The Orashi National Congress (ONC), the apex socio-cultural organization representing the ethnic nationalities of Abua, Egbema, Ekpeye, Engenni, Kugbo, Ndoni, Odual and Ogba in Rivers State, has reaffirmed its support for Senator Dr. Mrs. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, describing her as the best Senator ever produced in Rivers West Senatorial District.
This position was made known in a formal letter of commendation issued by the President General of the Orashi National Congress, Amb. Comrade Emeni Ibe, JP, AP, following what the Congress described as a critical review of the performance of lawmakers who have represented the district at the National Assembly.
According to the Congress, Senator Banigo’s outstanding achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, empowerment, agriculture, education, and youth development have distinguished her from previous representatives of the district.
The ONC stated that the Senator has demonstrated uncommon commitment to the welfare and advancement of Rivers West through numerous completed and ongoing projects spread across the Senatorial District.
Some of the projects highlighted by the Congress include the installation of solar-powered street lights in several communities, rehabilitation of roads in Obuama and other areas, reconstruction and renovation of educational facilities, provision of medical equipment to Degema General Hospital, and implementation of the NHIA health insurance scheme across Rivers West.
The Congress also praised Senator Banigo for her various empowerment programmes targeted at youths, women, farmers, and market traders. These programmes include specialized maritime and oil & gas training, agricultural value chain empowerment, vocational skills acquisition, distribution of laptops, sewing machines, refrigerators, grinding machines, and financial support schemes for market women.
The ONC further commended the Senator for her commitment to healthcare development through free medical outreaches, renovation of primary healthcare centres, establishment of health facilities, and provision of modern medical infrastructure across communities in Rivers West.
Speaking on behalf of the Congress, Amb. Emeni Ibe noted that despite Senator Banigo’s disqualification from the recent APC Senatorial primaries, the people of Orashi region remain proud of her representation and unwavering dedication to the development of Rivers West Senatorial District.
He stressed that the Congress strongly believes that leaders with Senator Banigo’s track record of service deserve greater national recognition and should continue to occupy strategic political positions in the country.
The ONC also cautioned members of the public against what it described as misleading comments and deliberate attempts by certain individuals to undermine the Senator’s achievements and incite unnecessary unrest.
According to the Congress, the people of Orashi region are peaceful and appreciative of good leadership, adding that Senator Banigo has continued to provide quality legislative representation and support to the administration of the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS.
Amb. Emeni Ibe further announced that the Congress will hold a special one-day press briefing and talk-shop on June 8, 2026, at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Port Harcourt to formally celebrate Senator Banigo’s three years in office and publicly present her achievements to the people of Rivers State and the general public.
The ONC maintained that its decision to honour and reaffirm support for Senator Ipalibo Harry-Banigo was based on visible projects, empowerment programmes, and impactful representation which, according to the Congress, have positively touched the lives of thousands of people across Rivers State.