By George Mgbeleke

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has issued a strong warning over what it describes as a dangerous convergence of judicial delay, political interference, and institutional uncertainty capable of undermining Nigeria’s multiparty democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

At the centre of HURIWA’s concern is the failure of the Supreme Court of Nigeria to deliver timely judgments on the protracted leadership crises within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—two major opposition platforms whose internal stability is critical to democratic competition.

The group noted that while the apex court has concluded hearings on multiple appeals arising from the disputes, it has yet to fix a date for judgment, a development HURIWA described as “deeply troubling” given the proximity of constitutionally regulated electoral activities.

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties are required to submit membership registers by May 10, 2026, while party primaries are scheduled to hold between April 23 and May 30, 2026. Campaign activities are also expected to commence later in the year, making clarity of party leadership an urgent necessity rather than a procedural luxury.

HURIWA warned that the absence of clear, legally recognised leadership structures within both parties has already triggered confusion, paralysed internal decision-making processes, and placed aspirants in a precarious state of uncertainty regarding their political futures.

The association further raised alarm over what it termed “disturbing political signals,” particularly reports that factions within the PDP—allegedly aligned with influential figures in the ruling All Progressives Congress and close to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—have proceeded with activities such as the sale of nomination forms despite the pendency of the case before the court.

“This situation raises fundamental questions about the integrity of the judicial process and whether certain actors may be acting on presumed outcomes,” HURIWA stated. “If left unchecked, such perceptions could severely damage public trust in the neutrality and independence of the judiciary.”

The group also expressed concern over the role of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, whose political alignment within the PDP crisis has continued to generate controversy, further complicating the party’s internal cohesion and external credibility.

Beyond the immediate legal disputes, HURIWA stressed that the implications of the delay extend to the broader architecture of Nigeria’s democracy. It warned that a weakened or fragmented opposition landscape could inadvertently pave the way for a dominant-party system, thereby reducing electoral competitiveness and limiting voters’ ability to make meaningful choices.

The association argued that democracy thrives on the strength of viable opposition, institutional balance, and the timely administration of justice—all of which are now being tested by the current situation.

In a significant escalation of its position, HURIWA called on key international partners—including the governments of the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom—to closely monitor Nigeria’s judicial and electoral processes.

It urged these nations to deploy diplomatic pressure in defence of democratic norms and to consider targeted measures, including travel advisories and visa restrictions, should credible evidence emerge of judicial compromise or political manipulation of court outcomes.

HURIWA emphasised that such international scrutiny is not an infringement on sovereignty but a necessary safeguard in a global democratic order where the credibility of electoral systems carries both domestic and international consequences.

The group further called on the judiciary to rise above partisan perceptions and uphold its constitutional responsibility as the ultimate arbiter of justice, stressing that delayed justice in politically sensitive cases is not merely administrative inefficiency but a potential catalyst for democratic instability.

“The Supreme Court must recognise that this is not just about party leadership disputes,” the statement concluded. “It is about the preservation of Nigeria’s democratic integrity, the credibility of its institutions, and the confidence of its citizens in the rule of law. Both PDP and ADC are victims of sponsored moles and saboteurs planted and embedded in these political opposition formation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his party All Progressives Congress both of whom are very desperate to win election without any serious competitiveness. There is no doubt that Nigerians are aware that the credible leaders of these two parties have under intensive and massive attacks by the APC-led federal government using the minister of FCT and the APC to attempt to fictionalised these political opposition parties that have quality and independent opposition politicians including tested and trusted personalities such as the erstwhile governor of Anambra State Peter Obi, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and several other heavyweights whose presence in the opposition camp have scared the living dead out of the incumbent president whose poor performance in the last three years and half makes his administration vulnerable to be defeated should there be a free and fair contest. This is the fundamental factor behind the sponsorship of moles and saboteurs by the federal government and the ruling party to create atmosphere of instability and factional infighting to make way for a walk-over by the desperate incumbent president. Nigerians know these facts too well. INEC has also been recruited to scuttle a free and fair election. We hereby warn against carrying on with these plots to scatter strong opposition politicians because a democracy without viable opposition is dead.

HURIWA therefore demanded the immediate delivery of clear, decisive, and constitutionally grounded judgments that will restore certainty, stabilise the political environment, and ensure that all parties operate on a level playing field as the nation approaches the 2027 general elections. ALL EYES ARE ON THE SUPREME COURT and we hope there wouldn’t be any Supreme foolery or magic coming out from there side.

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has admonished business leaders of the state’s extraction to complement government’s development effort by investing in the state and their communities.

Governor Diri contended that government alone cannot be the sole employer of labour as it requires the support and encouragement of the private sector.

He stated this on Thursday when he commissioned the Major F.G Berezi Civic Centre, a 1000-seat magnificent civic centre built by young Bayelsa-born businessman and founder of the Preye Patrick Berezi Foundation, Engr. Preye Berezi, in his hometown, Kaiama, in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state.

An impressed Governor Diri said government had proven not to be a good ‘businessman’ and expressed delight that Berezi heeded his call to Bayelsans to invest at home.

