Nation
You Are Meddlesome Interloper, Gbajabiamila Raps Ossai
The Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, yesterday, taunted his colleague, Hon. Ossai Nicholas Ossai, likening him to a meddlesome interloper.
The rap stemmed for the defection of the member representing Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rep. Abiola Peter Makinde, from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Gbajabiamila had announced Makinde’s defection via a letter addressed to him by the defecting lawmaker at yesterday plenary.
Reading the letter, Gbajabiamila quoted the lawmaker as saying that he left his former party due to a protracted leadership crisis and other internal wrangling.
But before reading the letter, Gbajabiamila had noticed the absence of the principal officers from the minority caucus, and called Hon. Obinna Chidoka from Anambra PDP to act as the minority leader.
Having taken his seat, the speaker then moved on to read the letter.
It had become a culture for members of the opposition to kick whenever one of their own defects to APC.
This also played out as Chidoka rose to protest.
But this time, he delegated the function to Ossai (PDP, Delta State) who had already armed himself with a copy of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and was eager to speak.
But the speaker inquired to know in what capacity he was speaking.
“Are you speaking as the acting minority leader,” Gbajabiamila asked.
This question prompted both Chidoka and Ossai to clear the air, explaining that he had been mandated by the speaker’s appointed acting minority leader to speak for the caucus on the matter.
With the floor yielded to Ossai, he swiftly objected to the defection, saying that defections were being done without recourse to the extant provisions of the law.
He cited the relevant sections of the Constitution, specifically Section 68 Subsection 1(g) of the Constitution, which stipulates that a member of the Senate or that of the House of Representatives shall vacate his seat if his election to any of the two chambers was sponsored by a political party and he or she later chooses to become a member of another political party before the expiration of the period for which that House was elected, provided that his membership of the latter political party is not as a result of a division in the political party of which he was previously a member or of a merger of two or more political parties or factions by one of which he was previously sponsored.
Ossai also made reference to a subsisting Supreme Court judgment on matters of defection, reasoning that unless plausible facts were established, reasons advanced by the defecting lawmaker were not tenable.
But the Speaker, in response, said the reason for Makinde’s defection was clearly stated in the letter he read.
He then proceeded to ask whether he knew the name of the chairman of the ADC or familiar with the party activities.
Gbajabiamila, a lawyer, further took on Ossai on the point of law from the background that he had copiously quoted the law.
“I have just read out the letter from the member telling us reasons why he’s leaving. That has always been the reason. Can I ask you the name of the chairman of the party where he defected from? Do you know”? he asked.
But Ossai demurred in the questions.
In response, Gbajabiamila said, “since you have quoted the law, let me say this. In law, there is what is called a meddlesome interloper. It means you have no locus to speak. You can’t speak for the party. It is only a member of ADC that can speak. Therefore, I rule you out of order.”
Makinde’s defection marked the third within two weeks in the list of lawmakers who defected to APC.
It would be recalled that Hon Yakubu Shehu Abdullahi of the Peoples Redemption Party (Bauchi, PRP) and former Senate President, David Mark’s daughter, Hon. Blessing Onu (Benue, APGA), penultimate Tuesday, exited their respective parties for the APC.
The Arewa /Northern Community in Rivers state has appointed Alhaji Shuaibu Wada Madawakin Tilda as the Acting Dan Buran Rivers State.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Cabinet Council.
The appointment follows the dethronement of the former occupant,
Alhaji Musa Saeedu.
A statement from the Palace of the Sarkin Arewa/Northern Community (Sarkin Hausawan) in Rivers State and signed by His Royal Highness, Alhaji Hussaini Isah said the dethronement is with immediate effect.
The statement further disclosed that the decision follows an allegation of acts of insubordination and conduct considered contrary to the values, discipline, and traditions of the Northern community perpetuated by the Fmr Dan Buran.
The statement advised the public to discontinue to recognising and addressing Alhaji Musa Saeedu as the Dan Buran of the State, adding that he no longer holds the title and remained suspended.
Responding via telephone interview, Alhaji Musa Saeedu said he will not make any comment regarding the matter.
The Alliance Française of Port Harcourt opened its doors to more than sixty French language teachers from Port Harcourt and across Rivers State at the weekend for an afternoon dedicated to celebration, creativity, and community spirit.
The event which was Supported by the Embassy of France in Nigeria, forms part of the global celebrations marking the Journée Internationale du Professeur de Français (French Teachers Day) a day officially set aside to observe worldwide every 20 November.
