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Category: Politics

  • PDP, Okpebholo’s detractors are enemies of state – Mayaki

    PDP, Okpebholo’s detractors are enemies of state – Mayaki

    The faction of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to former Governor Godwin Obaseki has been identified as a group that does not want peace in Edo State and has been classified as the real enemy of the state.

    In a statement, former Chief Press Secretary to Obaseki, Mr. John Mayaki, said those who do not want the state to progress under Governor Monday Okpebholo’s leadership should be publicly declared as enemies of the state. He accused them of celebrating bad news and setbacks rather than supporting development.

    Mayaki, who commended Governor Okpebholo for his resilience and strong efforts in ensuring a smooth transition despite the obstacles left behind by the previous administration said, “The enemies of the state will fail, and the people will triumph.”

    He continued, “Thank God for Senator Monday Okpebholo and all he has been doing for the people of Edo State. I believe that despite every attempt to slow him down, God alone will give him the courage to continue.”

    Mayaki also assured the governor of God’s continuous guidance and protection as he works to deliver democratic dividends to the people of Edo State, despite deliberate distractions meant to impede his administration.

    “We, the good people of Edo state want peace, unity, and continued development. Anyone who thinks otherwise is the real enemy of the state,” he said.

  • Kano Emirate Tussle: Appeal Court halts Emir Sanusi’s reinstatement

    Kano Emirate Tussle: Appeal Court halts Emir Sanusi’s reinstatement

    The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja, on Friday, suspended the execution of its judgement that reinstated a former Governor of the Central Bank, CBN, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, as the 16th Emir of Kano.

    The appellate court, in a unanimous decision by a three-member panel led by Justice Okon Abang, halted the implementation of the judgement, to await the outcome of an appeal that is pending before the Supreme Court.
    The court held that it found merit in applications marked: CA/KN/27M/2025 and CA/KN/28M/2025, which were brought before it in respect of the Kano Emirate tussle.

    Specifically, the appellate court held that: “An injunction is hereby granted restraining the respondents (Kano State House of Assembly, Kano State Government, etc.), either by themselves, their agents, privies, servants, or personal representatives, from enforcing the judgment of this Court in Appeal No.

    CA/KN/126/2024 – Kano State House of Assembly & Anor Vs Alhaji Aminu Babba-Dan’Agundi & Others, delivered on 10/1/2025, pending the hearing and determination of the Applicant’s appeal filed on 24/1/2025 before the Supreme Court of Nigeria.”

    The panel further directed the parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum, pending the judgement of the apex court, even as it gave the Applicant 48 hours to file an undertaking to indemnify the Respondents in damages, in the event that the orders ought not to have been made.

    It will be recalled that the appellate court had on January 10, voided the June 20, 2024, decision of Justice Abubakar Liman of the Federal High Court, which invalidated the Kano State Emirates Council (Repeal) Law 2024 that facilitated Sanusi’s reappointment.

    According to the appellate court, Justice Liman was bereft of the jurisdiction to nullify the steps the Kano State Government took pursuant to the 2024 Emirates Council Law.

    It held that a fundamental rights enforcement suit that was filed by an aggrieved kingmaker in the state, Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan Agundi, which the high court judge relied upon to issue the order, was incompetent.

  • An Uncommon Letter to Senator Natasha, by Ugoji Egbujo

    An Uncommon Letter to Senator Natasha, by Ugoji Egbujo

    Their desperation is telling. A long queue of senators hanging around TV stations to defend a man against allegations leveled against him by a married female senator.   They said they were not hired. But even hired mouths would have been more circumspect.

    Natasha, if indeed the man sought to know you carnally, you must not relent. You are his friend’s wife. You must stand strong and resist every act of intimidation. Against a court order, they brought forward a senate hearing and suspended you. That haste is not pure. A senate flagrantly flouting a court injunction to effect without a fair hearing a sanction the courts have repeatedly deemed illegal. Good people smell a rat.

    At every turn, they do something laughable. Some market women are arranged to run around the streets in Uyo to vouch that their political deity, despite Joy Nunieh, was incapable of wanton randiness. But often, their actions are cringeworthy. The madam of the house, who should be withdrawn, praying and fasting, files a suit in court to seek redress. She believes that the allegations are false because her husband was well brought up as a child.

    Natasha
    Natasha

    And that good upbringing having been tested in Uyo while he was governor with many buxom women working with him without scandals, makes the recent allegations untenable. So madam feels directly and vicariously injured. Because the allegations may have impinged on her reputation as a dutiful wife infinitely willing and capable of keeping her man in all-around satiety. I must confess at some point in the drama, I had searched the dictionary in the hope of finding a word fittingly descriptive of a ridiculous situation where people attend to grave allegations of misconduct with light-hearted buffoonery.

    Senator Ogunlewe, on his part, agreed that the sanction was unjustified and illegal. But hinted that your problems are borne of your ravishing beauty. It’s possible. After all, the other women in the current senate have confessed that they had never been sexually harassed. And because they had not been harassed, they were probably willing to conclude that you were not harassed. Theirs seemed an envious conclusion.

    Madam Tinubu was a little evasive. In one breath she said the senate was a mature chamber. Perhaps it was a place where people didn’t come looking too pretty. Or perhaps a place where people swallowed sexual advances as good-hearted banter and looked away. During her time at the Senate, Dino Melaye had said he could impregnate her. The public rose to her defense against a bully. They almost exchanged blows. Yet while on your matter, she suggested that women in the senate should know how to ‘shut them down even before they start’. In other words, if the lecherous ones chose to start, it was your duty to stop them quietly, without making a fuss like an irreverent lass. That must be her conception of maturity. But she didn’t say if it was also your job to stop them from victimizing you for refusing to yield.

