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Party Appeals Abuja Court Ruling …Says Court Order Ineffective …Police Ready For Today’s Convention
The Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has asked the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal to vacate the order stopping it from going ahead with the planned National Convention of the party scheduled for today.
Already, the group has applied for stay of execution of the interim order of injunction that Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Abuja issued against them on Monday.
Abang had ordered the Markafi-led National Working Committee (NWC), of the PDP to suspend the Convention which is billed to hold in Port Harcourt, pending the determination of an interlocutory motion the Ali Modu Sheriff faction of the party filed before the court.
Meanwhile, at the resumed hearing of the suit, yesterday, Markafi and six other members of the PDP NWC, informed Abang that they have already taken the matter before the Court of Appeal.
Markafi and the others, who are 3rd to 9th defendants in the matter, told the court through their lawyer, Mr. Ferdinand Orbih, SAN, that their notice of appeal was dated August 15.
Besides, they also filed an application challenging the jurisdiction of Abang to continue presiding over the matter.
“Most especially, my Lord, we are challenging the interim order of injunction restraining the holding of the 2nd defendant’s convention”, Orbih, SAN, added.
Nevertheless, Abang stressed that none of the applications have been transmitted to his court by the registry.
Even though Sheriff’s lawyer, Chief Niyi Akintola, SAN, did not oppose Orbih’s plea for a stand down of the matter to enable him fetch the processes from central registry of the court, Abang, in a bench ruling, rejected the request.
The judge said he was only bound by processes before him, noting however that ordinarily, issue bordering on jurisdiction of the court ought to be resolved first.
“It is not the duty of the court to descend into the arena to assist any party”, Abang held, saying he would not take any of the processes into consideration since they were not in his file.
He said the 3rd to 9th defendants violently violated an order he made on July 28, by allowing Senator Obi to “slap the face of the court” when he secretly obtained an ex-parte order from another court despite the pendency of the suit.
Specifically, Sheriff and eight others had approached the court, praying it to stop the proposed National Convention of the party.
Other plaintiffs behind the suit are Prof. Wale Oladapo (National Secretary); Dennis Alonge-Niyi (Deputy National Youth Leader); Alhaji Bashir Maidugu (Deputy National Legal Adviser); Mrs. Hanatu Ulam (Deputy National Women Leader); Alhaji Lawal Dutsima Anchi (Deputy National Auditor); Chief Okey Nnadozie (Deputy National Organising Secretary) and Chief Olisa Metuh (National Publicity Secretary).
The plaintiffs are contending that allowing the Makarfi-led faction to proceed with the convention would affect the ‘Res’ of the substantive suit they filed on July 4, wherein they are contending that their tenure in office ought to expire in 2018.
The plaintiffs said they filed the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/464/2016, for themselves and on behalf of the Executive Committee/National Working Committee of the PDP.
Though only PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), were initially cited as defendants in the case, however, despite opposition from the Sheriff-led faction, Abang, on Monday, joined Makarfi and six others as defendants in the suit.
Aside Makarfi, those allowed into the matter as 4th to 9th defendants were Senator Ben Obi, Odion Ugbesia, Abdul Ningi, Kabiru Usman, Dayo Adeyeye and Aisha Aliyu. Justice Abang joined them shortly after he issued the interim order of injunction suspending the planned national convention of the party.
However, the court is yet to commence hearing on the plaintiffs’ motion for interim injunction against the convention.
Remarkably, another division of the High Court in Port Harcourt had on Monday, okayed the convention.
The court presided over by Justice Ibrahim Watila not only directed INEC to monitor the convention, it also ordered relevant security agencies in the country to provide security to the delegates.
However, One of the aspirants seeking to emerge as the new spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabir Usman, a lawyer, has said that the order given by an Abuja Federal High Court postponing the party’s national convention is ineffective.
The Tide recalls that Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had on Monday granted an interim order suspending the August 17 National Convention in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, pending the determination of the application filed before him on July 20.
