The Bayelsa State Football Association, BSFA says it will continue to invest in the betterment of the referees in the State.
Chairman of the Association, Barr Poubeni Ogun gave the assurance at the 3rd Refresher course for referees at the Golden Tulip Resort, Onopa, Yenagoa ahead of the tournament.
The chairman, who was represented by the secretary of the Bayelsa State Football Association, BSFA, Mr. Diseye Nwankwe, noted that the refresher courses for the referees over the years have placed referees from Bayelsa above their contemporaries in other states.
According to him, the introduction of the referees training into the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament has changed the fortunes of the state referees, stating that referees from the Bayelsa State Council are among the best-behaved referees in the country.
Barr Ogun, while commending the organizers of the tournament for the laudable initiative, noted that the continuous training has improved the capacity of the referees, that the FA is pleased with the good reports it is receiving about Bayelsa umpires, urging them to maintain the standard and not compromise.
He noted that the refresher course was not just an event but an investment in football that would yield productive fruits for Bayelsa in the future, describing referees as custodians of fair play, integrity and discipline.
The State FA boss explained that the duty of a referee goes beyond just the enforcement of the laws of the game, and urged all the participants to make good use of the opportunity before them.
He appreciated the programme facilitators for sharing their wealth of experience to the younger generation of referees in the State, charging the referees to implement everything they have learned from the exercise when the competition commences.
Barr. Ogun equally lauded the Director General of the tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe and his team for their foresight towards updating the capacity of referees in the State.
Bayelsa Football Association Boss Thumbs Up Prosperity Cup Organizers
Gov. Diri Restates Call For IOCs To Fund Prosperity Cup
… As Tournament Organizers Conclude Season 8 Draws
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri has charged multinational oil companies and other corporate organizations operating in the state to complement the efforts of government in the area of sports development.
The Governor gave the charge while speaking during the presentation of branded jersey to him by members of the Central Organizing Committee (COC) of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, also known as the Prosperity Cup.
Governor Diri also kick-started the process of the conduct of the official draws of the tournament. In addition, he performed the ceremonial distribution of kits — comprising footballs, players and coaches’ jerseys, shorts and football hoses, to three out of the 257 teams registered for the 2026 edition of the tournament, namely Afini Ladies of Amarata, Agbere FC of Agbere community and one of the para-soccer teams.
Senator Diri, who expressed delight at how the tournament has grown from a modest competition in 2015 to becoming Nigeria’s biggest grassroots competition, commended organisers of the tournament for the great job they are doing.
Still speaking on the phenomenal growth of the tournament, Governor Diri said government alone could not develop sports and called on oil companies, other corporate organizations and well-meaning Bayelsans to support the tournament, maintaining that sports remains a vital tool to curb youth restiveness.
According to the governor, who also said the development of sports in any nation was incomplete without the grassroots sports development, pointing out that his administration remains committed to youth engagement and empowerment through sports.
He commended the organizers of the tournament for putting together a refresher course for referees of the State Referees Council, urging the umpires to be upright in the discharge of their duties during the competition.
He equally appreciated lead sponsors of the tournament, Premium Trust Bank, Linkage Assurance Nig. Ltd, Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, and the Board of Internal Revenue for investing in sports development for their support.
Also Deputy Director General of the tournament, Mr. Perela Aboro, described the main draws which took place shortly after at the Golden Tulip Resort Secretariat of the organisers of the Prosperity Cup, as transparent to every team, maintaining that this year’s edition would be the best in terms of organization.
He noted that all hands were on deck to ensure that the competition was hitch-free in the various centres, adding that every effort was made to ensure teams were close to their base to cut high cost of transportation.
Coach Perez Walson of FC De-Lavida, who in an interview, noted that he was prepared for the tournament, said he was particularly excited about the coaching clinic, adding that this year’s edition would be historic.
Meanwhile, the draws conducted saw Canaan FC up against Sangana FC at the Okpoama centre in Brass Local Government Area, Ibidi FC will welcome Igoni FC of Igoni, Tough Dynamites will entertain Egweama FC as Amaogbo FC confronts Formosa FC.
