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Jonathan Assures On Rule Of Law …Says ASUU Has No More Reason To Strike
L-R: Administrator, Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, Dame Aleruchi Cookey-Gam, Eleme LGA Chairman, Hon. Oji Ngofa, HRH Chief Philip Osaro and Chief B.M Olowa, during a sensitisation meeting between the Authority and Aleto Clan in Eleme LGA for the acquisition of lands for the Eleme Industrial Area by the Rivers State Government, recently.
President Goodluck Jonathan has commended the leadership of Nigerian Bar Association for its choice of “Law, Leadership and Challenges of Nationhood in the 21st Century Nigeria’’ as theme for its 2013 conference.
He made the commendation in an address at the opening of the 2013 Annual General Conference of the NBA last Monday in Calabar.
Represented by Mr Mohammed Adoke, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Jonathan said the theme reflected the centrality of law in the economic and socio-political spheres of Nigeria.
“The theme of this year’s conference: “Law, Leadership and Challenges of Nationhood in the 21st Century Nigeria,” is particularly significant.
“It takes cognizance of the centrality of law in the economic and socio-political spheres of our nation as well as Nigeria’s quest for transformational leadership as we prepare to celebrate 100 years of our existence as a nation.
“I,therefore, congratulate the leadership of the bar for this initiative and for organising what promises to be a very successful conference.
“I am delighted to have been invited to present an address at the opening ceremony of the 2013 annual general conference of the NBA.
“I commend our amiable President, Mr Okey Wali (SAN), for his inspirational leadership and the members of the executive committee for their committed service to our great association.
The president also congratulated Governor Liyel Imok for being “ a worthy ambassador of the bar in governance in the present democratic dispensation.’’
According to him, Imoke’s developmental stride bears glowing testimony of his astuteness and able leadership in handling the affairs of the state.
Jonathan also restated the pre-eminent position of the law in the development agenda of nation states.
He said that Nigerian courts had done well in spite of “controversies that attend political rivalries and contests within and outside political parties, in the course of evolving sustainable constitutional principles for our democracy.
“And in the face of security challenges, the courts have dispensed justice according to the law and our constitutional evolution has benefited immensely from their interventions.
The president also listed a number of challenges for nation states whether developed or developing most prominent of which was how to ensure the security of lives and property in the face of increasing global terrorism.
He said that other challenges include how to protect the rights and liberties of the people in the midst of competing social norms and how to achieve economic development and improvement in living conditions of the people.
“In Nigeria, the challenges of nationhood are more pronounced in the areas of security, fostering of national unity and democratic consolidation.
“The threat of global terrorism hitherto, considered an alien phenomenon has unfortunately found a place in our nation.
He lamented the alarming security situation in the country, saying it had now passed crisis point.
The NBA boss also described the abduction of Ozekhome as a sad commentary on the state of national security, appealing to the Federal Government to stand up to the security challenges in the country.
He said that members of the bar were sad that “the new faces of crime like kidnapping, terrorism, insurgency, cyber crime, etc in recent times have led to the loss of precious lives of Nigerians.
Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said there was no need for the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to continue with its industrial action.
Jonathan said this at the inauguration of the Federal Government sponsored-transformation projects at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).
Represented by the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyat Rufai, the President said N30 billion had been released for the payment of earned allowances in all public universities.
The president said that the inaugurated projects were in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to providing quality education in the country.
He said the projects were based on the need assessment exercise conducted by the Federal Government in universities.
Jonathan urged the university administration to engage in research for national development, while stressing the need for proper maintenance of completed projects.
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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