    Senator Olujimi was also on TV. Her disposition was matronly. She said Akpabio was fond of jokes. So he must not be judged by what he says. Perhaps the jokes could include, ‘If you like my house, we can sneak back here one of these days to have a good time ‘.   The kind of of lewd joke that would be all too benign amongst louts in a motor park. So perhaps you must have mistaken a joke for a sexual advance. She said while she was in the Senate, she saw first-hand the suffering of men. She looked pained as she spoke. So, I guess part of your brief as a woman in the senate is to give some succor to your male colleagues whose feeble hearts are saddled with the weight of the world and the turbulence of male hormones. One after the other, current and former senators queued up to trivialize the sexual misconduct allegations

    A certain senator wrote the public. He used to be a student union activist. Now he leads a rubber stamp senate. His concern was that the public was mistaken in thinking that you were punished for alleging sexual harassment. He said you were pushed for breaking Senate rules. The senate rule you broke to earn six months summary suspension was speaking out of turn, right? And when you told them that your reaction was a result of the frustration you felt from sexual harassment, they didn’t bother to listen. Anyway, you said he had warned you that his fate was, in a sense, tied to Akpabio’s.

    Some said you didn’t provide any evidence. They wanted the evidence but didn’t want to countenance an ethics committee investigation into the allegations. Even the sex-for-marks picture you painted for them didn’t make them sober. So I will paint another. If a female student deemed insolent towards her school principal raises an allegation of sexual harassment to explain her behaviour, how can she be punished before her allegations are investigated? To hurriedly suspend her before listening to her is to take sides with the principal.

    Every day, clownish protesters lay siege to the Senate. It’s become a circus. In a grand obfuscatory operation, protesters protesting against Natasha’s protest arrive in time to muddle the protest waters. The real protesters are denied a voice by the fake protesters. Madam has gone to court. When you eventually get there, assuming you want to file a sexual harassment case, you will meet her waiting. The strategy is crude and comical but effective in a banana republic where the public has a short attention span and fleeting memory.

    They are willing to repeat a hollow vote of confidence ritual every day to keep all senators reined in. They are also willing to perpetuate the absurdity of confirming your sanction every day in total disregard for law and morality. Soon, they might set up a condolence register and start receiving visitors. The loyalty being exhibited is almost cultish. But we all know Nigerian politicians. They are susceptible. They can easily opt to become shoeshiners for any wily fellow in supervisory authority who uses power, privileges, and cash deftly.

    Yet there is something they haven’t tried. Perhaps they will get to it. After all, this is the age of the Cybercrime Act. A law that has been abused by the powerful to throw outspoken people into prisons for months for saying what they didn’t like. Now that you have made the allegations loud outside the Senate, where no immunity covers you, you have to get ready.

    That brings me to the last point. I hope you have a joker. Not necessarily a video recording as demanded by those hired protesters and other jesters. But something that can make a bully step back. If you don’t you might eventually be crucified. However, if you are standing on the truth, then stand still. Fear nothing. The truth is all that ultimately matters. If he made sexual advances to you and has tried to press you into submission, never give up. It doesn’t matter if you have no proof. The truth will set you free even if you go to prison. The best freedom is internal freedom. The peace of mind that truth gives.

  • Plot to impeach Fubara thickens as Ijaw groups respond to Wike’s threat

    Plot to impeach Fubara thickens as Ijaw groups respond to Wike’s threat

    The political camp of the Rivers state Governor, Siminalayi Fubara was again pushed into a deeper trench by the decision of the state House of Assembly to probe the alleged age falsification of the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Simeon Amadi.

    At its 135th legislative sitting, the House resolved to write to the Department of the State Service, DSS, to investigate the CJ following allegations against him by the Leader of the House, Hon Major Jack.

    The House agreed that falsification of age was a “serious offence” but the allegation must be confirmed and doing so, the CJ has to be thoroughly investigated to establish the authenticity of the allegation.

    Responding to this development, the Speaker, Rt. Hon Martins Amaewhule said by section 128 of the constitution, the House is empowered to investigate the allegation but quickly accused Governor Fubara of barring heads of ministries, departments and agencies from appearing before the House.

    Remember that Justice Amadi was screened to become the Chief Judge of the state about three years when Wike was a governor. Unconfirmed report has it that Amadi, who hails from the same Ikwerre ethnic nationality with Wike, turned down alleged N5 billion gratification and tastefully furnished houses in London and America to ditch the governor and clear the grounds for his eventual impeachment.

    Commenting on the CJ’s ordeal, Hon Ogbonna Nwuke, former House of Representatives member in the 7th National Assembly said the action of the Assembly members was just to intimidate the Chief Judge in order to get at the governor.

    “The process of impeaching the governor is not easy. That is why they are intimidating the loyalists of the governor just to create a state of emergency, at most”.

    Giving the quick succession at which events happened in the state in the course of the week barely few hours after the Minister of the federal capital territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike on Wednesday publicly declared that the state Governor, Siminalayi Fubara could be impeached by the House of Assembly and “heaven will not fall”, it shows that there is more in the offing.

    The minister’s audacity came just a day after a crucial meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the delegation of the pan Niger Delta Elders Forum, PANDEF, in Abuja wherein the latter was asked to go back home and prevail on the embattled Governor to “obey the rule of law”, in other words, the Supreme Court judgment.