Fantua FC will battle Okoroba FC at the Opu-Nembe centre in the Nembe LGA; Young Ranger FC will take on Mangrove Ace FC while Okoroma United are drawn by. Genesis FC will keep a date with Victory FC, MC FC will lock horns with Nembe City as Fisherman Sons FC are on stand-bye.
The Kolo centre in Ogbia Local Government Area will see Abagi FC tango Diocese of Ogbia, Movers FC of Otuasega battles Emeyal 2 FC, Ewoi FC of Ewoi will face neighbours Onuebum FC, as Bayelsa State College of Health Technology, BYCOTECH FC faces Chief Street FC.
The Prosperity Cup Season 8, which is being organized in conjunction with the Bayelsa State Ministry of Sports Development, will be preceded by a four-day International Coaching Clinic for grassroots football coaches in the state, to be conducted by officials of Spanish football giants, FC Barcelona, who are our international technical advisers.
Prosperity Cup 2026: Organizers Conclude Training For Medics Ahead Of Tournament
Organizers of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup, have concluded a one-day training for medical personnel ahead of the 2026 edition of the showpiece.
The exercise which was held at the Golden Tulip Apartments and Resort, Onopa Yenagoa had two sessions, practical and theoretical sessions.
The training for medical personnel is one of several pre-tournament capacity-building initiatives being put in place by the organizers of the tournament to prepare every department before the commencement of the competition. The training programmes started with the referees’ refresher training, followed by the training for Medics.
An FC Barcelona/Prosperity Cup International Coaching Clinic is scheduled to hold on Monday, February 23, with the Match Centre Coordinators and Media personnel training, coming up immediately after.
While speaking at the opening ceremony of the medical personnel training, Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Dr. James Omietimi, said the training was apt because it would prepare medics with the basic rudiments.
He commended the organizers of the tournament for strengthening every department with the requisite skills before the commencement of the tournament, pointing out that the medical department is an essential part of sports.
In his remarks, former member of the CAF Medical Committee, Dr. Peter Singabele, who is currently the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission, BYSIEC, gave the organizers the thumbs up, for their yearly innovations, stating that the continuous innovations have shown that the Prosperity Cup being tagged the biggest grassroots football tournament in the nation was not a fluke.
Chairman of the Bayelsa State Football Association, BSFA, Barr Poubeni Ogun, who was represented by the Secretary of the Association, Mr. Diseye Nwankwe, likened the exercise to the save-a-life initiative by the Nigeria Football Federation NFF, describing the programme as “massive”.
The resource person, Dr Iteido Noel Orukari, an Emergency Medicine Specialist at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, highlighted the principles of emergency management which is anchored on the acronym (ABCDE) which means “Airways maintenance”, “Breathing Assessment”, “Circulation and Bleeding Control”, “Exposure” and “Environmental Control”.
Dr. Orukari equally enumerated the common sports emergencies which include sudden cardiac arrest, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, fracture dislocation, sprain and strain, head injuries and concussion, spinal injuries, and bleeding.
He explained that for emergencies to be prevented in sports, players must undergo pre-participation medical screening, Adequate warm up and hydration, protective equipment, proper coaching and conditioning as well as an emergency action plan in place.
Dr Orukari appreciated the organizers of the tournament for the training, adding that it is capable of averting emergencies when the competition commences.
Some of the participants, Diete Spiff Michael, Gift Preye, a student of the Federal University, Otuoke, Biu Victoria Oyintokoni, a nurse, all said the training programme was refreshing, maintaining that they are ready to discharge their duties with utmost professionalism.
They appreciated the government and the organizers of the tournament for the laudable initiative, adding that the exercise has exposed them to what they are expected to face during the tournament.
The medics training programme is organized in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Ministry of Sports Development.
DG Prosperity Cup Applauds NDDC Over Support for Sports Development
By Alambo Datonye
Director General of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe has given plaudits to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for its investment in sports Development in the country.
