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PHALGA Seals FG’s Marriage Registry Over Court Judgement

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The authorities of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Rivers State have sealed up the Ministry of Interior’s Marriage Registry in Port Harcourt to enforce the 2021 judgement of a Federal High Court in Lagos State.
The court, presided over by Justice D.E. Osiagor, had in August, 2021, in a civil suit No/FHC/L/CS/816/2018 brought by four local government councils, Etiosa in Lagos State, Egor in Edo State, Owerre Municipal, Imo State, and Port Harcourt City, Rivers State, on behalf the 774 LGAs in the country and against the Ministry of Interior, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, and Achor Dataware Solutions Limited, in a landmark judgement, ruled in favour of the plaintiffs by granting a perpetual injunction stopping the three defendants from conducting and contracting marriages forthwith under the Marriage Act.
The trial judge further granted perpetual injunction against the defendants from issuing marriage certificates under the Marriage Act as well as an order for the plaintiffs to seal up the Marriage Registry offices of the defendants across the local government areas of the plaintiffs, except the Ikoyi office in Lagos State and Abuja, respectively.
The second defendants in the matter, the Federal Ministry of Interior contracted the Marriage Registry office to the third defendant, Achor Dataware Solutions Limited to be conducting, registering marriages as well as issuing marriage certificates across the 774 local government areas of the country, a situation which the local government councils viewed as contraction of their constitutional responsibility, and thereafter, approached a Federal High Court in Lagos State in 2018 and secured judgement against the defenders in 2021.
Leading the team of Inter-Governmental Agency on Marriage Committee, Bailiffs of Federal High Courts and members of marriage registries of local government areas in the state to seal up the Federal Ministry of Interior marriage office in D/Line axis in Port Harcourt, last Monday, the Secretary of Port Harcourt City Local Government Council,Barrister Chilee-Kay Owuru, said one of the cardinal responsibilities and function of the local government council as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution was the sole right to conduct marriages,issue marriage certificates and death certificates.
According to him,the local government councils in the country secured a court judgement to seal up the premises,adding that the court bailiffs and other critical stakeholders have enforced the court judgement and the marriage office sealed up.
He advised prospective couples to approach local government councils within their areas and conduct and register their marriages legally and avoid patronising unregistered and unrecognised marriage registry offices,adding that any marriage conducted outside the approved marriage registries would be declared null and void.
Also speaking,the lead counsel to the plaintiffs,Barrister Roger Michael Ademoji, said the court ruled that only the local government councils have the right to register and conduct marriages as well as issue marriage certificates.
On her part,the Marriage Registrar,Port Harcourt City Local Government Council,Mrs Angela Ovie, said every efforts made by her office to stop the Ministry of Interior’sMarriage Registry office to stop holding marriages and issuing certificates were not successful,adding that sealing up the premises had sent strong signal to vulnerable members of the society who were ignorant of the Marriage Act.
She warned to institute contempt charges against the operators of the illegal marriageregistries,should they ignore the action and unseal the premises.

By: Amadi Akujobi

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Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers

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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

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Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70

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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.

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Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition

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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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