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Probe Justice Abang, Group Urges NJC
Irked by what it described as the plethora of conflicting court rulings rocking the Federal High Court, the Peoples Democratic Party National Youth Frontiers (PDPNYF), a frontline youth group within the opposition PDP, yesterday, called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate and address the inglorious acts of High Court judges issuing conflicting judgments.
Citing the rulings of Justice Okon Abang, which botched the August 17 National Convention of the PDP, as well as threw Abia State into confusion, the PDPNYF, in a statement by its Coordinator, Austin Okai, said the silence of the National Judicial Council, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, and the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court could only mean a confirmation of “our suspicion that Justice Okon Abang is not acting alone, and our judiciary is no longer an unbiased institution.”
Reacting to the events around the botched PDP August 17, 2016, National Convention held in Port Harcourt, the group said, “we observed in dismay the roles played by various state organs and a judicial officer before, during and after the August 17, 2016, rescheduled National Convention of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party.
“We condemn the deliberate act of Justice Okon Abang of Federal High Court, Abuja division to assume the role of an Appellate Court to hear a matter brought to him by ousted PDP Chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, and issued verdict to reverse the judgement of Justice Ibrahim Watila of Federal High Court, Port Harcourt division, who in suit number FHC/ PH/CS/585/2016, had previously issued a verdict stamping legality on the convention after the matter was brought before the learned justice by the Senator Ben Obi of PDP National Caretaker Committee.
“We consider the action of Justice Okon Abang to set aside the judgement of FHC, Port Harcourt, a court of concurrent jurisdiction as an affront to the judiciary and a show of judicial rascality, and we strongly condemn the action of the learned justice.
“We strongly condemn the deliberate act of members of Nigeria Police and the Army to seize the venue of the convention, preventing members and delegates of our great party from gaining access to the stadium despite a valid court order by Justice Ibrahim Watila of Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, which mandated them to ensure security and cooperation during the convention.
“It is regrettable that Nigeria has degenerated into a society where a Justice like Okon Abang that is supposed to uphold the tenets of justice will be the person putting himself in a position that suggests a deliberate act to subvert justice.
“It is important to note that the action of Justice Okon Abang was recently described by Justice Ogunwumiju of Court of Appeal as ‘a grave violence against the pillars of justice’ in the case between Uche Ogah and Okezie Ikpeazu.
“It is regrettable that our security agencies that are supposed to execute court judgements will instead flout the judgement by obstructing an important institution in a democracy from carrying out a legitimate task of holding its convention.
“We call on the National Judicial Council, the Chief Justice of the Federation, and the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to investigate and address the inglorious act of High Court judges issuing conflicting judgements in a particular subject. The silence of the National Judicial Council, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, and the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court is only a confirmation of our suspicion that Justice Okon is not acting alone, and our judiciary is no longer an unbiased institution.
“While we pledge our support to the Senator Ahmed Makarfi led National Caretaker Committee, we appeal to Senator Ali Modu Sheriff group to sheathe their sword and join hands to prepare the party for 2019.
“Finally, we warn the government of President Muhammadu Buhari and its agents to desist from interfering in the internal affairs of our party as we are prepared to resist such undemocratic move. We shall explore every means possible to ensure that our great party is not brought to disrepute by organs and agents of the state,” the group added.
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