Mr. Akpe, driver of the vision of the biggest grassroots football competition in Africa, who spoke on the sidelines of the ongoing 2nd Niger Delta Games at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, said the funding provided by the Commission had immensely triggered a sports revolution in the region and the nation at large.
‘What we saw in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State during the 1st edition of the Niger Delta Games and what we are seeing in the second edition in Benin City, shows that there is a deliberate and structured attempt to develop sports in the Niger Delta and in the country. We must therefore commend the NDDC for this, especially the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Chairman and the entire Board for this massive support for sports. Yes, it is enough to build bridges, roads, airports, but if you don’t develop human capacity, then you leave a huge lacuna in society’, he enthused.
Mr. Akpe, who is a member of the Main Organising Committee for the Niger Delta Games, urged other States, the organized private sector and other organisations to take a cue from Bayelsa to support the NDDC’s efforts, noting that investment in sports creates employment for citizens, take the youths off the streets, crimes and social vices and make the society a safer place for everyone.
He also gave kudos to the project initiators and organisers of the Niger Delta Games, Dunamis Icon for the vision of introducing the first ever regional sports festival in the country.
‘Let me also give thumbs up to the vision bearer, Sir Itiako Malik Ikpokpo for initiating this. May God strengthen him and his team and give him the wisdom to take these Games to greater heights. With this, we have seen that local talent could transform any project. With these two editions, they have taken sports development and management to another level. It is not easy coordinating nine States and bringing them to one location, equipping, kitting, accommodating, feeding and funding them. This is really massive and I want to encourage them to do more’, the DG stated.
The Director General said organisers of the Prosperity Cup were in serious discussion with the NDDC, expressing the hope that the talks would bear fruits soonest, especially with the international brand, FC Barcelona coming into the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament as International Technical Advisers.
Mr. Akpe who said with such brand and the NDDC coming in, sports and football development in Bayelsa and the Niger Delta would get to a different pedestal by increasing professional level of coaching, scouting, talent identification and promotion, as well as exposing young footballers to better professional contracts in the major leagues in Europe and other parts of the world.
He thanked key partners such as Premium Trust Bank, Linkage Assurance, Binad Waters and recently, the Nigerian Customs Service through the Comptroller General of Customs, who is also the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation and has encouraged the Prosperity Cup just as he called on others to take a cue and support the tournament.
Niger Delta Games Will be Sustained, NDDC Boss Assures
The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has assured that the Niger Delta Games will be sustained, urging state governments to join in sponsoring the sports fiesta.
Ogbuku gave the assurance during the opening ceremony of the 2nd edition of the Niger Delta Games at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, Edo State, as contained in a statement by, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, NDDCs, Director, Corporate Affairs.
The NDDC Chief Executive Officer affirmed that the Commission was committed to the continued sponsorship of the games, noting that the sports festival was carefully crafted to target amateur athletes.
He added, “We found out that the state governments hire people from other states in the name of winning gold medals. This competition is aimed at the amateur athletes. From here, they will be professional. All athletes come from their respective states. Let us use what we have to groom our athletes.
“This opportunity could only be given by renewed hope. This competition has come to stay. This is part of our sports intervention. We welcome the governors’ support. The NDDC is the sole sponsor at the moment. We believe the state governments will support us to sustain the games.”
Ogbuku stated that the games were where raw talents are discovered, harnessed and brought to the limelight.
He noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s Administration gave the youths the opportunity to participate in the games.
Speaking at the event, President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, tasked the NDDC to expand its opportunities and invest in initiatives that empower the youths and women.
President Tinubu said sports remained an instrument of unity and empowerment known to mankind.
He also commended the NDDC for sustaining the initiative and said his administration prioritised human capital development alongside infrastructural development.
Tinubu stated: “Niger Delta youths are creative and ready to compete. Beyond medals and trophies, this game is about talent discovery. Nigeria must lead. Young talents must see sport as a pathway to career and global recognition”.
In his address, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo announced a N20m reward for the state that emerged as the winner and a N10m reward for the runner-up.
He said the sporting event represented more than competition but symbolised possibilities.
According to him, “The games are a powerful statement that the Niger Delta is not only defined by its resources, but also by its resilience, talent, and boundless human potential.
The NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, who is the Chairman of the Main Organising Committee for the Games, Alabo Boma Iyaye, stated that the 2nd edition of the games built on the success recorded at the maiden edition in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State,
He urged the youths to compete fairly and use the opportunity to start their journey to the top of international competition.
The Senate President, Chief Goodswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyoung , said the National Assembly would continue to support initiatives for youth development and entrepreneurship.
He promised to work with the NDDC to drive development and charged the athletes to showcase the true spirit of the Niger Delta.
Over 3000 athletes from the nine Niger Delta States are participating in the seven-day event, which is sponsored by the NDDC.
Governor Okpebholo Commissions NDDC Roads In Edo Polytechnic
The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has commissioned the 4.595-kilometre Internal Roads built by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, on the campus of Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, Ovia South-West Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Governor stated that the Internal Roads were much more than concrete and asphalt, as they meant better access in and around the campus for students and staff.
A statement by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director, Corporate Affairs noted that he declared, “By investing in the Polytechnic, the NDDC has invested in the future of our children. This intervention is a practical demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.”
Governor Okpebholo commended the NDDC for its commitment to developing the Niger Delta region. He urged the Commission to continue partnering with state governments to execute more infrastructure projects.
In his speech, the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubarka Momoh commended the NDDC Board and Management for responding appropriately to the directives of President Bola Tinubu’s charge to deliver impactful projects in the Niger Delta region.
He lauded the NDDC for collaborating with the state governments in the interest of developing the Niger Delta region.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the NDDC Board, Mr Chiedu Ebie, said that the completion of the road network reflected the President Tinubu administration’s desire to transform the Niger Delta region.
He stated that the Commission was determined to partner with the governors of the Niger Delta states to ensure that the oil-producing states enjoy sustainable development.
Also speaking, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, restated the Commission’s commitment to the mandate given by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to change the narrative in Nigeria’s oil-producing region.
Ogbuku has reassured that the commission is willing to go into a wide range of partnerships with the Edo state government on the provision of socio-economic infrastructure that brings additional value to the people of the state
The Managing Director stated that the commission is committed to spreading the joy of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present government through infrastructure development and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Edo State Government for their support and cooperation, which have led to the feats recorded.
” NDDC is willing and prepared to entering into more partnerships with the government such that immense value is added to life of the people.
He declared, “We will continue to celebrate the dividends of NDDC’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Earlier in the year, we commissioned a series of projects as part of the ‘NDDC Dividends of Renewed Hope’ initiative, as these projects were awarded during Mr President’s tenure, demonstrating that he is working for the region across all nine states.
The NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Dr Victor Antai, gave the brief and explained that the road network comprised 4.8km of asphalt pavement, including 4.595km of internal roads, 205 dual-carriageway main entrance gates, 4.205 reinforced concrete drains, and a 32m by 900mm reinforced concrete ring culvert.
He stated: “For 23 years, this institution stood as a centre of learning without a single meter of tar on its grounds. For over two decades, students and staff battled dust and mud to access classrooms. Today, NDDC is manifesting its establishment as an interventionist agency in this institution of higher learning in Edo State.”
“This project is a testament to the NDDC’s ‘Making a Difference’ mantra. We are not just building roads; we are paving the way for academic excellence. I must commend His Excellency, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his administration’s synergy with the NDDC. When the state government and the Commission work in harmony, it is the people who win. “
He stated t hat the project had created motorable access to various departments in the polytechnic. It has also enhanced the transfer of goods and services, thereby boosting the community’s economy.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, thanked President Tinubu for his steadfast commitment to the progress of the Niger Delta through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He pledged that the Senate Committee on NDDC that it would continue to ensure diligent oversight of the Commission’s activities.
Minister of State, Education Confirms Attendance for 2026 NIPR Int’l Women’s Day
The Honourable Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad has confirmed attendance as a Guest of Honour at the forthcoming 2026 Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration, applauding the Institute for the initiative.
The Minister who spoke while receiving in audience the Chairman of the NIPR International Women’s Day Planning Committee, Haj. Lami Tumaka in her office in Abuja on Wednesday said such programme offers women opportunity to lend their voices in the discourse for nation-building.
She expressed gratitude to the leadership of NIPR under Dr. Ike Neliaku for its continued efforts in driving inclusiveness and giving women opportunity to bring their potentials to bear in raising the frontiers of national development.
Earlier, Hajia Tumaka who formally presented letter of invitation to the Minister, commended her for the remarkable contributions towards the growth and development of the nation’s education sector since her appointment.
Haj. Tumaka, a Fellow of NIPR remarked that the Minister through her dedication to duty and attitude to work has become source of inspiration to many, especially, the young generation of women.
The programme scheduled to hold on 30th March, 2026, at the National Counter Terrorism Centre Abuja with the themed “Communicate to Balance: Gain Equity, Empower Women,” is designed to spotlight strength of women, promote inclusive leadership, and advance gender equity in Nigeria.
The delegation includes: Council Member, Haj. Maryam Sanusi; Chairman, NIPR FCT Chapter, Mr. Stanley Ogadigo; NIPR FCT PRO, Dr. Tope Ojeme; Members of the IWD National Planning Committee – Mrs. Agnes Abaji; Mr. Uzoma Nwosu and Alexandria Eke.
Scapegoating the Judiciary: A Misplaced Critique Of Nigeria’s Electoral Challenges: A Rejoinder To Mr Mike Igini
By Tunde Ahmed Adejumo
Mr. Mike Igini, former INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, recently stated on Arise TV that the judiciary in Nigeria has never been on the side of the electorate and that all the problems in the country’s electoral system today can be blamed on the judiciary.
Although his statement resonates and enjoys widespread popular support, it does not hold up under careful examination. It is very unfair, reduces a complex issue to oversimplified terms and fails to account for the deeper political and structural issues that influence our elections.
Firstly, it should be said that in a constitutional democracy, the judiciary is not meant to be on the side of any group, neither the electorate, nor political parties, incumbents, or challengers. Its mandate is to uphold the law. Judges swear allegiance to the Constitution and to the statutes enacted under it. Their role is not to endorse popular opinion or political expectations, but to interpret and apply the law to the facts presented before them, doing so with impartiality. Once a Court begins to decide cases based on who is more popular, who appears more sympathetic, or who commands louder public support, it ceases to be a Court of law and becomes an arena of political contestation.
The truth of the matter is that many of the difficulties that characterise election disputes in Nigeria originate outside the Courtroom. The architecture of our electoral dispute resolution system is a product of legislation. Time limits, evidentiary thresholds, procedural requirements, and the scope of reliefs available are determined primarily by the legislature and by the politicians. Where the law prescribes rigid timelines or narrow grounds for relief, the Courts are bound to operate within those narrow confines. Judicial discretion does not extend to rewriting statutory provisions in the name of equity or even justice.
To lay the entirety of our electoral challenges at the doorstep of the judiciary is therefore unfair. The Courts do not conduct elections. The Courts did not draft the Electoral Act 2022. The Courts do not supervise political parties. The Courts do not deploy security agencies. The Courts do not collate election results. The Courts are called upon only after disputes have crystallised, and even then, they must confine themselves strictly to the law, the facts, evidence and the record before them.
Take, for instance, one of the examples referenced by Mr. Mike Igini regarding the electronic transmission of election results. It is true that the Supreme Court after the last general election held that an election cannot be set aside simply because INEC failed to electronically transmit results in a manner prescribed by its guidelines. But is this judgment truly surprising?
The Court’s position reflects a long-standing and consistent interpretation of the relevant provision of the Electoral Act which provides that an act or omission which may be contrary to an instruction or directive of INEC but which is not contrary to the provisions of the Act shall not of itself be a ground for questioning the election. Numerous decisions of our appellate Courts, predating even the Electoral Act 2022 have repeatedly held that an election can only be invalidated for non-compliance with the Act’s specific provisions, not for failure to follow administrative regulations issued by INEC that do not conflict with the Electoral Act itself. This is not a principle the Courts invented after the 2023 general elections.