    Meanwhile, Wike’s impeachment threat to Fubara and his vituperations on the Ijaw ethnic nationality has since attracted the ire of the Supreme Egbesu Assembly, SEA, a religious deity of the Ijaws and other revered topnotch organizations such as the Ijaw national Congress, INC and its youth wing, Ijaw Youth Council, IYC.

    Recall that in the early years of militancy in the Niger Delta with Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta states being the hotbed of the crisis, the Egbesu god was said to have been invoked to wade off the incursion of the federal troops into the flashpoints of the crisis.

    Leader of the Supreme Egbesu Assembly, SEA, an ancestral religious institution of the Ijaw people, Sergeant Werinipre Digifa, told Saturday Vanguard on phone that the Ijaw people would “shock” President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the appropriate time in the event that the Governor of Rivers state, Siminalayi Fubara is impeached.

    Digifa hit back at the President who he said lacks the capacity to tame Wike. “Tinubu should be held responsible for the recklessness and arrogance Wike is exhibiting against the Ijaw nation.

    “This is why I say that Nigeria is a banana republic. Somebody has turned the judiciary to his personal estate. He manipulates the judiciary the way he wants it just to suit his desire. If they impeach Fubara, we will not go into violence because Ijaw people don’t believe in violence. We will take everything in good faith. But we will shock them”.

    The head of the Egbesu Assembly added that ”we are keenly watching the ongoing political trend which is pure harassment and the intimidation of the Governor of Rivers state. We are listening to the insults, the unguarded utterances and the abuse that is being heaped on the Ijaw ethnic nationality by Hon Wike.

    ”The Niger Delta is a community and when controversies arise in a community, reasonable people don’t jump in to talk. There is an African adage which says ‘two mad people never behave madly at the same time.’
    “We are not sleeping, neither are we cowards. But note that we have always won our just battles and this will be no exception. This crass arrogance being displayed by Wike was avoidable”.

    Digifa expressed disappointment that President Tinubu has allowed the crisis to fester, saying ”I had earlier thought that he had the capacity to rule Nigeria as a president, but from the showings on ground, it is evident that we had a misplaced value on President Tinubu’s leadership capacity.”

    He warned President Tinubu that “by the time Wike finishes with you, the Yoruba nation would have incurred the anger of the Ijaw man. The spirits that have protected the Ijaw Nation over the years will bring the wrath on the Yoruba to teach them a lesson that could be worse than what has happened to those who attempted to humiliate us”.

    INC’s position on Wike’s bluster to oust Fubara from power is that people should look at issues from the broader perspective and not through the prism of sectarian sentiment.

    Professor Benjamin Okaba, President of INC, said Wike’s so called insult on Ijaws smacks off the smart game of giving it an ethnic coloration to get the sympathy of other ethnic groups and distract their attention from the sympathy they have for governor Fubara.

    “When the Ijaws led the struggle for the creation of Rivers state, where were Wike’s ancestors? He quipped. “You don’t flirt after a hyena. Wike will regret, mark my words, and become a political orphan. When an empire rises to its peak, another empire will rise. We are heading towards the Marxian synthesis as the political denouement is already unfolding ahead of 2027.

    “Wike’s bravado is clearly stimulated by nothing else but the tacit support and encouragement from the Presidency. Remove Wike from Power, he will automatically transform into an empty and most vulnerable entity in Nigerian political history”, he said.

    In its declaration after a zonal emergency meeting, the Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, Eastern Zone put the federal government on notice that it will stoutly resist every attempt by the planners to impeach Governor Fubara, “until he has served out his two tenures of eight years as his predecessors did, by any means necessary”.

    The Ijaw youths announced that the planners of the Governor’s impeachment, “if they do not desist from their evil plot, should be ready to bear the consequences of their actions in the event of the breakdown of law and order in the State”.

    Also, a statement from the Ijaw Matters viewpoint said the Ijaw Nation has been patient for too long, saying “our patience is not weakness. Nyesom Wike, in his ……arrogance, has crossed every line of decency and respect. His continued insults against the Ijaw people will not go unanswered”.

    It said it was a disgrace that a man who once begged for the support of Ijaw leaders and communities now dares to spit on the same people who made him. “We will not forget. We will not forgive. And when the time comes, Wike will beg, he will crawl before the Ijaw Nation seeking mercy, but he will find none”.

    The group vowed that “Wike will pay for every insult, every slight, and every word of disrespect. The day of reckoning is closer than he thinks”.

    We’re 4th largest ethnic group in Nigeria, INC tells Wike

    The Ijaw National Congress, INC has faulted the comment from minister of the federal capital territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike that the Ijaws were the minority of the minorities in the Niger Delta.

    INC said given Wike’s eight-year tenure as Governor of Rivers State, “we expected a more informed understanding of the state’s history”.

    The Ijaw group said that Wike’s assertion that the Ijaws were a minority of minorities betrays a lack of “intellectual depth. For the record, the Ijaws are the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria, with over 40 million people, and the oldest tribe in Nigeria, as documented in history. They are the largest ethnic group in Rivers State, with eight local government areas, and also not a minority in Delta”.

    A statement signed and released by Engr Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, National Publicity Secretary of INC in Port Harcourt on Friday said “we suspect that Wike’s comments were made under the influence of misinformation and otherwise. The Ijaws have consistently advocated for fairness and equity in the Niger Delta region and the South-South, and we will not be swayed by individual attempts to provoke us”.

