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Ogoni In US Threaten Legal Action Over MOSOP Members’ Trial

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3 years ago

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The Council of Ogoni Professionals and the National Union of Ogoni Students, USA, both affiliates of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), have raised objections over the trial procedures of 12 MOSOP members at the Rivers State High Court, Nchia Division.
They said the trial procedures of the 12 MOSOP members, under the presiding Judge, Hon. Justice Constance D. Green may deny the 12 MOSOP members justice.
The two groups alleged that the presiding judge disregarded judicial ethics, and the impartiality expected of a judge by allowing a debriefed claimants’ counsel to take a motion while disregarding a preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter.
The preliminary objection had been raised by one of the defendants, Apostle Celestine Viura, challenging the jurisdiction of the court on several grounds, including the fact that the judgment in question is currently being challenged before a court of appeal and the claimants’ lawyer, N. Tsaana-Kaa, had long been debriefed by the claimants.
The 12 MOSOP members include Messrs Legborsi Pyagbara, Fegalo Nsuke, Bariara Kpalap, Friday Bemah, Chief Keeper Gbaranor, Prince Biira, Dike Theophilus, Boy Nnaa, Theophilus Joseph Meekor Mbagha, Apostle Celestine Viura, Mr Alex and Adamgbo Sylvester.
The Ogoni professionals and students in the US made the claim in a statement signed by Daewifa Barima Wifa Council of Ogoni Professionals (COP, USA) and Freddie Idamkkue, President, National Union of Ogoni Students (NUOS USA).
Part of the statement reads: “The Council of Ogoni Professionals and the National Union of Ogoni Students , USA strongly condemn the actions of Justice Constance D. Green in the case, and will further take every necessary legal action(s)to ensure that the defendants are not denied justice.
“While COP and NUOS hold the Nigerian judiciary in high esteem, we will not expect that Justice Constance D. Green be allowed to drag the reputation of the Nigerian Judiciary into the mud”.
The groups asserted that after the judge had delivered judgement in the matter, the second defendant, Fegalo Nsuke, filed an appeal against the judgement at the Federal Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division on August 4, 2020.
They claimed that instead of the judge hearing a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the suit following the appeal, she attempted to take a motion to substitute the claimants in the suit on February 14, 2023, noting that “this suggests that Hon. Justice may have a mindset on the issue and is compromised”.
The Ogoni professionals and students in US added that despite the claimant writing the counsel in the suit, Naagbanton Tsaana-Kaa on February 2, 2022, to disengage his legal services and not to further represent them in the suit, the judge is attempting to assume jurisdiction in a matter that an appeal has been entered and the Appeal Court processes are before her.
The statement added: “We have become seriously disturbed by the decisions of Hon. Justice Constance D. Green on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, during which the judge attempted to take a motion to substitute claimants in the suit while a Preliminary Objection (PO) challenging the jurisdiction of the court is pending.
“In fact, the judge refused to take the PO and attempted to take a motion seeking to substitute all the claimants with fresh names”.

By: Ike Wigodo

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Rivers

Residents Embrace MNCH Week Services In PH

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2 weeks ago

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June 17, 2026

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Antenatal care and immunization services recorded high patronage during the just-concluded Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week as residents in various communities across Port Harcourt took advantage of the free healthcare interventions.
The exercise, which was aimed at improving maternal and child well-being, attracted women, caregivers and children to different health facilities where a range of free healthcare services were provided.
Findings from selected health centres visited during the exercise showed encouraging participation by beneficiaries despite a few operational challenges experienced by health workers.
At Ozuboko Health Centre, the doctor in charge, Dr. Flag Amachree, said the facility recorded a good turnout throughout the exercise.
 The Tide  gathered that the team of immunization officers embarked on outreach immunization activities to schools to ensure that more children benefited from the programme.
She, however, identified inadequate supplies of deworming tablets as a challenge, noting that available stocks were being carefully managed to meet demands.
One of the beneficiaries, Emmanuella Edwin, who visited the facility for antenatal registration, expressed satisfaction with the services provided by the health workers.
She commended the staff for their dedication, professionalism and friendly disposition, adding that the registration process was stress-free and without any major challenge.
Similarly, Mrs. Esther Abbey said she registered for the free medical services offered during the healthcare week and described the process as smooth and simple.
She added that the programme also created an avenue for her daughter to benefit from immunization services through arrangements by her school.
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Philomena Ezekiel, said she was unable to access the service for her children after she was informed that a National Identification Number (NIN) was required before the test could be carried out.
At Amadi Health Centre, the Medical Officer in charge, Dr. Ebere Ikonwa, attributed the low turnout recorded at the facility to inadequate community mobilization, noting that no town crier was assigned to create awareness.
Despite the situation, she said the facility carried out outreach immunization services successfully and recorded significant patronage in antenatal care and immunization services.
By: Esuuk-Awaji Oyet, Princess Akinyemi
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NUJ Summit to Strengthen Media/Security Partnership, Tackle Misinformation