Describing the Chief Executive Officer of PFL Engineering Services, an oil and gas services company, as a “thorough-bred son of his parents,” Diri said the businessman has demonstrated love for his community through positive actions.

He cited the construction of the civic centre as an example of what was expected of citizens that had been blessed and affected by their immediate environment.

He said: “There is no monopoly on who can develop our communities. When you give back to society, everyone benefits.

“This project should be an eye opener to our youths. Being a youth is a beautiful thing. But they should dream big, work towards it, and realise that their destiny is not in the hands of any politician.”

He said his administration was opening up the state for investors and that growth attracted to any part of Bayelsa under his watch was a good omen.

Chairman of the event, Engr. Gesi Asamaowei, said he was not only proud of Berezi for building and donating the imposing edifice to his community but also that he did not wait for government in order to make an impact in society.

The prominent Bayelsa-born businessman noted that by honouring his late father with the legacy project, Berezi’s days would be long on earth, according to the Bible.

“Posterity will be kind to him for this laudable edifice,” Asamaowei said.

In his remarks, Engr. Preye Berezi expressed love for the people of Kaiama as this will continue to drive his commitment to community development.
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He recalled that his childhood visits to his hometown with his parents inspired his gesture, having noticed that most social gatherings were held under the bridge, which had risks.

‎“I love the people of Kaiama and will never stop doing more for them from my hard-earned resources. They value me and I will never take that for granted.”
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He urged the community to take good care of the facility, adding that he would not exercise further control over the edifice once he handed it over.
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‎Berezi also promised to build a mini-stadium in Kaiama in furtherance of his community development initiative.

In their goodwill messages, retired Gen. Stanley Diriyai, the immediate past president, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, and Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, all congratulated the donor for giving his community something to cherish.

They also applauded his public-spirited gesture to not only his immediate environment but also the state at large.

Present at the ceremony were a former deputy governor of the state, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd), former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Chief Ndutimi Alaibe, service commanders, members of the state executive council, and traditional rulers from Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area among others.

Also on Thursday, Governor Diri paid tribute to the late Chief (Navy Captain) Walter Aye Feghabo-Amain, describing him as an icon, dedicated leader, and a man whose legacy of service will endure for generations.

The Bayelsa governor spoke at the Night of Tribute held in honour of the late former Military Administrator of Ebonyi and Delta states at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall in Government House, Yenagoa.

He said while the state mourned the loss of a distinguished son, it is also celebrating a life well lived.

“We are mourning, but we are also rejoicing. We mourn a man we expected would be with us for many years, yet we celebrate a leader who gave his best to our country and our state.”

He noted that although the late Feghabo-Amain passed on at the age of 68, his impact far outweighed his years, emphasizing that his contributions to Bayelsa, the military, and his community would not be forgotten.

Diri recalled the late officer’s exemplary service in the Nigerian Navy, his peaceful disposition, and his role as a unifying figure in Nembe Kingdom.

He also commended his effort in fostering peace between communities in Nembe, describing it as a lasting legacy.

Other dignitaries, including a former deputy governor of the state, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd), Senator Nimi-Barigha Amange, equally eulogised the late officer in their tributes.

In attendance were the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, the member representing Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mrs. Marie Ebikake, the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Ayemieye, and President of the Bayelsa Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Daniel Ayah.

Others present were the Acting Chief of Staff, Government House, Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo, former APC state chairman, Dr. Dennis Otiotio, former Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Steve Azaiki, Her Royal Majesty Josephine Diete-Spiff, Commissioners, Technical Advisers, captains of industry, among others.

By David Owei,Bayelsa
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‎Odi United have emerged champions of Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area in Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup.
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‎Odi United beat Mountain of the Lord Deliverance Ministry, MLDM FC 4-3 on penalties after a barren draw in regulation time in an encounter decided at the Kaiama pitch on Thursday, 16th April, 2026.
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‎After a scoreless first stanza, the second half continued in a conservative approach from both teams but it was Odi United that should have taken the lead after a well delivered ball for Francis Idua but he blasted it wide.
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‎Minutes after Odi United would have paid dearly for their earlier miss when MLDM FC had a good attempt to be in front but the goalkeeper of Odi produced a spectacular save to still keep his team in the game.
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‎Champion, Odi United received ₦1,000,000 for their effort while runners-up MLDM FC got ₦500,000.
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‎Chairman of Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, Hon. Tariye Isaac Lelei represented by the Head of Administration of the Council, Mr Ukiye Buruboyefe, lauded grassroots engagement of young people across the state.
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‎He appreciated Governor Douye Diri for sustaining the tournament while also applauding the efforts of various stakeholders, particularly the organisers of the Prosperity Cup for their transformative initiative.
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‎Assistant coach of Odi United, Seintonkumo Dift in his post-match reaction, expressed satisfaction with the victory, attributing it to hardwork and the determination of his lads.
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‎MLDM FC Coach, Collins Robert, commended the efforts of his team despite the defeat, promising that his side would work on their lapses ahead of the tournament’s Round of 32.
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‎Southern Ijaw LGA will be the next destination on Friday, 17th April, 2026 as enterprising NDU Oilers battle Onde United of Ondewari at 1.00p.m. at the NDU Sports field.