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Don’t Base National Confab On Three Regions …As Nigerians In Uk Protest Exclusion – Elechi Amadi
One of Nigeria’s foremost writers, Dr Elechi Amadi has advised the Federal Government to ensure that all the ethnic nationalities in the country are represented in the proposed national conference so as to achieve the desired results.
Dr Amadi who was speaking in an interview with The Tide in Port Harcourt said it would be wrong to plan a national conference that would be based on three major tribes in the country, at the detriment of over 240 ethnic nationalities.
“And again, when we talk about national conference, some people are only thinking of the three major tribes, Hausa, Ibo and Yoruba and forget about other 247 tribes.
“Each of these tribes of about 250 should be equally represented, but it is not possible for over 250 tribes with diverse interests to come out with unified results to develop the country without one being cheated, he said.
The elder statesman expressed fears that the conference might end up creating more confusion and divisions among the ethnic group as was the case during General Yakubu Gowon’s regime and advised the federal government to apply caution on the proposed conference.
‘I am not very optimistic about the outcome, because many Nigerians thought national conference is an opportunity to favour their ethnic nationalities”, he added.
Meanwhile, Nigerians in the UK have expressed concern over the non-representation of the Diaspora in the 13-member National Dialogue Committee set up by President Goodluck Jonathan.
They expressed their views yesterday in London at the International Dialogue Forum, where leaders of the various ethnic associations living in the UK voiced their thoughts about the proposed national dialogue.
Jonathan had set up the committee to come up with modalities of convening a national dialogue in order to resolve what he called “issues that currently caused friction in the polity.’’
However, the Nigerian community in the UK wanted a review of the committee membership to include representation from the Diaspora.
They also stressed the need for the national dialogue to be sovereign, noting that its submission should not be sent to the National Assembly, but adopted through a referendum.
The Chairman of Ohaneze Ndigbo, UK chapter, Chief Ejike Uzoalor, said the national dialogue was long overdue.
He said “given our diversity and interest, it is necessary to have a common position on issues that affect us.’’
In his remarks, Dr Ojibulem Lawrence, the Chairman of the Niger Delta Forum, said: “we want this dialogue to be a sovereign conference where its outcome will be decided by the people and not the National Assembly.’’
On his part, Mr Alistair Soyode, the organiser of the Forum, said the international dialogue was to enable Nigerians in Diaspora to voice out their opinions on the national conference and identify areas of concern that would be their contribution to the dialogue.
According to agency report, reports that issues bordering on resource control, security, zoning formula, education, diaspora, voting and youth empowerment were on the agenda of the forum.
Enoch Epelle
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