The Tide Entertainment reports that every year, French teachers around the globe are honoured for the passion and dedication they bring into their classrooms.In 2025, the theme chosen “Chanter, jouer, enseigner: la francophonie en musique” (Sing, Play, Teach: Francophonie in Music) invited the entire community to explore the joy of teaching through song, performance, and artistic expression.
A Day that brings teachers together for the French teaching community in Port Harcourt, this celebration is much more than a ceremony, it is a rare moment to step away from the classroom and reconnect with the simple joy of sharing, learning, and creating together.
The Alliance Française transformed the occasion into a space buzzing with music and entertainment. Teachers from primary schools, secondary schools, universities, and adult learning centers gathered to exchange ideas, reconnected with colleagues, and discover each other’s talents in an atmosphere filled with warmth and friendship.
Honouring Creativity with the theme “Our Teachers Have Talent!”This year, the Embassy of France launched a national contest titled “Nos profs ont du talent!” (“Our Teachers Have Talent !”), participants were invited to either interpret or create a Francophone song.For a month, from 13 October to 13 November 2025, teachers from across the country submitted their performances online, filling the digital space with francophone music.While winners of this nationwide competition were announced.
According to the the Director, Mrs Marina Lacal, Alliance Française Port Harcourt, excitement and anticipation were added to the celebrations, saying that in Port Harcourt, the festivities went even further. Port Harcourt experienced a Unique Celebration that went beyond the online competition, Alliance Française Port Harcourt created something special, an event where teachers met physically, shared moment of joy, and present their musical talents live.On stage, teachers sang the songs they love and those they have created, showcasing the creativity that animates their classrooms every day.
She explained that that off stage, they( participants )shared stories, network with colleagues, laughed together, and celebrated their unique contribution to the promotion of the French language in Rivers State.This gathering is also a moment of recognition. Every day, French teachers open doors for thousands of learners, children discovering their first French words, teenagers preparing for exams, university students shaping their future careers, and adults embracing new opportunities.
“Today, the spotlight shines on them. More Than an Event, A Tribute to Their Dedication The 2025 celebration in Port Harcourt was a heartfelt tribute to the teachers who make French come alive, those who inspire, guide, and encourage learners with unwavering commitment,” Mrs. Lacal said
The Director explained that It recognises their resilience, their creativity, and their essential role in building bridges between cultures.By offering them a moment of relaxation, fun, artistic expression, and professional networking, Alliance Française Port Harcourt reaffirms its mission to support educators, strengthen the teaching community, and celebrate the vibrant energy of the Francophonie in Nigeria.
Climax of the exciting event was the presentation of prizes to winners of the competition.
The Chairman Advisory Committee on Entertainment and Performing Arts, Khana Local Government Area, Hon. Lexy M. Mueka has expressed gratitude to the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area Dr. Thomas Bariere for his support and vision in promoting entertainment as a tool for peacebuilding and youth engagement.
Hon Mueka made this known to the Tide Entertainment during a recently concluded concert tagged “OGONI ARISE CONCERT” held at the No. 6 Field, Old Port Harcourt Township.
According to him, the concert was not just an event but a movement aimed at reawakening the cultural consciousness of the Ogoni people and inspiring the younger generation to use their talents positively.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the event, organized by Triple 3 Entertainment under the auspices of the office of the Chairman Advisory committee on Entertainment and Performing Arts to the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, was a vibrant celebration of peace, unity, and cultural renaissance among the Ogoni people.
“Conceptualized as a platform to promote social harmony, empower young creatives, and showcase the rich artistic heritage of Ogoniland, the Ogoni Arise Concert succeeded in bringing together community leaders, entertainers, and the general public in a rare show of solidarity. The event featured electrifying performances by indigenous and regional artistes, dance troupes, comedians, and cultural ambassadors, all united under one message — Ogoni is rising again,” Hon. Mueka said.
“The Ogoni Arise Concert was designed to remind us of who we are — a people of strength, creativity, and unity. We wanted to show that entertainment can be a bridge for peace, a voice for our youth, and a celebration of our identity,” he added.
The event also featured a special Award Presentation Ceremony recognizing distinguished Ogoni sons and daughters who have made remarkable contributions in areas such as leadership, humanitarian service, creative excellence, and cultural promotion. The awards added a touch of prestige and purpose, reinforcing the concert’s theme of celebrating excellence while inspiring future generations.
Security at the event venue was top-notch, turnout of attendance impressive, and the atmosphere electric throughout the night.
Meanwhile, guests and participants had described the event as “historic, well-organized, and truly uplifting.”
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