Politics
OB Lulu-Briggs: Finding Rest For A Great Statesman
It is no longer news that the distinguished politician, statesman, corporate titan in the oil industry and philanthropist par excellence, the great and phenomenal High Chief Olu Benson Lulu-Briggs answered the glorious home call of his Maker in December 2018. What is news however is the controversy that has defined and surrounded his funeral rites and burial since he passed on over one year ago.
Though he was defined more by his philanthropy than by his other contributions to the nation, he was never the less, an ebullient and charismatic leader and a formidable political colossus in his days, who rose to become one of the revered leaders and outstanding statesmen of Nigeria’s political-cum democratic metamorphosis.
Indeed, the history of our national politics, especially the robust and exciting epoch of the Second Republic, will be grossly incomplete without critical chapters, dedicated to celebrate a man who gained unparalleled prominence and national recognition for his progressive role as the National Deputy Chairman of then ruling party, the National Party of Nigeria, NPN, which was the dominant political party in Nigeria from 1979 to 1983.
Already grounded and well celebrated in the politics of trade unionism in his civil service years as a civil servant at the Nigerian Ports Authority, where he rose through the ranks during his 23-year plus career at the NPA, High Chief Lulu Briggs served as Secretary of the Workers Union for seven years; Chairman of the Maritime Trade Union Federation of the Eastern Ports for three years (1968-1971) and was a founder and President (from 1970-1972) of the Rivers State Council of Labour. When he retired from NPA in 1978, he was its Principal Industrial Relations Officer and Head of Division, Eastern Ports, a position never attained by an indigene before now.
His desire to affect the cause of national politics for the better informed his purposeful venture into partisan politics at the onset of the Second Republic and he was one of the founding fathers of the then ruling National Party of Nigeria, NPN.
In September 1978, the military government, headed by General Olusegun Obasanjo, lifted the ban on political activities in Nigeria in preparation for the return to civilian rule. This led to the formation of new political parties – including the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). With its catchy motto, “One Nation, One Destiny,” and a strategy that included an alliance between Northern leaders and their southern minority counterparts, NPN was viewed as the party that best accommodated Nigeria’s diversity and stood a good chance of winning what would be a keenly contested election. High Chief Lulu-Briggs was active in politics in the Old Rivers State. As a vocal and influential businessman, he emerged as a leader at the Constituent Assembly of 1978
He became a founding member of the NPN in Rivers State, acting as its first Protem Secretary in 1979. He stunned political watchers during NPN’s first national convention, where he emerged as its National Vice Chairman (South) – defeating more experienced politicians. He was prominent in the NPN’s Presidential Campaign, travelling the length and breadth of the country with Alhaji Shehu Shagari, its presidential candidate and helping secure the votes from what is now known as the South-South.
As an NPN party leader, he was a major force for stability within the party, known for his discipline, honesty, fair mindedness and forthright manner. His was a respected voice, which he used to push for policies that promoted growth and human development, as well as recognition of issues of minorities and of what is today known as the ‘Niger Delta’, such as environmental challenges and inadequate funding for a region that provides most of the country’s revenue.
During his NPN years, High Chief Lulu-Briggs served as Chairman of the National Animal Feeds Company (the precursor to the National Fertilizer Company of Nigeria, NAFCON) from 1981-1983. He was also a director of the Rivers State Transport Corporation, RTC, 1979-1982, both of which became symbolic establishment success stories of which glowing tributes and nostalgic narratives are still referenced till date.
Even after the NPN government was overthrown by the military in 1983, High Chief O.B Lulu-Briggs remained a popular go-to politician, regularly consulted and brought into progressive national conversations, dialogues and initiatives. His political stature was such that he even ran for the office of President of Nigeria in the early 1990s under the defunct Social Democratic Party (and the Option A4 political experiment). He was the elected candidate in Rivers State, polling over 72% of the popular vote in a field comprising five other contestants and when that political process was eventually truncated, he continued to champion the need for political service which placed his beloved country Nigeria and the empowerment of its teeming populace – not personal, parochial and petty interests – at its centre.
It is noteworthy that High Chief O.B. Lulu-Briggs emerged from political office and public service without any smear on his integrity. And during his time as a politician, his businesses continued to function and provided him enough income to keep his personal affairs running.
High Chief Dr. O.B. Lulu-Briggs was a diligent Kalabari community leader, who lived up to and promoted the standards of his community and culture established by his renowned maternal and paternal forebearers.
He established the Lulu-Briggs chieftaincy stool in 1991 and was elevated to the Young Briggs Iniikeiroari V chieftaincy stool of the Kalabari Kingdom in 1993. He built the Chief Young Briggs Memorial Hall and Mausoleum, cementing his place in the history of the Oruwari Briggs War Canoe House as a worthy son. He also constructed the Oruwari Briggs Memorial Hall in Abonnema. It is therefore not surprising that the family and community fondly bestowed on the High Chief, the great Kalabari warrior’s sobriquet, ‘Opuda.’
In 2017, High Chief Lulu-Briggs was appointed Acting Chairman of Abonnema Council of Chiefs till the controversies raised by the suspension of the Chairman of the Council were resolved.
Indeed, it is against the backdrop of these outstanding, achievements, contributions and the peerless and legendary personality of his phenomenal reputation that the controvesy and acrimony which have overshadowed his final burial rites leave a sour taste in the mouth and a sad reflection of the absolute disrespect which his excellent legacy has been subjected to since his passing in 2018.
His son and Chief mourner, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs succinctly captured the unsavoury sequence of events that have bedeviled and truncated every effort to give the mercurial partrach a befitting burial, while addressing a meeting of the Oruwari War Canoe House in Abonnema, headquarters of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State on February 15, 2020 to give an update on the latest impediment standing in the way of choosing a date for the burial, following the recent dismissal of all cases and the order to hand over the mortal remains of the great man to his family for burial, by the Supreme Court of Ghana
Lulu-Briggs said: “Our father, the late Paramount Ruler of Oruwari War Canoe House died on December 27, 2018. Until this day, we have not been able to bury him and the simple reason is that we do not have his mortal remains.
“This matter has been subject of several litigations brought by his widow, Mrs. Sienye Lulu-Briggs, against his sons and myself, the Chief of the house that his mortal remains should not be given to us.
“There have been several interventions and the latest intervention we had was the one from no less a person than the Inspector-General of Police. That intervention was on February 4, 2020.
“The condition of the intervention is that all legal hurdles should be withdrawn. That Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs is the Chief Mourner and Head of the Lulu-Briggs house and therefore, the mortal remains should be released to him by custom. So that we can come together to give the late Paramount Head of the Oruwari House a befitting burial.
“He was a great philanthropist; his works are known across the globe. The Nigerian government was very concerned and the Inspector-General of Police also expressed concerns that he has not been buried till this day. To pave way for this was to withdraw all the cases in Ghana.
“An inquest is ongoing; whatever be the outcome of the inquest, the Nigerian Police will be informed and they will make their opinion on the inquest. However, let the body be released so that he will be given a befitting burial and we all accepted, including Mrs. Sienye Lulu-Briggs, who was also present at the meeting with her legal team and some relatives.
“The inquest in Ghana would have nothing to do with the burial. Inquests continue long after deceased persons had been buried. So, it would have nothing to do with it. The IGP’s instruction was that we should withdraw all the suits that had been filed at the Courts”.
According to Dumo Lulu-Briggs, the family had thought that when all the petitions were dismissed by the Ghana Supreme Court, the matter would finally come to end, everybody would be happy and at least, the mortal remains of their father would be brought home for a befitting burial, especially with the release of the autopsy report, which the Supreme Court had also said should be filed at the High Court.
Alas that was not to be the case, as a fresh suit was filed by the widow on the very day of the Supreme Court judgement and against the express directive of the Inspector-General of Police, challenging the decision to release the mortal remains to the family
Dumo Lulu-Briggs said: “She went to the High Court in Ghana asking the funeral home not to release the body to us. Today, we don’t have the mortal remains of our father after the express decision of the Inspector-General of Police and after the express decision of the Supreme Court of Ghana.
On her part however, the widow of High Chief O.B Lulu-Briggs also insists that she is not responsible for the delay in the burial of her late husband. A statement from her publicist, Mr. Oraye St. Franklyn, while reacting to the post Ghana Supreme Court allegations reads in part: “What Mrs. Lulu-Briggs wants is the burial of her husband and thankfully, the Rivers State Governor has committed to it. But the moves to solely go to obtain the body of the deceased without a burial plan and without complying with the court-imposed preconditions can only be stopped by an injunction especially since he is also personally pursuing an inquest in Ghana.
“Meanwhile, he intends to pick up the body of his father on the 17th and 18th of February 2020 without fulfilling the preconditions imposed by a December 23, 2019 judgment of the High Court of Ghana, which has also been upheld by the Supreme Court of Ghana,” St. Franklyn said.
It could be recalled that in recognition of the huge national and global stature of High Chief O.B Lulu-Briggs and in appreciation of his massive contributions to the political and socio/economic growth of Rivers State, the Governor of the state, Chief Nyesom Wike has not only met with the family on no less than four occasions to find an amicable resolution to the conflicts delaying the burial of the Lulu-Briggs partriach, but has even pledged the commitment of Rivers State Government to give High Chief Olu Benson Lulu-Briggs a beffiting state burial.
Governor Wike even went further in his intervention efforts to solicit the cooperation of the Amanyanabo of Abonnema, King Disreal Bobmanuel to work with both parties to ensure the High Chief receives a State Burial. A committee of prominent Kalabari indigenes was set up to achieve this purpose and it was widely corroborated by both parties that they appeared before the committee and stated their positions clearly on the matter.
So, as the litigations continue in the courts, what has become obvious is that the burial of High Chief Olu Benson Lulu-Briggs will still be delayed a little bit more as the unfortunate saga surrounding his rites of passage drags on towards its eventual resolution.
By: Victor Tew
He said he would not hesitate to activate the recall process against any lawmaker found wanting, if he returns for a second term in office.
He stated this while addressing members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including those who lost out at the recently held national and state assemblies primaries and have become aggrieved and disrespectful to the party.
While emphasizing the supremacy of the party, he said decisions were taken in the overall interest of the party and the state and must, therefore, be respected by all members.
He warned lawmakers against being insolent and arrogant to their people to the extent of shutting them out after each election cycle, saying such would no longer be condoned.
“So I am appealing to all of you. If you were born with arrogance, please just drop that ticket here”, he said.
The governor hinted that after the next cycle of elections, the process of recalling lawmakers who made themselves “tin gods” would be activated.
“Well, they say they don’t recall people from parliament, but this will be the first time.
“Anybody whom the people say they are tired of will be brought back home. Anybody who goes and forgets his people completely and doesn’t care, thinking that during elections he will come and pretend to be a good man, will be brought back.
“And we are making this very, very clear. We will not fail in what we have said. I am working tirelessly; I don’t sleep. If you are going into office during this period, there will be no sleep for you”, he said.
He advised politicians not to ignore their people who hold the power, insisting: “You cannot overlook them and become so arrogant and pompous that you don’t know your people.”
Gov. Otu also advised members of the ruling APC, who lost at the just-concluded party primaries in the state, not to defect to opposition parties like the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) or the African Democratic Congress (ADC), warning that they would suffer untold hardship and would not make any political headway, if they did.
“There are some kwashiorkor parties that are registering people. Such parties are wasting their time and not even my time. They cannot do anything.
“I don’t want anybody to suffer the fate I suffered. That’s why I’m warning those aggrieved aspirants who lost not to go the way of those parties to avoid unnecessary suffering.
“I don’t want anybody to go that route. It’s an absolute waste of time, energy and people’s future, because at the end of the day, you will drag people into that bottomless pit.
“And when you drag them there and can’t take care of them, you begin to rot, you begin to die. May God give me the energy and power to sustain.”
He appealed to the aggrieved APC members, saying: “There’s nothing that we cannot settle. God’s time is the best. Whatever we’ve done is for the common good of all of us.”
2027: INEC APPEALS JUDGMENT ON ELECTION GUIDELINES
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appealed the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja which nullified aspects of the Commission’s 2027 General Election Guidelines.
The appeal, filed before the Court of Appeal, seeks to overturn the judgment delivered on May 20, 2026, by Justice Muhammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The trial court had nullified the provision in the guidelines directing political parties to submit their membership registers and databases by May 10, 2026, as part of the conditions for participation in the 2027 General Election.