The judge gave the order after a lawyer representing the Senator Ali Modu Sheriff-led faction had informed him that the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led faction’s National Secretary, Senator Ben Obi, had approached the Port Harcourt division of the Federal High Court to obtain an interim injunction.
The Federal High Court, Port Harcourt’s injunction had compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to take part in the convention.
However, Kabir, yesterday, said that the Port Harcourt order was “very specific and was given last week” while, the Abuja order was given only on Monday.
“Monday’s ruling was intolerable and unacceptable and cannot stand. It is the misconduct of the highest order,” he said.
The Makarfi faction had already said it would go ahead with the convention in line with the ruling of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt.
Kabir, who served as the head of the legal unit of the Makarfi faction’s caretaker committee before he resigned to run for election, said that anyone opposed to the Port Harcourt court ruling has a right to go on appeal and “not a court of equal jurisdiction.
“In any case, everybody is in Port Harcourt already, so who are they going to serve? We only read about the order in the pages of newspapers,” he said.
On his chances in the election, Kabir said he was sure of emerging victorious after he was endorsed by the northern caucus of the party.
He is from Kogi State, in North-Central Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command said yesterday that it had made adequate security arrangements for the National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Public Relations Officer of the command, Mr. Nnamdi Omoni told newsme in Port Harcourt that the command had carried out necessary deployments for the convention.
“ The command is prepared for the convention; necessary deployments have been carried out and we are prepared for the convention,” he said.
Omoni said the command had made arrangements to protect lives and property in the state while the convention was on.
“ Remember, that there are other Nigerians living in the state.
“The command is aware of this fact and will provide security for all including those attending the convention and others living in the state,” he said.
The spokesman however declined to disclose the number of police personnel deployed for the convention.
Meanwhile, Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt, venue of the convention, is now wearing a new look.
Our Correspondent who visited the stadium, reports that workers were seen putting finishing touches to the podium and spectators stand.
Security was also tight as policemen and other security officials were seen screening people entering the stadium.
Some officials of the PDP were also seen at the venue inspecting final preparations by various committees charged with organising the convention.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has unveiled plans to permanently relocate the dumpsite along the busy Port Harcourt Airport–Obiri-Ikwerre Road, describing the current location as both a public health threat and a damaging first impression for visitors arriving in Port Harcourt, the State capital.
The Governor made this known on Tuesday during an inspection of a proposed replacement site, which is a disused burrow pit near Bambo Estate, off Eneka Road in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area.
The location is being assessed as a potential permanent dumpsite for the State.
Governor Fubara, who was conducted by the Board Chairman, Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), Dr Samuel Nwanosike, and its Managing Director, Dr Ibimina Wokoma, expressed concern about the environmental and health challenges posed by the existing site, which sits along a major entry point into the State.
“The kind of environmental hazards that we are facing there along the Airport–Obiri- Ikwerre Road; the smell on that road being the entrance into the State, we felt it’s not proper,” he said. “So, we are making alternative arrangements so we can have a permanent refuse dumpsite that meets acceptable standards.
“He added that the government would move swiftly to formalise ownership of the land and complete construction work on the access road to make the new site functional.“We have not concluded the issue of the burrow pit, but the access road, I think the government is doing something about it.
So, I will make sure that everything that needs to be done to ensure government owns this burrow pit is done,” he stated.
Governor Fubara also commended the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) for what he described as a more assertive and improved approach to managing refuse across the State.In addition to the dumpsite inspection, the Governor also visited the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters located in Elimgbu Town, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, to assess the extent of ongoing construction work on the facility.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Benibo Anabraba, to uphold the dignity of his office, protect the interest of the State, and discharge his duties with honour, respect, and responsibility.
Governor Fubara gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony of the new SSG, held on Monday at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
Describing Anabraba’s appointment as an act of divine favour, the Governor said positions of leadership are not attained by our own human effort but by God’s grace in our lives.
“Let me first congratulate you. I’m using the word ‘congratulations’ because a few of us, not by our power but by the special favour of God, find ourselves in exalted positions. It’s not because we are the best, but only by His grace.”
