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PDP Leadership Crisis: Appeal Court Adjourns Hearing
The Abuja Division of the Appeal Court yesterday adjourned its hearing in the ongoing leadership tussle within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
A three member panel of justices led by Ibrahim Salauwa gave the ruling following an application by counsel to former governor Ali Sheriff faction of the party, Akin Olujimi.
Mr. Olujimi had requested an adjournment by the court to allow the Port Harcourt Division of the appellate court conclude on a similar application.
He prayed the court to allow his application to prevent the emergence of contrasting judgements in the matter.
The counsel representing the Ahmed Makarfi faction, Emmanuel Ukala, opposed the application. Therefore, the appellate court sought a few hours adjournment after which it would listen to the arguments of both parties.
About 6 hours later, Mr. Ibrahim said the court would have to adjourn and fix another date to listen to the arguments.
He acknowledged the efforts of parties for their patience in waiting and said the case had been adjourned till December 15.
While the application at the Abuja Division of the appellate court was filed by Ahmed Makarfi faction of the PDP; the one filed at the Port Harcourt Division was by Alhaji Ali Sheriff.
Mr. Makarfi seeks to upturn the judgement of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court which on June 29 declared his emergence as leader of the party a product of impunity.
Mr. Sheriff on his part asked the Appeal Court in Port Harcourt to nullify the judgement by a high court in the state, presided over by Ahmed Liman which validated the national convention where Mr. Makarfi was elected.
The Port Harcourt Division of the court gave no specific date for its next hearing during the last sitting on November 24.
Meanwhile, The Senate was in a rowdy session over the defection of Senator Yele Omogunwa to the All Progressives Congress as senators elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party staged a walk-out.
Senator Omogunwa had written a letter to the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, informing him of his defection from the PDP to the APC in order to support the Governor-elect of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredoluý
However, trouble started on the floor of the Senate immediately the letter of his defection was read by Saraki.
The Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, came through order 43 to fault the defection of Omogunwa, arguing that the only ground he could defect is if there was division within the PDP, which he said no longer exits as specified by section 68 (C) of 1999 constitution, as amended.
Akpabio raised the point of order saying that Omogunwa’s seat should be declared vacant because the seat is owned by the PDP not APC.
The matter worsened when a constitutional order was raised by Senator Dino Melaye, citing section 68 of the 1999 constitution, as amended.
Melaye argued that based on that constitutional order, Omogunwa has the right to defect to the APC, adding that there was crisis going on in the PDP.
However, Senator Peter Nwabochi protested, saying the Senate President had ruled on that issue and there is no need for Melaye to speak on the matter.
Infuriated by the development, the PDP Senators staged a walkout from plenary session to express their dissatisfaction to the development.
Addressing journalists, Akpabio said that what is expected by the Senate leadership is to declare the seat of Omgunwa vacant in order to put an ýend to political rascality.
He said: “We felt that, for today, the way we see it, is that maybe our contributions are not wanted and the excitement of the ruling APC is that they can do it on their own.
“I don’t think that will augur well for the democracy.
“So, we have to make our point very clear to the nation that, yes, we do not support political rascality and this is not the right time for somebody to cross carpet, realising that the party is one.
“And the moment there is no division in a political party and you cross carpet, you cannot go there and sit down with your relish, you should be ashamed of yourself because automatically your seat is in peril.
“At the appropriate time, I believe that working with the caucus, we will work with the national leadership of our party to take a correct legal pronouncement and ensure that the seat is declared vacant.
“Just like you observed, the reason for his jumping the ship from PDP to APC this morning is in order for him to go and support the new governor-elect, Akeredolu.
“That is the reason.
“It is not on the basis that there is a division in the PDP and that is not recognised by the law.
“He stated in his letter that he wanted to go and support Akeredolu.
“He should do so by resigning and giving back our seat.
“He also needs to know that the seat he was occupying, he was doing so in proxy.
“The seat belongs to the PDP.
“The seat does not belong to him.
“If he wishes to go and support his governor-elect, he has the right to resign from the seat and give back our seat to us and the legal process will follow and we will fill the vacancy.
“It is not for him to jump from a corner of the chamber to the other to support his governor-elect.
“It is not for him to do so.
“He ought to resign and go there to become a commissioner or a special assistant or adviser, not to trade the seat of the PDP.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has unveiled plans to permanently relocate the dumpsite along the busy Port Harcourt Airport–Obiri-Ikwerre Road, describing the current location as both a public health threat and a damaging first impression for visitors arriving in Port Harcourt, the State capital.
The Governor made this known on Tuesday during an inspection of a proposed replacement site, which is a disused burrow pit near Bambo Estate, off Eneka Road in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area.
The location is being assessed as a potential permanent dumpsite for the State.
Governor Fubara, who was conducted by the Board Chairman, Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), Dr Samuel Nwanosike, and its Managing Director, Dr Ibimina Wokoma, expressed concern about the environmental and health challenges posed by the existing site, which sits along a major entry point into the State.
“The kind of environmental hazards that we are facing there along the Airport–Obiri- Ikwerre Road; the smell on that road being the entrance into the State, we felt it’s not proper,” he said. “So, we are making alternative arrangements so we can have a permanent refuse dumpsite that meets acceptable standards.
