Politics
CAN Urges Christian Participation In Politics
The River State Christian Ecumenical Centre, Port Harcourt, under the auspices of the Christian Association of Nigerian (CAN), has urged Christians to participate actively in the electoral process as part of their civic responsibilities in the society.
The advice was given during a one-day voters sensitisation and education programme organised by the apex Christian leadership body in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Delivering his welcome address, the Chairman, Rivers State Ecumenical Centre, Rev Dan Obinna said the programme was to “educate the public, including the church, on the need to exercise our civic responsibilities with understanding and knowledge”.
He said CAN was deeply concerned about the apathy of the citizenry, especially christians, in politics due to “ignorance, misconceptions and misinformation from some quarters,”.
He noted that CAN as a body has it as a social responsibility to sensitise and educate the public on social, political, moral issues among others.
Speaking at the event, the Resident Electoral Commission or (REC) in Rivers State, Obo Efangha, expressed concern over the growing incidents of electoral violence, in Rivers State, as characterised by the Port Harcourt Constituency III bye election.
Assuring the conduct of free, credible and fair election in the state, the REC called on stakeholders, such as security agencies and the political parties, not to heat up the polity but play their roles in line with constitutional provisions.
The INEC boss expressed regret that INEC officials have become the target of electoral violence, noting that many of the staff, in Rivers State were attacked during the said re-run polls.
He commended CAN for the initiative and called on other stakeholders to join hands in the sensitization of the public against electoral violence.
On his part, the Director of the Rivers State Orientation Agency (NOA), in Rivers State, Mr. Oliver Wolugbom, said the prevalence of election violence and other political vices were a result of the non-challant attitudes of church and Christians in general.
“Most religious leaders glorify politician rather than scolding them against their excess,” he said, and called for a concerted effort on the part of critical stakeholders towards addressing the issues.
Also Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Zaki Ahmed said the police was poised towards creating a conducive environment for voters to exercise their civic responsibilities through voting candidates of their choice.
The Commssioner warned police officers against any involvement in electoral crimes, noting that only assigned officers would be allowed to participate in the conduct of elections.
Taneh Beemene &Isioma Robinson
Politics
Gov Alia Appoints TuFace As Adviser

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has appointed Nigerian music legend, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as TuFace, as his Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach.
In a viral video on Wednesday, Governor Alia praised TuFace for all the support towards his administration.
The Governor stated that TuFace can do more.
He stated, “On behalf of the Benue State Government and our very good people, we want to give you some more responsibility plus the ones you have been doing because you have the capacity to do some more and help us chart a way forward to improve other people’s lives and to gain more from your wisdom and advice as well.
“So, I’m pleased to announce that we will make you a Technical Adviser to the Governor on Entertainment and Community Outreach.”
Politics
Oborevwori, Okowa Dump PDP For APC

Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement was made following a closed-door meeting at the Government House in Asaba on Wednesday.
The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, confirmed the development in a telephone conversation with The Tide’s source.
Similarly, the defection of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was announced on Wednesday in Asaba by Senator James Manager, following a meeting that lasted over six hours at the Government House.
Senator Manager said all PDP members in the State, including the Governor, former Governor Okowa, the Speaker, the state party chairman, and all local government chairmen, had agreed to join the APC.
“We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat,” he said.
The decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders and was made in the interest of Delta State’s long-term development.
Governor Oborevwori, who won the 2023 gubernatorial election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was received by senior APC officials in what political analysts are already describing as a strategic realignment with far-reaching implications ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Politics
Speakers Conference Tasks FG, Governors On Wanton Killings
The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria has condemned the recent wave of killings in Plateau, Borno, Benue, Niger State and most recently, Kwara State, calling on the federal and state governments to take urgent steps to stem the tide.
Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Adebo Ogundoyin, stated this in a statement issued in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Rt Hon. Ogundoyin, who is the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, said the gruesome killings had led to tragic loss of lives, widespread displacement, and unimaginable trauma for thousands of Nigerians.
“We are alarmed by the escalating insecurity in the land and the seeming helplessness with which these attacks are met. The time for mere condemnation and rhetoric has passed; urgent and coordinated action is now required at all levels of government to end these bloodbaths and restore peace and order.
“While we acknowledge that defence and national security fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Government, we must stress that every level of government bears responsibility for the security and welfare of the people. State governors, in particular, must rise to the occasion and fully understand that governance is not limited to road construction and ceremonial functions. True governance is rooted in the protection of lives, the preservation of order, and the alleviation of suffering,” he said.
He called on state governments to complement the efforts of the Federal Government by making and enforcing enabling laws for community policing and other grassroots-driven security models.
According to him, States must develop proactive frameworks that integrate local intelligence, social support systems, and youth engagement in the fight against insecurity.
The conference also urged the Federal Government to meaningfully engage the citizenry and introduce bold, practical measures to cushion the hardship caused by its current economic policies.
“Millions of Nigerians are groaning under the weight of inflation, unemployment, and a cost-of-living crisis. It is imperative that relief initiatives—targeted, transparent, and impactful—are rolled out without delay. Dialogue, not distance, must define the relationship between the government and its people at this critical time.
“The Conference of Speakers affirms its commitment to supporting all legislative actions necessary to restore security, promote justice, and foster inclusive governance across the country. The killings in Benue, Niger, Plateau, Borno, Kwara, and any part of Nigeria must not be allowed to continue unchecked. Justice must prevail, and peace must be restored.
“Let it be known: the safety, dignity, and well-being of every Nigerian must remain the top priority of all arms and levels of government,” Rt Hon. Ogundoyin said.
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