The Journey Begins: PDP Needs to Sit Up

The Journey Begins: PDP Needs to Sit Up

First of all I am pleased to confirm to you all that in the early hours of Friday the 24th of October, 2014; Prince Tonye Princewill received his PDP Nomination and Expression of Interest forms, to contest the Governorship primaries in Rivers State. To clear all doubt; his PDP forms were delivered to him at his Abuja residence, not by old men, or a paid crowd; but by responsible youths.  Hungry for the type of change and leadership we really need in Rivers State. With the commitment and help of those who truly love Rivers state, this change will come.

This is a new beginning. The opportunity to retrace the path of our dear state is here. The journey ahead will be tough, but I assure you, it will be worth it. Tonye urges his supporters to focus on the uncertainties ahead and not the certainties behind. Others can enjoy being Goliaths, but we should just remain like Davids. We can’t overemphasize the fact that politics is too important to be left to politicians. This is gradually sinking into the minds of many, making our Nigerian politics more a one man, one vote scenario. People matter; we in Team Princewill have always known that and now the politicians all over will know it too.

The just concluded APC rally was attended by thousands of people. Speculations have it that the well attended rally, would intimidate Prince Tonye and his fellow PDP members. Prince Tonye Princewill is clearly stating that, “We are not. Instead we are actually encouraged and happy to see how the people’s interest in politics is increasing”.
 “Some of us know how to fill up a stadium; but the question on the ground is how we impact the lives of the citizens. How can we fill up their empty stomachs? How many real jobs could the Millions of Naira spent to hold that rally have created? No wonder some jobless politicians prefer war. This is their political equivalent of a security vote.”

“Paying thousands to gather, flying in political leaders from all over, throwing around political insults and attacks will not change the fortune of your Rivers people. Commitment to the people is primary and cannot be clouded with fanfare and bad language. We are here to improve the future of Rivers State politics! We are here to give the people a voice! Politics here has to start to work for the people and we are here to make sure that happens. For me though, the rally is a message to PDP that politics is no longer business as usual.”

On the state of the party in the state, the Prince wants to make it clear that the attempt to disregard our cultural diversity in Rivers state will not end well and will only spell doom for PDP’s prospects.

All attempts to drive this point home have yielded no result, so as a Kalabari Prince and a major stakeholder in the state, the Prince wishes to sound this final call. “Respect our people’s wishes and level the playing field or else, the stakeholders of the state will be forced to do it for you.”

“We have faced a similar situation in the past. The record books are there to show how it was reversed. The history of Rivers state is clear. Goliath never wins David. A word is enough for the wise. Let the number of aspirants and their cultural distribution, be a marker. Real leaders make tough decisions. It is time to see who the real leaders are.”

Wabiye Idoniboye-Obu
Personal Assistant – Media and Publicity

I’m in governorship race to win - Olejeme

I’m in governorship race to win - Olejeme

Written by Fidel Njamanze

A governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Ngozi Olejeme Saturday night tongue lashed those who believe that women cannot win governorship elections in Nigeria.

“Those who hold this view are in error” the aspirant said. 

Olejeme who spoke in Abeokuta during the 25^th anniversary of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) said she would cause a major upset in the political history of Nigeria.

Represented by the Director of Communications, Olejeme Campaign Organization, Mr. Henry Ebireri, Dr. Olejeme explained her mission in Delta politics “I’m not running for the highest office in Delta State to satisfy any inordinate ambition or make money. Deltans are very intelligent people. They know what is good for them. The traditional chiefs, the intellectuals, politicians, artistes, youth organizations and business people want me to be governor of the state. They are impressed by my modest achievements at the national level” she said.

Recalling her efforts at taking the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) to greater heights, keeping youths off the streets and getting them positively engaged, Olejeme said she employed many Nigerians.

“They have sweet tales to tell”.

She promised to run an open government with accountability standards.

“I’ll not step on the toes of Deltans. I’ll fast track development in the oil and gas communities. I’ll embark on a large housing development for low income earners. I’ll create the enabling environment for investors within and outside to invest in Delta State in order to create more job opportunities for the people.