“He added that the government would move swiftly to formalise ownership of the land and complete construction work on the access road to make the new site functional.“We have not concluded the issue of the burrow pit, but the access road, I think the government is doing something about it.
So, I will make sure that everything that needs to be done to ensure government owns this burrow pit is done,” he stated.
Governor Fubara also commended the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) for what he described as a more assertive and improved approach to managing refuse across the State.In addition to the dumpsite inspection, the Governor also visited the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters located in Elimgbu Town, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, to assess the extent of ongoing construction work on the facility.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Benibo Anabraba, to uphold the dignity of his office, protect the interest of the State, and discharge his duties with honour, respect, and responsibility.
Governor Fubara gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony of the new SSG, held on Monday at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
Describing Anabraba’s appointment as an act of divine favour, the Governor said positions of leadership are not attained by our own human effort but by God’s grace in our lives.
“Let me first congratulate you. I’m using the word ‘congratulations’ because a few of us, not by our power but by the special favour of God, find ourselves in exalted positions. It’s not because we are the best, but only by His grace.”
Governor Fubara noted that the Office of the Secretary to the State Government is one of great honour, occupied by only a few since the creation of Rivers State, and urged the new appointee to serve with humility and dedication.
He, however, expressed confidence in Anabraba’s capacity to deliver, citing his past record as a principal officer of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“This position is a rare privilege. Guard that office with honour. Discharge your duties with respect. Protect the interest of Rivers State. When you leave office, let it be with honour, and that only comes through responsible service.
“I know you’re a dedicated person. This opportunity is not for show or display of power. It’s a call to duty,” he cautioned.
The Governor emphasised that the current administration is focused on restoring confidence of the people because peace has been achieved in the State.
He enjoined the new SSG to align with the vision of the administration and contribute meaningfully to the collective progress of Rivers people.
“We are emerging from a very difficult period and must reassure our people that we mean well for them, especially now that peace has returned to Rivers State. By the grace of God, do your work well. Help us succeed in this assignment that God has given to us,” the Governor added.
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Nigeria’s First Lady Flags Off Renewed Hope Health Initiative In Rivers …Targets Measles, Rubella, HPV Vaccination For Children, Women
The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reiterated her commitment to expanding vaccine coverage nationwide, declaring that the ongoing Measles and Rubella vaccination campaign in Rivers State will surpass all previous records in scope and success.
Speaking through the wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, Senator Tinubu made this statement during the flag-off ceremony of the Measles, Rubella, and HPV Vaccine Sensitisation Campaign, organised under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Port Harcourt on Monday.
The campaign, implemented by the RHI in collaboration with the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board, C-WINS, and international partners including WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, and Vaccine Alliance, aims to protect millions of children and women from preventable diseases.
“We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the measles vaccine coverage achieved through this campaign exceeds that of the past,” Senator Tinubu affirmed. “Through technical and financial support, this partnership will ensure that by February, 2026, well-trained staff are deployed across communities to vaccinate all eligible children.”
Rivers State is among the Fourth Stream of Phase One states participating in Africa’s largest-ever health initiative, targeting over 106 million Nigerian children for vaccination against Measles, Rubella, Polio, and HPV. The local rollout is expected to commence in February, 2026, reaching children aged 9 months to 14 years across all 23 local government areas.
Senator Tinubu highlighted the risks of the targeted diseases, describing Measles and Rubella as “highly contagious and potentially deadly,” noting that Rubella can cause severe complications for unborn babies, if contracted by pregnant women.
“The best way to prevent both diseases remains vaccination,” she emphasised.
Narrowing down to efforts by the Rivers State Ministry of Health, the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, and the State Task Force on Primary Healthcare, led by Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, she noted how instrumental it has been in ensuring comprehensive outreach through an inter-sectoral approach involving education, women affairs, information ministries, traditional and religious leaders, and the security sector.
Senator Tinubu urged parents and caregivers to cooperate fully with health workers.
“The Measles-Rubella vaccine is safe, effective, and free in all our health centres. Please, ensure your children are vaccinated at the right time to protect them from these deadly infections.
“Let us all play our part in spreading awareness. Together, we can safeguard the health and future of our children,” she said, before formally declaring the sensitisation programme open.
In her goodwill message, Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, commended the Renewed Hope Initiative for its sustained impact in Rivers State, noting that the Measles, Rubella, and HPV Sensitisation Programme marks “a significant step in promoting public health awareness, particularly among women and children.”
She highlighted the particular benefit to the girl-child through HPV vaccination, calling it “an investment in their future health and empowerment.”
The Rivers State Coordinator of WHO, Prof. Giwa Abdulganiyu, praised the collaboration between RHI and the State Government, describing the campaign as “a worthy step in the right direction,” and reaffirmed WHO’s continued partnership in achieving health for all.
Earlier, the RHI Rivers State Coordinator, Mrs. Tonye Briggs-Oniyide, welcomed guests, and reaffirmed the initiative’s goal of reducing the incidence of Measles and Rubella in the state.
“These diseases have the potential to cause emergencies and great distress in families. Today’s flag-off represents our collective determination to raise awareness and prevent such tragedies,” she added.