Politics
Pro-Wike lawmakers strip Fubara’s power to appoint LG caretakers
The new law, among others, stripped the governor of the power to appoint caretaker committees for local government areas.
It also makes it mandatory for the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission to conduct elections before the expiration of the tenure of local government chairmen.
The new law also provides that if LG election cannot hold for any reason, the tenure of the sitting chairmen would be extended by not longer than six months.
This is the sixth time the House will be overriding the governor to enact laws.
The House, led by its Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, made the decision at its 159th Legislative sitting held at the Assembly Quarters in Port Harcourt.
The decision of the Assembly was disclosed in a statement on Monday by the media aide to the Speaker, Martins Wachukwu.
The Assembly had, on March 13, 2014, passed the Local Government (Amendment) Bill and forwarded the same to the governor for his assent.
Fubara, however, withheld his assent, while the lawmakers threatened that they would go ahead to override him.
The Assembly and the governor have been in a mouse-and-cat relationship since late last year after Fubara fell out with his predecessor and political godfather, Nyesom Wike.
The intervention by President Bola Tinubu doused the tension for a while but recent events have shown that the gladiators are back in the trenches.
The Monday statement by the Speaker’s aide read: “Determined to perform its constitutional duties, the bill was presented afresh by the Majority Leader, Hon. Major Jack, and debated by members.
“Thereafter, the House, in accordance with the provisions of Section 100(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as altered, which empowers the House to override the governor, where he withholds his assent; the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, put the question to the House and with two-thirds majority votes, the House agreed to override the governor and passed the bill into law.”
In another development, the House also screened and confirmed nominees for the position of chairman and members of the Assembly Service Commission.
Those screened and confirmed were Sampson Worlu as Chairman; Abinye Blessing Pepple, Mrs Blessing Belema Derefaka, Mr.Gbaranen Robinson and Madam Dorcas Amos as members.
The statement recalled that the Assembly had on March 22, 2024, passed the Rivers State Assembly Service Commission(Amendment) Bill into law, wherein the House donated back to itself the power to appoint the chairman and members of the Assembly Service Commission.
Efforts to get the reaction of the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, proved abortive as his line was busy when our correspondent put calls across.
Also, he had yet to reply text and WhatsApp messages sent to him as of the time of filing this report on Monday evening.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Project Monitoring, Mr Felix Igboke, has resigned his position and defected to the Peoples Democratic Party.
Igboke, who officially announced his defection on Sunday during a PDP gathering attended by party leaders, executives and supporters in Isu, Onicha Local Government Area of the state, said he defected with more than 10,000 supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He described his return to the PDP as a homecoming, noting that his political journey began with the party.
Igboke said his decision was informed by the need to align with a political platform capable of advancing the interests of the people and promoting inclusive development in the state.
“I am happy to return to the political platform that built me. I served as a councillor, development centre coordinator and chairman of Onicha Local Government Area under the same party before I joined the APC,” he said.
“I am grateful to the PDP family in Ebonyi State, especially the party’s governorship candidate, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma-Odii, the incoming governor,” he added.
The state chairman of the PDP, Mr Chukwuma Igwe, who welcomed the defectors, described Igboke’s return to the party as a major boost to its fortunes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Also speaking, the PDP candidate for the Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency seat in 2027, Mr Eni-Uduma Chima, said the party was experiencing rapid growth across Ebonyi.
Chima expressed optimism that the increasing support base would translate into electoral victories for the PDP in future elections.
He urged party members to remain united and committed to strengthening the party’s structures at the grassroots level.
The event attracted party faithful, community leaders and supporters from various parts of the state, who pledged their continued support for the PDP.
(NAN)
…donates N300 million to back Mbah’s re-election
By Chinedu Sabastine
The people of Enugu East Senatorial Zone, Saturday turned out en masse to endorse President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Peter Mbah for a second term in office, come, 2027.
