News
Mixed Reactions Trail Calls For National Conference
The call by some South-West and South-South leaders for the convocation of a National Conference, has generated a chain of mixed reactions amongst a cross-section of Nigerians.
Some of them who spoke with newsmen in Lagos yesterday, agreed that it would be a good platform to discuss issues that would move the nation forward, others argued it was unrealistic.
Our correspondent reports that the leaders from both geo-political zones met with President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja on Wednesday demanding the convening of a National Conference.
They argued that the National Conference would afford the various components of the country the opportunity to reach a consensus on the terms of their union in an indivisible Nigeria.
The delegations were led by Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi and Chief Edwin Clark of South-West and South-South, respectively.
Gbonigi told newsmen at the end of the meeting that the vast majority of Nigerians were demanding for a new constitution which made a national dialogue imperative.
He noted that the Transformation Agenda of the administration could not succeed unless it was predicated on a stable and secure polity, with happy and contented citizens.
However, Jonathan said the Justice Alfa Belgore-led Presidential Committee on Outstanding Constitutional Issues, would bring up areas of national consensus from the 2006 National Political Reform Conference for the National Assembly’s consideration.
He noted that a larger body could meet in future should there be other controversial issues to resolve.
Our correspondent reports that the Senate had on Tuesday rejected the call for a Sovereign National Conference (SNC), saying the National Assembly remained the only platform for any national discuss.
The Chairman, Movement for the Restoration and Defence of Democracy (MRDD), Mallam Danjuma Mohammed, newsmen that the SNC would mean taking over the functions of the National Assembly.
“The call for a national sovereign conference actually negates the authority of the elected National Assembly.
“That nullifies it totally. It cannot run side by side with an elected National Assembly except one must go for the other. If you are saying this, you are dissolving an arm of democratic government.
“Beside this, to make matters worse, it’s even a convocation of a sovereign national conference of ethnic nationalities of Nigeria and what they are virtually calling for is a return to 1914. And by so doing, what you are saying is that our national unity for now has to be vitiated, it has to be destroyed.”
Mohammed, however, said if the conference was to be organised, there was the need to do so on the basis of equity given the number of ethnic groups in the country.
“If these people that are making this call really love this country, what they need do is to respect the constitution of this country and respect the elected National Assembly; make your decision and go in there.
“There are windows of opportunity. Mr President just presented opportunity for constitutional review; they can make input in it, if its accepted by the National Assembly fine; if it’s not accepted then they end up a minority view; and they should take it – that is democracy.”
Also reacting, the National Chairman of the African Liberation Party (ALP), Chief Emmanuel Okereke, agreed with Mohammed’s views, saying the country already has in place an elected National Assembly.
“I know there is a need for a national conference, but we have elected people on seat who should look into that matter,” he stated.
Okereke, however, called for consultation and proper dialogue prior to the conference to forestall an unforeseen breakdown of law and order.
However, the Executive Director of an NGO, the CLEEN Foundation, Mr Innocent Chukwuma, argued that the National Assembly as presently constituted was not capable of handling issues that affect Nigerians.
“If you look at it objectively and the way democracy has worked in this country over the past 12 to 13 years, you begin to understand why people are calling for a platform where Nigerian people could have opportunity to discuss in very detailed form, how we want to go forward in this country.
“If you look at the latest statistics on poverty level in Nigeria it is actually alarming and this is produced by the National Bureau of Statistics, where as we speak, over 70 per cent of Nigerians are living below poverty level; and this is within a period where Nigeria has made much more money than we have ever made in our history; and you ask where are these monies going to.
“So I am actually supportive of a discussion platform where we could sit down, look each other in the face and address our issues.’’
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
-
Niger Delta3 days agoWarri Airport Manager Disputes Air Peace Bird Strike Claim
-
News3 days agoNigeria Won’t Surrender Any Territory To Criminals -Tinubu
-
News3 days agoFG Begins Trial Of Over 600 Terrorism Suspects
-
Politics3 days agoParties’ Deregistration: How Justice Lifu Overruled Appeal Court Justices
-
Rivers3 days ago79th IAUE Inaugural Lecture: Prof Anero Advoctes Tuition-Free Education For Children
-
Politics3 days agoADC: Okonkwo Rejects Amaechi As Presidential Running Mate, Withdraws Support
-
Politics3 days ago2027: Tinubu’s Projects Give APC Edge In South East – Yilwatda
-
News3 days ago
Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers