News
Senate To Conclude Action On PIB
The Nigerian Senate has described as unfounded the statements from some quarters, insinuating that the Senate has no plans to treat or pass the Petroleum Industry Bill which is currently on its second journey to the chambers.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Senator Solomon Ita Enang during a chat with Senate correspondents yesterday in Abuja expressed the Senate’s readiness to conclude actions on the bill as soon as the lawmakers resume from Christmas break.
Senator Enang who also intimated the correspondents on the activities of the Senate from September to December last year and also on activities in focus for the Senate for 2013, said the Senate would on resumption also consider the reports on Dana Crash, Fuel Subsidy probe, Niger Delta Development Commission 2013 Appropriation Act, Public Procurement Act, among others.
On the PIB, Senator Enang said that the people who had believed that forces, local and international, were working against the Petroleum Industry Bill and may mar the passage of the bill are just expressing their personal feelings, adding that all the issues raised in the media concerning the Bill would be considered when deliberation of the Bill for second reading comes up.
His words, “A bill sees the light of the day when it is listed on the floor of the Senate to be considered. So the contributions that are being made by senators intended to heighten interest in the bill, enlighten the public more and we also thank the media for their contributions. All these, we will take account of when considering the Bill for second reading.”
He confirmed that the Executive submitted the budget of Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), to the National Assembly while responding to questions.
“I had mentioned earlier that the president submitted to all of us and to the National Assembly along with the National budget, the budget of the statutory corporations.
“And this is one of the things we will give priority to as we resume. And budget of SEC and others are contained here. What we said in that clause of the bill which we have forwarded is that there should not be any implementation except as would be approved. Just an emphasis,” he said.
The House of Representatives had earlier declined passage of the 2013 budget of SEC pending the action of President Jonathan on their resolution for the sack of the SEC Director General, Ms Arumah Oteh.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business said the Senate had between September and December, 2012 received a total of 163 new Bills. This consists of 25 Executive Bills while the rest are private member (Senators) Bills.
Enang further explained that 32 bills were read for the second time and referred to the relevant committees.
According to him, some of the passed bills include; 2013 Appropriation Bill, The National Automotive Council Act (Repeal and Re-enactment), The Money Laundering Act (Amendment), Terrorism Act (Amendment), The Prison Act (repeal and re-enactment)
Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution has cancelled the ongoing opinion poll on the autonomy of the local government.
According to a press statement from the office of the Special Adviser to the Deputy Senate President on Media Matters, Uche Anikwe the cancellation was necessitated by the need to preserve the integrity and credibility of the process as there are attempts by some persons to manipulate the ongoing SMS and online opinion poll on key issues in the present constitution amendment project.
According to the statement, there is a text message currently being circulated across the country claiming that the Senate is presently voting on a Bill aimed at carving out some large portions of land in certain parts of the country as grazing reserves for the Fulanis.
The text message therefore invites Nigerians to send “NO” response to 20052 which is the same short code being used by the Committee to poll the opinion of Nigerians on issues in the constitution review.
Condemning the act, the Senate Committee urges Nigerians to disregard the SMS as it is a mere devious propaganda to manoeuvre the outcome of the efforts of the Committee to ensure popular participation by Nigerians in the constitution amendment project.
The Senate Committee also advised Nigerians to be vigilant and only respond to the questions advertised by the Committee in the mass media.
Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi, Abuja
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
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