Rivers State People's Democratic Party

The Rivers State People's Democratic Party, also referred to as Rivers PDP, is the state chapter of the People's Democratic Party in Rivers State, Nigeria. It is currently chaired by businessman and Philanthropist Felix Obuah.[2] Prominent public figures including the late Nigerian senator Ibiapuye Martyns-Yellowe and former governor and Committee Chair on State Creation Peter Odili are products of Rivers PDP.[3]

Rivers State People's Democratic Party
ChairpersonFelix A. Obuah
General SecretaryIbiba Walter
SpokespersonEngr Samuel Nwanosike
HeadquartersPort Harcourt, Rivers State
IdeologyPopulism[1]
Conservatism
National affiliationPeople's Democratic Party
Senate
(Riverian seats)
2 / 3
House of Representatives
(Riverian seats)
11 / 13
House of Assembly
28 / 32

Party history

Since the party's foundation in the late nineties, it has remained dominant for most of the state's political history winning several governorships as well as occupying majority of seats in both the House of Assembly and the National Assembly. Marshal Harry, a Kalabari High Chief was the first member in its fold to be appointed to the Chairperson rank. In the elections of 2007, the party emerged highly successful, and maintained itself in power and in the elections of 2011, it won a total of 16 seats and held control of all state offices including the governorship.[4]

During November 2013, the Rivers State People's Democratic Party saw the defection of its member Chibuike Amaechi to the opposition APC.[5] This was followed by the departure of two senators, Magnus Abe, representing Rivers South-East; and Wilson Ake, representing Rivers West in early 2014.[6][7] The drawbacks, however, did not deter the party, who went on to retain its significant political strength in the 2015 elections.[8]

Current officeholders

At present, the party controls all 16 seats in the National Assembly.

Members of the Senate
Senator Constituency
Osinakachukwu Ideozu Rivers West
George Thompson Sekibo Rivers East

House of Representatives
Representative Constituency
Awaji Inombek Abiante Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro
Kingsley Ogundu Chinda Obio/Akpor
Jacobson Nbina Oyigbo/Tai/Eleme
Blessing Ibiba Nsiegbe Port Harcourt II
Jerome Amadi Eke Etche/Omuma
Boma Goodhead Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru
Bright Gogo Tamuno Okrika/Ogu–Bolo
Dumnamene Ransom Dekor Khana/Gokana
Kenneth Anayo Chikere Port Harcourt I
Prince (Hon.) Sir Uchechukwu George Nnam-Obi Ahoada West/Ogba–Egbema–Ndoni
Betty Jocelyne Okagua Apiafi Abua–Odual/Ahoada East
Boniface S. Emerengwa Ikwerre/Emohua
Randolph Oruene Brown Degema/Bonny

House of Assembly
Main article: 8th Rivers State House of Assembly

Leadership

From 1999, the first chairman of the Rivers State People's Democratic Party was Marshal Sokari Harry, whose tenure lasted until his controversial exit three years later. He was immediately replaced by Prince Uche Secondus. In 2004, Godspower Ake took over national vice chairman (South South Zone) following the assassination of A.K. Dikibo. Ake was returned in 2008 as the state's party Chair only to be dismissed from office on 15 April 2013.[9] The party's current chairman is Felix Amaechi Obuah. Other regular officers are the State Vice Chairman, three Regional Vice Chairmen, Secretary, Youth Leader and Treasurer.[10]

Chairpersons

Below is a list of past and present Chairs of the Rivers PDP:

  • Marshal Sokari Harry (1999–2002).[11]
  • Prince Uche Secondus (2002–08).
  • Godspower Umejuru Ake (2008–13).[10]
  • Felix Amaechi Obuah (2013–present).
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References
  1. Chukwudi Akasike (27 May 2015). "I Won't Personalise Govt — Wike". The Tide. Retrieved 11 May 2016.
  2. "Rivers PDP Chairman, Obuah Expresses Joy Over Peaceful, Successful Ward Congresses". Scan News. 2 November 2014. Retrieved 3 November 2014.
  3. "How Amaechi undermined Rivers PDP –Obuah". Daily Independent. 3 September 2013. Archived from the original on 1 September 2015. Retrieved 19 August 2015.
  4. "Rivers State Governorship On A Platter?". Nigerian Observer. 7 December 2014. Retrieved 19 August 2015.
  5. Nengia, Kevin (27 November 2013). "Why We Joined APC – Gov Amaechi". The Tide. Port Harcourt: Rivers State Newspaper Corporation. Retrieved 14 November 2014.
  6. "The Legislature". Rivers State government. Retrieved 11 November 2014.
  7. Akasike, Chukwudi (2 February 2014). "Senators' defection will not affect us — Rivers PDP". The Punch. Archived from the original on 11 November 2014. Retrieved 11 November 2014.
  8. "Rivers PDP congratulates Wike". The Neighbourhood. 14 April 2015. Retrieved 15 April 2015.
  9. Ndu, Barth (18 April 2013). "High Court Sacks G. U. Ake PDP Rivers Exco, As Reactions Greet Ruling…ALGON Rejects Court Decision". The Newswriter Nigeria. Retrieved 12 November 2014.
  10. "G. U. Ake Emerges Rivers PDP Chairman". Web.archive.org. 28 February 2008. Archived from the original on 8 November 2014. Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  11. Daniel, Soni (6 July 2004). "Ake, Odili's adviser takes over from Dikibo". The Punch. Archived from the original on 6 August 2004. Retrieved 8 November 2014 – via Onelga.com.
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