News
‘INEC Officials Deliberately Disregard Court Orders’
The leadership of the Action Alliance, yesterday, besieged the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja to protest an alleged disregard for court orders by top officials of the agency.
The party faithful chanted solidarity songs and displayed placards containing various inscriptions to protest an alleged move by some INEC officials to frustrate their political party.
Some of the inscriptions on the placards read, “INEC, stop your rascality now, ‘Judiciary, save our democracy from INEC impunity’, INEC must obey order of Justice Agbaza’, and ‘INEC stop your executive lawlessness now.”
Addressing the representatives of the INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, the National Chairman of the AA, Chief Kenneth Udeze, said the party would no longer tolerate any form of lawlessness from any officials of the electoral umpire.
Udeze lamented that INEC always preferred to choose the court order to obey even when it was obvious that favourable cases were always decided by the authentic party executive.
He specifically cited the case involving the forthcoming Anambra Governorship election when the INEC allegedly chose to ignore favourable court rulings towards the party leadership and recognise the candidate of another faction.
He said, “We implore you, to quickly intervene on this urgent matter, and resolve this anomaly by accepting our candidates (governorship and deputy governorship alike) as the authentic flag bearers for the Anambra State Governorship.
‘Your commission out of over zealousness and lawlessness refused to give effects to the orders and findings of courts of competent jurisdiction because it is compromised through some of your staff, who must be made to declare truly their interest in Action Alliance and the reason to destroy our party.
“You will agree with us that Action Alliance has supported your tenure as INEC Chairman, as our party through the National Chairman – Chief Kenneth Udeze, publicly and copiously supported your administration as INEC chairman, pre and post 2019 general election.
“We are left with no option than to assist you do your job as it has become obvious that there are some external forces that are blackmailing INEC from doing the needful.
“Sir, an important component in a political system is leadership, and an Institution such as INEC is expected to deliver credible and uncompromising stance to all political parties.
“It is not right that your goodwill shall be undermined by your line staff, which for a porridge of yam, could destroy yet irreparably, an already dwindling status of a supposed unbiased umpire.”
The AA chairman challenged the National Assembly Committee on INEC at both chambers to ensure oversight function that would expose INEC officials who are allegedly collaborating with external forces to destroy political parties.
He said, “It is worthy that the National Assembly Committee on INEC should rise up to their legitimate responsibility of oversight in the activities of INEC, especially as it concerns some compromised staff of this commission with a view to unknot the avoidable causes of pre-election cases by recalcitrant political parties that work in connivance with INEC staff.
“This is necessary, to support most of the credible staff of the commission, who understand the dynamics of working within the ambits of the law, to manage and spend the financial appropriation made in its favour, for the overall benefits of the masses and tax payers.
“We advise, though humbly too, that you investigate and remedy these anomalies, and if you so wish; permit us as a party, we can help to unravel part of the mystery behind this Impunity and other inimical activities going on in your office.
“A situation where the commission will be comfortable to ignore relevant court judgement is not encouraging, and also, some other uncomplimentary activities which is tarnishing your image must be investigated and dealt with urgently.
“A situation where INEC is collaborating with enemies of our party to create an imaginary division or infraction in order to satisfy the interest of some pay masters is not worthy to be tolerated by Action Alliance (AA), let alone the INEC as an institution.
“We don’t want to be coerced to start naming for public notice those involved, but it may be considered if the commission don’t act fast on this matter of urgent importance.
“We have it in good authority that majority of Nigerian electorates are aware that this is the only time to fully participate to remedy all forms of injustice by your staff and salient acts of subversion bedevilling our electoral process, which might also discredit or mar the activities of the 2023 general election.
“Not really the election itself. If INEC does not purge itself from compromised staff, then this present leadership of INEC must be watched by critical stakeholders.
“How can you explain the situation where INEC who is supposed to be an unbiased umpire, is seen dealing and hobnobbing with opponents of the party’s National Executive Committee openly in court and outside the court.
“This is travesty of justice, please make things right Sir. We have the video clips and their audio is audible for everyone to hear.
“It appears that this same INEC staff, has accepted to be used by external forces (politicians from other parties, especially in APC) to hijack the party.
“They are doing this by facilitating every form of illegality and sabotage against the leadership of Chief Kenneth Udeze – led National Executive and we have come to officially inform you that we cannot allow such intimidation to stand or thrive, not under our leadership.”
The 11 collections were selected from a total of 223 entries received for this year’s competition.
Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Prize, Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, who announced the longlist, said the emergence of the 11 collections marks a significant milestone in this year’s competition and reflects the exceptional quality, creativity and diversity of contemporary Nigerian poetry.
According to her, the longlisted titles, arranged in alphabetical order, are: Adult Love by Tanure Ojaide; Bakandimiya by Saddiq Dzukogi; Black Passport by Paul Akpomuje; 2000 Blacks by Ajibola Tolase; Ceremony For The Nameless by Theresa Lola; Corpus: Animistic Verses by Ayo Oyeku; and Floral’s Love Colony by Tares Oburumu.
Other successful entries are, The Origin of Wounds by Malik Gbolahan; The Years of Blood by Adebayo Agarau; Unbind Me Now by James Ugwu Eze; and Why Does God Need a Gun by Ogaga Ifowodo.
Prof. Adimora-Ezeigbo described the announcement as an important stage in the 2026 edition of the prize.
She noted that the collections demonstrate the remarkable capacity of poetry to illuminate human experience through thoughtful reflection, cultural memory and artistic expression.
According to her, the works revisit history while interrogating dominant historical narratives and exposing the forces that shape collective identities and social relations.
She stated that despite their varied emphases, the books share a commitment to exploring the endurance of individuals and communities in the face of violence, oppression and social fragmentation.
On style and language, Prof. Adimora-Ezeigbo said the books display an impressive diversity of poetic techniques marked by lyrical intensity, symbolic depth and artistic innovation.
“Many employ densely poetic, allegorical, and elegiac modes that invite multiple layers of interpretation, while others draw extensively on folklore, oral traditions, and contemporary realities to create a compelling fusion of past and present. Their language is generally fluid, evocative, and aesthetically refined, relying on vivid imagery, emotional resonance, and intellectual sophistication to communicate complex ideas. These works demonstrate how poetic language can illuminate social realities; challenge established perspectives and give voice to both individual and collective experiences.
“The next stage will demand a closer reading of each work, with attention to language, form, originality and lasting literary value,” she stated.
The Board chairman commended the judges for their painstaking work and reaffirmed the Advisory Board’s commitment to a credible process, literary excellence and the promotion of a strong reading culture.
With the announcement of the 11-title longlist, the competition now moves to the next phase, with a shortlist of three expected in August and the winner to be announced in October.
Sponsored by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), The Nigeria Prize for Literature carries a cash award of $100,000 for the author of the winning book.
Now in its 22nd year, the prize rotates annually across four genres – prose fiction, poetry, drama and children’s literature – with the 2026 edition devoted to poetry.
Speaking at the 2026 Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the NMA held in Port Harcourt last Wednesday, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, described the association as a vital partner in the quest to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes.
Wokoma, according to a statement by the Head of Information and Public Relations Unit in his office, Julian Masi, noted that the NMA’s sustained advocacy for professional standards and quality medical practice has continued to impact positively on the healthcare sector and national development.
He said the conference theme, “Medical Practice in Nigeria: The Past, the Present and Quo Vadis,” offers a valuable platform for stakeholders to evaluate the progress made in the health sector, examine present realities, and develop practical solutions for future challenges.
He paid tribute to Nigerian doctors and other healthcare professionals for their sacrifices and unwavering commitment to service despite the challenges confronting the sector.
“We deeply appreciate the immense sacrifices made daily by Nigerian doctors and other healthcare professionals. In the face of numerous challenges, they continue to demonstrate exceptional resilience, professionalism, dedication and commitment to saving lives. Their contributions remain critical to national development,” he said.
In her keynote address, the immediate past Commissioner for Health, Prof. Adaeze C. Oreh, called on participants to critically examine the current state of medical practice in Nigeria and explore innovative approaches that will address emerging healthcare challenges in line with the conference theme.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Rivers State Branch, Dr. (Prof.) Annabel Ureh Oparaodu, expressed gratitude to Governor Siminialayi Fubara for his continued support for the medical profession in Rivers State.
She urged delegates to maximize the opportunities provided by the conference through active engagement and knowledge sharing.
Highlights of the event included the commissioning of the Nigerian Medical Association Doctors’ Lodge and the NMA Water Factory, initiatives designed to improve members’ welfare and promote sustainability within the association.
Federal Commissioner, NPC, Rivers State, Prof. Itotenaan Henry Ogiri, announced said this recently during a press briefing in his Port Harcourt office.
Ogiri said the full digital registration of births and deaths took effect nationwide on July 1, 2026, and is now being implemented across Rivers’ 23 Local Government Areas as part of the Commission’s rollout in the 36 States of the Federation and the FCT.
“Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards a modern, technology-driven civil registration system,
“It reflects the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that every birth and every death occurring in our country is accurately captured through a secure, efficient and digitally enabled platform,” he said.
The Federal Commissioner noted that while Nigeria records an estimated five million births annually, coverage remains low.
“Birth registration currently stands at about 57%, while death registration is below 20% nationwide.
“These gaps underscore the urgent need for a more efficient and accessible registration system,” he stated.
To address this, he said the commission has established 4,011 functional registration centres across the 774 LGAs, with plans to expand to about 8,000 centres nationwide.
According to him, in Rivers State, structures have been put in place and personnel are working with health facilities, LGAs and community stakeholders to ensure accessibility.
Ogiri explained that the VitalReg platform offers faster registration, 24-hour access, automated data validation for accuracy, reduced paperwork and waiting time, enhanced record security, and a stronger national database to support other government information systems.
He added that the platform would integrate seamlessly with Nigeria’s national digital identity framework, including the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to improve coordination and service delivery.
“The initiative builds on the launch of the E-CRVS System and the inauguration of the National Coordination Committee on CRVS by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on November 8, 2023.
“It also aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda on digital transformation and transparency,” he said.
The NPC Commissioner stressed that success depends on partnerships and public participation and listed key collaborators as ALGON, NIMC, UNICEF and Barnksforte Technologies Limited.
“In Rivers State, we will continue to work closely with the State Government, Local Government Councils, healthcare providers, traditional institutions, religious organisations, development partners, civil society organisations and the media to ensure that no child or family is left behind,” he said.
The commissioner called on parents, guardians, healthcare workers and community leaders to ensure prompt registration of every birth and death, noting that a complete civil registration system strengthens governance and supports sustainable development.
He reassured the public that birth registration and birth notification services remain highly subsidised, though specialised administrative services such as record modification, certificate reissuance, attestations and verification will attract approved charges to support system sustainability.
Ogiri appreciated the Rivers State Government for its support, and commended NPC staff in the State, as well as development partners, LGAs, healthcare institutions, traditional and religious leaders for advancing civil registration in the state.
He also urged the media to continue to amplify the message “that every birth counts, every death matters and every Nigerian deserves a legal identity.”
“As we commence this new chapter, let us all work together to build a civil registration system that is modern, inclusive and trusted by all,” Ogiri concluded.
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