News
NLC, NBA, Others Demand Shift Of 2011 Elections
There are indications that elections may not hold as expected in Nigeria following lack of logistics on ground for Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct credible elections next year.
The president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Abdulwahab Omar has called for the shift of the next year polls from January to April to enable INEC produce credible voters register and procurement of necessary electoral materials needed to conduct free and fair elections.
“We believe that INEC needs more time to be able to conduct an election that would be largely acceptable. We believe that there is the need for a new voter register, because the current one produced the worst elections in the history of the nation. We will push for an extension of time within which to conduct next year’s election”.
Omar said.
The NLC boss also urged the national assembly to ”to ensure that all the funds necessary
for the conduct of the elections be released to the commission and not in piecemeal and as
at when due.”
Recall that the INEC boss Jega had declared at his maiden press conference on the job
that “Following extensive consultations with experts in electronic voters registration and
logistics, as well as manufacturers and vendors of electronic data capture equipment in the
past three weeks, our assessment is that it will cost between N55 billion and N72 billion to conduct a credible compilation of a new voters register between August and November.
Other agencies and associations like Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Transitional Monitoring Group (TMG) and other civil societies group are also buying the idea of the poll extension.
These groups believe in order to avoid “’national calamity” and to restore confidence of
voters in the electoral process, the amended Sections 132 and 178 of the Constitution which now provide that elections must hold between 120 to 150 days to the expiration of
the tenure of the incumbent political office holders, should be deferred to 2015.
Reports reaching African Examiner indicate that the clamour for the poll shift is also
receiving favourable nod from the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the political
camp of President Goodluck Jonathan. The shift would enable the PDP more time to put its house together on the issue of zoning which has largely polarised the party.
Meanwhile, the Senate has re-assured Nigerians that elections will hold in January 2011 in compliance with the amended Electoral Act in spite of doubts expressed in some quarters.
Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu gave the assurance while addressing National Assembly correspondents in Abuja.
“We have provided the law that will bring about free, fair and credible elections in 2011 and we expect that INEC should be ready to conduct free and fair elections too.
“We also expect the executive to ensure that there is free, fair and credible elections. INEC on its part is also expected to display fairness, equity and integrity that will also help us to say to ourselves that we have done well after the 2011 elections,” he said.
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
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.
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