    It said that Wike’s intention to create divisions between the Ijaws and other ethnic nationalities has failed, noting that the INC was aware of his plan to instigate crisis in the Niger Delta region, but “we will continue to maintain peace and stability”.

    The Ijaw group however called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to caution Wike and redirect his focus to his ministerial duties, assuring that the INC remains committed to preserving the harmony enjoyed by all in the Niger Delta region.

  • Anambra guber: Ex-Ohanaeze President scores Soludo 80%, endorses him for 2nd term

    Anambra guber: Ex-Ohanaeze President scores Soludo 80%, endorses him for 2nd term

    The immediate past president of the Igbo apex ruling body, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Anambra State, Chief Obi Udodeme, has scored Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s performance at 80 percent and endorsed his second tenure bid.

    He stressed the need for the electorate to vote for the rightful candidate come the November 8 gubernatorial election in the state to avoid past mistakes where they sold their conscience just for money that is worth nothing.

    He reiterated “You cannot change a winning team, the present governor is not doing bad at all, he is performing.  If I am asked to score him, I would score him 80 percent or above because no man is perfect.  He has done so well on roads, though if I want to be sincere to myself I would tell you he has developed all sectors of the economy simultaneously.”

    Chief Udodeme made this disclosure during the meeting of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, executives, and stakeholders of Fegge Ward 1 at Agulu town hall, Fegge Onitsha, while the registration of new APGA members was also going on.

    He further stressed that the governor has done well in all the ministries, and sectors, saying, “You don’t change such a man”, rather what we would do is encourage him to do more and I sincerely believe if he comes back, he is going to do more, I’m sure of that,” he posite

    Chief Udodeme who is an APGA member from Fegge 1, told all aspirants, “Ambition is not a crime, you have the right to contest, you have right to your ambition, and as the former president of Ohaneze, I advise let them play according to the rules, no thuggery, no rigging.

    “You don’t have the right to stop others from contesting, all I know is that this government has done excellently well, I would vote for him again and again and again,” he vowed.

    While applauding his ward executives and the local government political appointees in their ward, Udodeme declared that in all the 17 wards of Onitsha South Local Government,” This is the very first-time political appointees came together, mobilized funds and made the announcement in the whole of the ward, calling people to come and register for APGA and a lot of people came out.

  • Natasha suspended solely for unruly behaviour – Senate tells IPU

    Natasha suspended solely for unruly behaviour – Senate tells IPU

    The Nigerian Senate has replied to Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan’s complaint to the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union, IPU through a letter by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.

    TodayPriceNG reported that Senator Natasha had taken her case before the global institution to prevail over what she described as an injustice meted on her.

    But reacting through a letter by the Senate which was read by the Chairperson of the House of Representatives committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, who is attending the event in an official capacity representing Nigeria.

    The Senate letter read in part, “Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behaviour and not as a result of allegation of sexual harassment or assault. The authority of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly refutes the deliberate misinformation and false narrative being circulated by certain media organisations regarding the sixth months suspension of Senator Natsaha-Akpoti-Uduaghan.

    “Let it be unequivocally stated that Uduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent act of misconduct and disregard for the Senate Standing Orders.”

    The Nigerian Senate Representative called for a thorough investigation into the allegations raised by Senator Natasha against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

    She maintained that procedures and necessary actions under the Senate rules were observed before Senator Natasha’s suspension.

    Senator Natasha vowed to continue the fight against “injustice”. But in the wake of the suspension, Akpabio denied the accusations and maintained he has never assaulted women.

    Her altercation with the Senate president started on February 20, 2025, after her seat was changed during plenary.

    That is not the first time both individuals had issues. In July 2024, Akpabio had while trying to correct her for misconduct told her to follow the rules and that the Senate is not a nightclub where anybody can talk anyhow. The Akwa Ibom lawmaker, however, later apologised to her for the remark.

  • Ughelli South united forum endorses Oborevwori for re-election in 2027

    Ughelli South united forum endorses Oborevwori for re-election in 2027

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s chances for a smooth re-election in 2027, yesterday, received a major boost as the Ughelli South United Forum (USUF), endorsed the Governor for a second term in office.

    The group gave the endorsement during strategic meetings with Chief Adviser to the Governor, Senator Ighoyota Amori and State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Solomon Arenyeka, where members reaffirmed their commitment to the governor’s leadership and developmental strides.

    The meeting, which brought together key stakeholders, focused on discussing the forum’s objectives and the upcoming 2027 gubernatorial elections.

    Chief Michael Oshetigho, the forum’s Organizing secretary, facilitated the introduction of the executive members and congratulated Senator Amori on his recent appointment as Chief Adviser to the State Government, stressing the forum’s dedication to unity and progress in the region.

    Chairman of the Forum, Chief Godwin Okporoko, provided historical insights into the group’s formation, highlighting its efforts in addressing critical issues affecting Ughelli South PDP as well as its aim of reconciliation to open a clear path for aggrieved members to return back home to the party.

    During the meeting, Senator Ighoyota Amori expressed his appreciation for the visit and commended the unity and determination of the forum members.

    He assured them of his full support and pledged to communicate their concerns to Governor Oborevwori. Encouraging them to remain steadfast in their mission, he remarked that their collective strength made a significant impact.

    “I am deeply moved by the forum’s commitment and unity,” Amori said. “I expected nothing less from such a strong and dedicated group full of quality members from Ughelli South”

    In a show of political solidarity, Mr. Steve Ovedje moved a vote of confidence in Governor Oborevwori, lauding his governance and contributions to the state’s development through the MORE Agenda.

