News
Don’t Over-Heat Polity, Tambuwal, INEC Warn
The Speaker, House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, has cautioned politicians to refrain from overheating the polity ahead of the 2015 general elections.
Tambuwal gave the advice in Abuja yesterday when he received a delegation from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) led by its President, Mr Okey Wali.
He urged politicians to conduct themselves with decorum and not to take the electorate for granted.
“Card carrying members of political parties are at best about 25 per cent of the Nigerian population. This 25 per cent should not hold the remaining 75 per cent in contempt.
“We should respect them and ensure that whatever we do in terms of politics, is done within the confines of the law and the constitution,’’ he said.
The speaker expressed dismay at the recent political events in the country, noting that if politicians played by the rules of the game, the problems could be avoided.
“What we are witnessing today is something that ordinarily should be avoided; we should as a matter of fact go back to the rules of engagement of the game.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to signal and allow for political activities to begin.
“Therefore, politicians should exercise some restraints and ensure that we only come out when it is time for us to do so,’’ he said.
Tambuwal said that political officeholders had abandoned governance for politicking and issues bothering on 2015.
“What we need at the moment is for all of us to pay attention to the various mandates we have been given and concentrate on our work and ensure that we deliver on those mandates.
“Whoever does well will receive kudos of Nigerians.
“When the time comes, if you do not do well, Nigerians will show you the way out through the ballot. It is a very simple practice of democracy.’’
Earlier, Wali had restated the association’s readiness to collaborate with the house, and urged the parliament to fast track the passage of sundry bills pending before it.
Similarly, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday warned politicians against overheating the polity ahead of the 2015 general elections.
Its Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega gave the warning in Abuja at the third quarterly meeting of the commission and political parties.
Jega advised them to stabilise the polity rather than overheating it, and urged them to have ‘’enlightened self interest’’.
He also warned them against breeding and using thugs during campaigns and elections, adding that they should promote peaceful conduct and civility in political engagements.
“In recent bye-elections, we saw disruptions of the electoral process caused by thuggery, which is not a good idea.
“The trend in recent local governments elections in Imo,Kano and Jigawa are very dangerous and this must stop in order not to undermine the aspiration for credible election by 2015.’’
Jega also warned political parties against presenting candidates in states where they were not existing.
He said the commission had received series of petitions on the issue.
“A particular example is the recent state constituency election in Sokoto where political parties that are virtually non-existent in the state rushed to present candidates for the bye-election.’’
The INEC chairman, therefore, urged political parties to support the democratic growth and restrict their quest for elective offices to areas they have institutional presence.
He also warned stakeholders, including politicians and political parties, against embarking on early campaigns toward the 2015 general elections or face the law.
He said that such early campaigns were unhealthy and could posed a threat to the growth of the country’s democracy
“You all must be mindful of the provision of Section 99, sub-section 1 of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended, which limits campaign periods to commence 90 days before polling day and end 24 hours to polling day,’’ he said.
Jega urged the newly registered political parties to provide the commission with list of its interim executive committees at both the state and local government levels.
The meeting was attended by the officials of 20 political parties, including the PDP, PDM, APGA, Accord Party, Action Alliance and Social Democratic Party.
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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