News
Coalition Wants Probe Of Obasanjo’s Claims
Coalition of forty-six pro-democracy organisations under the aegis of United Action for Democracy, UAD, yesterday called for a holistic probe into alleged hiring, training of snipers and other armed personnel secretly and clandestinely by President Goodluck Jonathan as raised by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
According to UAD, the alleged placing of over 1000 Nigerians on political watch list by Jonathan government must also be investigated against the backdrop that it centres on credibility and tendency of taking Nigeria back to the dark days of late former Head of State, General Sani Abacha.
Addressing journalists yesterday in Abuja, National Convener of UAD, Comrade Baba Aye, also lampooned the Speaker, Federal House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal over recent statements credited to him where he accused President Jonathan of promoting corruption, saying that Tambuwal was hypocritical, alleging that the National Assembly was itself a haven of corruption like virtually all the institutions of elite governance.
Flanked by the General Secretary, Comrade Zulu Ofoelue and National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Steve Obodoekwe, the National Convener who noted that Nigeria was drifting towards what might very well be a precipice in a period of global crisis, said however that former President Obasanjo cannot be exonerated from the country’s problems.
According to him, “What needs to be added is that the pursuit of “selfish personal and political interests, which is brewing a crisis of gargantuan proportions, is not limited to President Jonathan and his clique, but is a general nature of the band of brigands that are the country’s leaders, and the neoliberal capitalist system which they run.
Aye said, ” the UAD decries the worsening security situation in Nigeria. We are appalled by the continued wasting of lives and livelihoods as criminal and insurgent activities increase throughout the country. Hunger, illiteracy, disillusionment and anger are at the roots of the heightening insecurity. The strong arm tactics which the government is pursuing such as the state of emergency in three of the North Eastern states have obviously failed. Indeed, they have aggravated the spate of killings, as several reports show that soldiers as much as insurgents have killed hundreds if not thousands of innocent civilians over the last eight months, in this region”.
According to him, “It is particularly worrisome that there is surreptitious sharpening of the teeth of state terrorism going on, which could take us back to the dark ages of the Abacha dictatorship. Information to this extent has been provided by a former President, Chief Obasanjo, in his recent letter where he stated that the president has placed over 1000 Nigerians on political watch list and is “training snipers and other armed personnel secretly and clandestinely”.
“The UAD regards these allegations with utmost seriousness, and demand an urgent verifiable response from the presidency. We make bold to say that nothing can stop an idea whose time has come. The poor masses and other patriotic citizens in Nigeria rose against General Abacha and his military regime despite its arms and ammunitions and triumphed. We will defend the democratic rights we have won, and not be cowed by cowardly militaristic machinations of the Nigerian state, supposedly in a civilian garb.”
On Corruption, Aye said, ” The UAD notes that corruption has remained institutionalized in Nigeria as a patronage mechanism of the ruling elite to foster their control over the economy and polity. With the recent rating of Nigeria as the 33rd most corrupt country in the world by Transparency International, the brazen faces of corruption continue to disrupt national development.
“UAD views the recent statement credited to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mallam Aminu Tambuwal in which he accused President Goodluck Jonathan of promoting corruption as a case of the kettle calling the pot black. The UAD views Mallam Tambuwal’s statement as being hypocritical since the National Assembly is itself a haven of corruption like virtually all the institutions of elite governance.”
He said the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria a few years ago pointed out that the National Assembly gulps 25% of all the national budgets’ recurrent expenditures. Nothing can be more corrupt than that in addition to the various cases of corruption involving members of the Assembly, which have never been conclusively treated or prosecuted in courts of law.
“UAD insists that corruption permeates every facet of social life in the country because it is in-built into the economic and political system of governance. System change is thus required to eradicate it,” he added.
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 Delta4 days agoWarri Airport Manager Disputes Air Peace Bird Strike Claim
-
News4 days agoNigeria Won’t Surrender Any Territory To Criminals -Tinubu
-
News4 days agoFG Begins Trial Of Over 600 Terrorism Suspects
-
Politics4 days agoParties’ Deregistration: How Justice Lifu Overruled Appeal Court Justices
-
Rivers4 days ago79th IAUE Inaugural Lecture: Prof Anero Advoctes Tuition-Free Education For Children
-
Politics4 days agoADC: Okonkwo Rejects Amaechi As Presidential Running Mate, Withdraws Support
-
Politics4 days ago2027: Tinubu’s Projects Give APC Edge In South East – Yilwatda
-
News4 days ago
Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers