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2007: 300 Election Petitions Pending At Appeal Court
The International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law says more than 300 election petitions arising from the 2007 general elections are still pending at Court of Appeal nationwide.
This was contained in a statement issued by the civil society group and made available to newsmen yesterday in Onitsha, Anambra.
The statement was signed by the group’s Chairman of Board of Trustees, Mr Emeka Umeagbalasi and Mr Justus Ijeoma, Head, Publicity Desk, respectively.
The statement, which was also forwarded to Justice Ayo Salami, President of the Court of Appeal, was entitled: “Lingering Cases Arising From the 2007 Elections’ Disputes Are Undermining the Competence of Your Lordship and the Reputation of the Nigerian Judiciary”.
It noted that the pending cases might not get their legal merit since the judges handling them would be constrained by time limitation.
It said: “We had drawn the attention of Your Lordship, Justice Ayo Salami, to the continued pending of more than 40 cases arising from the 2007 general elections, especially the legislative polls’ disputes, lying before the Enugu Division of the Court of Appeal.
“Since then, credible sources have hinted that there might be about 300 similar electoral court cases pending before various Divisions of the Hallowed Court of Appeal in Nigeria, which arose from the 2007 polls.
“Going by the amendments to the Constitution of Nigeria 1999, the INEC Establishment Act of 2004 and the Electoral Act of 2006, which we understand, are at their final stages of passage into law, litigants may not enjoy the fruits of their petitions.
“It is now less than five months before next general elections, believed to have been scheduled to hold in January 2011 and less than 10 months to the end of the present dispensation, yet many of the matters are still pending,” it said.
The statement also noted that situations whereby the judiciary would be battling with old electoral legal order in the presence of new electoral legal order does not speak good of our judicial system.
It said: “If the said amendments are perfectly effected, say in couple of weeks, the Nigerian Judiciary will be the first organ of government to defile and possibly mess up the new order by dishing out judgments or verdicts based on anachronistic judicial precedents.
“It is too elementary to inform Your Lordship that judicial precedents can be outlawed by new legislative enactments.
“Also, existing legislative enactments can be altered by new legislative enactments considered suitable to changing socio-political situations.
“This will seriously affect the parties in the said matters, especially the non-incumbents, who ordinarily would have won their cases in courts.
“In other words, it has got to a point where technical verdicts will be the order of the day going by the disturbing present circumstances, unless something urgent and credible is done by Your Lordship,” the statement added.
It appealed to President of the Court of Appeal to prevail on judges handling the petitions to ensure that all matters were considered on their own merits.
It also appealed to judges to stop flimsy adjournments and the president should establish more panels to dispense with all 2007 petitions before the last quarter of 2010.
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