Governor Fubara noted that the Office of the Secretary to the State Government is one of great honour, occupied by only a few since the creation of Rivers State, and urged the new appointee to serve with humility and dedication.
He, however, expressed confidence in Anabraba’s capacity to deliver, citing his past record as a principal officer of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“This position is a rare privilege. Guard that office with honour. Discharge your duties with respect. Protect the interest of Rivers State. When you leave office, let it be with honour, and that only comes through responsible service.
“I know you’re a dedicated person. This opportunity is not for show or display of power. It’s a call to duty,” he cautioned.
The Governor emphasised that the current administration is focused on restoring confidence of the people because peace has been achieved in the State.
He enjoined the new SSG to align with the vision of the administration and contribute meaningfully to the collective progress of Rivers people.
“We are emerging from a very difficult period and must reassure our people that we mean well for them, especially now that peace has returned to Rivers State. By the grace of God, do your work well. Help us succeed in this assignment that God has given to us,” the Governor added.
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Nigeria’s First Lady Flags Off Renewed Hope Health Initiative In Rivers …Targets Measles, Rubella, HPV Vaccination For Children, Women
The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reiterated her commitment to expanding vaccine coverage nationwide, declaring that the ongoing Measles and Rubella vaccination campaign in Rivers State will surpass all previous records in scope and success.
Speaking through the wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, Senator Tinubu made this statement during the flag-off ceremony of the Measles, Rubella, and HPV Vaccine Sensitisation Campaign, organised under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Port Harcourt on Monday.
The campaign, implemented by the RHI in collaboration with the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board, C-WINS, and international partners including WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, and Vaccine Alliance, aims to protect millions of children and women from preventable diseases.
“We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the measles vaccine coverage achieved through this campaign exceeds that of the past,” Senator Tinubu affirmed. “Through technical and financial support, this partnership will ensure that by February, 2026, well-trained staff are deployed across communities to vaccinate all eligible children.”
Rivers State is among the Fourth Stream of Phase One states participating in Africa’s largest-ever health initiative, targeting over 106 million Nigerian children for vaccination against Measles, Rubella, Polio, and HPV. The local rollout is expected to commence in February, 2026, reaching children aged 9 months to 14 years across all 23 local government areas.
Senator Tinubu highlighted the risks of the targeted diseases, describing Measles and Rubella as “highly contagious and potentially deadly,” noting that Rubella can cause severe complications for unborn babies, if contracted by pregnant women.
“The best way to prevent both diseases remains vaccination,” she emphasised.
Narrowing down to efforts by the Rivers State Ministry of Health, the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, and the State Task Force on Primary Healthcare, led by Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, she noted how instrumental it has been in ensuring comprehensive outreach through an inter-sectoral approach involving education, women affairs, information ministries, traditional and religious leaders, and the security sector.
Senator Tinubu urged parents and caregivers to cooperate fully with health workers.
“The Measles-Rubella vaccine is safe, effective, and free in all our health centres. Please, ensure your children are vaccinated at the right time to protect them from these deadly infections.
“Let us all play our part in spreading awareness. Together, we can safeguard the health and future of our children,” she said, before formally declaring the sensitisation programme open.
In her goodwill message, Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, commended the Renewed Hope Initiative for its sustained impact in Rivers State, noting that the Measles, Rubella, and HPV Sensitisation Programme marks “a significant step in promoting public health awareness, particularly among women and children.”
She highlighted the particular benefit to the girl-child through HPV vaccination, calling it “an investment in their future health and empowerment.”
The Rivers State Coordinator of WHO, Prof. Giwa Abdulganiyu, praised the collaboration between RHI and the State Government, describing the campaign as “a worthy step in the right direction,” and reaffirmed WHO’s continued partnership in achieving health for all.
Earlier, the RHI Rivers State Coordinator, Mrs. Tonye Briggs-Oniyide, welcomed guests, and reaffirmed the initiative’s goal of reducing the incidence of Measles and Rubella in the state.
“These diseases have the potential to cause emergencies and great distress in families. Today’s flag-off represents our collective determination to raise awareness and prevent such tragedies,” she added.