In this case, the manner in which electronic transmission of election of results ought to be done was set out in an INEC regulation, not in the Electoral Act itself. What, then, was the Court expected to do? Should it have disregarded decades of settled precedent simply because administrative convenience or public expectation demanded it?
Should it have simply ignored the clear provisions of Section 134(2) of the Electoral Act which specifically provided that an act or omission which may be contrary to an instruction or directive of INEC but which is not contrary to the provisions of the Act shall not of itself be a ground for questioning the election?
Should the real question not be directed at the legislature and political actors? The drafters of the Electoral Act 2022 were fully aware of the settled position of the law and the consistent interpretation of the appellate Courts that an election cannot be challenged solely on the basis of provisions contained in an INEC regulation that are not expressly in the Electoral Act itself. Yet, they failed and some may say deliberately failed to include in the Act specific provisions on how electronic transmission of results should be conducted. By leaving such a crucial aspect of the electoral process to administrative regulation alone, the legislators created confusion and allowed public expectation or administrative convenience to be mistaken for legal obligation. If there is any fault in how the law was applied regarding electronic transmission of election results, it rests squarely with the lawmakers, not with the judiciary, which was bound to apply the law as written.
The Courts cannot create law where the legislature has remained silent. They can only interpret and apply the law as it stands. In such situations, it is not the judiciary that falters, it is the legislature and political actors who, by creating ambiguities and expecting Courts to fill them, place the judiciary in an impossible position.
The truth is that the judiciary is an easy target, and it is deeply unfair. The fact that Judges cannot speak publicly for themselves does not mean they are indifferent, incompetent, or acting against the public. On the contrary, their silence is a cornerstone of judicial independence, yet it leaves them vulnerable to criticism, misrepresentation, and blame for decisions made in strict adherence to the law.
This is not to suggest that judicial decisions are immune from scrutiny. In a healthy democracy, reasoned criticism of judgments is both legitimate and necessary. The development of the law depends on robust engagement by scholars, practitioners, and citizens alike. But such criticism must be anchored in legal analysis rather than sweeping generalisation. It must recognise the institutional limits within which Judges operate and the oath that constrains their role.
When elections are poorly conducted, when internal party democracy collapses, when logistics fail, when political actors disregard the law, or when legislative ambiguities create interpretive challenges, it is intellectually convenient but constitutionally inaccurate to heap the consequences solely on the judiciary. The judiciary is reactive, not proactive, in electoral matters. It cannot by itself repair systemic defects that originate outside the Courtroom except within the narrow confines of adjudication in line with the law.
A balanced assessment of Nigeria’s electoral experience must therefore acknowledge shared responsibility. Political culture, legislative design, institutional capacity, and legal adjudication are interconnected parts of a larger whole. Reform must be equally holistic. To single out the judiciary as the source of all our electoral frustrations is not only inaccurate, it distracts from the deeper reforms required within our politics and our legislative framework. The judiciary cannot, and should not, be made the solitary scapegoat for structural challenges that lie far beyond its constitutional remit.
If we are to single out any arm of government or body, then the biggest problem lies with the lawmakers and politicians themselves. If they truly cared about the integrity of the electoral process, they would enact laws that are clear, precise, and capable of guiding the Courts. In that case, the judiciary would have no choice but to apply the law as written.
The recent debacle in the legislature over the electronic transmission of election results only underscores that the problem is with the lawmakers. They are fully aware of what they are doing, passing laws that are vague or toothless, and then shifting the blame to the judiciary when these laws are applied exactly as written.
Tunde Ahmed Adejumo is a Legal Practitioner based in Abuja, Nigeria.
IPC Terminates Membership of Anthony Odumah Obiora, Issues Public Disclaimer
The Office of the World Chairman of the International Peace Commission (IPC) has announced the immediate and permanent termination of the life membership of Mr. Anthony Odumah Obiora, citing multiple violations of the organisation’s constitution and by-laws.