At a rally tagged, “Ofu Obi Mega Solidarity Rally,” held at Okpara Square, Independence Layout, Enugu, the people of the zone not only endorsed Mbah as their sole governorship candidate but also donated the sum of three hundred million Naira, N300 million, to procure nomination form for the governor.
Earlier, elders and traditional rulers from the senatorial district presented Gov. Mbah with a totem, Ofo, as a sign of their support and solidarity.
Prominent sons and daughters attended the rally in their numbers including the former governor of the old Anambra State, Sen. Jim Nwobodo and the former Senate President Ken Nnamani were among the top citizens of the zone that graced the occasion.
Speaking, Gov. Mbah, overjoyed with the show of support and solidarity from his people, said that he was overwhelmed.
Mbah noted that at an earlier rally held at Nsukka by the Enugu North Senatorial Zone, the turn out and mobilization was impressive but that of the Enugu was stunning.
“This is massive. I have used this word before but this one is mind blowing. The last time I was at Nsukka, I saw a sea of heads but this one quite stunning,” Mbah declared pointing out that he lacked words to show he delighted he was.
He pointed out that the endorsement of President Tinubu was also highly appreciated and added that the show of solidarity was highly appreciated.
According to Mbah, his people did a similar thing in 2023 and were re-affirming their support again this time around.
“Four years ago, you presented your son as a governor and today, you are re-affirming the import of that presentation and the import of what you are doing today cannot be lost on us.
“This show of affection and support is beyond symbolicism and my heart is full of gratitude, gratitude because you have always stood firmly like a rock behind me,”he said.
Gov. Mbah said that four years ago, his people did something that defined an era, stressing that what they did has today produced tangible results because today, Enugu has air transports, EnuguAir, a remodeled Hotel Presidential, completed and functional International Conference Centre, ICC, transport terminal as well as CNG buses with Air conditioner and wifi services as well as Green and Smart Schools and Type 2 primary health centres among others.
He said that when he assumed office, he sign a citizens charter to deliver good governance to the people and has been living up to it.
Expressing hope that if returned as a governor, come 2027 he would do more, pointing out that in no distant time, Enugu will begin to experience uninterrupted power supply by launching a 36O mega watts of electricity through a Coal fire powered plant.
With that he said, citizens of the state will stay in the state to do business instead of moving out to other cities in Nigeria and beyond.
Speaking earlier, former governor, Jim Nwobodo, while endorsing Mbah for a second term in office said that other governors before Mbah did eight years and that it would be good that he too go for a second term in office because he has performed and is performing.
“I didn’t come here for party. Others did eight years and now Mbah will do eight years. He is doing well, let him complete his second term. As far as I am concerned, Peter Mbah will go for a second term.
“I don’t have much to say. I say the truth. Peter Mbah is doing well. It is not only APC that will vote. PDP, ADC and others will vote for Peter Mbah. Allow Peter Mbah to finish what he started,” Nwobodo declared.
On his part, the former Senate President, Ken Nnamani said that Mbah has shown that he has a vision and a mission and should be allowed to continue.
Nnamani urged those who are itching to compete with governor Mbah to steer clear because one does not rule with anger. “We have only one candidate and that is Gov. Mbah,” he emphasised.
The Deputy National Chairman (South) of the APC, Ben Nwoye, commended political leaders and stakeholders from Enugu East Senatorial District for endorsing President Bola Tinubu and Governor Peter Mbah for second terms in office, describing the move as a demonstration of political maturity and commitment to continuity.
He praised the district’s leaders for what he described as a visionary decision aimed at sustaining ongoing development efforts at both the federal and state levels.
“I have seen people like the former governor of old Anambra State; I have also seen the former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, and many of the founders and leaders of Enugu State here, all for the endorsement of our dear President Bola Tinubu and Governor Peter Mbah. I’m quite impressed because your presence shows political maturity,” Nwoye said.
He noted that continuity in leadership would provide the opportunity to consolidate achievements and complete projects already initiated by the two administrations.
Nwoye particularly lauded Governor Mbah for what he described as remarkable developmental strides across Enugu State, saying the governor had demonstrated commitment to transforming the state through infrastructure, economic and social development programmes.
