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Supreme Court Hears PDP’S Case, Thursday …As Jonathan Meets Wike …States Party Chairmen Back Dickson

Published

9 years ago

March 20, 2017

The Supreme Court will on Thursday in Abuja, the nation’s capital, hear the case filed by the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), challenging a recent judgment of the Court of Appeal, which restored the Senator Ali Modu Sheriff leadership of the party.
This is however, caming at a time former President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, met with the Rivers State Governor, Nyesome Wike in Port Harcourt, the state capital and held talks behind closed doors, apparently in view of the lingering crisis in the party.
In similar breath, all the 23 state chairmen of the party threw their weight behind the Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, who is also the reconciliation committee chairman of the party for his peace initiatives in the overall interest of the PDP.
Our source gathered at the weekend that one of the parties to the case, the Makarfi-led group, will be arguing its case for accelerated hearing in view of the forthcoming governorship elections in Anambra and Ekiti States.
But our correspondent learnt that the other party has also asked its legal team to oppose the plea for accelerated hearing on the grounds that there was nothing urgent to warrant such a request since there was an existing party leadership in place.
The Makarfi group has also vowed to take further steps to challenge the illegality of the Sheriff-led National Working Committee, saying it would challenge Sheriff’s actions which it claimed were in clear violation of the judgment of the Court of Appeal that ordered reversal to status quo ante.
The group also described the meeting of state chairmen held in Abuja on Friday night as an illegal assembly, adding that all those who attended the meeting which declared support for Sheriff were nothing but fake state chairmen.
The Tide source gathered that part of the actions being contemplated to prevent Sheriff’s leadership from moving on with their convention plan is to secure a court injunction based on alleged impunity and infractions he has committed.
A statement by the Caretaker Committee spokesperson, Dayo Adeyeye, accused Sheriff and his men of causing more problems for the party by going round the states, disorganising the party at state levels and giving recognition to illegal persons as state chairmen.
He said since the Appeal Court Judgment of Port Harcourt Division pronounced the May 21 Convention illegal, Sheriff has made a number of illegal appointments including that of the Deputy National Chairman and National Publicity Secretary.
“It should be noted, however, that parading himself as National Chairman with illegal State Executive Committees by Senator Sheriff will surely further aggravate the situation. The continued parade of Dr. Cairo Ojougboh as Deputy National Chairman and Hon Bernard Mikko as Acting National Publicity Secretary of the PDP are acts of impunity and will be challenged in court,” he said.
He claimed it was a known fact that no meeting of the NWC or National Executive Committee (NEC) was held to nominate or approve the appointments of these men.
Adeyeye, who said Sheriff had been deluding himself by claiming he had the support of party members, insisted that the caretaker committee remained committed to seeing through the appeal filed at the Supreme Court as a way of settling the PDP crisis once and for all.
“This committee will like to appeal to all party faithful to remain calm and committed to the cause of the party while the matters before the Supreme Court are carefully and meticulously sorted out in the interest of the party,” he said.
Jonathan, who has been very active in the PDP peace process, described Wike as a good representative of a PDP government that is committed to the development of his people, adding that Wike has performed creditably since assuming office 22 months ago through his transformation of the state.
Jonathan spoke to journalists yesterday after he was led on a tour of projects being executed by Wike. Projects inspected by the former president included the new amphitheatre, the Government House Chapel, Restored Brick House (former Seat of Power in Rivers State), New Corridor of Power and Extended Landscape.
Jonathan praised the governor for keeping the torch shining by his exemplary performance which has justified his election by the people of Rivers State.
He noted that Wike’s outstanding performance has become the common story across the country, pointing out that he has been hearing about the good works of the governor for some time and that indeed, the governor has lived up to his reputation.
He noted that since Wike was sworn in, Saturday was his first time of driving round Port Harcourt. He expressed satisfaction with the quality of transformation he witnessed enroute the Government House.
“I am part of Rivers State. I grew up in Rivers State and Bayelsa was carved out of Rivers State. Also, my wife is from Rivers State. Today, is my first day of visiting Rivers State since Wike assumed office as governor. Twenty two months down the line, I am quite impressed with what I have seen.
“First, I heard so much, people have told me of the changes in Port Harcourt. I was told that I can’t even recognise the roads to where I used to live. As we drove into the city, I noticed that he has done very well in various areas.
“One thing I must commend Wike for is that he has positive traits. I always believe that wherever you find yourself, add value. Governor Wike has added value in Rivers State. He has done well to show his signature.
“Wike has taken us round. We have seen how he has transformed the Brick House and maintained that Brick House. We saw the changes he has made in some places in the Government House, including building an amphitheatre, a new chapel for worship, relaxing places and general beautification.
“If you are the Chief Executive of an institution, you stay for two years and you add no value, then you have no vision. Wike is doing well and we commend him. He is a good representative of the PDP who is committed to developing his people,” he said, thanking Nigerians for appreciating his contributions to the development of the country, even after he left office.
On his part, Wike said his commitment was to lift the state to higher heights. He noted that the Old Brick House was restored with certain additions because of the need to preserve history of governance in the state, while noting that the New Amphitheatre being constructed at the Government House would host high profile guests, who visit the state.
According to him, the New Government House, Port Harcourt Chapel, which will host about 300 persons, provides a venue for interdenominational Christian Worship.
Meanwhile, some of the PDP state chairmen of the PDP have endorsed the roadmap to peace as contained in the Dickson-led Reconciliation Committee report. The committee had recommended among other measures, the holding of a unity national convention on June 30 under the supervision of Sheriff.
While expressing concern about the crises in the party, the 23 chairmen who declared support for Sheriff, in their communique read out by the Federal Capital Territory chairman, Alhaji Y.Y Suleiman said they were in support of the political solution as recommended by Dickson and his committee.
“In line with the only template presented by the Peace and Reconciliation Committee of our Party headed by Hon Henry Seriake Dickson, Governor of Bayelsa State, we wish to state that we support the recommendation that a political solution is the best and only solution to our crisis without prejudice to the ongoing judicial processes, but added that “We shall at all times align ourselves to any judicial pronouncement of a higher jurisdiction on this matter.”
The state chairmen who were at the meeting are Salisu Mamuda (Jigawa), Abdulrahman Bobboi (Adamawa), Tanko Beji (Niger), Joel Adamu (Gombe), Victor Bala (Taraba), Hon. Nasiru Abubakar (Zamfara), Lawan Gana Karasuwa (Yobe), and Alhaji Aliyu Bagudu (Kebbi),
Others include Iyola Oyedepo (Kwara), Moses Cleopas (Bayelsa), Y.Y. Suleiman (FCT), Adebayo Dayo (Ogun), Hon. Yinka Taiwo (Oyo), Sir Nnamdi Anyahie (Imo), Hon. Segue Adewale (Lagos), Onyekachi Nwelery (Abonyi), Williams Ajayi (Ekiti), Prince Boroye Olabiyi (Ondo), Hon. Soji Adagunodo (Osun), Chief Samuel Uhuonu (Kogi ), Hon. Dan Ale (Benue), and Itufan Edim Inok Edim.

