Delta State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Saturday, welcomed over 2,000 defectors from the All Progressives Congress, APC and other opposition political parties in the state.

The former opposition members known as Delta Political Actualisation Network (DPAN) in Ughelli urban led by Fejiro Ishaka as well as Alex Idu and his supporters from Orogun were received during the inauguration of Ughelli North/Ughelli South/Udu Federal Constituency Forum held at Oharisi Primary School, Ughelli.

Welcoming the defectors, State Chairman of the party, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, said the party was prepared to take back the Federal Constituency in 2027.

While urging the defectors to work for the party’s victory, Arenyeka commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for the massive construction works across the state.

Leader of the defectors, Comrade Fejiro Ishaka, said their joining the ruling party was divinely orchestrated by God, adding that they were impressed with the massive infrastructural and human capital development by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori across the state.

He said his team also decided to leave the All Progressives Congress because they lacked leadership and direction.

Ishaka said: “In 2019 we fought gallantly with our then candidate, Chief Great Ogboru to no avail, we also repeated same in 2023 with Senator Ovie Omo-Agege but still lost to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

“So in 2027, we won’t be deceived again because we have seen the light and we will ensure victory for all candidates of the PDP in the Federal Constituency.

“The APC lacks direction and focus to win election in Delta State, they are busy dragging leadership and pulling down one another but here in PDP I can see a united party ready to re-enact it’s winning streak.”

On his part, Alex Idu who joined the APC in the twilight of the 2023 General elections, said he regretted leaving the PDP and encouraged party faithful to remain loyal and united to deliver Governor Oborevwori come 2027.

“I have gone and seen that there is nothing in APC. I can tell you categorically that it was a big mistake I made to have left PDP in 2023.

“I can assure you all that as we have returned back to our roots, the PDP in Orogun we would no longer have any threat of victory come 2027.”

In his remarks, Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, urged the decampees to work hard for the party’s victory in subsequent elections assuring that there was equal opportunities for every member of the party.

Onyeme maintained that the decampees have equal rights with old members of the PDP and told them to join hands with other members of the party to win the Ughelli Federal Constituency for the PDP in 2027.

Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, who also spoke in the same vein, told the defectors to preach the gospel of the PDP.

In a vote of thanks, former Secretary to the State Government, Rt. Hon. Festus Agas, congratulated members of the Forum on their successful inauguration assuring that the party would come out victorious in 2027.

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd) has advised monarchs in the state to avoid playing partisan politics, concentrate on ensuring that their domains were secure and safe for all citizens.

Speaking during a meeting with traditional rulers at the Government House, in Port Harcourt, the state capital, the Administrator expressed his deep love for the Niger Delta region.

Ibas, a former Chief of the Naval Staff, also noted Rivers State’s significance in the nation’s development.

He lamented the persistent instability in the state, stating that it pained him to witness the unrest. “As a former naval chief, my duty is to protect lives, and I remain committed to restoring peace in Rivers State,” Ibas said. He assured that his administration would work tirelessly to return the state to a place of pride and stability.

The Administrator underscored his primary mandate to restoring peace, stressing the need to curb the interest of a few who prioritize personal gains over the state’s collective well-being. He stressed that Rivers State is too vital to be left in turmoil, adding: “A society without order is a society without progress.”

He advised against any form of political partisanship, whether in speech, action, or body language. He reminded the traditional rulers of their role in community policing, urging them to maintain open communication channels with their subjects. “Security is the responsibility of all, not just the government,” he said, adding that his administration would not tolerate excuses for disorder.

While acknowledging the challenges ahead, he reaffirmed his administration’s openness to suggestions and collaboration.

In his response, the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Chike Worlu-Wodo, assured the administrator of their support. He described the appointment as a positive decision for the state, affirming that traditional rulers are committed to maintaining peace in their respective domains.

“As traditional rulers, our primary duty is to ensure peace in our kingdoms, clans, and communities,” he said. He urged the administrator to see himself as a peacemaker, likening his role to that of a mediator resolving conflicts between two people.

The monarch wished the administrator success in his mission, stressing that Rivers State desperately needs peace. “We are not in doubt of your ability, which was why you were appointed,” he stated.

An alarm has been raised by a resident of Ukhun community, Ekpoma in Esan Local Government of Edo State is reportedly under attack by herdsmen.

Apparently, an indigene who gave a narrative via a video clip on his FB page claimed that the attack started at about 10.30am on Saturday.

He also alleged an Ebira was killed in the farm.

Watch clip below: