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National Confab: Why We Back Obasanjo -Ohanaeze, Afenifere, YCE
Ohanaeze, Igbo influential group; Afenifere, Yoruba socio-political group; and Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) say they support former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s call for national dialogue to resolve insecurity and some other challenges facing Nigeria. Obasanjo had, in an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, last Monday, raised the idea of the dialogue.
The former President had said: “In all these issues of mobilisation for national unity, stability, security, cooperation, development, growth and progress, there is no consensus.
“Like in the issue of security, government should open up discussion, debate and dialogue as part of consultation at different levels and the outcome of such deliberations should be collated to form inputs into a national conference to come up with the solution that will effectively deal with the issues and lead to rapid development, growth and progress which will give us a wholesome society and enhanced living standard and livelihood in an inclusive and shared society.
It will be a national programme. “We need unity of purpose and nationally accepted strategic roadmap that will not change with whims and caprices of any government. It must be owned by the citizens, people’s policy and strategy implemented by the government no matter its colour and leaning.
“Some of the groups that I will suggest to be contacted are: traditional rulers, past heads of service (no matter how competent or incompetent they have been and how much they have contributed to the mess we are in), past heads of para-military organisations, private sector, civil society, community leaders particularly in the most affected areas, present and past governors, present and past local government leaders, religious leaders, past Heads of State, past intelligence chiefs, past Heads of Civil Service and relevant current and retired diplomats, members of opposition and any groups that may be deemed relevant.” Ohanaeze Ndigbo said it aligned with Obasanjo’s position.
According to the group, it indeed raised the same issue of insecurity as the former President did last weekend when it reacted to the killing of the daughter of the Afenifere leader, Pa Ruben Fasoranti, Mrs. Funke Olakunrin. It recalled that it advocated an emergency security summit over the problem, warning that failure to convene the discourse on the way out of Nigeria’s insecurity quagmire will still spell doom for the country.
Media Adviser to the President General of the apex Igbo group, Chief Emeka Attama, said, at the weekend: “Ohanaeze’s reaction is that this (Obasanjo’s letter) is in tandem with the views canvassed by its President General in a recent statement – a strident call for the convening of a national discourse on the way forward on the present security debacle. “This is the only step that can assuage the current situation.
It requires urgent action. We endorse his position absolutely. The sooner the better as things are really getting out of hand. Delay could spell doom for the country.” Another Igbo group, Ala-Igbo Development Foundation, ADF, supported the call for national conference at this juncture to look at fundamental issues bedevilling the country.
Spokesperson for ADF, Abia Onyike, said his group’s position was that it is either the proposed national conference sets agenda for the restructuring of the country or determines its division for the ethnic nationalities to go their separate ways. Onyike said, “ADF position is that we need to go back to restructure Nigeria into a federation or in the alternative the ethnic nationalities disintegrate either to form unions which is what is likely to happen. “Obasanjo called for a National Conference but the Senate is talking about security summit which cannot achieve anything because of the inherent problems of the 1999 Constitution.
“We are calling for a National Conference that will return powers to the autonomous nationalities and regions. The call for state police formations does not make meaning because of what exists now as the security architecture.” Spokesperson for Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin, in the group’s reaction to the Obasanjo suggestion, said, “Afenifere believes in dialogue in all situations.
Our understanding of the summit Obasanjo is suggesting is not a National Conference but an assemblage of leaders to proffer solutions to the insecurity in the land. “The decisions they arrive at should then be tabled before a congress of representatives of all interest groups and social forces in Nigeria for discussions.
For and Against the All Progressives Congress (4)(Opens in a new browser tab) “All these should not be more than three days. We accept the recommendation as a veritable platform to steer Nigeria from the apparent anarchy that stares it in the face.
“It is the most patriotic suggestion for Nigeria in crisis”. For his part, the President of YCE, Col Dansaaki Agbede (ret.), advised Obasanjo to liaise with other stakeholders in the South-West and stop acting as a lone ranger.
Though he said his group is not opposed to organising another National Conference, Agbede felt rather uncomfortable with non-implementation of the recommendations of the previous conferences, especially the one organised during the time of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
He believed the insecurity challenge stalking the nation cannot be resolved without combined efforts. “Obasanjo should use his elderly statesmanship to bring all Yoruba groups and leaders together.
Walking alone has limited advantages”, the YCE leader said. “We can only resolve the issue with collective efforts. YCE has been saying it since February that we in the South-West should brace up, face the onslaught and do the needful. “
On the call for the convocation of another conference, what happened to the previous conferences we had? “It all amounts to wasting our resources. Billions of naira was spent on the conference conducted by former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Why not bring the recommendations out and let’s start from there? “So, it is not organising another conference that is the matter, what will happen to its recommendations? Will they see the light of the day? Will they not end up like population census? I have no objection to it but it must involve all groups.
“I only wonder why we talk of another conference now when nothing has been done concerning the previous ones. If the caliphate is against it, it will fizzle away. “Obasanjo should slow down and facilitate unity forum or platform for all Yoruba so that we can speak with one voice. “He should identify young groups which are around 34. How do you solve security issue with all these groups working at cross purposes?”
Lending his voice to the discourse, the Executive Director, Centre for Human Rights and Ethics in Development, Comrade Mashood Erubami, disagreed with Obasanjo, saying, “I don’t agree with him, we don’t need a new conference but the Federal Government and states should hold security meetings to discuss stability and how we can live together peacefully.
“It is not a kind of jamboree conference that Obasanjo is calling for. It should include labour unions, civil societies and the recommendations should be implemented within eight months”.
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo
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