News
Delta Gov Re-Run Polls: Uduaghan, Ogboru Know Fate ’Morrow
The Court of Appeal sitting in Benin, has fixed Thursday, September 22, 2011 for judgment on the Delta state January 6, 2011 governorship re-run election appeal filed by Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru against the decision of the lower tribunal which upheld the declaration of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan as winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The lead counsel to Chief Ogboru and the Democratic Peoples’ Party (DPP), Mogbeyi Sagay, SAN, said the appeal is contending that the first issue the court will have to determine was the burden of proof.
He said at the lower tribunal, the petitioner asserted the negative, while INEC, the third respondent in the appeal asserted the positive, saying that the tribunal in its judgment shifted the burden of proof to the petitioners.
On question of accreditation, he argued that INEC could not prove that accreditation took place in all the places the petitioner was challenging the conduct of the election, adding that the ballot papers were not referable to form EC 8, contending that section 150 of the Electoral Act could not apply in this case when there was no substantial compliance with the Act.
While urging the court to rely on the decision of the Court of Appeal in Ogboru versus Uduaghan, Mogbeyi also urged the court to allow the appeal, dismiss any other appeal pending on the matter, and declare Chief Great Ogboru governor of Delta State.
Replying, lead counsel to Dr. Uduaghan, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the appeal for lacking in merit either in law or in fact.
He argued that the assertion of negative by appellant does not change the position of the law in section 135, 136 and 137 sub-sections 1 of the Evidence Act, saying that the burden was always on the petitioner to prove.
He further argued that section 150 (1) indicates that result declared by INEC is presumed to be correct and regular, saying that the case of Ogboru versus Udugahan cited by the petitioner’s counsel was not a talisman, as he did not meet the standard of proof.
Chief Olanipekun said the lower tribunal was right and still right in holding that the petitioner did not prove any case of non-compliance with the Electoral Act, or how that non-compliance affected the result of the election, and therefore urged the court to dismiss the appeal.
In his submission, lead counsel to the second respondent, PDP, A. Adenipekun SAN, adopted the submissions of Chief Olanipekun and added that contrary to the submission of Ogboru’s counsel, the burden of proof was not static but changes, depending on the circumstances of the case.
He said the petitioners have failed to prove their case and urged the court to dismiss the appeal as lacking in merit.
Earlier, while arguing a cross appeal filed by Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Chief Olanipekun had urged the court to allow the appeal adding that before the lower tribunal, there was no life issue to contend with by the petitioner to arouse the jurisdiction of the tribunal.
Citing Section 180 (2), 2A of the constitution and the judgment by Justice Buba of the Federal High court sitting in Asaba, Chief Olanipekun said “the seat for which there was a re-run had expired, a new election had taken place, a new tenure has commenced and a court cannot make an order which cannot be enforced either practically or legally”.
Replying, counsel for Ogboru and DPP, Prof. Joseph Mbadugha argued that the judgment of Justice Buba J. referred to by Olanipekun was not in anywhere referred to.
He contended that to determine whether there is a life issue in Ogboru’s appeal, the court should look at issues arising from the lower tribunal.
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
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