News
INEC Set For PHALGA 3 Bye-Election, ’Morrow …As Court Fails To Stop Process
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says modalities have been put in place for the conduct of tomorrow’s bye-election for the replacement of the vacant position in the Port Harcourt Constituency 111 in the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Rivers State, Obo Efanga, who addressed newsmen at the INEC office in Port Harcourt, yesterday, disclosed that four political parties have been cleared to participate in the bye-election.
He said the political parties include; Democratic Alternative (DA), Mass Movement of Nigeria (MMN), All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The Resident Electoral Commissioner also stated that the smart card reader for the election would capture the number of people accredited to vote, adding that there would be restriction of movement from 8am to 6pm on Election Day.
He also disclosed that sensitive materials for the election were intact and would be distributed later.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner was accompanied by Residents Electoral Commissioners, of Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom, including party agents to take delivery of the sensitive materials, AC8A, AC8B, AC8C and AC8E, including ballots papers, which were all sealed.
He assured that INEC would not rest in its oars in ensuring the conduct of a free, fair and credible bye-election in the state.
Speaking with The Tide in an interview, the agent of Mass Movement of Nigeria (MMN), Gospel Nwigbara, expressed satisfaction with the electoral process so far, adding that his party was prepared for the election.
Also speaking, the agent for All Progressives Party (APC), Mr. Michael Ogolima urged INEC to ensure a hitch-free poll.
Meanwhile, an All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the 2015 Legislative Election, Mr. Chima Nnokam has failed in his fresh bid to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from conducting any bye-election to fill the vacant position in the state House of Assembly seat for Port Harcourt Constituency 3.
Nnokam had approached of a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt to seek an order of the court to stop tomorrow’s bye-election in the constituency pending the determination of the originating suit in the court.
The plaintiff is also praying the court to order INEC to issue him certificate of return having come second position during the 2015 legislative election in the constituency since INEC failed to conduct the bye-election within 30 days when the seat became vacant as provided for in the Electoral Act (as amended).
According to him, failure to issue him with certificate of return by the INEC after the expiration of the 30 days would amount the disregard of the provisions of the law.
However, the trial judge, Justice H.I.O. Osohmah, in his ruling on the motion bordering on jurisdiction by INEC and Peoples Democratic Party, refused to give any interlocutory injunction stopping INEC from ing the bye-election for PHALGA Constituency 111 Legislative Election, tomorrow.
Justice Osohmah, in his short ruling, told the parties that when an application challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain and hear a matter is before the court, he was under obligation to first settle the issue of jurisdiction before proceeding to other issues.
He, however, said the court would hear the application referred to it by the Appeal Court on the next adjourned date.
Speaking to journalists after the ruling, counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Don Omealo (SAN) expressed happiness with the court position, adding that INEC does not have any legal constrain in conducting Saturday’s Bye-Election in PHALGA 3 State Constituency Election.
According to him, “the court refused the interlocutory injunction as sought by the claimant,” adding that his client was free to go ahead with the election as scheduled.
However, counsel to the plaintiff in the matter, Eugene Odey (Esq) said he was dissatisfy with the decision of the court but, however, said, he would brief his client on the next line of action.
Odey said it was a known fact in law that when an issue bordering on referral from a higher court to a lower one, the law mandates the lower court to, as a matter of urgency, hear the application, adding that the Judge in his wisdom, acted otherwise.
It would be recalled that the plaintiff, Mr. Chima Nnokam had contested the PHALGA 3 Constituency Legislative Election under the platform of the APC and came second after the PDP candidate, Hon. Victor Ihunwo, who had since vacated the seat following his victory and subsequent position as Mayor of Port Harcourt.
APC has, however, fielded another candidate, Mr. Worlu Dickson, who would contest with other three candidates from other political parties as announced by the INEC.
Taneh Beemene & Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
The new Commissioner of Police Eastern, Ports Command, Mr Tijani Fatai has promised to ensure a crime- free ports operations in the zone.
He said effective policing will be mounted across the ports in the zone in tackling the high rate of community unrest, activities of port rats and other social vices.
Fatai while speaking to newsmen shortly after taking over as the 17th commissioner said he wants to be remembered as a peace maker during his tenure as Commissioner of Police in the Eastern Ports Command.
According to him,’’the community policing is the sure way of addressing most conflicts and other social vices bedeviling our society today and I will explore it to its fullest” .
The Commissioner also assured officers of the rank and file of improved welfare whoch he described as a cardinal objective of the present efforts of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
He said,” the Inspector General of Police has sent me to assure you all of welfare, promotions as and when due,no officers particular rank and file will be left behind in the coming months.
Fatai before his recent posting was an operational officer,who spent most of his years with the Police Mobile Force (PMF) where he served as Unit Commander (UC) and Commander, PMF.
Before his redeployment as a Commissioner of Police,(CP), he was the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, DCP, Operations, Lagos State Command.
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