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Blocks Of Tyranny, Building Up In Nigeria -Shehu Sani
The immediate past Senator that represented Kaduna Central in 8th Assembly, Senator Shehu Sani has warned that “blocks of tyranny” are being built in the country by people in government who are becoming increasingly intolerant of criticism and are attempting to silence Nigerians.
Senator Sani who spoke in Kaduna at the Justice Summit and Banquet called on the 9th National Assembly to as a matter of urgency throw away the Social Media and the Hate Speech Bills.
”Nowadays, people in government are becoming intolerant to criticism and there is an attempt to silence people from questioning power. And that is dangerous.
“When people are in power, it is always good to remind themselves, that power is transient. If you deny people the right to express their opinion and hold the government to account, you should understand that, by the time you are out of power that will be your only protection and guarantee.
“So, my call to the National Assembly is to throw away the Social Media Bill and the Hate Speech Bill. The two bills are inimical and dangerous to democracy. They are subversive to democracy. The bills are threatening and will end up consuming our democracy if people have no right to express their opinion” he said.
According to Senator Sani, the two bills are not only inimical and dangerous but subversive to democracy.
He warned the present government to tread with caution and not deny Nigerians right to freedom of expression, noting that, the government would not have been able to clinch power in 2015 if people were denied rights to express their opinion. while commending organisers of the summit which had the theme ‘Governance, Impunity and Accountability in an Era of Populism’, the senator said such fora were needed to destroy the blocks of ‘tyranny building up in Nigeria’.
“This programme has provided us a platform to discuss issues of governance, democracy and rule of law and vigilance in defence of our freedom. We need platforms to continue to destroy the blocks of tyranny building up in Nigeria.
“I also call on the judiciary to be courageous and understand that, politicians will always coward them and manipulate them. Governments will come and go, but there will always be the law. And the danger of having a parliament and judiciary that cannot stand up for the constitution and the rule of law is that the nation will gradually slip into tyranny and that is a very dangerous thing to do.
“The democracy we are having today is a product of struggle and sacrifice of Nigerians. And there could not have been a change in 2015 if people were denied rights to express their opinion.
“So, I call on the ruling party and the people in power not to destroy the ladder that brought them to the throne of power. When they are out of power, it is going to be the only shield to protect them against persecution from whoever is going to come after them” e said.
Earlier in her address, Convener of the Summit and Chief Executive of House of Justice, Ballanson Gloria Mabeiam said the summit was aimed at breaking Nigeria and Africa from the gag of free press and speech, because the facts and the truth need to emerge, no matter whose ox is gored.
“More than five decades ago, freedom was conceived at a seminal period in the Nigerian-African journey to independence. Civil rights movement moved for the kind of freedom that allowed people the right to self-determination and the entrenchment of fundamental freedoms.
“Fifty-nine years after, we have a profile of a democracy that wrestles with its own identity. The weaponization of laws, the reality of insecurity, the attack on the free speech and the press and the increasingly constricted accountability forum demand that people across nations and continents galvanize to impeach impunity and entrench accountability and good governance” she said.
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