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Sarah Jibril Backs EFCC List
The lone female presidential aspirant ion the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mrs Sarah Jibril says she is full support of the advisory list of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to checkmate people with criminal records from going into governance.
Jibril, who gave his backing to EFCC advisory list during an interview with newsmen in Abuja, said time has come for only people with clean records to be allowed into governance so that they will add values into the system.
“The female presidential aspirant however, expressed displeasure over what he called wrong definition of democracy and leadership; arguing that there is a lot of hypocrisy; a lot of double standard; a lot of controversies by the key political players.
“There is a battle of liberation versus stagnation; deliberate intention to keep Nigeria away from development.
“Successive governments are planning to intimidate me and destroy my inputs. It is a deliberate thing so that I will not have the resources to compete with them.
According to Jibril, leadership is not by money and putting big price tags on collection of forms that means they have zoned the presidency to the rich.
“Every time they come up with big money for forms; that means they have zoned the presidency of this country to only the rich that have money. “Leadership is not by money; it is by the consistency of the integrity and character of the person; rather than see me as an asset, I am seen as a threat.
“Why are good women of this country not seen as assets; they are not supported? It is a shame for men to be competing for positions with women in a frontline country in the democratisation of Africa.
She, however, said she was on a rescue mission and paying N1 million for it was not too much if the women really wanted to salvage the nation.
“We are all stakeholders; this time around, I am on a rescue mission by the right hand of God and I know that God will not put me and all his children to shame.
“However, asking to pay ten percent is not too much; I have paid my N1 million expression of interest fee. I have filled the form the nomination form and I have returned it.
“Let the women be told that if they are ready to nurture Nigeria back to sanity, it carries value. 1 million is much; but it surmountable for the sake of this nation,” she added.
Sarah Jibril had on August 26 declared her intention to run for president on the platform of the PDP. That will make it the fifth time the Kwara State born politician would be aspiring for the presidential ticket.
Meanwhile, The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged the judiciary to speed up the trial of corruption cases in the country.
The Chairman of the commission, Mrs Farida Waziri, made the appeal in Abuja when she received the President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Mr Joseph Dauda (SAN).
“It is my view that we should all come to a point where the judiciary should declare speedy trial of all corruption cases if the accused persons are not ready to prove their innocence.
“This is where I believe your intervention will forever be appreciated by posterity,” Waziri said.
According to her, it is the accused persons that approach the court to seek speedy trial on the ground of proving their innocence to the law court.
She said that she had instituted more than 55 cases within the last two years in office as the chairman, adding that most of the cases were stalled at the plea stage due to the numerous antics of the accused persons.
“I have approached your predecessors in the past to join hands with us so that we can collectively salvage our nation from the grip and weight of corruption.
“I am seizing this opportunity to renew the same call and I am sure you will do your best,’’ Waziri pleaded.
The anti graft chief said there was no other means to fight the course of justice other than the law court and insisted that was why she had remained committed to the rule of law since she assumed office.
She, however, urged the general public to snub an allegation that she was interfering in the judicial process.
On his part, Dauda congratulated her for putting more effort on the fight to free the country from corruption.
He said there was no way an anti-graft executive would not face challenges on that seat, and encouraged Waziri to be firm and resolute as well as continue with the good work of relieving the nation.
“You need to be praying that God should strength you the more and touch the heart of government to provide you with what you need to do this work.
“The battle of corruption is a continuous battle, we condemn it in NBA.
“I don’t want EFCC to be distracted in the performance of their duty and constitutional law. There are already separations of power in the constitution,’’ Dauda said.
He stated that some of the judges were not equipped with relevant materials to help them pronounce judgments on some of the cases.
“Some of the judges also lack the mentality and intellectual capacity to deal with corruption cases which amounts to the delay of judgments.
“Until we get the court structure right, we will continue to have blame from one angle or the other. Investigation and prosecution of persons is where the problem is,’’ Dauda said.
He pledged the readiness of NBA to partner with the commission and called on it to invest more on investigation
The NBA president was accompanied on the visit by other top officials of the association.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol