News

Rivers Polls: Tribunal Gets New Chairman …Begins Hearing On APC Petition

Published

11 years ago

September 4, 2015

L-R: the Chairman, Local Organising Committee, 40th Annual General Meeting of the Pharmacological Conference, Mr Caleb Mpyet, the President, Pharmacological Society of Nigeria, Prof. Sebastian Nwosu and the Consultant Ophthalmologist, Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Dr Nanbam Bupwatela, during the 40th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the society in Jos, recently.

A new Justice has been appointed for the Rivers State Governorship Elections Tribunal in Abuja. He is Justice Mohammed Ambrosa. He was, by a letter dated September 1, 2015 from the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, asked to replace the former chairman of the three-man tribunal, Justice Mu’azu Pindiga.
Justice Ambrosa presided over hearing of the main petition filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday.
Hearing of the main petition filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate in the April 11, 2015 election in Rivers State, Dr Dakuku Peterside, challenging the election of Governor Nyesom Wike, of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP, began yesterday.
The APC and Peterside called their first set of witnesses to testify before the tribunal in Abuja, yesterday after about four months of battling with series of interlocutory applications filed by the respondents seeking the dismissal of their petition at the preliminary stage.
The tribunal has a statutory limit of 180 days within which it must hear and determine the petition.
Ambrosa, earlier dismissed the protest by Wike’s lawyer, Mr. Emmanuel Ukala (SAN) and the counsel for the PDP, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), against the change of the chairman of the tribunal.
Counsel for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), did not protest against the change of the chairman of the tribunal.
INEC, Wike and the PDP are the respondents to the petition.
Ukala, who had told the tribunal that he was appearing in protest, gave the tribunal the options of either adjourning the case to enable his team to consult on what step to take on the development or start the entire proceedings afresh.
“We are worried because yesterday a number of newspapers published a story that there were subterranean moves by some powerful forces to implement changes in the election tribunal and we got here this morning to find out that the story was not a mere hallucination but a reality that is starring at us in the face,” Ukala had said.
Uche, who also toed the same line of argument, said the sudden change of the chairman of the tribunal could threaten “a fundamental pillar of confidence in justice administration” which he said was “rooted in transparency”.
In his response, lead counsel for the petitioners, Chief Akin Olujinmi (SAN), said his team also became aware of the change of the tribunal chairman only when the panel members came into the courtroom.
He however said he had no reason to protest against the new head of the tribunal as the petitioners had lost so much time.
Olujinmi said, “We also came in this morning to find out that a new chairman has been posted to head this tribunal.
“We on our side cannot question your obedience of the order posting you to head this tribunal.”
In its ruling delivered by Ambrosa, the tribunal dismissed the protests, saying it could not afford to waste more time.
He noted that by the 180 days limitation, the tribunal must round off its sitting on October 30.
This development, he said, would leave his panel with only about five days to prepare its judgment after all parties must have concluded their cases.
“The petitioners are therefore called upon to open their case,” the tribunal ordered.
Among the first set of the petitioners’ witnesses called by Oljinmi yesterday were APC collation agents in some wards in the state, who testified that elections did not hold in their various domains because of the violence allegedly orchestrated by armed thugs loyal to the PDP.
The witnesses included Jack Olugu, John Koottee and Alabrabra Jappalli, who all testified that elections did not hold in their respective domains.
The hearing continues today.

News

Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers

Published

3 days ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

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

News

Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70

Published

3 days ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

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.

News

Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition

Published

3 days ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

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