By Our Correspondent

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 election, Mr Peter Obi, has congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election, describing the outcome as a significant victory for democracy and a reaffirmation of the power of the electorate.

Obi, in a statement titled “Osun: When the People Stand, Democracy Wins,” said the people of Osun had spoken “with courage and clarity,” stressing that the authority to choose leaders ultimately resides with the people.

He attributed Adeleke’s renewed mandate to what he described as the governor’s commitment to the people, compassion for their needs and the achievements recorded by his administration.

The former Anambra State governor also commended youths in Osun for what he described as their peaceful and courageous defence of their democratic mandate.

According to Obi, the vigilance and determination displayed by the youths demonstrated that when citizens unite to protect their votes, “the forces of good can overcome the forces of darkness.”

He said the major lesson from the Osun election was that democracy thrives when citizens remain vigilant, understand their civic responsibilities and insist that their votes count.

Obi maintained that every legitimate vote must be respected and every lawful electoral mandate protected, urging Nigerians to draw lessons from the Osun experience ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He called on Nigerians to remain informed, participate actively in the electoral process, vote and, most importantly, protect their votes.

The NDC presidential candidate noted that Nigerians are the ones bearing the brunt of hunger, insecurity, deprivation and economic hardship, and therefore possess the power through their votes to demand the leadership and change required to address the challenges confronting the country.

He also appealed to political actors to put national interest above partisan considerations and embrace peace, unity and the rule of law.

According to him, elections should not be treated as battles to be won through violence, but as contests of ideas, competence, character and service to the people.

Obi expressed optimism that the Osun experience would renew Nigerians’ confidence in the democratic process and encourage citizens across the country to remain vigilant and committed to building a just, secure, prosperous and people-centred nation.

By Our Correspondent

Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara has unveiled the reconstructed Buguma-Degema-Abonnema Road, a major transport corridor linking communities across the Asari-Toru, Degema, and Akuku-Toru Local Government Areas.

The project, a 19.79 kilometre road was executed by Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, brings to an end the nightmares of man- hour loss and insecurity associated with the route. The long stretch of road was in a very deplorable condition before the Fubara administration awarded the contract for its rehabilitation in September 2024.

In statement by his chief Press Secretary,Onwuka Nzeshi, governor Fubara disclosed that the completion of the project with record time is the fulfillment of a personal commitment made after witnessing the severe degradation of the road during a previous visit to the area.

“It is a road that you must pass if you’re going to Abonnema. It is a road that because of its state, a lot of evil activities was taking place there. But to the glory of God today, I don’t think those negative acts can even be imagined or be carried out along that corridor again.
I made a promise to myself that day that even if it is remaining one week, we must make sure that we fix this road. Today, to the glory of God, the road has been fixed.
“I am happy that today, we are all here gathered happily that this particular dream has come to reality,” he said

Governor Fubara reiterated that his desire for the state is not just about embarking on projects but in doing those things that will touch the lives of the people positively. He reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to complete the Trans-Kalabari Highway, another major road project linking several coastal communities in the state. Governor Fubara expressed appreciation to the people for their love and cooperation especially for allowing the contractors to do their jobs without hitches.
“You have shown me so much love. Nobody can take that away. One particular project that cannot be denied is the Trans- Kalabari Road that we are doing. I want to beg you that if I cannot meet all you requests today,don’t worry, my successor will continue from where I will stop,” he said.
Special Guest of Honour, the Amanyanabo of Abonnema Kingdom, King Desrael Gbobo Bob-Manuel, who officially commissioned the project, commended the state government for its rapid Infrastructure development, noted that the rehabilitation of the road
has drastically improved travel time, safety and the living conditions of the people.

“In the past, for you to leave any of our communities to Port Harcourt, you must, as a matter of fact, go into a one-day fasting and prayers the previous day. Otherwise, you are not sure you will get to your destination.

“Today, I can leave my palace in Abonnema by 10:00 AM, and I will be wherever I want to be in Port Harcourt before 11:00 AM,” the royal father said.

