News
2019: Buhari, Atiku, Others For Debate, Jan 19
The Nigerian Election Debate Group, yesterday fixed January 19 for the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congrsss, APC, President Muhammadu Buhari, former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar and Presidential candidates of other political parties to engage in a debate.
Also to be part of the presidential debate are Gbenga Olawepo- Hashim of the Peoples Trust, PT; Engr. Yabagi Sani of the Action Democratic Party, ADP; Donald Duke of the Social Democratic Party, SDP; Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress, AAC; Oby Ezekwesili of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria, ACPN; Obadiah Mailafia of African Democratic Congress, ADC; Kingsley Moghalu of Young Progressive Party, YPP; Chris Okotie – Fresh Democratic Party, FDP; Hamza Al-Mustapha – Peoples Party of Nigeria, PPN; Habib Mohammed Gajo – Young Democratic Party, YDP; Olusegun Mimiko – Zenith Labour Party, ZLP; Ade Fagbenro Bryon – Kowa Party, John Gbor – All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, among others.
Addressing Journalists yesterday in Abuja, Chief Executive Officer of Channels and chairman of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, BON, John Momoh said that Vice Presidential candidates of the APC, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, that of the PDP, Peter Obi, Junaid Mohammed of the SDP and other running mates are billed to have their debate on December 14, 2018.
According to him, the debates would focus on issues that matter most to working families, that would help restore the economy, provide electricity, create jobs, secure health care for every Nigerian, make and achieve excellence in every Nigerian school as well as ensure safety and security for Nigerians.
Momoh who noted that the debates will hold at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja and will be broadcast live by all BON members, said that plans were on to forward to the 9th National Assembly, a fresh bill for the establishment of a National Commission for Presidential Debate that would make it mandatory for presidential candidates to engage in debates ahead of presidential elections.
Speaking further, John Momoh said, “just a few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to address a group of people who were on a courtesy visit to our global headquarters in Lagos. I reiterated the well-known fact that our country, in spite of its numerous potentials, is faced with a social crisis that began way back to the military era; but which has transcended democratic rule since the army returned to the barracks.
Today, we are experiencing a health care crisis that threatens our women and children, an education crisis that threatens our children’s future, a power crisis that is crippling every aspect of our economic lives, and a more fundamental crisis – a crisis of corruption, accountability and security.
“One other major challenge facing us as a nation is the threat to national unity, as centrifugal tension, resource control and self determination , ethnicity-based identity politics and religious cleavages have enveloped national consciousness.
“Many of these problems stem from decisions made by our leaders behind closed doors, other times openly, from regulations removed when no one was looking, or from the reckless actions taken while authorities turned a blind eye. “
Our nation is strongest when our elected leaders are transparent, accessible and accountable to its citizens, explaining their decisions and answering tough questions. That standard of openness must start long before election day. “
It is for this reason that the Nigerian election debate group and the broadcasting organisations of Nigeria are organising a vice presidential debate on December the 14th, 2018 and a presidential debate on January the 19th, 2019.
“ The debates would hold at the Transcorp Hilton hotel Abuja, and will be broadcast live on all bon member radio and television stations across the country. the debates will also be streamed live on all mobile and social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, twitter and instagram, to give it a global coverage.
Among others, the debates will focus on the issues that matter most to working families; restoring our economy, providing electricity, creating jobs, securing health care for every Nigerian, making and achieving excellence in every Nigerian school and ensuring safety and security for Nigerians.
News
Be Patient With Us, Diri Tells Bayelsans … Inspects New 60mw IPP …Expresses Confidence In Technical Partners, BECL MD
The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene