News
Ibori: Court Adjourns Ruling To May 31
The Federal High Court in Asaba on Monday struck out Chief James Ibori’s application asking the court to restrain the EFCC from arresting him before hearing substantive suit on May 10.
Ibori had on April 28 through his Counsel, Mr Joseph Daudu, filed the application for enforcement of his fundamental human rights over alleged fraud involving the shares of some companies.
The suit number FHC/ASB/CS/34/2010 was filed after Justice Ibrahim Buba had refused to grant Ibori’s oral application to restrain the EFCC from arresting him.
But at the hearing of the main application on Monday, Buba struck out the matter after all the counsel to the parties said they would not object to its being struck out.
Respondents in the suit are the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), the EFCC, the Inspector General of Police (I-G) and the Director, State Security Service (SSS).
At Monday’s hearing, the court also adjourned ruling in the main case to May 31 after listening to Abubakar Mahmoud, Counsel to A-G, I-G and SSS.
Counsel to the EFCC, Mr Chile Okoroma and Daudu (Ibori) also advanced their arguments at the resumed hearing on Monday.
Last month, Buba had ordered that if counsel to Ibori wanted his application to restrain respondents be taken, he should apply in writing instead of an oral application.
When the case came up on Monday, Daudu argued that the EFCC and its agent were infringing on the fundamental human rights of his client.
Daudu said that EFCC had failed to state in its invitation of March 22, which was delivered on April 17 the reason for the interview.
He therefore, urged the court to enforce his client’s fundamental human rights and to step in and save the applicant from prolonged embarrassment.
However, the counsel to respondents argued that the court had no jurisdiction to entertain the matter and that the application be struck out.
They argued that the court was not competent to handle the case before it and urged it not to grant the applicant’s request.
In his submission, Counsel to the AGF, Mr Abubakar Mahmoud, argued that the nation’s criminal justice system was based on separation of powers.
He said that the powers of adjudication and investigation were clearly spelt out in the Nigerian Constitution.
Mahmoud also said that there was no legal requirement that a suspect must be given reasons before being invited for investigation.
He further said that the powers vested on the police were powers vested by an Act of the National Assembly.
The counsel argued that there was nothing like exhaustive investigation or full investigation so long as the crime remains.
Mahmoud also said that there was difference between discharge and acquittal, “ where a suspect plea has not taken, it is preposterous to claim discharge”.
He therefore, asked the court to dismiss the application for lacking in merit.
Mr Chile Okoroma, counsel to the EFCC said that the court had no jurisdiction to entertain the case since he had been asked to report to the EFCC office in Lagos or Abuja.
Okoroma also asked the court to dismiss Ibori’s application.
The judge adjourned the matter to May 31 for ruling on the application.
News
Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers
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
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
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
-
Niger Delta20 hours agoWarri Airport Manager Disputes Air Peace Bird Strike Claim
-
News23 hours agoNigeria Won’t Surrender Any Territory To Criminals -Tinubu
-
News23 hours agoFG Begins Trial Of Over 600 Terrorism Suspects
-
Rivers20 hours ago79th IAUE Inaugural Lecture: Prof Anero Advoctes Tuition-Free Education For Children
-
Politics20 hours agoParties’ Deregistration: How Justice Lifu Overruled Appeal Court Justices
-
Politics20 hours agoADC: Okonkwo Rejects Amaechi As Presidential Running Mate, Withdraws Support
-
Politics20 hours ago
2027: Rivers PFN To Mobilise 600,000 Votes
-
Politics20 hours ago2027: Tinubu’s Projects Give APC Edge In South East – Yilwatda