According to him, Mbah’s performance has earned him support across political and regional divides.
The APC deputy national chairman also highlighted the importance of the governorship zoning arrangement in Enugu State, describing it as a major factor behind the peace and political stability the state has enjoyed since 1999.
Chairman of the Planning/Steering Committee that organised the mega rally, Ofu Obi Mega Rally, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, noted that Gov. Mbah by every ramification has shown the capacity to govern and should be allowed to continue with his good works and urged his people to give the governor their maximum support.
“Today is not just another political gathering. Today is a historic declaration of faith, unity, gratitude, and determination. Today, the people of Enugu East Senatorial Zone have risen with one voice, one spirit, and one mission to declare before the entire nation that we stand firmly, proudly, and unshakably behind the re-election of His Excellency, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, come 2027.
“What we are witnessing here today is not an ordinary rally. This is the mother of all rallies. This is the gathering of a people united by progress, inspired by vision, and riven by the extraordinary transformation taking place across Enugu State under the purposeful leadership of Governor Peter Mbah. Our assembly here today offers us a unique opportunity to welcome home, our son in whom we are well pleased.
“My brothers and sisters, when leadership is visionary, the people rejoice. When leadership is courageous, development becomes visible. And when leadership is committed to the welfare of the people, hope returns to society.
“Governor Peter Mbah came into office with a clear vision to make Enugu State one of the leading economies in Nigeria, to create jobs for our youths, to modernize infrastructure, to secure our communities, to reposition education, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, and technology for the future.
“Today, that vision is no longer a promise; it is becoming a living reality before our very eyes. He came, he saw and he is conquering the development challenges and transforming the socio-political and economic landscape of the capital State of Eastern region. Across our roads, schools, hospitals, communities, and economic sectors, the evidence of transformational leadership is speaking louder than propaganda. The people can see the difference. The youths can feel the energy of a government working for them. Women can see renewed hope. Traders, farmers, civil servants, professionals, and entrepreneurs can testify that Enugu State is moving forward with confidence and speed.
“That is why we are gathered here today to celebrate and to consummate and express a collective resolve to queue and rally round this icon of leadership and enigmatic apostle of disruptive innovation, who is steadily taking us to the lofty heights of growth and stability. We are here today not because anybody forced us, but because gratitude compels us; because conviction unites us; because the future of Enugu State matters to us.
“This rally is a loud message to the entire nation that Enugu East Senatorial Zone and in deed Enugu State, stands solidly behind our son, our leader, our pride, Governor Peter Mbah. We are proud that he comes from our soil, but even more importantly, we are proud of the quality of leadership he has brought to Enugu State.”
By Chinedu Sabastine
The Deputy National Chairman (South) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ben Nwoye, has commended political leaders and stakeholders from Enugu East Senatorial District for endorsing President Bola Tinubu and Governor Peter Mbah for second terms in office.
Nwoye, describing the move as a demonstration of political maturity and commitment to continuity.
Nwoye spoke on Saturday at Okpara Square during a gathering where stakeholders from Enugu East Senatorial District publicly declared support for the re-election of President Tinubu and Governor Mbah.
Addressing the gathering, the APC chieftain praised the district’s leaders for what he described as a visionary decision aimed at sustaining ongoing development efforts at both the federal and state levels.
“I have seen people like the former governor of old Anambra State; I have also seen the former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, and many of the founders and leaders of Enugu State here, all for the endorsement of our dear President Bola Tinubu and Governor Peter Mbah. I’m quite impressed because your presence shows political maturity,” Nwoye said.
He noted that continuity in leadership would provide the opportunity to consolidate achievements and complete projects already initiated by the two administrations.
Nwoye particularly lauded Governor Mbah for what he described as remarkable developmental strides across Enugu State, saying the governor had demonstrated commitment to transforming the state through infrastructure, economic and social development programmes.
According to him, Mbah’s performance has earned him support across political and regional divides.
