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Cleric Charges Mankind To Be Prepared For Death

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The clergyman in charge of Ahoada Baptist Church, Rev. Friday Anthony has charged mankind to be prepared at all times to meet their maker for judgment.
Speaking at the burial service in honour of the former Director of Finance and Accounts of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation (RSNC), Late Mr Alfred Amojiyeobueka Ojo at Okoma I Baptist Church in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State the cleric said death is inevitable and  “whatever we do on earth, one day God will call us and ask us questions on what we did while on earth – Judgment  and we will be rewarded accordingly.”
Rev Anthony who spoke on the topic: ‘Beyond Death,’ with a text from Luke 16:19-31 said that “death will surely come to all whether poor or rich, young or old.” According to him, that there are three types of death the physical death which he described as a process by which the soul departs from the body, the spiritual death in which one is ungodly living a life that is full of sin and the eternal death which he called the second death, pointing out that the Late Mr Ojo has died a physical death waiting for the final judgment.
He told the congregation that “the burial of Mr Ojo gives mankind an opportunity to repent, pointing out that after death there is no opportunity to pray for salvation or to hear the word of God nor to repent.”
He reminded all “those engaging in killings and committing unpardonable crimes that there will always be a day of judgment and therefore, advised that “This is the time for repentance especially now that we are still alive, since there was no repentance in the grave.” He described the Late Ojo as an upright man, humorous and a man who was always ready to help the needy.
Among dignitaries who attended the Ojo’s burial were Director, Finance and Accounts Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mr Ntegun I.I. and the Weekend Editor, Mr Goodluck Ukwe.

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Clergy Confab Condemns Social Vices, Violence The Conference of Pastors, Assemblies of God Nigeria, Rivers District has decried the increasing spates of social vices across the country and the attendant wanton destruction of lives and property. In a statement at the end of a two-day capacity building programme for pastors and their wives tagged “School of Ministries” held in Port Harcourt, the conference expressed dissatisfaction over the alarming rate of kidnapping, insurgency, cult-related and politically-motivated killings. The statement noted that the trend was not healthy for the development of the nation’s democracy and urged security operatives and government at all levels to harness available resources to curb the menace. It described the inauguration of Governor Ezebunwo Wike-led administration in the state as a good omen for the people and advised the governor to translate to tangible reality the ‘New Rivers Vision’, while calling on those elected into various positions to deliver democracy dividends to the people to justify their mandate. The statement signed by a three-man committee chaired by Rev. Gospel Okwusi, Andoni South Sectional Leader and ratified by the Conference presided by the Rev Daddy Ibulubo, the Rivers District Superintendent also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for approval of “bail-out” to states for payment of workers’ salary arrears to cushion hardship faced by the work force and leverage the economy. Describing Missions and Evangelism as the primary purpose of the church and the heart-beat of God, it urged Christians to cultivate a passion for soul winning and live in the consciousness of eternity and affirm the reality of heaven and hell. It noted the multi-dimensional challenges pastors face in an effort to establish kingdom principles and expressed hope that with a determination to success, such obstacles efface in significance.

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INEC Urges Peaceful Rivers Assembly Bye-elections

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged stakeholders to promote peace and ensure credible Rivers State House of Assembly bye-elections scheduled for February 21.
The state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Gabriel Yomere, made the appeal at a stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
Yomere said the poll was vital for voters in Ahoada-East II and Khana II constituencies, who had remained without representation at the state level.
He said INEC had begun preparations, including deploying trained personnel and ensuring timely distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive election materials.
“The bye-election will involve 112,950 registered voters across 14 registration areas and 242 polling units in the two Local Government Areas.
“We have commenced all necessary internal preparations towards a successful bye-election”, he said.
Yomere urged political parties and candidates to uphold internal democracy and responsibility during the primaries scheduled to hold by January 23.
“Elections should be contests of ideas, not battles marked by intimidation, destruction or violence”, he said.
He commended security agencies for professionalism and assured them of INEC’s continued collaboration to ensure a secure election environment.
Yomere also encouraged political parties, civil society groups and the media to support voter education, peaceful participation and counter misinformation.
He disclosed that INEC commenced the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise on January 5 across all registration centres in the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, Mr. Olugbenga Adepoju, appealed to stakeholders to ensure peaceful bye-elections, stressing that security remained everyone’s responsibility.
Represented by CSP James Njoku, Adepoju emphasised collaboration between security agencies and the public for a credible electoral process.
“Security agencies cannot do it alone without your contribution. We appreciate your efforts towards the safety and security of our state”, he said.
Adepoju warned against electoral violence, describing it as any act intended to intimidate, harm or abuse electoral stakeholders.
He urged stakeholders to educate relatives and party members on the dangers of electoral violence and its consequences.
Adepoju appealed to youths, religious, community and political leaders to encourage followers to shun violence and promote peace.
He assured that security agencies would work together to safeguard lives and properties for the conduct of free and fair elections.
The Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Dr. Nnanna Onyekere, praised INEC’s proactiveness, saying it boosted confidence in a credible election.
“We assure you there will be no violence. There will be peace across the state”,  Onyekere said.
He commended INEC for moving voter registration to ward level, noting it would ease access for prospective voters.
Onyekere called on political parties to collaborate with INEC and expressed confidence that the bye-elections would be peaceful and successful.
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PH To Host 2026 NBA Conference

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The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) says Port Harcourt will host its 2026 Annual General Conference with an ambitious theme: “Beyond Limits.”
Its President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, disclosed this at its National Secretariat on Friday.
The theme, the President said, serves as a strategic mandate for legal practitioners to shatter traditional constraints and pivot toward innovation in justice delivery and governance.
Osigwe emphasised that bringing the flagship event to the South-South region is a calculated move to foster national inclusion and ensure that the association’s activities resonate deeply with members across every geographical zone.
Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Abdul Mohammed, SAN, assured the legal community that early preparations are focused on delivering a high-caliber experience that aligns with international organisational standards.
The day’s proceedings also took a significant turn toward professional development with the inauguration of a new co-working space for young lawyers.
Located at the National Secretariat, the facility is a direct response to the structural and economic hurdles facing early-career practitioners.
It offers a professional setting for client consultations and collaborative research, ensuring that junior members remain vibrantly engaged in active practice.
The co-working initiative, spearheaded by the NBA Welfare Committee, was personally funded by its chairman, Chief James Onoja, SAN, and coordinated by Welfare Secretary, Mr. Auta Nyada.
In a tribute to professional excellence, the space was named after former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, whose legacy of mentorship and ethical advocacy served as the inspiration for the project.
While urging local branches to establish similar hubs at their respective bar centers, the NBA also confirmed that registration for the 2026 conference is now officially open, with more details on the speaker lineup and session schedules to follow.
By; Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso
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Wobodo Pledges Support For Ex-Service Men, Others

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The Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Charles Wobodo, said he would not renege on his administration’s commitment to support ex-servicemen and other security personnel within the Local Government area.
Wobodo made this known during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration held in Isiokpo, the Headquarters of Ikwerre Local Government.
He said the event provided an opportunity to honour men and women who paid the supreme price in the defence of Nigeria’s unity and sovereignty.
The council chairman described fallen servicemen as national heroes whose sacrifices must never be forgotten by government and citizens alike.
According to him, his administration remains committed to strengthening the local security architecture to enhance peace and safety across Ikwerre communities.
He disclosed that the council has provided operational vehicles and other forms of support to security agencies operating in the area.
The Kelga Council Chairman noted that beyond serving officers, the local government is also focused on the welfare of retired and disabled security personnel.
He also assured that widows of fallen servicemen would not be neglected, stressing that they would be included in the council’s social welfare programmes.
The chairman further emphasized the need for continuous collaboration between the local government and security stakeholders to sustain peace and development.
As part of activities marking the remembrance event, Wobodo made a cash donation to members of the Nigerian Legion in the area.
He urged the legionnaires to maintain a cordial relationship with the local government and to continue supporting peace initiatives.
One of the Ex-service men, Major Joseph Wonuma, stated that  the Armed Forces Remembrance Day was a significant occasion and appealed to the Council chairman to prioritise welfare, employment and empowerment programmes for ex-servicemen and their families.
By: King Onunwor
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