The suit challenging the directive was instituted by the Youth Party, which argued that the Commission’s timeline was inconsistent with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
In his ruling, Justice Umar held that INEC could not lawfully shorten the timeline stipulated under Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 regarding the submission of party membership records and candidates’ particulars.
However, INEC, through its counsel, Chief Alex Izinyon, SAN, filed a notice of appeal dated May 25, 2026, asking the appellate court to set aside the judgment.
The Commission also filed a motion seeking an order staying the execution of the judgment pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.
INEC raised nine grounds of appeal, arguing among others that the trial court failed to determine the jurisdictional issue concerning whether the suit was hypothetical and academic in nature.
The Commission further contended that the respondent lacked the locus standi to institute the suit and urged the Court of Appeal to strike out the case accordingly.
INEC maintained that its actions were in line with its constitutional mandate to ensure the orderly conduct of elections and effective electoral administration ahead of the 2027 General Election.
WHY I ENDORSE TINUBU’S SECOND TERM BID — ADELEKE
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has explained that his decision to support President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in 2027 was influenced by moral responsibility and the need to sustain developmental progress.
The governor said his endorsement was not based on political calculations alone but on what he considers appropriate in view of the relationship between Osun State and the President, as well as ongoing projects benefiting the region.
The position of the governor was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by his spokesperson, Mr Olawale Rasheed.
According to the statement, Gov. Adeleke spoke on Sunday after conducting an inspection of the ongoing construction work on the Ibadan–Ile Ife–Ilesa Expressway.
During the visit, the governor reportedly commended President Tinubu for embarking on major infrastructure projects across Osun State and other parts of the South-West.
Gov. Adeleke noted that infrastructure development remains essential to economic growth and improved connectivity among communities.
He acknowledged the significance of road projects currently underway, stressing that such investments are expected to contribute to easier transportation, commercial activities, and broader development outcomes within the region.
The governor also highlighted the importance of leadership support in facilitating projects that have direct effects on residents.
He indicated that recognition should be given where efforts are being made to improve public infrastructure, particularly projects capable of enhancing movement between states and strengthening economic interactions in affected areas.
According to the statement, Gov. Adeleke’s remarks came while assessing the progress of the expressway project, which has continued to attract attention due to its strategic role in linking major cities within the South-West.
The governor reportedly used the opportunity to express appreciation for federal involvement in projects impacting Osun State.
His comments further reflected his view on political and regional ties, especially considering Osun State’s historical connection to President Tinubu.
Gov. Adeleke suggested that such considerations, alongside visible developmental initiatives, shaped his decision to openly support the President’s anticipated re-election effort in 2027.
He said, “I am the governor of the ancestral birthplace of Mr President. How can I have my own in the saddle and think twice before embracing him?”
IPAC specifically said that INEC guidelines cannot supersede constitutional provisions or extant electoral laws.
The Council, which stated these while appraising the judgement of the Federal High Court, stressed that the court judgement specifically addressed exclusionary conditions capable of disenfranchising aspirants and party members during primaries.
This is contained in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of IPAC, Mr Martins Egbeola, stating that the judgment was a reaffirmation of constitutional supremacy, democratic principles and the rule of law within Nigeria’s electoral process.
IPAC said that even though INEC possesses powers to issue election guidelines, such powers must however, operate strictly within constitutional provisions and electoral laws.
It noted that the court judgment represented a major victory for democracy, political parties and citizens participating in Nigeria’s electoral process.
IPAC also said that the court judgement had restored the constitutional rights of political parties to manage their internal affairs democratically without unlawful interference through administrative directives.
“The judgment would ensure equal opportunities for eligible members to participate in party primaries without discriminatory or exclusionary conditions.
“The INEC Chairman should deepen engagement and consultation with political parties on issues concerning electoral administration and reforms.
“Greater dialogue and collaboration between INEC and political parties would help prevent avoidable disputes and litigation arising from controversial guidelines,” IPAC stated.
Prof. Yilwatda stated this while speaking on a live television interview programme.
According to him, the ruling APC was not focused on fighting opposition parties, claiming that the political battle was currently between the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
He said, “In the last three weeks, the APC has not been fighting ADC or NDC. It is NDC versus ADC or ADC versus NDC.
