News
LG Polls: ONELGA Chairman Disowns Name Before Tribunal
A mild drama ensued, yesterday, at the resumed hearing of the Rivers State LG Election Petitions Tribunal on a matter involving the Chairman of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, Hon Vincent Job of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and Mr Bright Abali, chairmanship candidate of the ADC, as the chairman allegedly disowned his middle name ‘Nwaobakata’.
Job appeared before the three-man tribunal led by Chief Magistrate Rita Ogugwo, for the second time after he was docked at the witness box for cross-examination following his evidence-in-chief, last Monday, in Port Harcourt.
Abali of the ADC, who contested in the last April 17 Local Government Elections in ONELGA had dragged the ONELGA council boss, Hon Vincent ‘Nwaobakata’ Job, who was the PDP chairmanship candidate during the election to the tribunal, praying the tribunal, among other things, to sack the chairman because of alleged irregularities in his name and credentials submitted for the election.
He said that Mr Vincent ‘Nwaobakata’ Job, was not the same person as Mr Vincent Job as well.
During cross examination, last Monday, Abali told the tribunal that Vincent ‘Nwaobakata’ Job was not eligible to contest the election, because of disparity in his documents, adding that he was not a registered voter.
However, when the matter resumed, yesterday, under cross examination by the petitioner’s Counsel, Hon Vincent Job told the court that the name, ‘Nwobakata’, was his middle name but added that he does not make use or bear it.
But he accepted that over time, he had sworn affidavit of Change of Name but could not exactly say the time and where the copy of the affidavit was at the moment.
“My name is Vincent Job, and I do not bear the name ‘Nwaobakata’ in any of my dealings, even though it is my middle name. I am a very clever person, and I have not missed or lost any of my documents”, the ONELGA boss submitted.
When asked by the petitioner’s counsel to tell the tribunal where the affidavit was, the year and the office he submitted it to, he replied, “I don’t know, I can’t remember again”.
The petitioner’s counsel had moved an application for a short adjournment on the matter to mandate the respondent to go back home and bring the affidavit to the court.
He added that the affidavit would prove that the ONELGA boss used the name under contest even from his primary school days.
He further applied to the court to tender certificate award given to him recently, which bears the name, ‘Nwaobakata’, saying that he was relying on points of law with regard to Evidence Act, Section 4.
Responding to the application, counsel to the respondents, opposed the application because the alleged certificate which the petitioner’s counsel wanted to tender was computer print-out, and not a certified true copy.
He added that the application was a negation to the provisions of Section 84, and 83, Sub-Section 3 of the Evidence Act, and urged the tribunal to jettison the application.
In her ruling, the Chairman of the three-man panel, Chief Magistrate Rita Ogugwo dismissed the application on the grounds that the alleged certificate being relied upon by the petitioner’s counsel was presented to the chairman after he had been sworn in as council chairman as well as during the pendency of the matter before the tribunal.
She later adjourned the matter to today for continuation.
By: Amadi Akujobi
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
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