News

Nigerians Hit As Iran Rains Missiles On UAE

Published

1 day ago

March 16, 2026

The Tide

Nigerians were among more than 140 residents injured after Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles at the United Arab Emirates, at the weekend.

This raised fresh fears for thousands of Nigerians living and working in the Gulf nation.

The UAE Ministry of Defence disclosed last Saturday that its air defence systems intercepted several missiles and drones fired from Iran, describing the attack as a major escalation in the ongoing regional tensions.

In a statement posted on its official X handle, the ministry said its air defence units engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 drones during the latest assault on March 14.

It added that the attacks left six people dead and 141 others injured, including foreign nationals.

“The UAE air defence systems on March 14 engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 UAVs launched from Iran,” the ministry stated.

“Since the onset of this blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 294 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,600 UAVs launched from Iran,” UAE added.

According to the ministry, those killed in the attacks included citizens of the UAE as well as foreign nationals from Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.

“Although the authorities did not specify the exact locations where the casualties occurred, the ministry said the injured victims were from several countries, including Nigeria.

Others affected include residents from Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

The list also included Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Türkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia and Sweden.

The Tide reports that this development has sparked concern among Nigerian communities in the UAE, where thousands of citizens live and work in sectors such as construction, hospitality, logistics and trade.

Data from Nigeria’s diaspora commission shows that the UAE remains one of the largest destinations for Nigerian migrants in the Middle East, particularly in the emirates of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

The Nigerian government had in recent years raised concerns over the safety and welfare of its citizens in the country following diplomatic tensions and visa restrictions affecting Nigerians.

Saturday’s attacks have now heightened anxieties within the diaspora community, especially as the Gulf region faces growing military confrontations.

In its statement, the UAE Ministry of Defence said the country remained fully prepared to confront any threats to its security.

“The Ministry of Defence remains fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats and will firmly confront any attempts to undermine state security in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty, security and stability, and safeguards its national interests and capabilities,” the ministry said.

In a separate update, the ministry noted that its defence systems were still actively intercepting missiles and drones.