    The motion was seconded by Hon. Michael Oghenegueke and endorsed by Senator Amori, reinforcing the Forum’s firm support for the governor’s second term.

    Following the engagement with Senator Amori, the Ughelli South United Forum proceeded to visit the newly elected State Party Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, in what marked his first official reception of the group.

    The meeting provided an opportunity for the forum to establish a direct line of collaboration with the party leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Chief Arenyeka warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed his excitement at their visit. However, in a lighthearted moment, he shared his initial surprise at the caliber of the group’s members.

    “I thought it were children coming to visit me, but I didn’t know they are men,” he remarked. Despite the humor, he recognized the importance of their mission and pledged to relay their message to Governor Oborevwori.

    Chief Arenyeka further assured the forum of his commitment to working closely with them to strengthen the party’s structure and ensure a successful electoral outcome in 2027.

    He emphasized the need for unity among party members and grassroots mobilization to consolidate support for the governor’s re-election.

    The forum’s representatives also took the opportunity to reaffirm their unwavering commitment to the party’s cause and pledged to contribute significantly toward securing a landslide victory for Oborevwori.

    The visit was seen as a crucial step in building stronger alliances and positioning the forum as a formidable force in the state’s political landscape.

    As the engagements concluded, Chief Oshetigho, speaking on behalf of the Forum, expressed gratitude to both Senator Amori and Chief Arenyeka for their warm reception and commitment to the forum’s objectives.

    He highlighted the significance of the meetings in strengthening political synergy ahead of the next electoral cycle. The gathering ended on a note of optimism, with a closing prayer symbolizing a collective hope for continued progress and success in Ughelli South.

    With the strong backing of the forum and key political figures, Governor Oborevwori’s re-election campaign appears to be gaining momentum, setting the stage for a formidable contest in 2027.

    Members who attended the meeting, Chief Okporoko Godwin as chairman, Chief Josephine Oduaran as Vice-chairman Hon Bright Ovayaro-Secretary, Hon Charles kwode as Treasurer, Chief Michael Oshetigho -Organizing secretary, Evang. Charles Buluku as publicity secretary, Hon Steven Ovedje, Hon Benson Diaso, Chief Gordons Okomitie,Dr Okoh Ezekiel Oghenetega, Dr Franklin Ogberi, Mr Benjamin Omogosibo, Hon Homes Oteri a.k.a. Ghanabar, Hon Prince Kenneth Ogbon, Mr Andrew Oghorada, Hon Margaret Evurosa, Engr Elvis Otu, Hon Michael Oghenegueke, and Hon Sylvester Ebirie

  • Rivers: Heavens won’t fall if Fubara is impeached — Wike

    Rivers: Heavens won’t fall if Fubara is impeached — Wike

    PORT Harcourt — THE political crisis in Rivers State took a dangerous turn, yesterday, as the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, downplayed reported threats by some Ijaw-linked militant groups to blow up crude oil pipelines and hold the nation to ransom, should Governor Siminalayi Fubara be impeached by the 27 members of the State Assembly loyal to him.
    In fact, Wike said heaven would not fall, if the governor was impeached.

    This was as the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly, which shunned a reconciliation meeting called by the governor, barred Fubara from entering the Assembly complex to present the 2025 budget, alleging improper communication.

    In a quick counter, Fubara said he was ready to re-present the budget, despite being locked out, insisting that he notified the House through Speaker Amaewhule.

    Meanwhile, the Ijaw National Congress, INC, once again reiterated its earlier position that if Fubara (an Ijaw man) was impeached for any reason, the consequences will be too heavy for the country to bear economically.

    Describing the lawmakers’ action as reckless, the INC said Wike cannot drag the Ikwerre and Ijaw Nations into a tribal war.
    In like manner, the Pan Niger-Delta Elders Forum, PANDEF, described the legislators’ action as provocative and an insult to Rivers people; as oil communities warned the lawmakers against igniting fire in the Niger-Delta.

    No ethnic group has monopoly of violence — Wike

    While noting that no ethnic group had a monopoly of violence and that the state has the wherewithal to deal with criminal elements, Wike said the heavens will not fall if Fubara was impeached for constitutional infractions.

    The minister spoke during a live interview with some television reporters, monitored in Abuja.

    While he described PANDEF as the worst organization for anyone to rely on, the immediate past Rivers State governor also took a swipe at Bauchi State governor, Senator Bala Muhammed, who he accused of using him to settle scores with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

    Monopoly of violence

    Wike said every ethnic group in the Niger Delta had the capacity to do whatever others are doing, warning that no one should arrogate to himself the monopoly of violence.

    He said: “Who has called for his impeachment? Who? If he has committed an infraction to be impeached, what is wrong? Is impeachment a criminal offence? Is it not provided for in the constitution? Am I a member of the Assembly?

    ‘’The point I am making is, if he has committed an infraction on the constitution and the Assembly deems it fit to say he should be impeached, then fine. Is he the first person that would be threatened with impeachment? Don’t you know what to do? What’s all this hullabaloo about impeachment?

    Threat by Ijaws

    “I have heard people say if they impeach him, there will be a breakdown of law and order. Rubbish. Tell me who are the militants? Who was born a militant? Tell me. Who is a militant? Who cannot blow the pipelines? Why do you arrogate this power to a certain group of people? ‘’Are Ijaw people the only ones who can blow up pipelines? What nonsense is that? Who told you that Ogoni, Ikwerre and others cannot blow up pipelines? Why do you arrogate powers to people?