King Bob-Manuel stated that the reconstructed road will not only enable the local fishermen to transport their catch directly to urban markets in Port Harcourt for better profit margins, but will open the riverine communities to new investments.

Onwuka Nzeshi
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
August 17, 2026

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By David Owei,Bayelsa

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has said he made no mistake picking Dr. Peter Akpe as his deputy, describing him as a round peg in a round hole.

Senator Diri stated this on Sunday at a grand reception organised in honour of Dr. Akpe by his Ebedebiri community in Sagbama Local Government Area of the state.

He said the well-organised event was a testament that Akpe was loved and accepted by members of his community.

The governor commended the Ebedebiri people for turning out en masse to honour and celebrate their son, noting that it was a show of love and solidarity.

The state’s helmsman, who described Akpe as the people’s deputy governor, praised him for exhibiting humility and capacity as well as identifying with his roots.

His words: “I believe l made no mistake that l zeroed in on Akpe. Today’s event is a confirmation of my decision in appointing him as my deputy. lt is one thing to announce the appointment of a person and it is another for that person to be accepted and celebrated.

“Today, l join my deputy in expressing gratitude to Ebedebiri community for putting together this well-organised reception. We came to celebrate with your son. We are happy with the large turn out. Akpe is a square peg in a square hole.

“I thank the people of this community and the Tarakiri kingdom for this reception. We also appreciate your big show of love, unity and strength. We must promote things that impact positively on our people and shun things that create division.

“We all heard Akpe’s story from a very humble beginning. If God can turn things around for him and his family, there is still hope with your situation. My choice of him was guided by God. He does not only have capacity, he is also loyal and humble.”

In a vote of thanks, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, expressed appreciation to Governor Diri, on behalf of his family and community, for the confidence reposed in him and for the opportunity to serve.

“From the depth of my heart, my family and Ebedebiri community, l thank God and the governor for choosing me as his deputy. May God continue to uphold and strengthen you.

“Working with you, l have learnt the lessons of accommodating people, patience, and peaceful disposition towards all,” Akpe said.

He also thanked the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Dr. Heineken Lokpobiri, for chairing the event as well as Speaker of the House Assembly and other legislators, his community, traditional rulers and the clergy for their support and wise counsel.

Dr. Heineken Lokpobiri, in his remarks, also appreciated the governor for finding Akpe worthy to work with him.

Lokpobiri said the people of Bayelsa West senatorial district were proud of the deputy governor’s sterling performance in office.

According to the minister, Akpe had maximum exposure in the art of governance having served the state in various capacities from being a councillor, an administrator, Majority Leader in the House of Assembly, Chief of Staff, Government House and now deputy governor.

He also said he was impressed with the community for organising the reception in honour of their son that has performed exceptionally well in the service of the state.

“On behalf of the people of Bayelsa West, we express our commitment to continue to support Governor Diri and his deputy.”

The guest of honour and Managing Director/CEO of Premium Trust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Emefienim, who was represented by Dr. Danjuma Omeje, said he was confident of Akpe’s capacity and prayed God to grant him success.

Goodwill messages were delivered by Senator Konbowei Benson representing Bayelsa Central, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere,
former deputy governor of the state, Peremobowei Ebebi, state chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Hon. Warman Ogoriba, and a representative of Constituency 1 in Sagbama Local Government Area, Dr. Ayakeme Whiskey.

They described Akpe as a man of principle, competent, unassuming and open-minded.

They also commended the governor for choosing him and assured of their support for the Prosperity Government to achieve its mandate.

Other guests at the event included the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Chief Fred Agbedi, his colleagues, Hon. Mitema Obordor (Ogbia Federal Constituency), and Hon. Oforji Oboku (Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency), as well as a former Bayelsa deputy governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd).

Also present were the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, APC Bayelsa East senatorial candidate, Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli, his Nembe/Brass Federal Constituency counterpart, Dr. Jonathan Obuebite, the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom and chairman, Bayelsa Council of Traditional Rulers, King Bubaraye Dakolo, the Pere of Tarakiri Kingdom, King Seyifa Koroye, among others.