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2 weeks ago

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June 17, 2026

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The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is set to convene a two-day National Security Summit in Abuja aimed at strengthening collaboration between the media and security agencies in advancing national stability, public trust and sustainable development.
The summit, scheduled to hold on June 18 and 19, 2026, will bring together key actors in governance, security and the media sector to deliberate on pathways for improved engagement in addressing contemporary national security concerns.
Themed, “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building”, the gathering is expected to serve as a strategic platform for dialogue on responsible information management and enhanced institutional cooperation.
Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Comrade Abimbola Oyetunde, who disclosed this in a statement, said the initiative was conceived as a high-level engagement to deepen understanding between journalists and security operatives in safeguarding the country.
She explained that the summit would provide opportunities for critical conversations on crisis communication, information sharing, conflict reporting and strengthening citizens’ confidence in public institutions.
According to the statement, the event will attract senior government officials, heads of security agencies, media executives, editors, civil society groups and other stakeholders drawn from across the country.
According to the organizers, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, will attend as Special Guests of Honour.
The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, is expected to deliver the keynote address, while the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, will host the summit.
Also expected to chair the occasion is the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
The statement noted that the summit comes at a critical period when Nigeria continues to confront evolving security challenges, growing concerns over misinformation and heightened public anxiety over national issues.
It emphasized that structured engagement between the media and security institutions has become imperative in improving crisis communication, reducing panic, combating fake news, and ensuring the dissemination of timely, accurate and responsible information.
Participants at the summit are expected to examine issues such as responsible reporting of security operations and conflict situations, access to credible information and official briefings, management of sensitive information and the safety of journalists covering security-related assignments.
Other areas of focus include countering disinformation, propaganda and hate speech, as well as building mutual trust and professional respect between journalists and security personnel.
The summit will also feature goodwill messages, panel discussions, breakout sessions, experience-sharing by frontline reporters, and interactive engagements with security chiefs before concluding with the adoption of a communiqué and an action framework to guide future collaboration.
The NUJ restated its commitment to press freedom, ethical journalism and promoting national peace, security and democratic governance.
By: King Onunwor
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Anaka Community Seeks Development, Unity  … Advocates Devine Guidance In 2027 Leadership Selection

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2 weeks ago

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June 17, 2026

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The Paramount Ruler of Anaka Community in Akpor Clan, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, HRH. Eze  Marcus Oriji, has reiterated the kingdom’s commitment to unity, development, and peaceful coexistence among its people.
HRH Oriji, who spoke through his son, Alloy Marcus, in an interview with newsmen in the community, said the community is committed to peace.
 He described Anaka as a community known for peace and unity, noting that the kingdom continues to attract visitors and residents because of its welcoming nature.
According to him, while the leadership of the kingdom has recorded progress in various fronts, several challenges still remain.
Anaka Community, he continued, has faced developmental challenges similar to those confronting many communities across the country.
He identified the provision of key infrastructure, including a modern market, schools, healthcare facilities, and a police station, as critical areas requiring attention to enhance the growth and development of the kingdom.
On concerns raised by residents over the poor condition of the road linking St. John’s to Ogbogoro, Eze Marcus commended the Rivers State Government under the leadership of the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara,ii for commencing work on the Ring Road project, which he described as a significant development for the area.
Marcus explained that Anaka Kingdom stands to benefit from the project and appealed to the government to accelerate construction efforts, particularly on sections connecting St. John’s and other adjoining communities, to ease traffic congestion and improve accessibility.
Expressing optimism about the project’s completion, he said improved road infrastructure would not only enhance movement within the area, but also attract investors, businesses, and visitors to the kingdom.
Commenting on the 2027 general elections, Eze Alloy Marcus called for divine guidance in the selection of leaders, stressing the need for God-fearing individuals who would govern with integrity and commitment to national development.
He also advised young people to shun electoral violence and resist being used by politicians for unlawful activities such as ballot box snatching and election-related disturbances.
He urged youths to play constructive roles in strengthening democracy by supporting free, fair, and peaceful elections.
The royal representative emphasized that sustainable development, improved infrastructure, and peaceful democratic processes remain essential for the continued progress of Anaka Kingdom and Rivers State as a whole.
By: Azubuike Chiwendu, Akpelu Godspower
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