“I’ll improve water supply and distribution networks, boost the tourism sector, upgrade existing roads, and ensure that all roads in the state have adequate drainage system to aggressively check the menace of flooding and erosion

“I’ll meet the welfare and basic needs of the people. There will be social security for the aged, unemployed and disabled” she added.

NAWOJ recently appointed Dr. Olejeme as member, Board of Trustees based on her achievements, leadership capability and favourable disposition to women in Nigeria and abroad.

Ebola: Nigeria to Conquer the World If APC Is Voted Into Power In 2015

Ebola: Nigeria to Conquer the World If APC Is Voted Into Power In 2015

Nigeria will become a world beater in so short a time if the All Progressives Congress (APC) is voted into power during next year’s presidential election, the Rivers State Chapter of the party has said. It made the submission while reacting to the declaration of Nigeria as Ebola-free by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Monday.

“Monday, 21st October, 2014, will remain evergreen in the history of Nigeria as it was the day the World Health Organisation declared Nigeria Ebola-free and the American Broadcasting Corporation also declared Nigeria’s Ebola eradication effort as a model which the USA and other nations must emulate. Those of us in APC celebrate this feat since Lagos and Rivers, the two states that achieved this milestone, are APC States. This clearly points to where the hope lies as Nigerians prepare to vote for a new government next year. With what Lagos and Rivers states demonstrated in this regard, it simply means that with APC at the helm of affairs come 2015, Nigeria will surely be a world beater,” Rivers APC said in a statement issued Thursday in Port Harcourt.

The party in the statement signed by the State Chairman, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, made it clear that in APC lies the hope and future of Nigeria, warning: “If we fail to take advantage of the 2015 elections to vote out the wicked and visionless PDP, we are doomed as a nation.” 

Rivers APC said it was “overwhelmed with happiness”, heartily congratulating Governors Babatunde Fashola and Chibuike Amaechi of Lagos and Rivers States respectively for putting smiles and hope on the faces of Nigerians and the entire world through their robust and effective response to the Ebola challenge.

“We also congratulate all those that lost their lives in the fight against Ebola, particularly the doctors and other gallant medical staff, particularly in Lagos and Rivers States, who paid the supreme price in their determination to save the nation from catastrophe,” the party said.

It party commended the Government of USA for deciding to learn from the strategies adopted by the two APC states of Lagos and Rivers to eradicate Ebola from Nigeria.

Olejeme is our candidate - Ndokwa PDP leaders

Olejeme is our candidate - Ndokwa PDP leaders

Written by Fidel Njamanze

Peoples Democratic Party leaders in Ndokwa West Tuesday suppressed their differences and in one voice recommended Dr. Ngozi Olejeme as a successor to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.

They also praised the NSITF boss for her insights in running public and private organizations in the country, a statement signed by Mr Henry ebireri director, communications olejeme campaign organization disclosed.

 “We have seen what you have done in Nigeria. We are happy with your achievements” the leaders said.

In a meeting with Dr. Olejeme in Kwale, the leaders agreed to work towards her victory in the governorship primaries.

“We will install in office as Uduaghan’s successor someone as loyal, as trustworthy and as dependable as Dr. Ngozi Olejeme” the leaders said.

Emphasizing her sterling performance in NSITF, her rising profile in the business world, the ease in which she makes friends across ethnic boundaries, her warm and amiable bearing, her generous spirit and passion for justice, the leaders said the experience Dr. Olejeme gained in the last eight years has placed her in a vantage position to occupy the Delta State governorship seat in 2015

“This is the person we have been waiting for. Your aspiration has been crowned by God. We will vote for you” the chairman of the party in the area, Engineer Dan Ossai said.

In her remarks at the meeting, Dr. Olejeme spoke assiduously of her determination to be the next governor of Delta State.

“God has used me to do a lot of work in Nigeria. He will take us to Government House, Asaba in 2015” she said.

She promised to run an all-inclusive, purpose driven; result oriented and people committed government.

“I will establish effective and efficient security machinery in the state,, complete ongoing projects, place education at the very centre of economic drive and development and ensure a Delta State with modern health infrastructure” she promised.

“I will provide social security for the aged and unemployed graduates in the state, give greater roles and participation to traditional rulers and create jobs for the youths” she added.

In related development, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders in Aniocha South Local Government Area Tuesday described Dr. Ngozi Olejeme as an achiever. They also vowed to rally round Dr. Olejeme and ensure her victory in the party's governorship primaries in November, 2015.

“Dr. Ngozi Olejeme has performed in Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF and other institutions in the country. She should be allowed to continue her good work in Delta State” the leaders said.

In a meeting with Dr. Olejeme in Ogwashi Uku, headquarters of Aniocha South Local Government Area, the leaders also urged Deltans at home and abroad to join them in bringing Dr. Olejeme to power in 2015.

"Given the present reality and projections from that reality, the only aspirant to consider is Dr. Ngozi Olejeme. There is an enviable future for Delta State, a future worth looking forward to" the leaders said.

“You are bringing your wealth of experience to us. God will make you governor of the state. We want you to be our governor and you will definitely be” the leaders said.

Addressing the leaders, Dr. Olejeme said she had no alternative than to answer the call and join the race to enable her move the state to the next level.

"This is God's project. God has mandated me to run this race. Come May 29, 2015, you will match to Government House, Asaba with me” she said.

Olejeme while imploring Aniocha South PDP delegates to cast their vote for her said her government would give the state a new direction and restore the people’s confidence and faith in the ability of the leadership to improve their lots.

“No more poverty in Delta State. Roads will be done. There will be electricity. Women will have something to do. The schools will be the best in Nigeria. Aged, needy and unemployed people will be happy. It will be better in 2015” she promised.

Text of A Press Conference of the "Rivers Young Entrepreneurs Forum

Text of A Press Conference of the "Rivers Young Entrepreneurs Forum (Ryef)

By Amb. Rex David

Gentlemen of the Press,

We members of Rivers Young Entrepreneurs Forum (RYEF), as patriotic citizens have decided to participate fully in the politics of today. We have consulted widely and decided to endorse President Jonathan for a second term as president in 2015. We have also taken keen interest in Rivers State due to the dynamic nature of politics in the state, vis-a-vis the quest to avoid youth restiveness, which might build up if the wrong candidate is projected to run. We have however decided to endorse Prince Tonye Princewill as Governor of Rivers State in 2015. We also want to suggest the nomination of Prof. Don Baridam, who is one of the most resourceful Ogoni sons, as Running Mate to Prince Tonye Princewill.

We feel bold to state that the exercise leading to this findings and conclusion is born out of extensive consultations and tireless hard work by members of our team. We hereby present to you the

PDP WINNING TEAM

Prince Tonye Princewill: PDP Governorship Candidate

Prof. Don Baridam: Running Mate; PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate
Barr. Nyesom Wike: PDP Party Leader

This group which comprises of young entrepreneurs, cutting across all LGA’s in Rivers State, Non-Indigenes residing in Rivers state and candidates vying for various political positions in the state; acknowledges the gains of the transformation agenda of the Jonathan’s administration. These achievements have been felt in critical sectors of the economy such as power, aviation, oil and gas, education, agriculture, trade and investment, youth empowerment, health and tourism. We urge all the good people of Rivers state to join Nigerians all over the country to vote President Goodluck Jonathan for a second term, come 2015.

However considering the importance of Rivers State to the economy and political stability of Nigeria, We have decided to further assist our great party the PDP to produce the team that will bring a landslide victory in the forth coming general election.

Princewill Tonye Princewill: The background, political history and life style of the Prince, makes him stand out as the best candidate to fly the flag of PDP in Rivers State. The son of the Amayanabo of Kalabari Kingdom, HRM King (Prof) T.J.T. Princewill has over the years proved himself worth and his depth of experience in politics and political engineering is unparalleled and unassailable.