“UAE air defences are dealing with Iranian ballistic and cruise missiles and drones,” it said.

Regional media reports indicate that the attacks form part of a wider escalation of hostilities between Iran and Western-backed forces in the Middle East.

According to Al Jazeera, Iran has continued sustained missile and drone strikes across the Gulf despite protests from neighbouring states.

The strikes were said to be in retaliation for military operations launched by the United States and Israel against Iranian positions in the region.

Tehran targeted several Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, late on Friday and into Saturday.

The attacks also caused infrastructural damage in parts of the UAE.

Meanwhile, Iran’s elite military wing, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, warned that US interests in the UAE would remain legitimate targets.

Iranian state media reported that the group issued the warning after US forces attacked Iranian-controlled islands.

The IRGC specifically mentioned ports, docks and military installations linked to the United States as potential targets.

It also urged residents in the UAE to evacuate areas around ports and military facilities to avoid civilian casualties.

Security analysts say the growing exchange of threats and strike across the Gulf could destabilise the region’s economic and aviation activities if the conflict escalates further.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.

News

Fubara Swears in Five New Commissioners …Says Their Best Is Needed for Rivers Dev

Published

1 day ago

March 16, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the five new commissioners sworn-in last Wednesday to put in their best for the development of the State.

Fubara gave the charge during the swearing-in of the commissioners at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House, Port Harcourt, last Wednesday.

This followed the successful screening of the five commissioners by the Rivers State House of Assembly, last Tuesday.

The five commissioners are Tonye Bellgam, Prof. Temple Nwofor, Dr. Peters Nwagor, Mr. Lekue Kenneth, and Sir Amairigha Edward Hart.

The Tide reports that the governor had sent nine commissioner-nominees to the Assembly for screening, but the Assembly confirmed only five nominees and rejected the nomination of four over various allegations.

Those rejected by the Assembly are Prof. Dantonye Alasia, Mrs. Charity Demua, Mr. Tamuno Williams, and Otonye Amachree.

The governor congratulated the new commissioners on their appointment, noting that their thorough screening by the Rivers State House of Assembly was a proof of their capabilities.

He urged them to deploy their wealth of experience in various fields and put the State on a fast lane of development.

“Ordinarily, I am supposed to charge you on your responsibilities and how to operate. But that has been taken care of by the screening at the Assembly.

“I believe that going through one of the most rigorous screenings, it is enough to say that for those of you who succeeded, you are fit and ready to deliver to our dear State.

“So there is no further charge. The screening was the charge, so I wish you the best as I don’t expect anything less than the best from you,” Fubara said.

News

Navy Destroys Illegal Refinery In Rivers, Intercepts Stolen Fuel In C’ River

Published

1 day ago

March 16, 2026

The Tide

The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal bunkering, destroying a reactivated illegal refinery site in Rivers State and intercepting suspected stolen petroleum products in Calabar, Cross River State.

The Director of Naval Information, Capt Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement released in Abuja, yesterday.

Folorunsho said personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH, operating under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, destroyed a reactivated illegal refinery site at Okolomade Community in Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.

He said the action followed credible intelligence that a previously dismantled illegal refining site had resumed operations.

According to him, an Anti–Crude Oil Theft team deployed to the location discovered that the dismantled refining oven had been reconstructed.

“Further exploitation of the area led to the discovery of additional refining equipment and storage facilities containing about 3,000 litres of product suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO),” he said.

Folorunsho added that the illegal refining infrastructure, including ovens, storage tanks, hoses, connected pipes and newly acquired metal components used for illegal refining, was destroyed in line with operational procedures.

He said personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship Victory, in another operation, intercepted about 3,950 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products at the Nigerian Ports Authority area in Calabar, Cross River State.

He said the interception was based on credible intelligence on suspected siphoning of petroleum products from vessels berthed at the port.

The naval patrol team, according to him, swiftly deployed to the area and traced the illegally siphoned products to a trailer park within the port facility.

“On sighting the naval patrol team, the suspected perpetrators fled the scene, after which the area was cordoned off and the illegally siphoned products secured,” he said.

Folorunsho said further inspection led to the recovery of about 3,950 litres of Automotive Gas Oil stored in drums and jerrycans, which had been evacuated to the naval base for further necessary action in line with extant regulations.

He noted that the successes aligned with the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, to intensify operations against crude oil theft and other maritime crimes across Nigeria’s maritime domain.

Folorunsho reiterated the Navy’s commitment to sustaining the operational tempo of Operation DELTA SENTINEL through intensified surveillance, patrols and intelligence-driven operations aimed at combating crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other forms of economic sabotage.