News
S’Court Judgment Has Ended Era Of Strongmen – Rivers Elders Council
The Rivers State Elders Forum says last Thursday’s Supreme Court judgement that affirmed Sir Siminilayi Fubara as the Governor of the State has ended the era of strongmen in the State.
The forum, which addressed pressmen, yesterday, in Port Harcourt after an emergency meeting, said the court’s verdict would help protect strong democratic institutions.
Acting Chairman of the forum and former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Sir. Gabriel Toby, who spoke to journalists, said it’s time for real governance as the apex court has ended electoral legal tussle.
He said,” We congratulate the governor and his deputy on their victory on various courts of laws and wish them God’s grace and guidance.
“We also wish to congratulate the Supreme Court for the verdict as it has calmed political nerves in the state and Niger Delta.”
The group said there is no victor nor vanquished as peace is germane for the development of Rivers State.
The body urged Fubara to govern with the fear of God and a large heart with the Constitution serving as his compass.
They commended the people of Rivers State for their calm disposition, advising the governor to deploy the resources at his disposal for the betterment of the state.
In the same vein, a member of the Elders Council, Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, said the Supreme Court’s verdict had freed Fubara from the overbearing posture of his predecessor and estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike.
The group’s leader said, “The Rivers elders are very grateful to God for touching the mind of the Supreme Court to do what is right. They have saved Rivers State and they have saved Nigeria.
“We are also grateful because the right thing is done. We have nothing against Tonye Cole. He is our son. But as it stands today we don’t want Nyesom Wike to get third term. That is what Rivers people are fighting against.
“He has spent his constitutionally recommended two terms. He should not come through the backdoor to ask for a third term. And that matter has settled. But we know that the battle starts now. Why do I say so? Wike’s dogs must be removed. If we don’t remove those dogs, they will continue to harass and intimidate the governor.”
Talking about the suit filed by the group to challenge the pro-Wike lawmakers in the state House of Assembly, Sara-Igbe said, “They Assembly members are not legitimate Assembly members. They have decamped from the party that brought them to office contrary to Section 109, 1G and 2. And the court must define what the law says.
“We ask Mr President to intervene in the matter. But he never intervened in a manner as to bring peace. Rather he escalated the matter. And we are saying Mr President has no power to give directives, but he can make peace as the Chief Security Officer. So we want to define the powers of Mr President.
“We want the court to also define whether or not Mr President has the power to wave the constitution aside or wave judicial pronouncement aside. These are interpretations we need. So we are saying that the Assembly members must go first. Let the court interpret the law. We went to a court here (Port Harcourt), the judge, a hatchet man of Wike, the matter was not before him first. The matter was assigned to another judge. But surprisingly between Thursday and Friday night, the matter was moved to him. And he messed himself up by telling Nigerians and the National Judicial Council that he is not competent to be a judge. He struck out the case when the parties are not before him.
“Rivers State is owned by the citizens of Rivers State, and as elders we have come out to defend the people of Rivers State. So we are grateful to God for answering our first question, and they will answer our second question.”
The Rivers elders have sided with Fubara amid the political crisis between him and Wike. The group is opposed to the eight-point resolution, which Fubara signed at a reconciliatory meeting convened by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja in December.
The Tide also reports that the nation’s apex court dismissed the appeal filed by the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress challenging Fubara’s election.
The election tribunal and the Appeal Court had earlier struck out Cole’s suit for lack of merit.
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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