    ‘’Who is the one doing the contract of the pipeline surveillance? Is he not an Ijaw son? Is it not Tompolo? Tantita? They gave you the contract. You are Ijaw and somebody will say Ijaw people will go and blow pipelines and somebody will listen to that?
    ‘’How dare you threaten a country? Which threat? It does not exist. These are political thugs planted by some people in government. We know ourselves. You make an appointment as MD of NDDC, they threaten that they will blow pipelines. You make an appointment, they threaten again to blow pipelines.

    “I have told people, when the law speaks, all these ‘Asawana’ (an Ijaw spiritual chant) will die. Let me tell you, Ijaw does not constitute the majority of the Niger-Delta. People must speak the truth. Heavens will not fall. You only die once, not two times.
    “What nonsense, everyday you wake up, Ijaw will do this, Ijaw will do that! In Akwa Ibom, Ijaw cannot be governor. In Delta, Ijaw is a minority. With all due respect to our late elder statesman, Edwin Clark, he is from Delta.

    “He never produced an Ijaw man to be governor of Delta. The only place Ijaw can be governor solely, is in Bayelsa, not in Edo, not in Rivers. It was out of our own benevolence, the idea of live and let’s live, that I said, look, we are working as a team. We are members of the same political family. Let us allow this to go to this area.

    ‘’If it is by strength, they cannot beat the Ogonis, they cannot beat the Ekpeyes, and they cannot beat the Ikwerres.
    “When people do something to bring people together, you appreciate it. In fact, when I brought this governor, they said’ no,’ that he is not a real Ijaw man.

    ‘’If you are talking about Ijaw, the ticket should go to the Kalabaris, how can you say if they want to give governorship to the Ijaw, that it should be the Opobos? And you closed your eyes and did it. All those who fought me are the ones now parading themselves and deceiving him.”

    Useless letters

    Wike also slammed Fubara for writing a “useless” letter to the Martins Amaewhule-led State Assembly, inviting them for a meeting at Government House in Port Harcourt and also informing them of his intention to re-present the state’s annual budget.

    Describing Fubara as an insincere politician, the FCT minister, who was largely instrumental to making him governor, said having been at loggerheads with the lawmakers for a long time, Fubara ought to know what to do, rather than sending a subordinate to write them.

    Wike, who wondered how three lawmakers would sit and make laws for a state, said: ‘’We are talking about the Supreme Court. Do we need to go to the Supreme Court? In your own conscience, are you telling me three members will constitute a parliament?”

    Asked to explain what happened during his tenure when, at a point he worked with five lawmakers, the minister said: “That is not correct. You see, people should stop all these. Even when they say so, why not do your research? Remember, the assembly was inaugurated, remember there was a tribunal.

    ‘’The Court of Appeal nullified some seats. Before that time, the budget had been done. And then we did a rerun and the assembly was full. If anybody tells you that I, as governor, presented a budget to a number that is not what is required by the constitution, it is a blatant lie. Prove it. Prove with empirical evidence.

    Faulting Fubara’s budget presentation move, Wike said: “You have had a frosty relationship with an arm of government. If you are a good politician, will you go and write letters?

    “If you are a good politician, you have had a frosty relationship with me for many years. I have never sat down with you, I have never spoken with you, you seized my salary. They could not pay their children’s school fees. Now you went to the Court of Appeal. It didn’t even occur to you, even though I won at the Court of Appeal, I still want peace.

    “The matter went to the Supreme Court. And the Supreme Court now gave it to me. Then the next thing you do is to write a letter and who signed the letter? A bloody SSG would sign a letter to the head of an arm of government? What an insult?

    ‘’You are telling me here that the SGF will sign a letter to the President of the Senate or to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and say Mr. President is coming to do so and so. Is that how it is done?

    “First, assuming you want to go that route, you call the leadership and say, listen, this is where we are. I want to present this budget tomorrow. They will say okay, let’s look at it. You are not the one to tell them you are coming to present a budget tomorrow. Who does that? ‘’You want to play to the gallery. I have been in government, I don’t just write letters to Mr. Speaker to say I am coming to present a budget tomorrow morning. Are they your children? Do you know their engagements?

    ‘’If you are sincere, you will call first and say ‘Mr. Speaker, where are you? Are you home? Can we talk? Can you come? Or can I come?’ And they agree on something and then Mr. Speaker will go back and call his colleagues and say, listen, ‘Mr Governor called me and I met with him and he wants to present the budget on so, so date’.

    ‘’Then, they will look at their schedule and say okay, let us shift it or let us accommodate him on that day. That is how it is done.
    “All these letters you (Fubara) are writing are useless. You are playing to the gallery. Everybody knows you are not sincere. A true politician will not behave that way. Let me tell you, Mr President was to present a budget to the National Assembly and the Assembly people were not happy for one thing or the other.

    ‘’We met at Exco and they said they had shifted it. Why? He had to meet with the leadership to agree on some grey areas. He didn’t need to write a letter. A man who does not want peace is the man who is playing to the gallery, saying I have written a letter, written letter to your son?

    “The governor is not sincere. I never knew he is this kind of character. The Supreme Court said there is no way three members can sit and legislate for a state. You took your commissioners, Attorney-General for these three members to screen.

    ‘’The court said it is not possible and the Assembly people said submit the list of members of your cabinet, we are willing to screen them. Instead of us to applaud them, you are saying why should they give a time limit? When the Assembly asked him to submit a list, he now told his commissioners to go to court, after the Supreme Court had given judgment on this matter.”

    PANDEF taking sides

    Accusing PANDEF of taking sides in the matter, Wike said: “Yesterday (Tuesday), I heard that some people (PANDEF) went to see Mr. President. It is the worst organization anybody can rely on. I used to tell my father, daddy, I am disappointed in this.

    ‘’If you continue, I am not going to be a party to it. If you have a father who is always interested in money, he can sell his children.

    “These leaders, look at the comments they made. Mr. President intervened in this matter. The vice president was there, the National Security Adviser was there. This same PANDEF came out and said Mr. President had no right.

    ‘’They took Mr. President to court. People like Chief Sara-Igbe, even Diette-Spiff who I respected, went to Rivers Government House. Look at the statement he made. ‘I am an Ijaw man. You are an Ijaw man. Call us, we will be with you.

    ‘’An elder-statesman will go and make such a statement. Now you are the same person coming again to meet Mr. President to intervene. Intervene how? The Mr. President you said had no right? Mr. President that you took to court that he had no power to intervene?

    ‘’They took Mr. President to court. From the state High Court in Rivers State, and at the Court of Appeal, they lost, up to the Supreme Court. Now you are going to tell the president to do what, that the Supreme Court judgment should not be obeyed?”

    How Fubara emerged governor

    Wike said but for the elderly counsel of Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, Fubara would not have been governor as consensus was already building in favour of having a governor of Ogoni extraction.

    According to Wike, before the elections, the consensus was to have a governor of Ogoni extraction but Chief Alabraba begged that the ticket should be given to the Ijaw to give them a sense of belonging. He noted that today, Fubara has used all manner of degrading adjectives against the elder.

    Wike also said Fubara couldn’t have shown up uninvited in the State House of Assembly Quarters after he demolished the complex in December 2023.

    The governor, who addressed reporters at the quarters, had said he communicated his plan to be at the quarters to the speaker, Amaewhule.

    Rivers State government also shared a letter notifying the House of the governor’s visit.

    However, Wike said: “If you write a letter to the Assembly, won’t you wait for a response? He is playing to the gallery. He brought the Assembly Complex down. Assembly now sits in their residence. If you are coming, they have children; they will say the governor is coming today, so they have to prepare themselves.

    “You cannot just go and open the gate and say ‘I’m coming to present budget.’”

    On PDP crisis

    On the state of affairs in the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, Wike described the party’s National Working Committee NWC as “stupid”, accusing it of causing problems and blaming others.

    “Congresses had been held. When you cause problems for yourself, you will go and call other people. Look at the stupid PDP NWC. You purportedly wrote a letter to INEC dated 20th, a Friday.

    ‘’Now, 21st was the day of the Congress. Then you submitted the letter on Monday when the Congresses had taken place. You are now telling INEC you have postponed a Congress that had taken place.

    “Secondly, you go and say you are forming a caretaker committee. You are the one killing the party. For example, which senator in a meeting where governors are seated will oppose them?

    ‘’If you do something the right way and achieve results, who will challenge you? All (PDP) governors, let them challenge me, I will tell them one by one the role they are playing in the crisis in the party.”

    Bauchi gov used us

    “How did Bala Muhammed use us? Bala Muhammed was having problems with Atiku and others. He came to me. In fact, that day, I was going to commission the lounge at the airport. When he landed, I said there is no need to come to town since I am coming to the airport. “Bello Adoke, the former Attorney-General was there. Bala said Atiku will kill him if Atiku won, that we must support Asiwaju. I laughed. I said okay. We now organized G-5 to go and pay Bala a visit in Bauchi, not knowing he was using us to settle with Atiku.

    ‘’So, when we went there, he was happy. The next day, Tambuwal, Sule Lamido, all of them led a team to see Bala and Bala abandoned us, and now reconciled with Atiku,” he stated.

    How 27 lawmakers barred Fubara from Assembly quarters

    Governor Fubara was at the Assembly in the early hours of yesterday to implement one of the key decisions contained in the certified true copy, CTC, of the Supreme Court judgment, which is the presentation of the 2025 budget to a properly constituted state Assembly.

    Some staff of the Assembly who spoke anonymously, said there was no formal communication that the governor was coming to the Assembly today (yesterday).

    “I am not disposed to such information that the governor was billed in the Assembly today (yesterday). If there is such information, the speaker will inform us. For now, we are not aware of the governor’s visit to the Assembly,” the source said.

    I’m ready to re-present budget, despite being locked out — Fubara

    Meanwhile, Governor Fubara has expressed dissatisfaction over the action of the lawmakers denying him entry to the quarters.
    He disclosed that he made several attempts including sending whatsapp messages to Ameuwhule to fix the visit to the assembly to no avail.

    Addressing residents of Khana LGA of the state during the commissioning of some health facilities, shortly after the drama at the Assembly quarters, Fubara insisted he communicated his intention to visit the lawmakers to Speaker Amaewhule before he showed up at the quarters to re-represent the 2025 budget as directed by the Assembly, following the verdict of the Supreme Court on February 28, 2025.

    “I still believe, maybe, they might be instructed later. If they are instructed, I’m still ready to come any day to get this particular issue sorted out,” he said.

    If Fubara’s impeached, consequences will be heavy — INC

    Reacting to the political development in the state yesterday, the President of INC, Professor Benjamin Okaba, said he was not surprised that the 27 lawmakers acted in that “shameful way”, saying they were neither interested in peace nor the overall interest of Rivers people. According to him, the lawmakers are there to serve the interest of their master, Nyesom Wike.

