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NASS Can’t Reconvene Now, Say Saraki, Dogara …Senate President Demands Judicial Probe Of Siege …CAN Declares Three-Day Prayers Over Threat To Democracy
The Senate President, Bukola Saraki and Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, yesterday explained why the National Assembly cannot reconvene now.
They stated that as a prelude to resumption, the Joint Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Electoral Matters and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission would have held a meeting.
Following this, the joint committees were also expected to meet with the joint Senate and House Committees on Appropriations, Loans and Debts on the Eurobond loan request “after which two reports would have been ready for presentation in the two chambers.”
They added that none of these meetings had been held, implying that if lawmakers had reconvened, there would have been no report for them to consider.
“Until the committees have a ready report for the consideration of the two chambers, it will be most irresponsible to recall members from recess especially those that may have travelled to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj”, a statement joint signed by the Special Adviser (Media and
Meanwhile, the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, has called for an independent judicial panel of inquiry into the siege to the National Assembly by masked security operatives, penultimate yesterday.
Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, had in a swift reaction to the invasion, sacked Lawal Daura as Department of State Service (DSS) director general, for what the presidency described as an unauthorised action.
However, in a tweet on his personal @bukolasaraki handle, Saraki said, yesterday,: “The very serious questions about last Tuesday’s siege on the National Assembly can only be answered through a thorough and neutral investigation.
“I call on Mr. President to immediately institute an independent judicial panel of inquiry to look into that assault on our democracy.”
Publicity) to Senate President, Yusuph Olaniyonu, and the Special Adviser (Media and Public Affairs) to Speaker, Mr Turaki Hassan, said.
The presiding officers, however, said that the meetings have not taken place and that many legislators have also gone on Hajj, making the prospects for reconvening improbable.
In a related development, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared a three-day prayer and fasting over what it described as a threat to democracy in the country.
It stated that the decision was informed by the “recent political drama unfolding in our nation.”
The acting CAN General Secretary, Daramola Bade, in a statement, yesterday, directed churches nationwide to mobilise their members for the prayer from August 27-29 to seek God’s face concerning the social and political state of the nation and for the peaceful conduct of 2019 elections.
The Christian body asked the faithful to pray against the election of evil politicians in 2019, and also for peaceful co-existence and an end to bloodshed and violence across the nation.
It also admonished Christians to pray for “unity and mutual respect for each other within the three arms of the government.”
The statement read in part, “Following the recent political drama unfolding in our nation that is becoming really embarrassing and constituting big threats to our nascent democracy, the leadership of the CAN has called for a three-day prayer to be observed in all churches in Nigeria for divine protection for our nation and democracy.”
“In view of the above, we request all bloc chairmen, zonal chairmen, states’ chairmen, local and all church leaders to mobilize our members nationwide for three days of prayer from August 27 -29 to seek the face of God concerning the social and political state of our nation and for peaceful conduct of 2019 election,” it said.
The CAN also asked the churches to pray for divine direction for the political leaders and for the release of Boko Haram captives, including Leah Sharibu and the remaining Chibok girls.
“We are to pray for economic prosperity of the nation and deliberate effort of the government towards providing gainful employment for the teeming population of unemployed youths in Nigeria.
“For the church’s victory over the forces of darkness that are working against the wellbeing of the Church in Nigeria and for the unity of the church and that those causing destabilisation would repent from their evils and pursue unity or risk divine judgment,” the CAN implored.
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