress, APC in Bayelsa State, is a party of governorship candidates, without followers.

According to him, the PDP has delivered on its mandate like it has never done before, with its achievements visible for all Bayelsans to see for themselves, pointing out that, what the opposition is known for is propaganda in the pages of newspapers.

The countriman Governor expressed gratitude to the elders and political leaders, who accompanied him to the ceremony, stressing that, with the level of support and commitment being demonstrated by persons of their caliber, who are the authentic leaders of their local governments, wards and units, the PDP is assured of a resounding victory at the polls.

Governor Dickson also used the occasion to call on agencies of the government, who would be involved in the elections to act professionally and in line with democratic tenets, as anything short could spell doom for the Nation’s growing democracy.

Earlier, welcoming the governor to the party secretariat, the National Organising Secretary of the PDP, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha, extolled the leadership qualities of Governor Dickson, noting that, the he has faithfully delivered the dividends of democracy to the people of the State in all sectors.

He commended the leaders of the party in the State for their unity of purpose and support for the governor, who has made the party proud by his actions.

Also speaking when the Bayelsa State Governor paid him a courtesy visit in his office at the Wadata Plaza, the PDP Acting National Chairman, Chief Uche Secondus, stressed with satisfaction the Governor’s commitment to the development of the State and assured him that, the national secretariat will put all the necessary machinery in place towards the organization of a credible, free and fair governorship primaries in the State, after which it will collaborate with the state branch to work for the eventual candidate of the PDP for the December 5th election.

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