News
NASS Can Prune Ministers’ List – Okocha
As Nigerians groan under the high cost of governance in the present democratic dispensation, a legal luminary in Rivers State and former National President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Chief O.C.J Okocha, has said that only the National Assembly can effect reduction in the number of ministers in the country.
Chief Okocha who said this while reacting to the call by the Presidential Advisory Council (PAC) to reduce the number of ministers, said that the presidency was right to have rejected the call.
The former NBA President who spoke in a telephone interview with The Tide on the issue said that the National Assembly could decide the number of ministerial appointments in the country through the amendment of the constitution.
He said that although it was the wish of Nigerians for the country to have a small size and efficient cabinet, constitutionally, the Federal Executive Council must reflect the 36 states of the federation.
Chief Okocha, however, stressed the need for the National Assembly to take a second look at the issue by amending the relevant sections of the constitution.
President Goodluck Jonathan had said that he preferred a leaner and more efficient cabinet but was constrained by constitutional provisions.
Jonathan stated this at a valedictory session with members of the Presidential Advisory Committee (PAC), who had wound up their assignments.
According to him, the federal cabinet in the country was large due to the constitutional provision which stipulates that each state of the country must produce a minister.
“Your suggestion for a smaller cabinet is excellent and I agree with you, but this cannot be achieved without constitutional amendment,’’ he said.
The president said, however, that the suggestions and advice which PAC offered to the government played a key role in stabilising the administration.
He assured the members that their final report would form part of the policy direction of the incoming administration.
Jonathan thanked them for accepting to serve the nation in spite of their individual schedules, and informed them that the Federal Government would continue to tap from their wealth of experience in the years ahead.
Earlier, the Chairman of PAC, retired Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, said they were privileged to have been selected to proffer advice to the new administration.
He advised the president to apply the same diligence he applied in selecting the PAC members to the appointment of his new cabinet from among the abundant qualified Nigerians willing to serve the country.
Our correspondent recalled that the committee was constituted by Jonathan as acting president on March 1 and was inaugurated on May 5 last year.
Jonathan had charged the members to provide alternative inputs into policy formulation in the areas of power, economy, security, infrastructure, social sector, electoral process and anti-corruption
In a related development, experts in policy making have lauded the directive by President Goodluck Jonathan to the Presidential Advisory Council to review the country’s foreign policy.
Speaking with newsmen in Abuja, Dr Joseph Golwa, the Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, said there was the need to review the policy.
Describing the directive as apt and proper, Golwa said the review would provide a clear leadership direction for the new administration.
According to him, given Nigeria’s present role in the international community, the community was expecting a lot from the country.
“I use the word apt and timely because it’s to provide the clear direction for the new cabinet on what they are expected to focus on as far as our foreign policy is concerned.
“The international community is expecting to have some major positions from Nigeria and this statement coming like this shows that they would begin to have at the back of their minds that we are expecting a very major, proactive position as far as foreign policy is concerned for Nigeria,” he said.
He stressed the need for key players in the sector to work in harmony for the successful implementation of the policy.
“Every policy will require the harmonious cooperation of every stakeholder for it to be successfully implemented and with issues of foreign policies you don’t expect anybody to play a different role if you are a major stakeholder.
“The co-operation of every other person is necessary because it is through such cooperation and shared views you will be able to get to achieve your objectives and mission,” he 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
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