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NASS Moves To Review BPE Act …As Senate Shuts Down For Late Bukar
The National Assembly says it may present a motion to amend some of the clauses in the share purchase agreement in the Privatization and Commercialization of Public Enterprises under the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) Act of the Federal Government.
The Chairman, House Committee on Privatization and Commercialization of Public Enterprises in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ahmed Yarima, who stated this when members of the committee visited the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED), in Port Harcourt, yesterday, as part of its oversight function, said the committee was determined to ensure that the right steps were taken towards resolving all challenges.
Yarima, who noted that the committee was saddled with the mandate on all matters concerning privatization and commercialization of public enterprises under the Act, said it would send all findings to the National Council on Privatization (NCP) to ensure that the right steps were taken and challenges resolved.
The lawmaker assured that the committee was determined to take necessary steps and find a common ground towards resolving all the challenges faced by the electricity distribution company.
According to him, ’’The committee has resolved to embark on this visit to interact with the investors and find out exactly the reasons why the public privatization and commercialization of public enterprise performance is low.
‘’The National Assembly is determined to send their findings to NCP and ensure that the right steps are taken towards resolving all the challenges, including amendment of some of the affected clauses in the share purchase agreement’’, he said.
He noted that there was need to overhaul the share purchase agreement and create mechanism between the consumers and the distribution company to work together and achieve one goal.
The chairman condemned the restiveness and violence attitude in the Niger Delta region, stating that it does not tell well for the country.
According to him, ’’their attitude is one of the factors that are preventing foreign investors from coming into the region and country to invest.”
Yerima also condemned the killings and kidnapping of workers of PHED who were working to ensure that electricity was distributed to the public, and assured that the committee has noted some of the challenges and will take action on them.
He said the committee would see how to resolve the challenges faced by the company but warned that electricity cannot be free.
Meanwhile, the Senate on resumption from its two-week Easter break suspended plenary in honour of its member, the late Mustapha Bukar who died on April 4.
Until his death, Bukar, 63, represented Katsina-North Senatorial District in the Red Chamber and was Chairman Committee on Capital Market.
Leader of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, moved a motion for suspension of plenary.
A minute silence led by the President of the Senate Dr Bukola Saraki was observed for the deceased.
Saraki, thereafter, said a valedictory service would be held today in honour of their deceased colleague who served the country immensely.
“It is a great loss,” Saraki said.
In separate interview, Sen. Abu Ibrahim (APC-Katina South) said every life will test dead.
“We are in this world as actors on stage: we come and do our action and leave.
“He was a prominent politician, a well known person, he was my in-law, my son is married to his daughter, he was a highly respected person,” he said.
Similarly, Sen. Victor Umeh (APGA-Anambra) prayed God to “spare the National Assembly of these deaths.”
“We carry a lot of stress, a lot of problems of Nigerians here.
“These sudden deaths are signs that those who are in the National Assembly to take things easy.
“Nigerians should pray for the members of the National Assembly,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari in a letter to the Senate dated April 4, 2018, said “I was saddened to receive the news of the deaths of Senators Ali Wakili and Mustapha Bukar”.
He said their various contributions to the Senate deliberations and the wider democratic process in the country had been of immense values.
“Please accept Mr Senate President, the expression of my deepest sympathy,” Buhari said.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives suspended all legislative activities, yesterday, just within hours of reconvening after the Easter break.
The action was taken to honour its late Deputy Majority Leader, Mr. Buba Jibril.
A formal valedictory session would also be held for Jibril, today.
The Speaker, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, made the announcement as soon as members re-entered the chambers after the break.
Jibril had died in a Turkish hospital in Abuja on March 30, of an undisclosed illness, aged 58.
The Kogi State All Progressives Congress (APC) politician represented Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency.
Jibril died a day after the House adjourned for Easter on March 29.
The convention of the House is that members will suspend legislative activities for a day in honour of a deceased colleague.
Before shutting the plenary, yesterday, Dogara had called for prayers to be offered for the repose of Jibril’s soul.
Mohammed Sani-Abdu and Mr. Karimi Sunday said the prayers before all proceedings were suspended.
An architect by training, Jibril first won election to the National Assembly in 2007.
The late deputy leader had formerly been a member of the Kogi State House of Assembly from 2003 to 2007 and also served as the speaker of the state’ legislature..
The 1990 graduate of the University of Jos, was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party in 2003 to 2015 before he defected to the APC ahead of the general elections.
He was elected the deputy leader of the House on June 9, 2015.
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