“Actually, I watched with fun all the insults that the ADC is raining on the NDC and the NDC is returning those fireworks on the ADC.
“I watched the videos, and I laughed. The self-implosion is in the opposition rather than in the APC.”
When asked whether he was orchestrating the crisis in the opposition, Prof. Yilwatda denied the allegation but said weakening the opposition was part of politics.
He said, “No, I can’t. But I will be happy if I can do it. That’s my job.
“If you are opposing me, should I be happy? If you oppose me because you are in the opposition, what’s my job? Of course, to stop the opposition.”
The APC chairman also said the ruling party had stronger conflict resolution mechanisms than other political parties.
According to him, the party had committees at national and state levels to resolve internal disputes arising from congresses and other activities.
Speaking on the APC membership register and the votes secured by President Bola Tinubu during the party’s presidential primary, Prof. Yilwatda said the party relied on data from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for its registration process.
“To register as a member of the APC, your name and primary data are sourced from NIMC. That’s the same primary data that is used across the country to open a bank account, get a driver’s licence and secure an international passport.
“So we’re the only political party that sources our primary data from NIMC. This is why people have seen the APC as one of the most politically viable and stable parties. We are a data-driven political party,” he stated.
RIVERS ADC PRIMARY: ASPIRANT REJECTS OUTCOME, ACCUSES AMAECHI OF IMPOSITION
The governorship primary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State has been thrown into turmoil after aspirant Mr Allen Idaso Ezekiel-Hart rejected the outcome and accused former governor, Mr Rotimi Amaechi of imposing a candidate.
Mr Ezekiel-Hart described the exercise as a “shambolic charade” and said it had produced three separate governorship primary “winners” within the same party.
“Right now, we have three governorship candidates in one party, all thanks to Amaechi’s high-handedness,” he told journalists in Abuja on Monday.
He warned that the situation could plunge the opposition party into crisis ahead of the 2027 elections if the national leadership fails to intervene.
According to him, while the party’s timetable fixed May 23 for the primary, aspirants were informed late Friday that the exercise had been moved forward.
Mr Ezekiel-Hart said he was mobilising supporters across the 23 local government areas when fellow aspirant, Hon. Farah Dagogo, informed him that a parallel process had already been conducted.
He accused the state party chairman, Mr Chukwudi Dimkpa, of inviting only five aspirants loyal to Mr Amaechi while excluding himself and Hon. Dagogo. The arrangement, he alleged, was designed to clear the path for Dr Gabriel Pidomson, whom he described as Mr Amaechi’s preferred candidate.
He further alleged that three aspirants were persuaded to step down for Dr Pidomson in what he described as a disguised consensus arrangement, despite the party’s public stance against consensus.
Mr Ezekiel-Hart claimed Hon. Dagogo later approached him to jointly resist Mr Amaechi’s camp but asked him to publicly congratulate him as the winner.
“He told me to go on air and congratulate him, saying we are from Atiku Abubakar’s political family and should unite. I told him to stop rubbishing Atiku’s name. Atiku will not be part of this nonsense,” he said.
The aspirant said he rejected the offer and subsequently declared himself winner after Hon. Dagogo made a similar announcement.
“As it stands, Farah declared himself winner, Thompson was declared winner by the state exco, and I also declared myself winner. Three winners in one primary that never held. This cannot stand,” he said.
Mr Ezekiel-Hart accused the Rivers ADC leadership of sidelining him despite being the only aspirant who formally notified the party in writing of his intention to contest.
He also faulted Mr Amaechi for allegedly imposing candidates while demanding transparent presidential primary at the national level.
“How can someone who is demanding transparent presidential primaries at the national level turn around and impose a governorship candidate in Rivers?”, he queried.
He urged the ADC National Working Committee to nullify the exercise and either conduct a fresh primary or adopt a lawful consensus arrangement in line with the timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“The most pragmatic thing now is for the NWC to order a rescheduled primary or quickly adopt a lawful consensus option. Time is running against us,” he said.
Mr Ezekiel-Hart said he would pursue all grievances within the party’s constitution and warned Hon. Dagogo against invoking Atiku’s name to bolster his claim.
“We will exhaust every legal channel within the party. I will not rock the boat unnecessarily, but the party must recognise that I won the primaries,” he said.
