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Rivers Guber Polls:Dismiss APC’s Application, INEC Urges Tribunal
Surveyor- General, Rivers State, Mr Noel Elenwo (left), explaining the Port Harcourt masterplan to former Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, Mr Chris Ezike, during the working visit of Nigeria Institution of Surveyors, Rivers State branch to the State Police command in Port Harcourt on Wednesday. With them is Mr. Hebron Wisdom
Photo: Nwiueh Donatus Ken
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged the governorship Election Petition Tribunal for Rivers State to dismiss the application of the All Progressive Congress for forensic analysis of materials used for the governorship elections in the state.
Counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the 1st respondent, Mr Ken Njemanze, (SAN) who urged the tribunal to dismiss the application at the resumed sitting of the three-member tribunal at the Apo High Court complex, Abuja, said that the petitioner ought to have affected the issue of scanning and cropping when he told the tribunal in his earlier motion about the issue of inspection of materials.
According to Njemanze, there is an 11-paragraph affidavit before the tribunal to support the prayers of his client.
“The second prayer on the motion paper of the petitioner particularly on scanning and cropping of the ballot papers is alia to the Electoral Act.
“Section 151 of the act permitted only inspection and nothing more, therefore, the prayer of the petitioners is not in line with the makers of the act, so the tribunal should dismiss it, he said.
The Counsel to Wike, Mr Emmanuel Ukala also urged the tribunal to dismiss the application by the petitioners.
He said that his client had already filed a 14-paragraph on Aug. 22 to support the prayer and urged the tribunal to abide with its ruling of June 11 on only inspection and not scanning and cropping.
“The ruling of Aug. 19 has closed the issue of inspection, no matter how it was carved in another language, especially the language by the petitioners on the ‘whole wall of defense’.
“The tribunal cannot make another order on inspection.
‘’The issue of scanning and cropping of the materials is new words from the petitioners after it had already move a motion on earlier date similar to this.
“The tribunal cannot go beyond its order of June 11 on inspection of materials, more so, the issue of scanning and cropping arising outside the order of June 11 is now a subject matter in the Court of Appeal.
“All the parties in this matter were as before the Appeal court on Monday Aug. 24.
‘’The court has adjourned to hear the matter on Aug. 31, therefore, the tribunal should leave the parties to resolve the issue at the Appellate court, ’’ Ukala said.
According to Ukala, scanning and cropping of the materials will mean allowing private individuals to have access to such document and that it will pose danger and security to trivialise the issue.
Ukala stressed that scanning and cropping the materials could pose a danger in which the individuals would identify the pattern of voting and the party they voted for.
He also told the tribunal that such an idea was contrary to the principle of democracy which guaranty confidentiality of electoral process.
“The application by the petitioners is contrary to Section 77 of the electoral act, it is inappropriate and does not aid the petitioners application.
“Section 77 of the electoral act does not talk of scanning and cropping, no provision of the electoral act provides for that therefore the application should be struck out.’’
Also, Counsel to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chris Uche, (SAN) urged the tribunal to dismiss the petitioners’ application, adding that the party had filed a 12-paragraph affidavit to support the prayer.
He said that the present application for scanning and cropping by the petitioners after the order June 11 was a complete gross abuse of the process of the tribunal.
According to Uche, Section 151 of the Electoral Act emphasises three times on inspection and not otherwise.
He also maintained that Section 77 was not available to the petitioner and that it only imposes duty on election for public office before a tribunal or court could be sought.
According to Uche, before tribunal or court can come in reference to Section 77, there must be an indication that such public officer could not perform the statutory duty express in the section.
He said that the application by the petitioners for scanning and cropping of election materials was bereaved.
Justice Muazu Pindiga, the Chairman tribunal adjourned on Aug. 28 to further rule on the application and to conduct question and answer for all the parties in the petition.
The All Progressive Congress (APC) has urged the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal for Rivers to grants its application for forensic analysis of materials used for the governorship elections in the state.
Earlier, the party and its candidate in the April 11 elections, Dr Dakuku Peterside, had sought the nullification of the election of Governor Nyesom Wike on grounds of alleged irregularities and fraudulent practices associated with the elections.
Moving the motion, Chief Akinlolu Olujinmi (SAN), Counsel to APC said that the petitioners sought forensic analysis of the document to proof allegations of falsification and allotment of votes for Wike.
He argued that the earlier order of the tribunal granting his client to inspect the election materials on June 11 would not suffice in proving the case.
Olujinmi alleged that the integrity of the inspected materials had been downgraded and therefore required a forensic analysis to ascertain their authenticity.
He also cited the provision of Section 77 of the Electoral Act as mandating the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) to give out the documents relating to the election at any point of demand.
“There is a whole wall of defense with the ruling on June 11, and the application we filed now is different.
‘’What we are seeking for now is to see the ballot papers of the election in question.’’
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