    The INC president alleged that the lawmakers were loyal to Wike because the FCT minister “bought the forms that took them to the Assembly. They were handpicked by him. Wike said so publicly. That is why I am not surprised by the way they act.”

    “Some people said Sim is very weak. He promised Mr. President that he would implement the judgment, why then should the lawmakers block him from entering the Assembly complex?

    “These same lawmakers gave the governor 48 hours and then 72 hours ultimatums to present the budget. They issued another ultimatum to the governor to sack the 19 commissioners. If he sacks the commissioners, including commissioner for finance, who will then prepare the budget?

    “By their actions, they have shown the world how wicked they are. If they go ahead and impeach Sim Fubara maliciously, forcibly or recklessly, we will resist it and the consequences of such action will be too heavy for the whole country to bear. This is no threat,’’ Okaba warned.

    ‘’Wike cannot provoke us into ethnic war. The Ikwerre people had apologized to the Ijaw people over the attitude of Wike against Sim.”

    Don’t ignite fire in Niger Delta, oil communities warn lawmakers

    Similarly, oil and gas producing communities of Niger Delta have warned the 27 River lawmakers to restrain from actions that may spark fire capable of affecting crude oil production in the region.

    Chairman, board of trustees, BoT, of the communities of oil and gas producing areas of the Niger Delta, CDC, Joseph Ambakaderimo, said, “This must be called into question because this action in itself is an affront on the Supreme Court judgment. These men call themselves lawmakers. They should always live by example.”

    Action insult to Rivers people, says PANDEF

    In like manner, PANDEF described the lawmakers’ action as “provocative.”

    A chieftain of PANDEF, Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, told Vanguard on telephone that denying the governor access to the Assembly complex was not an insult to Siminalayi Fubara as a person, but the people of Rivers State in general.

    “The governor was elected by millions of Rivers people. As the chief executive officer of the state, he has unhindered access to all the facilities within the state. Blocking him from entering the complex is a direct insult and an embarrassment to the people of Rivers State.

    “It is now very clear that the governor is ready for peace but these people are not ready for peace. You can see that by their actions.

  • National Industrial Court denies reinstating suspended Lagos Assembly Clerk

    National Industrial Court denies reinstating suspended Lagos Assembly Clerk

    The National Industrial Court has berated Olalekan Onafeko, suspended Clerk of the Lagos State House of Assembly, for resorting to self-help.

    The court said it never ordered the reinstatement of Onafeko as reported by a section of the media.

    Onafeko earlier stormed the House and took over the office of the acting Clerk, Taiwo Ottun, claiming the court reinstated him.

    At the resumed hearing of the matter on Tuesday, the court said it only asked that parties maintain peace and that none of the parties should ‘do anything that will be detrimental to the peace of the state pending the hearing of the motion on notice.

    Before adjourning the matter till March 18, 2025, for hearing of all applications before it, the court expressed surprise that its declaration was misinterpreted by the claimant.

    Earlier, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, O.O. Oniyire, informed Justice M.N. Esowe that Onafeko engaged in self-help by breaking down the doors and taking over the office of the acting Clerk of the House.

    He also said Onafeko issued press releases and statements claiming to have been reinstated by the court.

    He further informed the court that the claimant had resorted to using men of the DSS and the police to harass and intimidate the acting clerk.

    On February 20, 2025, the court heard an ex-parte application where Onafeko urged it to restrain the respondents. However, the court restrained itself from granting the claimant’s prayers due to their voluminous nature.

    The court specifically stated that “both parties shall maintain the peace and status quo ante bellum pending the hearing of the motion on notice.”

  • 2027: APC will fail woefully and fall like a pack of cards — Ogboru

    2027: APC will fail woefully and fall like a pack of cards — Ogboru

    Over the weekend, at a vibrant youth-led event in Ovwian, Delta Central, Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties to His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, Mr. Kelvin Ogboru, made a resounding declaration: There is no vacancy in Osadebe House.

    Speaking to journalists on the sidelines, he reaffirmed, once again, that THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

    According to Ogboru, true leadership is not about noise and empty promises but about delivering real results. While the opposition thrives on theatrics and distractions, Governor Oborevwori is driving historic progress with tangible development. His leadership is rooted in service, not self-interest—just like great visionaries such as Lee Kuan Yew, who dedicated his life to transforming his nation. Similarly, Governor Oborevwori has prioritised the prosperity of Delta State over personal gain, ensuring that the people, not politics, remain at the heart of governance.

    Ogboru, a formidable youth leader in Abraka and Ethiope East LGA, exuded confidence in the PDP’s total victory come 2027. He emphasised that Governor Oborevwori’s unprecedented developmental strides under the MORE Agenda have cemented his place in history, making his re-election not just a possibility but an inevitability.

    He did not mince words when addressing the opposition, stating, “The APC remains a weak, fragmented, and rudderless party in Delta State—bereft of vision, lacking in unity, and utterly directionless.” He lambasted the APC for its desperate hope that the federal government would “deliver” elections in its favour, rather than engaging in grassroots mobilisation and genuine governance. He further mocked the party’s incompetence, stating, “They are still searching for a credible leader to field in 2027, while PDP already has a leader who is redefining governance, ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach every corner of the state.”

    Ogboru issued a clarion call to all appointees of Governor Oborevwori, urging them to intensify their grassroots engagement and rally total support for the Governor ahead of 2027. He asserted that the coming election will be a landslide victory for the PDP, as Deltans will once again choose progress over propaganda, development over deception, and visionary leadership over political desperation.