News
Impeachment: Ebebi Drags Assembly, CJ To Court
The embattled Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Peremobowei Ebebi, yesterday, opted for the court in the battle to survive the impeachment plot against him by 17 out of the 24 members of the State House of Assembly, having failed to use influential Nigerians to save his job. According to reliable sources, he has sought an order from the court to declare illegal and unconstitutional the notice of impeachment and order directing the Chief Judge to set up a 7-man probe panel to investigate alleged misconduct.
The Presiding Judge of the State High Court, Justice Naiye Aganaba, however, granted an order for substituted service until the process is done to the defendants and ensure that all the legislators are served.
The Deputy Governor, through his counsel, Barr. Kemasuode Wodu, is seeking a declaration of the court, in the Suit YHC/201/2010, that without the presentation of a Valid Notice of Allegation(s) against him, signed by not less than 1/3(one third) of the members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly pursuant to section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and service to same on him and all the members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, the defendants cannot lawfully and validly remove him from office as the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa state.
Ebebi is also seeking a declaration that the purported notice of impeachment dated 1st day of June, 2010, purportedly presented to the 1st defendant by the 6th -22nd defendants, is unconstitutional, illegal, null and void and of no effect whatever.
He is also seeking an order setting aside the purported notice of impeachment; an order setting aside the purported proceedings of the State Assembly, which was held on the 8th of June, including the resolution that the purported allegations of gross misconduct against the claimant contained in the notice of impeachment or any notice of allegations against the claimant be investigated, and requesting the 5th defendant(the Chief Judge) to appoint or constitute a panel of seven persons to investigate the Claimant.
The Deputy Governor also asked the court to “issue an order setting aside any purported appointment and or constitution of a panel of seven persons by the Chief Judge to investigate purported allegations of gross misconduct against the Claimant contained in the aforesaid purposed notice of impeachment or as may be contained in any purported notice of allegations against the Claimant,’’
Speaking with newsmen after the court’s sitting in Yenagoa, yesterday, lead counsel to the Deputy Governor, Barr. Kemasuode Wodu explained that, though the court has not stopped the impeachment process, “the law states that when you are seeking an order of injunction, nothing should be done during that period .We believe that all parties will await the determination of the court”.
In a separate letter to the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Kate Abiri, the Counsel to the Deputy Governor described as fundamentally defective the Assembly’s directive on the Chief Judge to set up a seven person panel, saying that same was commenced by way of impeachment, which is alien and unknown to section 188 of the 1999 constitution.
He said the Supreme Court has also confirmed that the entire concept of impeachment is unknown to the said section 188 of the Constitution in the case of “Inakuoju Vs Adeleke(2007) 4 NWLR Part 1025 page 427 at 578.
The Weekend Tide’s investigation revealed that after many Ijaw leaders, including Edwin Clark had failed to persuade the Governor Chief Timipre Sylva to soft pedal on the issue, Ebebi decided to seek refuge in the court, having refused suggestions that he should resign to save his political career.
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
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