The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has urged judges to consider the overall impact of their judgments on the polity and national development.

Governor Fubara gave the charge while declaring open the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt.

Fubara noted that law and order, including national development, were closely linked to the quality of justice delivered by the courts.

He charged judges to ensure that truth prevailed at all times, irrespective of the status, influence or social affiliations of parties appearing before them.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed reports that it withdrew its list of members of the 2027 presidential campaign council, describing the reports as rumours.

Felix Morka, national publicity secretary of the APC, made the clarification in a statement to media houses this morning.

Morka said the party had not withdrawn the list, adding that any decision to alter it would be formally communicated by the APC.

“Those reports are rumours,” Morka said.

He added that any changes to the campaign council list would be officially announced by the party

• Collage of Rotimi Amaechi, and Omoyele Sowore

African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi has lashed out at African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore: “Close Your Mouth When Politicians Are Talking.”

The occasion was at the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Sowore argued that politicians who had previously occupied public offices should account for their records before asking Nigerians to entrust them with power again.

Sowore specifically questioned Amaechi’s performance as Rivers governor and Minister of Transportation, while also taking aim at former Anambra governor Peter Obi.

Sowore said that politicians who had governed and failed should not simply return to seek power without answering questions about their past performances.

In response, Amaechi fired back at Sowore, challenging him to point to his own experience in governance.

The confrontation unfolded during discussions on Nigeria’s political future, fuel subsidy removal, transportation policy and the performance of former public officials ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The 66th NBA Annual General Conference, themed “Beyond Limits,” is being held in Port Harcourt from August 21 to 28.

The gathering provided a major platform for discussions on issues extending beyond the legal profession.