The APC deputy national chairman also highlighted the importance of the governorship zoning arrangement in Enugu State, describing it as a major factor behind the peace and political stability the state has enjoyed since 1999.
“Rotation among the three senatorial districts has given us peace since 1999. It is good that this event held today, in addition to those of Enugu West and North senatorial zones, so that our people will know where we are going,” he said.
Nwoye explained that the zoning formula had ensured fairness and equitable distribution of political power among the state’s three senatorial districts, fostering unity and inclusion.
He urged political stakeholders to continue supporting the rotational arrangement, which he said had helped sustain a peaceful political atmosphere in the state.
“The stakeholders should sustain the peaceful political atmosphere in Enugu State brought to us through the zoning of the governorship position,” he added.
The endorsement event attracted political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community representatives and supporters from across Enugu East Senatorial District, many of whom expressed confidence in the leadership of President Tinubu and Governor Mbah.
Chief Sir OAU Onyema, a senatorial aspirant for Enugu West in the 2027 elections, has announced his resignation from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), citing alleged lack of transparency, internal manipulation, and attempts by party leaders to impose candidates on the electorate.
Speaking during a media briefing, Onyema accused influential figures within the party of abandoning democratic principles by allegedly sidelining popular aspirants in favour of loyalists and personal associates.
According to him, party leaders have failed to release the results of screening exercises and purported primary elections, raising concerns that the process is being manipulated to favour preferred candidates before names are submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The former aspirant specifically alleged that a prominent political figure from Delta State was working with some NDC leaders to undermine the wishes of the people of Enugu West Senatorial District by promoting a personal aide for the senatorial ticket despite lacking grassroots political support in the district.
Onyema said such moves would be resisted through lawful and democratic means, insisting that the people of Enugu West deserve candidates with established political relevance and local acceptance.
He further claimed that efforts to integrate political structures built around Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, into the NDC were frustrated, resulting in what he described as weak and ineffective party structures at the ward level.
The politician also alleged financial irregularities within the party, including what he termed the undue collection of funds from members, though he did not provide specific evidence during the briefing.
Expressing disappointment with the party’s operations, Onyema declared that the NDC had failed to live up to expectations of transparency, fairness, and sincerity.
He vowed to work towards providing voters in Enugu West with credible alternatives ahead of the 2027 elections, regardless of political party affiliation.
“We remain committed to the ideals of justice, fairness, democracy, and the will of the people,” Onyema stated, adding that while he still believes a new Nigeria is possible, he has lost confidence in the NDC and is formally exiting the party.
He maintained that the 2027 elections would be “interesting” and expressed confidence that voters would increasingly focus on the quality of candidates rather than political party platforms.
In the now-controversial post shared on his social media page, Osborne wrote: “In a sane clime president Bola Ahmed Tinubu would’ve respectfully and honourably resigned. I’m of APC but truth be told.”
The comment quickly generated reactions online before the Akwa Ibom State Government moved to terminate his appointment.
In a letter dated June 2, 2026, the Office of the Political Adviser to the Governor announced his immediate disengagement.
The termination letter, signed by the Political Adviser to the Governor, Prince Godwin Ntuk Udeh, stated that Osborne Ubong Okon had been relieved of his duties with immediate effect.Politics
According to the letter, the decision was taken over actions the office described as disloyal.
“You are hereby relieved of your engagement as a Media Aide to the Political Adviser to His Excellency the Governor, with immediate effect and from today, 2nd June 2026,” the memo read.
The letter further cited “actions bordering on disloyalty” and the need to keep the office “purified” as reasons for the dismissal.
The office also issued a warning to members of the public and government officials regarding future dealings with the former aide.
“Any person having dealings with the above-mentioned former Media Aide in relation to this office of his former engagement does so on his/her own peril,” the statement added.
The development has sparked fresh conversations about the limits of political expression for government appointees and the expectations of loyalty within public service, particularly when comments are directed at the presidency.
Neither Osborne nor the Presidency had publicly responded to the development as of the time of filing this report.
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