1. Princewill has over time endeared himself to many people in the State. He has continued to support Mr. President publicly and has always put his ambition secondary to Mr. Presidents 2^nd term re-election bid.
2. He is a former governorship candidate and the only candidate in the PDP that has contested a gubernatorial election. He defeated Sgt. Awuse to become the governorship candidate of the defunct Action Congress; AC in 2007 and later went ahead to slug it out with Omehia as the main opposition force in the state. This means he has the experience no other aspirant has.
3. His political group, Princewill Political Associates (PPA), has followers across every ward in the state. Not followers for money, but passionate followers that believe in his ideas.
4. We also believe his emergence as the candidate of PDP will cause a divide in APC, as many of the APC members from the defunct ACN are still loyalist and sympathizers of the Prince. It may interest you to know that the APC State chairman was the chairman of PPA; his SA on media was Tonye Princewill media director and so many more. This tells you, his emergence will cause massive defection of APC members to the PDP. 
5. Prince Tonye Princewill is from the Riverine area of the state, a region that has not produced a civilian governor and so his candidature is generally acceptable by Rivers People across the state for equity and justice. We hereby, want to urge you the journalists to do your findings for the interest of the state, as we are very sure you will come to the same conclusion we did.

Inclusion, Prince Tonye Princewill is a candidate with experience, a candidate with unmatched leadership quality, a candidate without any political office scandal to his name, a candidate more popular than people that have held and still holding political offices without any credibility to their name, a candidate that will defeat all arguments of zoning, a candidate that is the biggest threat to the Ameachi led APC in Rivers State. And above all a candidate that puts President Goodluck Jonathan’s ambition far and above his own.

Prof. Don Baridam: The former Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt is a respected administrator in Rivers State. He can be remembered for his days as VC and effort in putting the university on the right track. His choice as the running mate to Tonye Princewill and Deputy Governorship candidate of the PDP is the right step in the right direction. Don Baridam is a gentle man than has the goodwill and support of many of his people. The calculation of the politics of the state favors the Riverine area but the clamor for an Ogoni governor is one that must be considered. This is why the choice of an Ogoni man to fill in the number two seat of the party is necessary. Don Baridam unlike other aspirants from his area is calm, respected and accepted by the ordinary Ogoni man. Unlike his counterpart contesting from the APC, Don Baridam has more friends than enemies in Ogoni and he is seen as a more trust worthy person that will protect and project the Ogoni agenda better. And his candidature will produce a total commitment and support of the Riverian people for the Ogoni project in the next election after Prince Tonye Princewill has completed his tenure as Governor.    

Barr. Nyesom Wike: The Former Minister of State for Education is widely acknowledged by majority of members of the PDP as the leader of the party in Rivers State. This is because of his role in ensuring that the PDP had a soft landing after Governor Ameachi tried to destroy the party. Even though it is rumored that he acted the script of the elders and leaders of the party at the national level for which much of the credit must go to the unforeseen powers behind him, we can’t take away the fact that he played his own part well. The rumor of his Guber aspiration has brought many issues that largely do not favor him and the party. It is uncontrovertibly known fact that the average market woman, teacher and settlers in the many rural areas would not even try to conceive the idea of another Ikwerre Governor to succeed Governor Ameachi, talk more of casting their vote for him. So it is only when the PDP has decided that it is no longer interested in taking back the state that it would make such a costly mistake. Such a blunder, God forbid, will amount to the PDP and presidency playing into the hands of Governor Ameachi and giving APC an easy victory in the state. And we know Mr. President and our National party leadership are too smart to make such a monumental political blunder.

However Barr. Wike is the best man to lead the campaign team of the PDP. His charisma and ability to mobilize people makes him the best man for the job. A combination of Wike’s GDI and Tonye’s PPA will be the master stroke of the party. A formular that will produce only one solution; VICTORY.

Considering Gov. Ameachi’s large popularity amongst the Ikwerre people, Wike can split the votes from the Ikwerre axis owing to his popularity especially in Port Harcourt. And lastly, Wike was Ameachi’s Campaign DG in 2011, so he has the requisite experience to lead the party’s campaign team to victory.

So, we call on our dear President, The National Leadership of the party, Elders and stakeholders of the party in Rivers State to consider our position and apply the almighty formula to produce the Winning Team.

Finally we the members of Rivers Young Entrepreneurs Forum and other affiliate groups of the PDP hereby pledge our total support and loyalty to the PDP and urge the good people of Rivers State to support President Goodluck Jonathan and Prince Tonye Princewill as President and Governor come 2015.

Thank you and God bless you.

Sign: Amb. Rex David
President; Rivers Young Entrepreneur Forum (RYEF)

Sign: Hon. Nana T. Barilee
Secretary; Rivers Young Entrepreneur Forum (RYEF)