The decision, conveyed in an official statement dated February 12, 2026, was signed by Ambassador Prince Hassan, World Chairman of the IPC. The statement said the action was taken pursuant to Chapter 10, Article 30, Paragraph B-2 of the IPC Constitution, and reaffirmed by the Supreme Council’s IPC Management Meeting held in Washington, D.C., United States, in November 2005.
According to the statement, Mr. Obiora’s Life Membership Identification Code IPC/LMNA/05567, along with all associated roles, privileges, recognitions and affiliations within the organisation, has been revoked with immediate effect.
The IPC said the termination followed a comprehensive review of documented evidence, including the issuance of materials to individuals without authorization, communications conducted outside approved channels, the opening of an unauthorized bank account, and other activities deemed to be in breach of the organisation’s governing statutes.
The Office of the World Chairman further notified the general public, diplomatic missions, law enforcement agencies, regulatory authorities, international organisations, financial institutions and stakeholders in Nigeria and globally that Mr. Obiora no longer holds any position or recognition within the IPC.
“He has been completely and permanently removed from all affiliations, titles, positions, rights, privileges and recognitions of the International Peace Commission (IPC) with immediate effect,” the statement read.
The Commission clarified that Mr. Obiora is no longer a Life Member, Officer, Representative or Ambassador of the IPC in any capacity, either in Nigeria or internationally. He has been directed to immediately cease and desist from using the name, logo, seal, documents, credentials or authority of the organisation.
In addition, the IPC instructed Mr. Obiora to refund all monies allegedly collected from individuals, organisations or institutions under the name or representation of the Commission. He is also required to provide verifiable documentary evidence of such refunds without delay.
The statement further directed him to close all unauthorized bank accounts reportedly opened in the name of the IPC and to submit written confirmation of their closure.
Warning members of the public, the organisation cautioned that any person, institution, government agency or organisation that engages with Mr. Obiora under the claim that he represents the IPC does so at their own risk.
The Commission added that such parties would bear full responsibility for any legal, financial or reputational consequences arising from dealings conducted under false representation.
The IPC also called on law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies and relevant national and international authorities to take note of the termination and take necessary steps to prevent further misuse or misrepresentation of the organisation’s name and authority.
The statement said the notice was issued for public record, global awareness and enforcement purposes.
It was signed and sealed by Ambassador Prince Hassan, World Chairman of the International Peace Commission, on February 12, 2026.
We Are Ready For Bigger Niger Delta Games – NDDC Executive Director
The NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, and the Chairman, Main Organising Committee of the Niger Delta Games, Alabo Boma Iyaye, has assured that all logistics are ready for the kick-off of the games on Friday.
Speaking during a media interaction in Port Harcourt, Iyaye said that this year’s games, featuring 3,000 athletes, would be bigger and better, building on the successes recorded during the maiden edition in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
According to Iyaye, “the Niger Delta Games made history as the first regional sports festival in Nigeria, conceived primarily as a platform for talent discovery and development.” He noted that the initiative aligns with the Commission’s commitment to empowering youths and promoting positive engagement across the Niger Delta region.
“The major objective of the Niger Delta Games is talent discovery,” he said. “This event provides a rare opportunity for young athletes to showcase their abilities, launch themselves into the global stage, and begin structured pathways to professional sports careers.”
Iyaye assured that all arrangements had been concluded to ensure a smooth and successful event. He emphasised that officiating would be conducted with the highest level of integrity, guaranteeing fairness and equal opportunity for all participants.
The Chairman of the Main Organising Committee further stressed the role of sports as a powerful tool for social development, noting that organised sporting activities help redirect young minds away from crime.
“Our region is blessed with abundant raw talents, found in the creeks and on the streets of the Niger Delta. These Games provide a platform to harness such talents from the grassroots and bring them into the limelight,” he added.
Iyaye stated that the first edition of the games in Uyo brought peace and togetherness to the region, giving youths the platform to showcase their talents. He said that the games in Edo would further consolidate the gains made so far and provide more young people with opportunities to discover their innate talents.
Beyond sports competition, Iyaye disclosed that the event would also celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Niger Delta, with cultural displays integrated into the games.